Pepper Lunch Hawaii is officially open — and this is everything you need to know about Hawaii's first location. I covered the grand opening, interviewed the CEO and owners, and documented the entire experience.
Pepper Lunch Hawaii opened December 12, 2025 at Moanalua Shopping Center in Honolulu. This Japanese DIY teppanyaki chain now has 555 locations worldwide, and Hawaii finally has one. Below you'll find the complete menu with current prices, hours of operation, what to order, and exclusive opening day footage.
If you've never been to Pepper Lunch, here's the concept: your meal arrives on a 500°F sizzling iron plate. You mix it yourself, let the rice get crispy on the edges, and add their signature sauces. It's interactive, fast, and unlike anything else in Hawaii right now.
Got exclusive access before and during the grand opening
Watch: Pepper Lunch Hawaii Grand Opening
I gave up my spot in line to capture this exclusive footage. Here's what opening day looked like:
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Pepper Lunch Hawaii — Quick Facts
- Status: NOW OPEN (opened December 12, 2025)
- Address: 930 Valkenburgh St, Suite 205, Honolulu, HI 96818
- Location: Moanalua Shopping Center (NOT Waikiki)
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Price Range: $13.99 – $35.99
- Signature Dish: Beef Pepper Rice ($15.99)
- Parking: Free at Moanalua Shopping Center
- First in Hawaii: Yes — store #555 worldwide
Pepper Lunch Hawaii Location & Hours
| Status | NOW OPEN |
| Opening Date | Friday, December 12, 2025 |
| Location | Moanalua Shopping Center, Honolulu |
| Address | 930 Valkenburgh St, Suite 205, Honolulu, HI 96818 |
| Hours | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily) |
| Type | Fast-casual, self-order kiosks |
| First in Hawaii | Yes — Store #555 Worldwide |
Important: Pepper Lunch Hawaii is at Moanalua Shopping Center — NOT in Waikiki or Ala Moana. It's about 20 minutes from Waikiki via H-1 West.
Grand Opening Day — I Was There (December 12, 2025)
I arrived at Pepper Lunch Hawaii's grand opening early — early enough to be near the front of the line. But I had a choice to make: stay in line and eat, or give up my spot to capture interviews and footage.
I chose the content.
While other customers got their sizzling plates, I got inside access, interviews with the CEO and owners, and documented the energy of Hawaii's most anticipated restaurant opening. Here's what happened:
The Line Started at 6:30 AM
The first customer arrived nearly 5 hours before the 11 AM opening. By the time doors opened, the line wrapped around the building. The energy was electric — people had been waiting years for Pepper Lunch to come to Hawaii.
The line wrapped around the building by 11 AM
The first 50 people in line received FREE Beef Pepper Rice, and everyone who dined that day got BOGO (buy one get one free) on the signature dish.
Traditional Hawaiian blessing before the ribbon cutting
Inside the Opening Day Chaos
When I got inside, the restaurant was packed. Sizzling plates everywhere, the sound of meat hitting 500°F iron, and the smell of garlic and pepper filling the air. Staff were hustling, customers were mixing their rice, and the energy was everything you'd want from a grand opening.
Meeting the Owners: A Local Family Business
Pepper Lunch Hawaii isn't owned by some mainland corporation — it's a local family business.
The Uezu family and team on opening day
I met the owners personally on opening day:
- Sean Uezu — Manager and son of the owners. He's the one who brought Pepper Lunch to Hawaii after falling in love with the brand.
- Kal Uezu — Sean's father, involved in ownership
The Uezu family also operates the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise in Hawaii, so they know the local restaurant industry well.
Fun fact: It was Kal's wife's 77th birthday on opening day. I wished her a happy birthday and gave her a hug in true Hawaiian tradition. She was there celebrating with the family as their dream became reality — a beautiful moment on a special day.
The First Dollar Tradition
The first paying customer @wahinewindward arrived at 6:30 AM and participated in the “first dollar” tradition. The first dollar earned is framed and never spent. It represents the owners' partnership with their first customer “for the life of the business.”
First customer @wahinewindward
The first dollar — never to be spent
This tradition reminds the owners of the risk and rewards they took to open the restaurant.
What CEO Troy Hooper & Manager Sean Uezu Said on Opening Day
On opening day, CEO Troy Hooper and manager Sean Uezu spoke to media about the launch. I was right there and captured what they had to say:
Troy Hooper — CEO, Hot Palette America
CEO Troy Hooper at the Hawaii grand opening
Troy Hooper is the CEO of Hot Palette America, Pepper Lunch's parent company in North America. He was at the Hawaii grand opening.
On Hawaii being store #555:
“This is actually the 555th store — kind of a cool number. We've been around for 32 years this year and we have 555 stores worldwide.”
