Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Honolulu, HI

North America

United States

# Taka's Box Lunch – Delicious Takeout Restaurant in Honolulu, HI
Taka's Box Lunch, located in Honolulu, HI, is a beloved takeout restaurant known for its generous portions and homestyle comfort food. Founded by Derek Takamoto in 2019, this family-owned establishment has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Situated in the industrial area of Mapunapuna, Taka's offers a diverse menu featuring breakfast plates, plate lunches, and daily specials that showcase the rich flavors of Hawaiian cuisine. With a commitment to quality and customer service, Taka's has garnered rave reviews for its friendly staff and delicious offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

## History
### The story of Taka's Box Lunch
Taka's Box Lunch was founded on February 27, 2019, by Derek Takamoto, who aimed to create a space where people could enjoy hearty, homestyle meals in a casual setting. The vision was to provide delicious, comforting food that reflects the warmth of family cooking, making it accessible to everyone in the community.

### Milestones and growth
- **2019**: Taka's Box Lunch opens its doors in Mapunapuna.
- **2020**: The restaurant gains popularity for its generous portion sizes and homestyle recipes.
- **2021**: Taka's begins offering daily specials, further diversifying its menu.
- **2022**: The restaurant receives numerous positive reviews, solidifying its reputation in the local dining scene.

### Cultural and local influence
Taka's Box Lunch has become a staple in the Mapunapuna community, known for its authentic Hawaiian flavors and comforting meals. The restaurant reflects the cultural melting pot of Hawaii, incorporating various culinary influences into its menu. This has helped foster a sense of community among its patrons, who often return for the familiar tastes and welcoming atmosphere.

### Continuing the tradition
As a family-run business, Taka's Box Lunch continues to uphold the tradition of serving quality food made with love. The Takamoto family is deeply involved in the operations, ensuring that each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. Their commitment to quality and community engagement has allowed Taka's to thrive and maintain its loyal customer base.

## Community
### Community involvement
Taka's Box Lunch actively engages with the local community by participating in events and supporting local initiatives. The restaurant often collaborates with nearby businesses and organizations, contributing to a sense of unity and support within the Mapunapuna area. This involvement has helped Taka's establish strong relationships with its customers, who appreciate the restaurant's commitment to giving back.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Taka's Box Lunch as a hidden gem, offering delicious food at reasonable prices. Many locals rave about the friendly service and the welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both quick takeout and casual dining. The restaurant's reputation for quality and generosity has made it a beloved choice for many in the area.

### Events and gatherings
Taka's Box Lunch hosts various events throughout the year, including special promotions and themed days that celebrate local culture and cuisine. These gatherings provide an opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy good food, and share their love for Taka's. Additionally, the restaurant frequently updates its menu with seasonal offerings, keeping the dining experience fresh and exciting.

## Offerings
### What Taka's Box Lunch offers
Taka's Box Lunch specializes in homestyle comfort food, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes. The restaurant is particularly known for its breakfast plates, plate lunches, and bento boxes, all made with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Customers can expect a variety of flavors and dishes that highlight the best of Hawaiian cuisine.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Taka's Box Lunch is centered around quality and comfort. Customers can enjoy their meals in a small outdoor seating area or opt for takeout. The restaurant's commitment to freshness means that each order is made to order, ensuring that patrons receive hot, flavorful meals every time. Popular items include the loco moco, beef stew, and various bentos that showcase a range of flavors and textures.

### Events and packages
Taka's Box Lunch frequently offers daily specials that rotate, providing customers with new and exciting options to try. These specials often feature unique dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients or traditional Hawaiian flavors. Additionally, the restaurant can accommodate catering requests for events, making it a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations.

### Facilities and features
- Outdoor seating area
- Takeout window for easy ordering
- Daily specials and rotating menu
- Friendly and efficient staff
- Community-focused atmosphere

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Taka's Box Lunch consistently highlight the generous portion sizes, friendly service, and the quality of the food. Many customers appreciate the homestyle cooking and the variety offered on the menu. However, some reviews mention challenges with parking and occasional wait times during peak hours.

