After my being on my to do list since their inclusion on 2023's Yelp's places to check out, I was lucky enough to stop by Kaaloa's Super J's twice in 3 months at the end of 2024. Located along State Highway 11 (Mamalahoa Highway) in South Captain Cook on the Big Island of Hawaii, it is located a couple of miles before the turn to the Sacred Refuge (Pu'uhonua O Honaunau) National Historic Park. Look for the long yellow building on the right as you're facing south. There are about 10 parking stalls. Going in the seating is small. Two long tables with about 8 seats each, plus several "counter" seats in one corner. There's a couple of benches outside. We lined up and ordered. Menu is pretty basic- ala carte or plates, plus desserts. Entrees are either single entree Kalua Pork, Pork Lau Lau, or Kalua Pork & Cabbage, or a mix plates (2- or 3-)- all with 2 scoops of rice with one scoop of macaroni salad or lomi lomi salmon. I ordered a 2 entree with with Pork Lau Lau and Kalua Pork & Cabbage, total with tax was under $18. Our food soon came out, nice and hot! I took time to slowly eat and savor the food. While it tasted as good as expected, I've always say that "Lau Lau feeds the soul" and Super J's Lau Lau wasn't an exception! Very enjoyable! The aunties working there were exceptional as well. So friendly and patient with all of us out-of-towners! Good food at reasonable prices, what more can you ask for? If your travels take you to Captain Cook on the Big Island, make a stop at Kaaloa's Super J's Authentic Hawaiian!

Ultimate mom & pop shop in Captain Cook. I was never a fan of laulau but I was impressed with the ones they had here!! The mother and daughter who ran the shop was welcoming and friendly, despite a bunch of customers arriving near their closing time. My husband and I shared a plate with pork and chicken laulau, rice, a delicious potato and mac salad and lomi salmon. The haupia sweet potato pie was TO DIE FOR. I normally don't eat desserts but I probably could've finished the entire piece on my own. Heads up, they do sell out of items so it's best if you get there early, especially if you want to take some frozen laulaus to go.

Tucked away on a roadside in Captain Cook, Super J's is the real deal for Hawaiian food, ohana at its finest. Order at the counter, grab a drink or dessert from the cooler, sit down at a family-style table and prepare to enjoy some outstanding Hawaiian home cooking. We got the kalua pork with cabbage and chicken laulau. Both were excellent but the laulau was amazing. Although chicken is less traditional I was feeling a little porked out and needed to get something non-porcine. The chicken was wrapped in taro leaves, overwrapped in ti leaves, and then steamed. The taro leaves season and perfume the chicken subtly but distinctly and have a mild delicious flavor eaten as a vegetable. Eating at Super J's is like having your Hawaiian aunties invite you over to eat. Stop here when on the Big Island.

A Hidden Gem of Authentic Hawaiian Cuisine! If you find yourself in Kona, do yourself a favor and stop by Kaaloa's Super J's! This place may not look like much from the outside, but step inside, and you'll be greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere of an old Hawaiian dining room that feels like home. I had the chicken and pork laulau, while my husband indulged in the pork and cabbage. Both dishes were absolutely delicious! The flavors were rich and authentic, clearly made with love and care. You can genuinely smell the authenticity wafting from the open kitchen, where you can see everything being prepared fresh. Behind the counter, we met Jay and what I believe was her mother, and their passion for food shines through in every bite. They hand-make everything from scratch, which is evident in the quality and taste of the dishes. The tiny but very well kept dining area only added to the experience. Kaaloa's Super J's is a true testament to authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and I can't recommend it enough! Don't let the simple exterior fool you--inside is a culinary delight waiting to be discovered!

