Hawaii’s beloved North Shore eatery Papa Ole’s Kitchen has announced it will close its doors for good on December 15, 2025, ending 19 years of serving up cherished plate lunches and local comfort food.

What Made Papa Ole’s Special

For almost two decades, Papa Ole’s earned a loyal following — locals and tourists alike — thanks to its generous portions and classic Hawaiian-style dishes: from garlic shrimp and pulehu short ribs to peanut butter rolls, roast pork with gravy, and good ol’ hamburger steak with onions, mushrooms and gravy.

On review sites like Yelp, the restaurant holds glowing feedback: with a 4.5-star average from about 1,500 reviews, it was considered a go-to spot for hearty island meals.

In announcing the closure, the owners explained that the decision wasn’t easy — it was made with the well-being of their “ohana” (family) in mind — and they expressed deep gratitude for the years of support from customers.

A Final Rush: Locals Flock for One Last Meal

News of the closing triggered an outpouring of visits: locals and visitors are lining up for a “last taste” before December 15. Reportedly, wait times have been more than an hour as people scramble to revisit their favorite plates one final time.

It’s clear that Papa Ole’s meant more than just food — it was part of North Shore life and memories for many.

Why This Matters for Food Lovers & Visitors

• For longtime fans: This marks the end of an era — if you cherish Hawaiian-style plate lunches and nostalgia-filled meals, now’s the time to visit.

• For travelers: If your Hawaii trip is soon, this could be your last chance to enjoy one of North Shore’s beloved comfort-food spots.

• For the community: The closure underlines wider challenges for local eateries — from rising costs to changing demographics — and highlights how precious “local gems” like Papa Ole’s really are.

A Simple “Mahalo” from Hawaii

Papa Ole’s Kitchen may be closing, but its legacy of big plates, island-style flavors, and shared memories lives on. As the owners put it: mahalo for the countless memories, unwavering support, and aloha everyone shared over the years.

Source: SFGATE