Imagine this. You and a few buddies sitting in the parking lot of a hotel in Waikiki when a crazy idea hits like lightning (typical for Hawaii): why not turn our love for Hawaiian food, good times, and good people into something everyone can experience? It was then, several years back, that Hapa J’s was born. And this love, passion, and family spirit is what keeps this one-of-a-kind restaurant still surfin’ strong – pandemic and all!

“It came from the love of Hawaiian food, not just the traditional, Hawaiian style, but everything from the local Asian cuisines, and ranging anything from the upscale to the hole-in-the-wall.”

Nearly 7 years later (!), I finally made it back down to San Clemente to reunite with a place that I’ve never stopped thinking and dreaming about. Hawaiian food does not seem to be very common down in Southern California, and I have yet to find another full-service, great for groups/occasions dining destination with a menu based on my favorite island staples. And I’m not talking just food, I’m talking drinks! And I’m SO happy to report that nothing has changed… these guys have stayed true to what they pride themselves on: creative, flavor food and carefully crafted drinks at amazing values that transport me to my beautiful Hawaiian paradise… at least for a night.

So now I’m sure you are wondering- what exactly did I feast on? And when I say feast, I’m not exaggerating – which you should know and fully understand when I say I was with 2 of my FAVORITE friends and dining companions, my fellow-five foot Fia and my chef-master Simon. Some of the highlights of the night included…

The Painkiller – Hapa J’s take on your typical “painkiller” cocktail. A fantastic Hawaiian rum, a little nutmeg, and, for me, a dark rum floater. Just a very well-made, non-artificial-tasting drink that screams TROPICAL!

Pele Wings – 10+ stars all-around! Super succulent, tossed in their secret whiskey-infused wing sauce, topped with blue cheese, and served alongside a magical bed of their Chipotle Coleslaw(which I could have, and should have, eaten an entire bathtub full of….)

THE Hapa Nachos – ok, there is not a table you see without this Mauna Kea Volcano-sized plate of indulgence. We’re talking house-made chips on chips on chips, smothered in cheese, avocado sour cream, black beans, chipotle aioli, and if you’re smart, their signature Kalua pork. This is enough for the entire population of one of the islands, kid you not. We did ourselves dirty ordering this alongside everything else and, yes, there are leftovers for days (stop by my house!!)

Hapa J’s Country Salad – it may seem basic but, honestly, we all fought over this bed of green-leaf goodness. And I may or may not have considered drinking that papaya dressing.

Da Biggest Mixed Plate – to get a bit of everything, we went with this humongous plate of all the staples: Shoyu chicken, 2 kalbi short ribs, chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, kalua pig & Portuguese sausage. At our sweet server, Brook’s, recommendation, we went with Mac Salad, greens, & rice as our sides. The Shoyu chicken. O. M. G. Call up Fia and Simon and ask for confirmation: I was going on and on about how GOOD this was. Probably one of the best chicken thighs I have ever had. This also may sound strange, but their good ol’ white rice was something extra-special to me. Just so good. And the Mac Salad – do not fear! It was not overly mayo-y, as I know many hate (Dad.. Mom…)

If you love Island flavors, tropical getaways, fun times, beach vibes, and a family of friendly, SO happy and hospitable people ready to welcome you in, put Hapa J’s on your schedule now. This is a MUST. Honestly, this is one of those places where you actually feel like each and every team member is part of a family. And the second you walk in, you are, too.

For all the deets, check out their site here and see the rest of my flavor-loaded photos below! Hang ten, friends!