Popular Kaimuki Ramen Shop Expands With Second Location in Pearl City
Tanaka Ramen, the beloved noodle house that has been drawing lines around the block in Kaimuki for the past three years, is bringing its signature tonkotsu broth to Pearl City this spring.
Owner and chef Kenji Tanaka announced the expansion Tuesday, revealing that the second location will open in the Pearl Highlands Center by April. The 2,400-square-foot space will seat 65 diners and feature the same menu that has made the original Waialae Avenue location a local favorite.
“We’ve had so many customers from the west side telling us they wish they didn’t have to drive all the way to Kaimuki,” Tanaka said. “Pearl City feels like the perfect spot to serve that community while staying true to what we do best.”
The original Tanaka Ramen opened in 2021 in a former plate lunch shop on Waialae Avenue, quickly earning a reputation for its rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen that simmers for 24 hours. The restaurant’s menu also features shoyu and miso varieties, along with appetizers like gyoza and karaage chicken.
What sets Tanaka apart in Honolulu’s competitive ramen scene is the restaurant’s commitment to making everything in-house, from the chashu pork to the soft-boiled eggs that crown each bowl. The noodles are imported from a specific supplier in Fukuoka, Japan, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen.
Meeting Growing Demand
The expansion comes as Honolulu’s ramen scene continues to evolve, with local diners showing increasing appreciation for authentic Japanese preparations. Tanaka Ramen consistently ranks among the top ramen spots on local food blogs and social media, with weekend wait times often stretching beyond an hour.
“The demand has been incredible,” Tanaka said. “We’re still a small operation, but we felt ready to take this next step.”
The Pearl City location will employ 12 staff members, including two additional ramen cooks trained directly by Tanaka. The chef, who previously worked at Nobu Waikiki before striking out on his own, plans to maintain hands-on oversight at both locations.
Pearl Highlands Center, anchored by Longs Drugs and Times Supermarket, serves as a dining destination for residents throughout west Oahu. The addition of Tanaka Ramen joins existing restaurants like Kalapawai Cafe and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in the shopping center.
Local Ingredients, Japanese Techniques
While staying faithful to traditional ramen preparation methods, Tanaka incorporates local ingredients where possible. The restaurant sources vegetables from Aloun Farms in Ewa and partners with local suppliers for items like green onions and bean sprouts.
“Hawaii has such incredible produce,” Tanaka explained. “We want to honor both the Japanese techniques I learned and the amazing ingredients we have here.”
The Pearl City menu will mirror the Kaimuki location, featuring five ramen varieties ranging from $14 to $18. Popular additions include extra chashu, additional noodles, and soft-boiled eggs. The restaurant also offers rice bowls and small plates for diners seeking lighter options.
Construction on the new space begins next month, with Tanaka working alongside local contractor Pacific Rim Construction. The interior design will echo the minimalist aesthetic of the original location, featuring blonde wood, white subway tiles, and an open kitchen concept that allows diners to watch the ramen preparation process.
What’s Next
The Pearl City opening represents more than just expansion for Tanaka — it’s a test case for whether his particular style of ramen can succeed beyond the food-savvy Kaimuki neighborhood that first embraced it.
For west side residents who have been making the trek across town for Tanaka’s ramen, the new location offers convenience without compromise. The chef promises the same attention to detail that has made the original location a standout in Honolulu’s dining scene.
As Honolulu’s restaurant landscape continues to grow and diversify, local success stories like Tanaka Ramen demonstrate how small, focused concepts can thrive by staying true to their craft while thoughtfully expanding to serve new communities.
