🚧 Hawaiʻi’s first Don Don Donki is opening tomorrow in Kapolei

The wait is over — Don Don Donki is grand opening tomorrow, Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. in Kapolei.

Don Don Donki sign — Don Don Donki is opening Feb. 15 at 9 a.m. in Kapolei. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The store, which is the first Don Don Donki in Hawaiʻi, is much more than a grocery store. It features a mix of Japanese and American food products, a huge beauty section, full-service seafood and meat counters, a poke counter … and that’s just the beginning.

“Don Quijote has a long and rich history, one that we are incredibly proud of,” stated Kazuhiro Matsumoto, president of Pan Pacific Retail Management Hawaiʻi (managing company of Don Quijote), at the store’s VIP pre-opening event. “Our Waipahu store, which opened back in 1995, has served as a cornerstone for our operation in Hawaiʻi for nearly 30 years. Today, this is a new milestone by opening our first brand-new Don Don Donki store right here in Kapolei.

“Kapolei is a vibrant, growing community with a bright future,” he added. “Our mission is to provide something for everyone from fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables to trending cosmetics and anime toys designed for fans of all ages, all while bringing a slice of Japan to Kapolei. At the same time, we are committed to supporting the local economy by offering products made by Hawaii’s farmers, craftsmen and beloved local brands.”

DonPen Kapolei — This is the first Don Don Donki store in Hawaiʻi. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Don Don Donki sushi restaurant — Waka Sakura conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

This store is unique in that it features Waka Sakura sushi restaurant. Order from a tablet — choose from nigiri combos, wagyu-wrapped sushi, sashimi, poke, tempura and more — and your order will be delivered to you via conveyor belt technology.

The seared otoro bluefin tuna with teriyaki sauce ($7.99), seared wagyu beef with teriyaki sauce ($5.49), mini spicy poke bowl ($3.99) and seared chutoro bluefin tuna with salt ($8.49) came highly recommended.

sushi and poke bowl — Seared otoro bluefin tuna with teriyaki sauce ($7.99), seared wagyu beef with teriyaki sauce ($5.49) and mini spicy poke bowl ($3.99). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

If you don’t feel like eating sushi, not to worry — there are many more street food stalls to choose from. Options include wagyukushi skewers — if you’ve been to the DonPen Times in Kunia or Times Supermarket in ‘Aiea, chances are, you’ve seen these being grilled to order — musubi made with Yasuda’s fresh rice and Japanese baked sweet potatoes. Japanese fried chicken will be coming soon to the food court area. There’s a 350-seat indoor/outdoor dining area for guests to enjoy their food.