On why Hawaii made sense:
“It just absolutely makes sense — the culture connection to not only Japan but the greater broader Asia. The food just fits with this culture.”
On the turnout:
“The turnout's been phenomenal today. A big long line, friends and family gatherings. It's gonna be quite the turnout.”
His message to Hawaii:
“I just want to thank the Hawaiian people for an amazing welcome and Aloha. Mahalo for your hospitality.”
Sean Uezu — Manager & Owner's Son
Manager Sean Uezu outside Pepper Lunch Hawaii
Sean is the driving force behind bringing Pepper Lunch to Hawaii. His passion for the brand started 8 years ago, and he spent years making this dream a reality.
On how it all started:
“I started 8 years ago when I discovered this brand in Japan. Fell in love with it. Thought it would be awesome in Hawaii.”
On finally opening:
“We finally started building here in October and here we are. You have dreams, you think it's gonna be big, and you never know what's gonna happen.”
On the opening day turnout:
“First 50 people got free our signature beef pepper rice. And we're running buy one get one free beef pepper rice all day long. The first person came at 6:30 AM.”
On takeout and delivery:
“It's different when you take it out, so I want people to come in, try us out. And eventually we'll be doing take out and delivery.”
Pepper Lunch Hawaii Menu & Prices (December 2025)
I photographed the entire menu at Pepper Lunch Hawaii. Here are the current prices:
Pepper Rice (Signature Dishes)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Beef Pepper Rice | $15.99 |
| Beef Pepper Rice JUMBO | $19.99 |
| Chicken Pepper Rice | $15.99 |
| Salmon Pepper Rice | $15.99 |
| Shrimp Pepper Rice | $15.99 |
| Tofu & Veggie Pepper Rice | $15.99 |
| Kimchi Beef Pepper Rice | $16.99 |
| Kimchi Chicken Pepper Rice | $16.99 |
| Kimchi Tofu & Veggie Pepper Rice | $16.99 |
Start here: The Beef Pepper Rice ($15.99) is the signature dish that made Pepper Lunch famous worldwide.
Combos
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken & Beef Pepper Rice | $19.99 |
| Chicken & Salmon Pepper Rice | $19.99 |
| Chicken & Shrimp Pepper Rice | $19.99 |
| Salmon & Beef Pepper Rice | $19.99 |
| Shrimp & Salmon Pepper Rice | $19.99 |
Sizzling Curry Rice
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Beef Sizzling Curry | $17.99 |
| Chicken Karaage Sizzling Curry | $18.99 |
| Panko Fried Shrimp Sizzling Curry | $19.99 |
| Hamburg Sizzling Curry | $17.99 |
| Double Hamburg Curry | $20.99 |
| Hamburg & Beef Curry | $20.99 |
| Hamburg & Chicken Curry | $20.99 |
| Hamburg & Shrimp Curry | $20.99 |
| Tofu & Veggie Curry | $16.99 |
Premium Steak
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Angus Rib Eye Steak 8oz | $35.99 |
| Angus New York Steak 8oz | $29.99 |
| Angus Hamburg Steak | $19.99 |
| C.A.B. Angus Diced Cut Steak | $19.99 |
Premium Combos
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ribeye & Salmon | $35.99 |
| New York & Chicken | $32.99 |
| New York & Salmon | $30.99 |
| Chicken & Salmon | $25.99 |
Teriyaki
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Teriyaki Beef | $16.99 |
| Teriyaki Chicken | $17.99 |
| Teriyaki Hamburg | $20.99 |
| Teriyaki Salmon | $19.99 |
Pasta
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Beef Aglio Olio Pasta | $16.99 |
| Shrimp Aglio Olio Pasta | $16.99 |
| Cream Salmon Pasta | $19.99 |
| Cream Shrimp Pasta | $19.99 |
Salads
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pepper Salad | $13.99 |
| Angus Cut Steak Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
| Chicken Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
| Chicken Karaage Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
| Hamburg Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
| Panko Fried Shrimp Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
| Salmon Pepper Salad | $19.99 |
Sides
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| French Fries | $4.99 |
| Sweet Potato Wedges | $5.99 |
| Onion Rings | $5.99 |
| Panko Fried Shrimp | $8.99 |
| Chicken Karaage | $7.99 |
| Miso Soup | $3.99 |
| Japanese Rice | $2.99 |
| Sizzling Curry Sauce | $3.99 |
| White Cream Sauce | $4.99 |
| Kimchi Sauce | $2.25 |
| Teriyaki Sauce | $2.25 |
Add-Ons
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Egg | $2.49 |
| Bacon Bits | $2.29 |
| Cheese | $2.29 |
| Onion | $2.29 |
| Mushroom | $2.29 |
| Garlic Chips | $2.29 |
| Kimchi | $2.29 |
| Corn | $2.29 |
| Carrots | $2.29 |
| Green Beans | $2.29 |
| Kale Mix | $2.29 |
Desserts
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Tort | $5.99 |
| Yuzu Cheesecake | $4.99 |
Beverages
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Soft Drink | $3.99 |
| Japanese Tea | $4.99 |
| Tractor Unsweet Green Tea | $3.99 |
| Tractor Strawberry Dragonfruit | $3.99 |
| Tractor Mandarin Cardamom | $3.99 |
What to Order at Pepper Lunch Hawaii
Beef Pepper Rice on the 500°F sizzling plate
First Time? Get These:
- Beef Pepper Rice ($15.99) — The signature dish. Sizzling beef, rice, corn, and their famous pepper sauce. This is what made them famous.