### Compliments and strengths
- Generous portion sizes at reasonable prices
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- High-quality, flavorful dishes
- Commitment to community involvement
- Diverse menu with daily specials

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few customers have noted issues with parking availability and wait times during busy periods. However, these concerns are often outweighed by the overall positive dining experience and the quality of the food.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Taka's Box Lunch is highly regarded for its delicious, comforting food and friendly service. The restaurant's commitment to quality and community engagement has made it a beloved spot in Honolulu. Despite minor challenges, the positive aspects of Taka's far outweigh any drawbacks, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Taka's Box Lunch is located at 830 Mapunapuna St, Honolulu, HI 96819. Situated in the industrial neighborhood of Mapunapuna, the restaurant is conveniently accessible for both locals and visitors. The area is known for its diverse businesses and proximity to the airport, making it a great stop for travelers seeking a quick and satisfying meal. The local community appreciates Taka's for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to its reputation as a go-to dining destination.

## FAQs
**What are the hours of operation** Taka's Box Lunch is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
**Is there outdoor seating available** Yes, Taka's offers a small outdoor seating area for customers.
**Do they offer catering services** Yes, Taka's Box Lunch can accommodate catering requests for events.
**What is the best way to order** It's recommended to call in your order ahead of time, especially during busy hours.
**Are there vegetarian options available** Yes, Taka's offers various dishes that can cater to vegetarian preferences.

## Visit Taka's Box Lunch Today
Taka's Box Lunch is a must-visit for anyone seeking delicious, homestyle comfort food in Honolulu, HI. With its rich history, community involvement, and commitment to quality, Taka's offers a dining experience that is both satisfying and welcoming. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a flavorful plate lunch, Taka's Box Lunch is sure to impress with its generous portions and friendly service. Don't miss out on this hidden gem—stop by today!

821097b6-727e-4d58-a451-38df70234143

We stopped at Taka's Box Lunch for a late lunch around 1pm, about a half hour before they closed. This restaurant is in an industrial area, but was easy to find and we grabbed a parking spot on the street easily. We were greeted by the colorful sign and their friendly team and were excited to order some food. At first we were going to share one item. We had heard the portion sizes are generous, but after looking at the menu we ended up ordering the Loco Moco ($13.50) and the Smoked Bento ($12.50) both came with a drink and we sat down to wait on our food. This is a small restaurant, and they are making the food fresh, so they have a sign up that you should expect to wait 20 minutes. Our food was out a lot faster though and we each got an Orange Passion drink to go with our food. The portions are generous and the food was fresh and hot. The loco moco had a nice tasting hamburger with plenty of gravy over it and the rice. The eggs were cooked perfectly over easy and their mac salad is a spaghetti mac salad that was tasty. The portion was definitely shareable, or would fill someone up with a big appetite. The Smoked Bento was also a good size and came with beef tips, smoked meat, little smokeys, shumai, taegu, takuan, fishcake, and kimchee over rice. I loved the variety of flavors and each component was delicious. I also liked that they had furikake on the rice. This portion size was generous, but could be more of a meal for one. They also brought us a small cup of their beef stew because we were going to order it originally, but they didn't have enough for a full portion. It was so good! We definitely know why this sells out. The meat was tender and the flavors were rich. While this is a small pick up window, they pack a lot of flavor and love into their food. There are some tables you can sit at outside (which we did) or you can take your food to go. We would go back again 100%.

