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Honolulu › Honolulu › SHABUYA
SHABUYABWorth Trying
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
· Shabu-shabu restaurant, Hot pot restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1297 reviews)
Reservations
Popular AYCE shabu-shabu with strong value at lunch and decent quality meats, but expect long waits, time limits, and inconsistent hosting/service hygiene.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
SHABUYA delivers solid all-you-can-eat value with strong meat quality and broth execution, supported by quick refill service that keeps the interactive cooking experience flowing. However, inconsistent broth temperature and selection gaps, combined with isolated hygiene concerns and recurring host-stand friction during waits, prevent grade A territory. Best suited for families seeking fun, casual AYCE dining rather than refined shabu-shabu craftsmanship.
Restaurant Summary
In the heart of Ala Moana Center, SHABUYA buzzes with lively energy and the steam of individual hot pots at every seat. Diners praise fast meat refills and the freedom to build bowls from the buffet, while one guest shared, "The server kept our broth topped and meat coming." However, waits can be long and host-stand logistics feel hit or miss during peak times. The cooking leans traditional shabu-shabu—multiple classic broths, very thin-sliced meats, and a vegetable and sauce bar—more elevated comfort than chef-driven theatrics. Expect dependable value at lunch and competitive dinner pricing for all-you-can-eat; flavors shine most in sukiyaki or spicy miso, and meats cook in seconds for that tender, clean bite. Families do well here: individual pots, noodles, dumplings, and chicken make it approachable, and there is height-based pricing for kids. Note that some parents dislike the threshold rules, and the 90-minute limit plus loud room may challenge very young diners. If your crew loves DIY cooking, it is an easy win.
At a Glance
- Strong AYCE value, especially at lunch pricing
- Individual pots and quick meat refills keep the pace fun
- Long, sometimes confusing waitlist and seating process
- Time limit enforcement and occasional rushing near cutoff
- Hygiene and host-stand inconsistency reported by some diners
What Sets It Apart
- Individual hot pots at every seat
- Large buffet-style ingredient bar
- AYCE format with fast meat refills
What People Love
- Tender thin-sliced beef that cooks in seconds
- Customizable broths and sauces
- Big buffet of vegetables and noodles
- Fast refills that maximize the time limit
- Good price-to-portion ratio
Points of Concern
- Waitlist communication and seating order can feel unfair, especially for small parties
- Time limit is enforced; some felt rushed before cutoff
- Hygiene at sauce/side stations occasionally lags during peaks
- Height-based child pricing confuses or frustrates some families
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$31-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lunch Special at $22.99 for best value if timing allows
- Spicy miso or sukiyaki broth with prime blade and a noodle finish
- Balance plates to avoid excess-waste charges
Perfect For
- Casual group feasts where everyone cooks
- Budget-friendly AYCE cravings
- Families with kids who like interactive dining
- Shoppers wanting a hearty meal near Ala Moana
Location Insights
Area: Busy mall district drawing shoppers, families, and tourists; lively, convenient, and crowded during peak shopping times.
Safety: Well-trafficked retail center with good lighting and security presence; generally safe even at night.
Nearby: Inside Ala Moana Center near shops and parking; beach and hotels within a short drive or bus ride.
WaikikiWaikiki offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering largely to tourists and visitors. The atmosphere is lively and tourist-friendly, with many establishments offering international and local Hawaiian cuisine in a casual to mid-range setting.
Ala MoanaThe Ala Moana area is centered around the Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world, attracting a mix of locals and tourists. Dining options here include casual and family-friendly restaurants, often frequented by shoppers and visitors looking for convenient meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–22:00
Tuesday10:30–22:00
Wednesday10:30–22:00
Thursday10:30–22:00
Friday10:30–23:00
Saturday10:30–23:00
Sunday10:30–22:00
Available: Reservations
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