Tried Paia Fish Market on our way back from Hāna — arrived Sunday around lunchtime and, while the line was long, it moved surprisingly fast. They run a tight operation: after ordering, food was served within 5–6 minutes.
We ordered the catch of the day (Mahi Mahi) — Cajun-style and blackened — along with rice, Caesar salad, and fried calamari. The fish was undeniably fresh and seasoned to perfection — flavorful and satisfying. However, considering the portion size and pricing, it felt a bit overpriced.
Staff were attentive, but not particularly warm — perhaps due to the rush of tourist traffic. Just a heads up: this isn’t your typical laid-back, no-frills island shack — it’s a fast-moving, high-volume operation.
Overall, I’d recommend it for the quality of the fish, just set your expectations accordingly when it comes to vibe and price.
Mateusz Skitek
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October 05, 2025
Considering there aren’t many places where you can get something actually bearable to eat (for a non-American belly), this spot really stands out. Fresh food, real (not frozen) fries, and a surprisingly not-sweet-as-hell iced tea make it absolutely worth a visit in Paia. Especially since Mama’s Fish House is so overhyped it’s impossible to get in. Eat here instead :)
Alissa “Lady Carizza” Rice
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June 02, 2025
The food is great and you will love your food. The fish is fresh and reasonably priced for such a popular tourist spot. I ordered the red snapper sandwich and the homemade tartar sauce was so good, I could have drank it! My husband got the fish tacos and he said they were awesome! Mahalo!
However, regardless of what time you come, expect to wait in line at least 20 minutes before being able to place your order. Also, with the windows open and no AC, it can get very hot inside the restaurant. Overall I give it 4.5/5 stars. Highly recommend 👌
Gregory Leech
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April 30, 2025
Good:
1) Blackened mahi mahi was delicious. Per other reviews I suspect this might be the best thing they do. Really great.
2) Good prices. Easy to get a seat despite the line.
Bad:
1) Ono is supposed to be the least fishy fish on their menu but the Ono burger was very fishy which would imply overcooked or not fresh/stored right. Other reviews seems to agree.
2) Somewhat rude waitstaff. One stood behind a group whilst holding plates saying ‘behind, behind’. Could’ve just said excuse me. She also looked miserable the whole time.
Мария Волосецкая
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September 30, 2025
Delicious food and very fresh! Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Highly recommend this place! The only downside was that the restrooms were very dirty.
Tried Paia Fish Market on our way back from Hāna — arrived Sunday around lunchtime and, while the line was long, it moved surprisingly fast. They run a tight operation: after ordering, food was served within 5–6 minutes. We ordered the catch of the day (Mahi Mahi) — Cajun-style and blackened — along with rice, Caesar salad, and fried calamari. The fish was undeniably fresh and seasoned to perfection — flavorful and satisfying. However, considering the portion size and pricing, it felt a bit overpriced. Staff were attentive, but not particularly warm — perhaps due to the rush of tourist traffic. Just a heads up: this isn’t your typical laid-back, no-frills island shack — it’s a fast-moving, high-volume operation. Overall, I’d recommend it for the quality of the fish, just set your expectations accordingly when it comes to vibe and price.
Considering there aren’t many places where you can get something actually bearable to eat (for a non-American belly), this spot really stands out. Fresh food, real (not frozen) fries, and a surprisingly not-sweet-as-hell iced tea make it absolutely worth a visit in Paia. Especially since Mama’s Fish House is so overhyped it’s impossible to get in. Eat here instead :)
The food is great and you will love your food. The fish is fresh and reasonably priced for such a popular tourist spot. I ordered the red snapper sandwich and the homemade tartar sauce was so good, I could have drank it! My husband got the fish tacos and he said they were awesome! Mahalo! However, regardless of what time you come, expect to wait in line at least 20 minutes before being able to place your order. Also, with the windows open and no AC, it can get very hot inside the restaurant. Overall I give it 4.5/5 stars. Highly recommend 👌
Good: 1) Blackened mahi mahi was delicious. Per other reviews I suspect this might be the best thing they do. Really great. 2) Good prices. Easy to get a seat despite the line. Bad: 1) Ono is supposed to be the least fishy fish on their menu but the Ono burger was very fishy which would imply overcooked or not fresh/stored right. Other reviews seems to agree. 2) Somewhat rude waitstaff. One stood behind a group whilst holding plates saying ‘behind, behind’. Could’ve just said excuse me. She also looked miserable the whole time.
Delicious food and very fresh! Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Highly recommend this place! The only downside was that the restrooms were very dirty.