Was told the wait was about 15-30 minutes. Came back after 30 minutes and was told that wait was another 15-30 minutes due to 2 big parties being seated for reservations. Waited another 20 minutes and left - mind you they had at least 5 tables empty both times I checked. Waisted 45 minutes. Don't bother waisting your time to walk in if you don't have reservations!!
Service: 1
Sun
The menu is very limited and they had posted about having lunch prices however once we arrived they said that does not exist and we ended up paying more. The beansprouts they brought out were all black and had gone bad. The meat was mostly fat. They didnt have much sauces for us to use with the shabu. Also, the dessert was ice cream that came in little sauce containers and the strawberry tasted like bubblegum? The best part was the broth.. kind of a waste of money
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Troy McClain
Amazing food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melvin Dizon
I recently dined at Rokaru Shabu Shabu, and it turned out to be one of the more satisfying hot pot experiences I’ve had on Oahu. Located in the Pearl Kai Shopping Center area of Aiea, the restaurant has a modern and comfortable dining space that feels both lively and welcoming. The layout is well suited for group dining, which makes sense given the communal nature of shabu shabu. The moment we were seated, the staff were attentive and helpful in explaining the menu and how the ordering process works for guests who may be less familiar with the style of dining.
What immediately stood out was the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Shabu shabu is a cuisine where ingredient integrity matters significantly because the cooking process is very simple. Rokaru clearly prioritizes fresh vegetables, well-prepared broths, and thinly sliced meats that cook quickly and evenly in the hot pot. The beef selections were particularly impressive, with slices that had excellent marbling and tenderness. Once briefly cooked in the broth, the meat developed a rich flavor while still maintaining a delicate texture.
The broth options were another highlight of the meal. Each broth offered its own flavor profile, allowing diners to customize their experience depending on their preferences. The broths were flavorful without becoming overly salty or heavy, which allowed the natural taste of the meats and vegetables to come through. As ingredients were added throughout the meal, the broth continued to develop deeper flavor, which is one of the pleasures of well-executed shabu shabu.
The sauce bar also added an enjoyable level of customization. Having the ability to mix dipping sauces allows each diner to tailor the flavor balance of each bite. Whether leaning toward something more savory, slightly spicy, or bright with citrus, the sauces complemented the cooked ingredients well without overwhelming them.
Service throughout the meal remained attentive and efficient. Staff checked in regularly to ensure that broths were maintained, orders were correct, and diners had everything they needed. The pacing of the meal felt comfortable, allowing our group to take time enjoying each round of ingredients without feeling rushed.
The overall atmosphere contributed positively to the experience. The dining room had an energetic but controlled environment that made it easy to enjoy conversation while cooking and sharing food together. Shabu shabu naturally encourages a social dining style, and Rokaru does a good job creating a space that supports that experience.
Overall, Rokaru Shabu Shabu delivers a well-executed hot pot experience with fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and attentive service. The restaurant demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes shabu shabu enjoyable: quality ingredients, balanced broths, and a welcoming environment where diners can take their time and enjoy the process of cooking their meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sylvester Wojtowicz
Great service Tasty menu and great dessert at the end. Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SY Lee
Our First but Last Visit
We rarely leave reviews, but our experience was so unpleasant that we feel we must.
The restaurant showed zero flexibility. We paid before finishing our meal, and the server warned of a $5–$10 charge for leftovers. We assured them we’d finish everything, and we did—except for a small portion of salad.
The server then offered a to-go box without mentioning it would cost $7 until after we agreed. If there’s a fee, it should be stated upfront. This policy made the rest of our meal uncomfortable and frustrating.
The server even said, “It’s only $7.” For that price, we could buy a fresher salad elsewhere. Whether it’s leftover fees or to-go charges, it felt like the restaurant just wanted to squeeze more money from customers.
On top of that, the ingredients weren’t fresh, and the food was nothing like Japanese style either.
The food quality and taste were far from worth the price, and in all our years of living in Hawaii and the mainland U.S., we have never had such a disappointing dining experience.
