When the Honolulu landmark eatery The Willows closed its doors in January 2019 it took with it its sister restaurant, Karai Crab. Since joining The Willows in 2012, Karai Crab adopted their mission “to share aloha in a special gathering place creating lasting memories for all.” Though the restaurants are no longer together, Karai Crab continues to spread this special message of aloha by feeding the public their local-style seafood boil in a new, larger, and freshly renovated space.

Cool new digs and bar area.

Located in the former Cafe Sistina, Karai Crab has completely transformed what was once a tribute to classic Italy into a hip restaurant that is uniquely Honolulu. Reminiscent of the nearby street art district Kaka’ako, the walls of Karai Crab are covered with vibrant colors, spicey slogans, and cute characters paying homage to the restaurant’s namesake, spicey crab!

Karai Crab favorites Karai chicken wings and miso sake clams.

Just because it has new digs does not mean Karai Crab has let go of their staple menu items or their friendly and efficient staff. CAH members were delighted to sample the restaurant’s signature wings, miso sake clams, pan roast, and of course, their seafood boil in addition to a plethora of other dishes.

Cioppino, pan roast, Karai Combo.

Though several other seafood boil restaurants have popped up since Karai Crab opened, their specially formulated sauces inspired by favorite local flavors have earned them a loyal following. To set them apart from the rest of Honolulu’s crabby cast is also their use of plates. Yes, their boils are plated. This means no messy bags of shellfish to dig through on a piece of butcher paper while trying to impress a date. Don’t worry, they still give you a cool bib.

For dessert CAH enjoyed house made pecan tarts with chai panna cotta.

The new location also boasts a full bar and a great happy hour from 4pm-6pm Monday - Friday and 5pm - 6pm Saturday and Sunday with late night happy hour from 9pm-11pm everyday. CAH is grateful for this opportunity to live the Karai Crab’s mission statement by coming together to share delicious food and warm memories. Mahalo!

Karai Crab is open from 4pm-11pm Monday- Friday and 5pm-11pm Sunday- Monday. Check out their new location at 1314 S King St STE G2, Honolulu, HI 96814