- Add an Egg ($2.49) — Mix it in while it's sizzling. Trust me.
Hungry?
Beef Pepper Rice JUMBO ($19.99) or any Combo ($19.99)
Curry Fan?
Beef Sizzling Curry ($17.99) — Japanese curry on a sizzling plate
Balling Out?
Angus Rib Eye Steak 8oz ($35.99)
Budget Meal?
Tofu & Veggie Pepper Rice ($15.99) + Miso Soup ($3.99) = $19.98
Quick Math:
- Solo meal: $16-20
- Meal + side + drink: $25-30
- Two people sharing: $35-45
How Pepper Lunch Works
Never been? Here's the process:
Self-order kiosks — no waiting in line
- 1Order at the kiosk
They have self-order screens. Tap, customize, pay.
- 2Get a buzzer
Wait for your number
- 3Food arrives SIZZLING
Literally 500°F. Don't touch the plate.
- 4Mix it yourself
Flip the meat, stir the rice, let it get crispy
- 5Add sauce
Their signature honey brown sauce and pepper sauce are on every table
- 6Eat fast
It keeps cooking on the plate, so don't wait too long or it'll overcook
Pro tip: Mix everything together quickly when it arrives, then let the rice sit on the hot plate for 30 seconds to get crispy edges. That's the move.
Inside Look: Pepper Lunch Hawaii
The space is modern, clean, and ready for hungry crowds. Yellow booths, industrial pendant lights, and wall art with their famous slogans like “Freshly Ground Pepper” and “Quality Ingredients.”
Pepper Lunch Hawaii Hours of Operation
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Pepper Lunch Hawaii is open 11 AM to 9 PM every day, seven days a week.
The Space:
- Modern, clean design
- Yellow booth seating along the walls
- Wood tables and chairs
- Large windows with natural light
- Custom wall art: "Freshly Ground Pepper," "Simply Irresistible," "Spice Up Your Life," "Quality Ingredients"
- Approximately 50 seats
Ordering:
- Self-order kiosks at the front (no counter ordering)
- Card payment only at kiosks
- Food delivered to your table on sizzling plates
The Vibe:
- Fast-casual — not full service
- Casual lunch or dinner spot
- Good for families, solo diners, quick meals
- Not a date night spot, but solid for casual hangouts
How to Get to Pepper Lunch Hawaii
Moanalua Shopping Center, 930 Valkenburgh St, Suite 205, Honolulu, HI 96818
Free parking lot at Moanalua Shopping Center
Take Bus 2 from Waikiki, transfer to Bus 1L at Kalihi Transit Center, then it's a 15-minute ride plus a 3-minute walk. When I went, the whole trip took about an hour.
- From Waikiki: ~20 minutes via H-1 West
- From Downtown Honolulu: ~15 minutes via H-1 West
- From Pearl City: ~10 minutes via H-1 East
Don Quijote, Foodland, other shops in Moanalua Shopping Center
What is Pepper Lunch?
For those unfamiliar: Pepper Lunch is a Japanese fast-food chain founded in Tokyo in 1994 by Kunio Ichinose. The concept is simple but genius — serve food on a superheated iron plate so customers can cook it themselves at the table.
Key Facts:
- Founded: 1994 in Tokyo, Japan
- Locations: 555+ worldwide
- Concept: DIY teppanyaki on 500°F sizzling plates
- Known for: Beef Pepper Rice, curry dishes, interactive dining
- Hawaii location: First ever — Moanalua Shopping Center, December 2025
Why Hawaii?
In a recent podcast on their official website, Pepper Lunch explained their decision to expand here:
“Our teppanyaki-inspired model is simple yet interactive — guests get to be part of the cooking process, which fits perfectly with the Hawaiian spirit of Ohana and community. Hawaii, with its love for Asian cuisine and East-West fusion, is the ideal place for us to share our passion for quality and showmanship.”
With more locations planned across Hawaii, this Moanalua opening is just the beginning.