You just lost customers. This was our first visit, and we could have become regulars—but your policies and quality made sure we’ll never return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Judelyn Vallesteros
Overall good. It was our first time. Definitely a place to check out when you’re wanting AYCE hot pot. Lots of choices on meat and soup base. We will be returning just so we can try the different soup bases.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Brandon Oshiro
I’ve been to the old location when it was next to Foodland Pearl City, and I enjoyed the food. Unfortunately I haven’t been back since. Today, I took my wife and my 14mo old son to the new location, near City Mill in Pearl City. There was a graduation party that took up almost the entire restaurant, with only a few tables open for the public. I initially was going to walk away because my thoughts were that the service might be lacking due to the huge party. However, a hostess came up and asked us how many. I told her three, with one being a baby and I needed a high chair. After she sat us down, Shanice(been with company for about 9 years) approached us and made us feel like family. She took our order, recommended things on the menu, even preordered some things for us to try so that we didn’t have to wait for food. Her service and attitude made this visit amazing for my family. The food was tasty, including the salad bar, and some things were menu items only. Even if they had a huge party in the restaurant, she was able to give us five star service. Another employee saw we had a baby and the party was about to play loud games. She walked over and warned us, to prepare my baby, in case it got loud, which it didn’t…but the thought is what counts. I’m apologizing to Shanice for taking this picture of her serving another table, but before we left, I wanted to show the world a picture of Shanice that made a huge difference in our family experience at Rokaru’s new location. Mahalo to Shanice and the staff and congrats to the owners Reid and Mark for their upgrade from the small space in the former location. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Garlic Chicken Pupu, Pint Strawberry Sherbet, Baby Bok Choy, Tonkotsu, Vegetable Selections from the All You Can Eat Bar
Rigel Taylan
More space, same food. Get the $5 add on for pupus! Rokaru broth, meats, garlic chicken, miso garlic claws and vegetables. Friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Blaine Tamura
Always great food! My family loves it here, great friendly fast service always
1st note. The restaurant is incredibly understaffed. I understand this and sympathize with this. But I've noticed that if you have a large party, you will be prioritized over 1-2 people. I've timed each time from when we ordered our meats from when we actually receive them and averaged about 10-16 minutes. We didn't stay for the ice cream that's included in the experience, just due to us waiting for a while. They did understand our frustrations, which i respected. Try arriving during the day or lunch time for a better experience. I do like the food and the servers, but the downside was just watching parties who arrived after, ordered after us, and them getting their food first was upsetting to witness. Will be returning in order to give the place a second chance.
Yolande Fong
Absolutely fabulous food and I just tried a few dishes from their pupu menu! Lightly fried vegetables, chicken and calamari. Fresh tasty greens and sauces paired to each dish. Definitely need to return to try more of their menu! Their takeout menu is well-varied too.
Don Olkeriil
Great all you can eat shabu shabu! Will definitely eat there again to try their other broths!
Melissa Shih
Disappointed with this shabu-shabu spot. Despite being labeled as Japanese, the food was not authentic and of poor quality. Ingredients lacked freshness, and the overall experience didn’t meet expectations. Wouldn’t recommend for those seeking genuine Japanese flavors.
Stuart Lai
Great new location! Larger, more open seating. Staff service is just as good as the previous location. They now have a vegetable buffet. Meats are the best, especially the lamb!
Was told the wait was about 15-30 minutes. Came back after 30 minutes and was told that wait was another 15-30 minutes due to 2 big parties being seated for reservations. Waited another 20 minutes and left - mind you they had at least 5 tables empty both times I checked. Waisted 45 minutes. Don't bother waisting your time to walk in if you don't have reservations!!
Service: 1
The menu is very limited and they had posted about having lunch prices however once we arrived they said that does not exist and we ended up paying more. The beansprouts they brought out were all black and had gone bad. The meat was mostly fat. They didnt have much sauces for us to use with the shabu. Also, the dessert was ice cream that came in little sauce containers and the strawberry tasted like bubblegum? The best part was the broth.. kind of a waste of money
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Amazing food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently dined at Rokaru Shabu Shabu, and it turned out to be one of the more satisfying hot pot experiences I’ve had on Oahu. Located in the Pearl Kai Shopping Center area of Aiea, the restaurant has a modern and comfortable dining space that feels both lively and welcoming. The layout is well suited for group dining, which makes sense given the communal nature of shabu shabu. The moment we were seated, the staff were attentive and helpful in explaining the menu and how the ordering process works for guests who may be less familiar with the style of dining.
What immediately stood out was the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Shabu shabu is a cuisine where ingredient integrity matters significantly because the cooking process is very simple. Rokaru clearly prioritizes fresh vegetables, well-prepared broths, and thinly sliced meats that cook quickly and evenly in the hot pot. The beef selections were particularly impressive, with slices that had excellent marbling and tenderness. Once briefly cooked in the broth, the meat developed a rich flavor while still maintaining a delicate texture.
The broth options were another highlight of the meal. Each broth offered its own flavor profile, allowing diners to customize their experience depending on their preferences. The broths were flavorful without becoming overly salty or heavy, which allowed the natural taste of the meats and vegetables to come through. As ingredients were added throughout the meal, the broth continued to develop deeper flavor, which is one of the pleasures of well-executed shabu shabu.
The sauce bar also added an enjoyable level of customization. Having the ability to mix dipping sauces allows each diner to tailor the flavor balance of each bite. Whether leaning toward something more savory, slightly spicy, or bright with citrus, the sauces complemented the cooked ingredients well without overwhelming them.
