Top 5 Gluten-Free Spots with Outdoor Seating to Enjoy in Naalehu

Ayako Walker

Delicious food at an affordable price. They even offer gluten-free and vegan choices.

Tom

1st Visit: I ordered Loco Moco with hamburger but received pork. No worries, it was decent, and they were slammed (full parking lot). My partner had the Chicken Papaya salad that lady at the register recommended since she has a gluten allergy (not a preference) and had asked for recommendations. The lady gave a short "well off the top of my head" slightly rude response, which seemed odd, but we brushed it off. My partner absolutely loved the salad! So much so that we had to return! I also want to mention that the wait was reasonable and the restaurant was well kept and clean. 2nd Visit a few days later: I grabbed a Burrito at the Taco shop that shares the same building (excellent choice BTW). My partner got the Papaya salad at Hana Hou again and simply asked if there was anything that needed to be left off for it to be gluten-free, again because it's an allergy situation and she wanted to double check if it had to made differently since she specified GF prior. It's quite common for the GF option to have an ingredient substituted or left off. Since it's an allergy, we always specify that to make the restaurant aware so that it's prepared correctly. The same lady from before again seemed agitated and gave a snarky response about it being GF already. Like eating out with a food allergy isn't already tough enough. Being treated poorly for asking a simple food allergy related question is simply unacceptable. The parking lot was empty and we were the only ones at either restaurant.. so it's not like she was flustered during a busy rush or something. Both times, we were kind, so the rudeness was one-sided for no apparent reason. We literally gave her the benefit of the doubt since it was busy the first time. We will not be making that mistake again. I wasn't going to leave a review as I don't like to leave negative reviews on small businesses. However, after two similar negative experiences and seeing the negative reviews from others, the rude attitude appears to be common, which is honestly just unfortunate. Based on the numerous complaints of rudeness, along with the unprofessional responses to negative reviews, I suggest someone else deal with the customers and review responses. It'll be better for the customers and the business in my humble opinion. 2 out of 5 for the delicious Chicken Papaya Salad Aloha ✌️

Chelsea Kucera

Best place I’ve eaten in all the islands! Even gluten free options <3

Nicole Za

Soooo good!! Very gluten-free friendly, “everything on our menu is gluten-free”! Made me so happy! Everyone was so nice from ordering, to pickup and followed through with a goodbye as we left the property. We got the shrimp sampler- the Garlic was both mine and my husband’s favorite. HIGHLY recommend you eat here!!

Avi Shai

Very welcoming team! We had a cappuccino and a frozen hot chocolate with a gluten free coconut macaroon. It was all great!