The food is good! You can taste the slow cook of the meat Service is so friendly! I think it's a family owned restaurant and the cashier is super friendly Don't expect a 5 star decor. It's cute and it does the job. Good portion sizes for the price

Everything about this place is AMAZING! I can definitely see why this place is ranked in the top 100 places to try on Yelp. Let's start with parking. We parked behind the place in the grass next to a swing set, and that's when I know this place was going to be amazing. This restaurant is off the road overlooking the ocean and right across from the mountains. I love a good dive, and this was exactly what my husband and I were looking for. We tried the pork laulau, and that is honestly the BEST pork I have ever had. We got the cabbage with pork, and the cabbage was cooked perfectly and there was so much flavor. The plates came with rice and Mac salad, and both of those sides were amazing. J was so incredibly nice and helpful and she really made this experience amazing. All of the ladies working had a smile on their face and really made this a positive experience. We definitely plan on going back before our trip is over!

Small, hole-in-the-wall Hawaiian restaurant on Mamalahoa Hwy on the Big Island of Hawai'i. I discovered them on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the US 2023 while planning my most recent 2024 trip. This place is still getting FIVE Star reviews! Kaaloa's Super Js is a favorite spot on the Big Island, known for their tasty pork LauLau and Hawaiian food. Parking was a little tricky, as it is limited. We got out of the car to order, while our driver waited for an opening. That worked out nicely! The line to order wasn't bad at all! It only went to the door, and it went by quickly. The woman at the front counter was happy and all smiles. She was so sweet and patient! She took orders and even prepared plates with the help of three other women, and she still stayed smiling. What a blessing! Indoor seating is limited. But thankfully, we were able to find a spot at a bar facing the front window. I didn't notice if they had outdoor seating, except a few benches in the front, so don't quote me. Haha I ordered the plate with TWO pork Laulau - no regrets! That was enough to eat there, and take the second one to our resort for later. You can even buy frozen LauLau to bring home on the plane. Lomi lomi was good, but honestly, I didn't notice any salmon in it. Their desserts are AMAZING! I got the Purple Yam Haupia Pie - must TRY! I regretted not ordering two of them, but next time I know! Haha!

The service is incredibly wholesome & friendly like you just walked into your aunt's kitchen. The ambiance emboldens this with simple seating close to the staff. The food couldn't have been any better! Every piece of the dish felt just right with the seasonings, tenderness, and the quality of the ingredients. If you are coming out to Big Island, you have to come here. Don't even think about leaving this out!

Was super full, but had to stop by here because of all the hype about this place being #2 of the 100 Places to eat on Yelp. And, it lived up to the hype. Everything was so good, from the food to the sauces to the dessert. We got the 2 choice plate of "pork laulau" and "kalua pig and cabbage." The meat was perfectly flavored and so tender. I could eat this every day. Also, got a haupia cake and it was so good that I didn't even get a chance to take a picture of it. It's a simple looking restaurant, think cantina style that is not so big with a few tables. Luckily, it wasn't too busy when we were there, so we were able to get a seat. If you are in the area, you must go. You'll regret it if you don't go. I really hope you do go!

If you're looking for authentic Hawaiian cuisine and warm hospitality, Kaaloa's Super Js is it. This is what I looked forward to the most during our week long stay on the Big Island. As other reviews mention, look for the bright yellow establishment along the side of the road. They do offer parking but it may be hard to come by at times. Come early - and you'd want to as they sell out fast! Walking in felt like coming into a family member's home. There are two long communal tables where everyone just eats altogether. No awkwardness - just straight community enjoying a home cooked meal. The lady at the counter was so helpful and welcoming. I ordered the combo of 1 pork laulau, 1 chicken laulau, and the kalua pork with cabbage with a side of rice for my husband and I to share. The portions are huge! You definitely get your money's worth as this is the perfect amount for sharing. The laulau was so tender and smoky. The kalua pork and cabbage was swimming in the broth it was simmered in which made for a nice soup like consistency and paired well with the rice. They also offer assorted condiments like chili pepper water, Hawaiian hot pepper flakes and shoyu if you'd like to add it. Highly recommend this spot if you're on the Big Island for some ono grinds!