Pepper Lunch Hawaii FAQ
Is Pepper Lunch Hawaii open now?
Yes! Pepper Lunch Hawaii opened on December 12, 2025. It's located at Moanalua Shopping Center (930 Valkenburgh St, Suite 205) and is open 11 AM to 9 PM daily.
Where is Pepper Lunch Hawaii located?
Pepper Lunch Hawaii is located at Moanalua Shopping Center (930 Valkenburgh St, Suite 205, Honolulu, HI 96818). This is NOT in Waikiki or Ala Moana — it's in the Moanalua area near Salt Lake.
Who owns Pepper Lunch Hawaii?
Pepper Lunch Hawaii is owned by NIKU LLC, a local company led by Sean and Nari Uezu. The Uezu family also operates the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise in Hawaii. Sean discovered Pepper Lunch in Japan 8 years ago and brought the concept to Hawaii.
Is this the first Pepper Lunch in Hawaii?
Yes! This is the first and only Pepper Lunch location in all of Hawaii. There are no other locations on Oahu or the neighbor islands yet.
Is Pepper Lunch Hawaii the 555th location?
Yes! Hawaii is Pepper Lunch's 555th store worldwide — a milestone for the 32-year-old Japanese brand that started in Tokyo in 1994.
What are Pepper Lunch Hawaii's hours?
Pepper Lunch Hawaii is open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week.
How much does Pepper Lunch Hawaii cost?
Most dishes range from $15.99 to $20.99. The signature Beef Pepper Rice is $15.99. Premium steaks go up to $35.99. A typical meal with a drink runs $20-25.
What should I order at Pepper Lunch Hawaii?
Start with the Beef Pepper Rice ($15.99) — it's their signature dish. Add an egg ($2.49) and mix it in while sizzling. If you're hungry, go for the JUMBO ($19.99) or any Combo.
Does Pepper Lunch Hawaii take reservations?
No, Pepper Lunch is fast-casual with self-order kiosks. No reservations needed — just walk in and order.
Is Pepper Lunch Hawaii good for kids?
Yes! It's family-friendly. Kids love the interactive sizzling plates. Just be careful — the plates are extremely hot (500°F).
Does Pepper Lunch Hawaii have vegetarian options?
Yes. The Tofu & Veggie Pepper Rice ($15.99) and Tofu & Veggie Curry ($16.99) are vegetarian options.
Is there parking at Pepper Lunch Hawaii?
Yes, free parking is available at Moanalua Shopping Center.
Will Pepper Lunch Hawaii have more locations?
Yes! Two more locations are confirmed for 2026: Hyatt Centric Waikiki on Kūhiō Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue (former Running Room location).
Does Pepper Lunch Hawaii have delivery?
Not yet, but delivery and takeout are coming soon. Manager Sean Uezu confirmed this on opening day: 'Eventually we'll be doing take out and delivery.'
How long is the wait at Pepper Lunch Hawaii?
On opening day, the first customer arrived at 6:30 AM (4.5 hours early). Now that the initial rush has passed, wait times are shorter. The restaurant is designed for quick service — most meals take about 20 minutes from ordering to finishing.
Is Pepper Lunch Hawaii worth it?
Pepper Lunch offers a unique experience you can't get anywhere else in Hawaii — cooking your own meal on a 500°F sizzling plate. At $15.99 for the signature Beef Pepper Rice, it's affordable for what you get. The interactive experience makes it fun for families and groups.
Future Pepper Lunch Hawaii Locations (2026)
Moanalua is just the beginning. Here's what's officially confirmed for Pepper Lunch Hawaii's expansion:
Confirmed 2026 Locations
| Location | Address | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric Waikiki | Kūhiō Avenue, Waikiki | Confirmed |
| Kapahulu | Kapahulu Avenue (former Running Room location) | Confirmed |
I spoke with Sean's father Kal (one of the owners) on opening day — he confirmed they've already signed the lease for one of these locations.
Why Waikiki?
Waikiki makes sense for Pepper Lunch. The area sees millions of tourists annually, many from Japan and Asia who already know and love the brand. For visitors who've had Pepper Lunch back home, this will be a familiar taste of their favorite sizzling plates. For first-timers, it's an easy introduction to the interactive DIY teppanyaki experience.
The Owners Know Hawaii
The Uezu family isn't new to the Hawaii restaurant scene. They also operate the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise in Hawaii — with a new Kaneohe location opening soon. Their experience running successful franchises here gives Pepper Lunch Hawaii a strong foundation for growth.
More Honolulu Restaurants
Written by: Nate — Founder of NateEatsHawaii
Visited: December 6, 2025 (pre-opening) & December 12, 2025 (grand opening day)
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
All photos by NateEatsHawaii