8d97129b-39e6-44dd-8fcc-6b3b71f4da4e

Delicious takeout comfort food from a nondescript hole-in-the-wall restaurant? You bet! Taka's Box Lunch, or aka Taka's Lunch Box was opened on 2/27/19 in industrial Mapunapuna and founded by owner Derek Takamoto (hence, Taka's) and managed by Kong Veng A Tam. The family-owned Taka's Box Lunch is known for its early breakfast plates, plate lunches and homestyle comfort food. The breakfast menu served during early morning hours includes: breakfast box, 3-egg omlette, French toast special, breakfast sandwich, stew bowl, and loco moco bowl. The regular lunch menu includes: beef stew, hamburger steak, loco moco. It also serves bentos: lunch; seafood; smoked meat; burger, fries, drink combo. And there are daily specials on a rotational basis: saute chicken w/ mushroom sauce, oriental garlic chicken, salmon w/ almondine sauce, spaghetti meatballs, roast beef, pork chop, chicken katsu curry, chow funn w/ smoked meat, homestyle hamburger steak, kalua pig & cabbage, chili frank & cheese, shrimp curry, somen salad, prime rib, and more. Entrees come with a spaghetti salad w/ light mayo (or tossed greens) and a complimentary canned soft drink, tea, or water. Popular items include loco moco, beef stew, hamburger steak, lunch bento, and occasionally, prime rib. Monthly menus can be accessed via Instagram, as well various closures when Taka's has catering events or on vacation. We've had the following: * Lunch bento. It has oriental beef tips, wing dings, kielbasa sausage, shumai, taegu, takuan, fishcake, kimchee, rice w/ furikake. Good variety of different items! * Smoked meat bento. It has oriental beef tips, smoked meat, little smokies, shumai, taegu, takuan, fishcake, kimchee, rice w/ furikake. For smoked meat lovers, nice delicious variety! * Somen salad. It comes w/ a delicious vinegary sauce and topped with sliced scrambled eggs, cucumbers, kamaboko, green onions, and furikake. This is a generous dish and has made several flavorful dishes for me! * Pork chop w/ mushroom sauce. Delicious fried crunchy pork chops topped with fresh mushrooms and homemade white gravy. Very flavorful! * Chow funn w/ smoked meat. Mostly chow funn mixed with sliced celery, carrots, green beans but not enough smoked meat. We love the spaghetti salad, which you hardly see these days. Prices are very reasonable for the generous amounts of food that you get. Staff is friendly and efficient. It's best to call in your order, as they do sell out. Note that your requested pickup does not mean that it will be ready at that time, but will be made to order when you arrive so that you receive your plate hot and fresh. Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 6:30a to 1:30p, Sat/Sun closed. Lunch entrees are served from 10:30a. This is basically a take-out window for ordering and payment, with staff coming out of their kitchen door nearby to give you your order. There is a covered area of picnic tables if you elect to eat there; however, most customers take their orders back to their offices. As part of the Gh Autobody & Paint building, there are only 3 or 4 parking stalls assigned to the restaurant. As there are many customers picking up orders, there may be double-parking and illegal parking. It's best to have a passenger who can run out and pick up your order. Free street parking is also available but difficult to find with employees from the many businesses being parked there. Taka's may be difficult to find, as it's hidden among businesses that surround it. Love the old-school homestyle cooking that is delicious and served with generous amounts at reasonable prices! Support local!

60a09468-58a6-4f90-9779-de2283cf3d99

7-8/10 overall 4.5 for the price 3.5 for the wait This spot is a nice find outside the airport. It's a little hole in the wall breakfast/lunch spot that is open from 6:30-1:30pm. They have a limited breakfast and lunch menu with decent portions at a GREAT price. For a breakfast sandwich, a drink, and a side of corn-beef hash and an egg, it was only $13. It did take about 20 minutes to receive the order, but there is a posted sign stating that they are NOT a fast food business, and that they strive to produce quality food. I will say, I personally didn't like the corn-beef hash, but that's just a personal preference (I really enjoy the canned kind). The woman at the window was really nice and you could tell that those who came to eat had been frequent visitors!

65752fad-7a83-4a82-b97b-94cf019e1f51

Taka's Box Lunch is THE definition of hospitality, charm, and am good food for the soul. I have seen this business on a few YouTube Videos and I understand why. I'm blown away by their kindness! This is a family owned and operated business and it's multi-generational. Their food is all made with love and generosity. I was honestly blown away by how loving their family is. I wasn't only served food, but also kindness. They instantly won my loyalty. I love how they have daily specials and something new each day. They have some outdoor seating and some parking! I ordered the beef stew and loco moco... so good and generous portions at a reasonable price point! So hard to find a gem such as this!! Shoutout to Shana, she is the best!!!

