Pizza is back at the Ching Young Village shopping center in Hanalei, and it’s better than ever. Hanalei Bay Pizza is the name, and it’s replacing Puka Dog after their short stint on the North Shore. Prior to Puka Dog, the space was occupied by Hanalei Pizza (different owners) which also served up some of the best pizza on the island.
On our initial visit, the new owner, a nice young man named Ryan, offered to reopen the restaurant after we showed up a few minutes past closing time. We passed on his nice offer, but made sure to show up for lunch the next day. And we’re glad we did. Many tourist spots have an obligatory pizza location that serves up standard pizza fare.
But this pizza isn’t just standard fare. Ryan tosses the dough and grinds the sausage himself. He uses fresh, local ingredients when possible. Maybe it was the Hanalei setting talking, but our pizza was one of the best we’ve ever had, anywhere.
There are individual slices and a variety of pizzas to choose from. Ryan, a former BBQ judge, is proud of his Luau pizza with pineapple BBQ sauce, mozzarella, pork, pineapple and sweet onions. For starters, Ryan recommends his Garlic Butter Knots. You can also create your own custom pizza with up to four toppings.
Hanalei Bay Pizza is located in the Ching Young Village shopping center in downtown Hanalei, next to the Big Save grocery store.
5-5190 Kuhio Hwy
Hanalei, HI 96714
(808) 827-8000
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