Service throughout the meal remained attentive and efficient. Staff checked in regularly to ensure that broths were maintained, orders were correct, and diners had everything they needed. The pacing of the meal felt comfortable, allowing our group to take time enjoying each round of ingredients without feeling rushed.
The overall atmosphere contributed positively to the experience. The dining room had an energetic but controlled environment that made it easy to enjoy conversation while cooking and sharing food together. Shabu shabu naturally encourages a social dining style, and Rokaru does a good job creating a space that supports that experience.
Overall, Rokaru Shabu Shabu delivers a well-executed hot pot experience with fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, and attentive service. The restaurant demonstrates a clear understanding of what makes shabu shabu enjoyable: quality ingredients, balanced broths, and a welcoming environment where diners can take their time and enjoy the process of cooking their meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service Tasty menu and great dessert at the end. Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our First but Last Visit
We rarely leave reviews, but our experience was so unpleasant that we feel we must.
The restaurant showed zero flexibility. We paid before finishing our meal, and the server warned of a $5–$10 charge for leftovers. We assured them we’d finish everything, and we did—except for a small portion of salad.
The server then offered a to-go box without mentioning it would cost $7 until after we agreed. If there’s a fee, it should be stated upfront. This policy made the rest of our meal uncomfortable and frustrating.
The server even said, “It’s only $7.” For that price, we could buy a fresher salad elsewhere. Whether it’s leftover fees or to-go charges, it felt like the restaurant just wanted to squeeze more money from customers.
On top of that, the ingredients weren’t fresh, and the food was nothing like Japanese style either.
The food quality and taste were far from worth the price, and in all our years of living in Hawaii and the mainland U.S., we have never had such a disappointing dining experience.
You just lost customers. This was our first visit, and we could have become regulars—but your policies and quality made sure we’ll never return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Overall good. It was our first time. Definitely a place to check out when you’re wanting AYCE hot pot. Lots of choices on meat and soup base. We will be returning just so we can try the different soup bases.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I’ve been to the old location when it was next to Foodland Pearl City, and I enjoyed the food. Unfortunately I haven’t been back since. Today, I took my wife and my 14mo old son to the new location, near City Mill in Pearl City. There was a graduation party that took up almost the entire restaurant, with only a few tables open for the public. I initially was going to walk away because my thoughts were that the service might be lacking due to the huge party. However, a hostess came up and asked us how many. I told her three, with one being a baby and I needed a high chair. After she sat us down, Shanice(been with company for about 9 years) approached us and made us feel like family. She took our order, recommended things on the menu, even preordered some things for us to try so that we didn’t have to wait for food. Her service and attitude made this visit amazing for my family. The food was tasty, including the salad bar, and some things were menu items only. Even if they had a huge party in the restaurant, she was able to give us five star service. Another employee saw we had a baby and the party was about to play loud games. She walked over and warned us, to prepare my baby, in case it got loud, which it didn’t…but the thought is what counts. I’m apologizing to Shanice for taking this picture of her serving another table, but before we left, I wanted to show the world a picture of Shanice that made a huge difference in our family experience at Rokaru’s new location. Mahalo to Shanice and the staff and congrats to the owners Reid and Mark for their upgrade from the small space in the former location. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Garlic Chicken Pupu, Pint Strawberry Sherbet, Baby Bok Choy, Tonkotsu, Vegetable Selections from the All You Can Eat Bar
More space, same food. Get the $5 add on for pupus! Rokaru broth, meats, garlic chicken, miso garlic claws and vegetables. Friendly service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always great food! My family loves it here, great friendly fast service always
Restaurantji Recommends
1st note. The restaurant is incredibly understaffed. I understand this and sympathize with this. But I've noticed that if you have a large party, you will be prioritized over 1-2 people. I've timed each time from when we ordered our meats from when we actually receive them and averaged about 10-16 minutes. We didn't stay for the ice cream that's included in the experience, just due to us waiting for a while. They did understand our frustrations, which i respected.
Try arriving during the day or lunch time for a better experience. I do like the food and the servers, but the downside was just watching parties who arrived after, ordered after us, and them getting their food first was upsetting to witness.
Will be returning in order to give the place a second chance.
Absolutely fabulous food and I just tried a few dishes from their pupu menu! Lightly fried vegetables, chicken and calamari. Fresh tasty greens and sauces paired to each dish. Definitely need to return to try more of their menu! Their takeout menu is well-varied too.
Great all you can eat shabu shabu! Will definitely eat there again to try their other broths!
Disappointed with this shabu-shabu spot. Despite being labeled as Japanese, the food was not authentic and of poor quality. Ingredients lacked freshness, and the overall experience didn’t meet expectations. Wouldn’t recommend for those seeking genuine Japanese flavors.
Great new location! Larger, more open seating. Staff service is just as good as the previous location. They now have a vegetable buffet. Meats are the best, especially the lamb!
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