First Look: Hawai‘i’s First Tokyo Central Opens in Kailua

Photo: Maria Burke

If you grew up on the Windward side, you know that before the coming of Whole Foods, Target and boutiques on every corner, Kailua was home to Liberty House and Holiday Mart. After Holiday Mart turned into Don Quijote, my mom would take me there almost weekly to buy slippers, poke, fresh fish for frying and the odd Maui & Sons T-shirt. Don Q was the local superstore, and after it closed (to make way for Target) in 2011, I missed it.

So when I heard in March that our OG Times Supermarket was closing, I was crushed—until news came that Tokyo Central was taking its place. PPRM HI, the parent company of local faves Times, Big Save (Kaua‘i), Marukai, Shima’s and Fujioka’s Wine Times, is part of the Don Quijote conglomerate of Japan. And it owns seven Tokyo Central stores on the mainland.

Kailua and Hawai‘i’s first Tokyo Central opened last Friday, May 10, and let me tell you, I am all kinds of excited. I’ve been to the new store three times in four days (and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone). It has the vibe of a mini Don Quijote, with Marukai moments sprinkled throughout.

Photo: Maria Burke

When you walk in, the store looks exactly the same as Times. The friendly cashiers were always a draw, and many are still there. What’s totally new is a Sanrio section (!) dedicated to super kawaii gifts and trinkets. I’m equally elated and scared for my wallet.

Photo: Maria Burke

Now for the food: When it comes to grab-and-go options, this place doesn’t disappoint. Where the steak plates used to be is now a self-serve okazuya and deli where you can grab fruit cream sandwiches, nishime and hot food like Okinawa yakisoba or wagyu skewers with rice and potato mac. Nearby, the poke counter is still intact with all the favorites, plus a fresh raw fish zone. You can find moriawase sashimi sets, tubs of ikura and blocks of salmon and ‘ahi for cutting at home.

SEE ALSO: Parade of Poke: All the New Poke Coming to Frolic’s May 18 Poke Fest

Photo: Maria Burke

In the corner is a new sushi station stocked with trays of chutoro, hirame and other seafood, even full trays of Hokkaido uni. You can also order uni gunkan, inari bombs or saucy, aburi (torched) creations. I’m extra excited to bring one of the sushi platters to a potluck (cue the applause).

Photo: Maria Burke

The proteins don’t stop there. Options have expanded, and beyond the fresh fish area are beef, pork and chicken—everything from stir-fry cuts to shabu shabu kits and of course, shelves of wagyu. Freezers are filled with a mix of conventional items and Japan imports like unagi, buri kama (young yellowtail collar), natto and gyoza. There are entire islands of ice cream, ice pops and jellies. And among the fresh noodles and dairy is much more of a soymilk presence than before.

Photo: Maria Burke

Between all the specialty Japanese goods, you’ll also find regular supermarket items like big blocks of bologna (a very Times moment) and other Western staples and brands. There’s a little something for everyone so you might not have to store-hop.

One of my main questions going in is about the produce: Will we still have local options? The answer is yes. Just as you find at Times, there’s ‘Ewa sweet corn and a few other local veg. The array has expanded, and while most things are wrapped in plastic, it all looks fresh.

Fancy Japanese fruits offer a super fun splurge moment. I pick up strawberries from Nagano Prefecture for $12.99 and never look back. A Japan Fair area will feature specialty items from different locales. Right now it’s Wakayama Prefecture, with lots of ume and mikan (mandarin) treats.

Phew. There’s a lot of ground to cover in a relatively small footprint—and I haven’t mentioned the liquor, snacks, candies and chocolates or ramen. A small bakery area has some Japanese treats and other pastries, but nothing that excites me. I’m hoping that changes.

Photo: Maria Burke

To me, Tokyo Central feels like it was put there for locals just as much as visitors. The rubbah slippah crowd is talking story in the aisles while grabbing green onion or checking out the sashimi selection. In a small community with three Safeways, a Foodland, a Whole Foods and a Target, Tokyo Central brings something totally different, and I couldn’t be happier.

Daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 590 Kailua Road, tokyocentralhawaii.com, @tokyocentralhawaii