James Beard-Nominated Chef Opens New Pacific Rim Restaurant in Chinatown
Chef Marcus Tanaka, who earned James Beard recognition for his innovative work at Kailua’s now-closed Reef & Root, is bringing his Pacific Rim culinary vision to Honolulu’s Chinatown with the opening of Hale Moana this month.
The 60-seat restaurant at 1089 Maunakea Street occupies the former Jade Dynasty space, transforming the traditional banquet hall into an intimate dining room that pays homage to both Hawaii’s multicultural heritage and the neighborhood’s rich history.
Tanaka, who was nominated for the James Beard Rising Chef Award in 2022, developed his concept around what he calls “island fusion with respect” — dishes that blend techniques from his Japanese-Hawaiian background with ingredients sourced from local farms and fishermen.
“I wanted to create something that truly represents modern Hawaii without losing sight of the cultures that made us who we are,” Tanaka said during a preview dinner last week. “Chinatown felt like the perfect place because it’s always been where different communities come together through food.”
Menu Highlights Local Ingredients
The menu at Hale Moana features dishes like miso-glazed kampachi collar with pickled daikon and shiso, and a signature ramen made with pork bone broth infused with kombu and finished with locally grown watercress. Tanaka’s team sources fish directly from Honolulu Harbor and works with Waimanalo farms for produce.
Standout appetizers include hamachi crudo with li hing mui and macadamia oil, and Korean-style short ribs braised in local beer from Aloha Beer Company. The restaurant also offers an extensive sake program featuring selections from both Japan and Oregon, curated by sommelier Jennifer Liu.
Interior design comes courtesy of local firm Salvage Public, which preserved original architectural elements while adding contemporary touches. Exposed brick walls showcase rotating artwork from local artists, while custom light fixtures made from reclaimed fishing nets nod to Hawaii’s maritime traditions.
Revitalizing Chinatown’s Food Scene
Hale Moana joins a growing roster of establishments working to revitalize Chinatown’s dining landscape. The historic district has seen several new restaurant openings in recent months, including Vietnamese gastropub Pho Real and craft cocktail bar Lucky Belly Lounge.
“Having Marcus choose our neighborhood says something about where Chinatown is headed,” said Lisa Chen, executive director of the Chinatown Business and Community Association. “We’re seeing more chefs recognize that this area has the authenticity and character that’s hard to find elsewhere in urban Honolulu.”
Tanaka’s decision to open in Chinatown came after a year-long search for the right location. After Reef & Root closed in early 2023 due to rising rents in Kailua, the chef considered several neighborhoods before settling on the Maunakea Street space.
The restaurant’s name, which means “ocean house” in Hawaiian, reflects Tanaka’s philosophy of honoring the ocean’s bounty while respecting the land that sustains the community.
Community Focus and Future Plans
Beyond dinner service, Hale Moana plans to host monthly community events including sake tastings and cooking classes focused on sustainable seafood preparation. Tanaka also announced plans to offer lunch service starting in February, with a menu featuring more casual dishes like poke bowls and bento boxes.
The restaurant employs 18 people, many of whom followed Tanaka from his previous ventures. Head chef de cuisine Sarah Watanabe previously worked alongside Tanaka at both Reef & Root and before that at Roy’s Waikiki.
Hale Moana is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with reservations available through the restaurant’s website. Walk-in seating at the eight-person chef’s counter offers diners a chance to interact directly with the kitchen team.
For Chinatown residents and food enthusiasts across Oahu, Tanaka’s arrival represents both a return to form for one of Hawaii’s most promising culinary talents and a signal that the neighborhood’s transformation into a legitimate dining destination continues to gain momentum. As more local chefs choose historic Honolulu over resort areas, Chinatown’s identity as an authentic cultural and culinary hub only grows stronger.