f7baadd4-f04a-49b1-8f63-b55a6dd672f5

I first heard about this to go eatery from my hubby. He's been here numerous times before 11 AM lunch madness without my knowledge to pick up plate lunches and/or bentos for himself and the crew on work breaks. I told him to bring me here one of these days. Now, I've finally made a visit. Difficult to pull up and find parking nearby in Mapunapuna during lunch. Be willing to park via street and walk farther. Check on IG for daily menu with regular, mini, bentos, and specials. Best to call in your order(s). When he called, to my surprise, one of the female employees answered the phone and addressed him by his first name. He ordered Beef Stew with white rice and spaghetti mac for him and son to share including a Smoked Bento for self. I ordered one of their daily specials - regular Katsu Curry that came with only chicken, 3/4 full white rice, their famous spaghetti mac, and root beer. When my hubby confirmed the order(s) and beverage selections at the window, he introduced me to the same female employee that knows him. I'll take spaghetti version over elbow macaroni any day. Very light on the mayo which I love! White rice was on point. This is one of the lightest chicken katsu curry I've tasted in terms of flavor! Yummy! Panko was still crispy. Chicken was fully cooked, sliced and moist. Great value for the quality, quantity, and price! No kanak attack! Worth visiting for local kine grindz!

e82287ff-e4a8-43cc-8c43-b1b62d4c98d3

Just returned from TX to visit home, and there's so many places that I loved dining at that have closed down. I'm just super happy that this place is still standing and still delicious. I ordered the Lunch Bento for $11.50 which comes with a canned drink. This really the only thing I ever order here because it's delicious. It's not your normal bento, it comes with a fried siu mai, fried chicken, taegu, fish cake, lil'smokies, and more Staff is super friendly and fast. Small outdoor dining area. Very limited street parking as well.

287813fb-d03b-4d68-8061-f159a1d78e18

Food is good here but some of workers are rude: I just witnessed a guy ask about his order that was suppose to be ready at 11:00 ( it's now 11:40). Someone yelled to tell the other workers to hurry up then a guy yelled let him wait. That is messed up to talk that way to where every customer there can hear what was said.

3e9854ed-81c6-4617-afb4-2d8cb1ed5ccf

Takeout lunch from Honolulu, Hawaii... The first time I tried to get some food from Taka's Box Lunch, I thought that it was challenging to get to the counter. The entrance was kind of blocked. When I did approach the worker, he said that I would have to wait a while before I could order since they were busy with a cacatering job. Ohhh... I left and returned another day... A few days later, I came back! Getting to the counter was much easier... LOL! The friendly lady at the window took my order. I waited in the covered outdoor seating area and in no time, my lunch was ready! At home, I enjoyed my Hamburger Steak plate - especially because it came with fresh greens and white rice! That's comfort food at its best! If you're in the area, go check 'em out! Don't be afraid of the limited street parking. Look for the designated parking stalls! Enjoy!

5f379615-0dbf-430c-a1ce-c94315657ea4

Finally got to try their plate lunch today. The order: Combo Hamburger Steak and Oriental Chicken with Max Salad and a drink -passion orange included all for $12.50. Wow for the amount of food and drink included, what a deal in today's crazy price world. The highlight was their oriental chicken. Nice crunch, meat tender, sauce that was sweet savory goodness. The hamburger steak is a fat patty which was also soft with a thick brown gravy to boot. I really like their Mac salad as angel hair pasta is my favorite in that creamy Mayo, so good. Glad I stopped by today. I was stuffed after lunch, kanak attack. They are take out only and parking can be a pain as there are only a few stalls. Food is cooked to order but still came out quick.

174c90c1-b64a-40e1-899c-27ad065c705b

They were so nice, also the beef stew is unreal. Straight up gem of a place. If I'm remotely in the area, there would be an attempt to come here.

Discover Taka's Box Lunch in Honolulu for delicious, authentic meals in a friendly setting. Perfect for a quick, satisfying local dining experience. Visit now!

Taka's Box Lunch in Honolulu - Delicious Local Cuisine

Honolulu

Taka's Box Lunch

Honolulu County

Discover Taka's Box Lunch in Honolulu, HI. Enjoy authentic local flavors and quick bites at this popular restaurant near Mapunapuna St. Visit us today!

Taka's Box Lunch, Honolulu - Delicious Local Cuisine & Quick Bites

Learn about Taka's Box Lunch in Honolulu, HI. A beloved spot for authentic local dishes and friendly service near Mapunapuna St. Come and experience the taste of Hawaii!

About Taka's Box Lunch, Honolulu - Your Favorite Local Eatery

Opening hours for Taka's Box Lunch, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Taka's Box Lunch, Honolulu, HI on 830 Mapunapuna St.

Taka's Box Lunch Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Taka's Box Lunch

Webco Hawaii

Hawaii Transportation Assn

1st Class Entertainment DJs