Greek Marina

It's been a couple of months since I last had Greek food, and although I enjoy it, there aren't very many places here that do it well.  So after I had posted about my visits to The Greek Corner, a reader of this blog sent me an e-mail and asked me to visit Greek Marina.  So after a recent visit to Costco in Hawaii Kai, I decided to stop by Greek Marina for some lunch. 

Greek Marina is located in a small strip mall where you'll find a 24 Hour Fitness and a Yummy's Korean BBQ.  There may be other food places in the general vicinity, but there wasn't anything else that really stood out.  The Greek Marina offers both indoor and outdoor seating and since it was really hot out, I decided to eat in air conditioned comfort.  Since it was 1:00 pm, I thought more people would want to eat indoors, but I guess I was wrong -- I was the only one eating inside.

The white walls were trimmed with bright blue waves, and the furnishings consisted of light wood tables and chairs.  After reviewing the menu, I decided on the gyros plate (US$10.95).

When the plate arrived, I noticed that half of it was covered with salad.  On the other half of the plate, there was a huge pile of gyros and a stack of pita bread (one pita cut into 4 wedges).  The well seasoned and slightly spicy gyros was fork tender, but just a little dry.  The salad was refreshing and covered with just the slightest amount of tangy dressing.  The pitas, while warm and a little crispy around the edges, were just a little too brittle.

About two weeks after the initial visit, I decided to stop by Greek Marina again after running a few errands.  Again it was lunchtime and the restaurant was surprisingly empty.  This time, I was considering either the souvlaki or the Greek steak (if there is such a thing), but instead, I decided to go "healthier" and opted for the chicken gyros (US$10.95).

When the plate arrived, I was really shocked by the presentation.  On the plate where the gyros was last time, was a mangled mess.  The chicken was chopped and shredded, and it looked completely unappetizing.  After the first bite, I declared this a failure.  The chicken was extremely dry and flavorless.  The salad was drowning in dressing and the pita bread was cold.

While I was deciding what I was going to do, out came the side order of falafel (US$5.95) that I had ordered.

Here's a closeup of the falafel.

Garnished with lettuce and sliced tomatoes, the deep fried falafel arrived overdone.  When I tried to bite into the first one, I could have sworn my teeth cracked on the hard exterior.  The inside was moist and tender, but what little flavor was here was obscured by the bitter and burnt tasting "crust".

After the second visit, I left in utter disappointment.  The food here was inconsistently prepared, and expensive -- the quality of the food certainly did not justifying the price I paid.  And although the service was good, it isn't enough to warrant a repeat visit.

Greek Marina
Koko Marina Center
7192 Kalanianaole Highway Unit E-126
Telephone: 808.396.8441

Comments

[Kathy]

Hi Reid,

Such green falafels! I always leave here feeling very heavy (in a greasy way) and full. I stay away from the Greek fries with mayo but do like their salads.

[Colette]

I ate here a few times when it first opened and thought it was okay if priced a little high.

My favorite places for Greek food are either Leo's Taverna on Bishop (chicken kabob plate) or Cafe Europa on Alakea (vegetarian combo). Gosh, now I've got a craving for Greek! I guess I know what I'm having for lunch today!

[MBS]

Way too expensive.

[Will Lee]

Everything in Hawaii Kai seems way overpriced. For example, there is a breakfast/photo studio in the Costco mall and it is way overpriced for the skimpy amount of food you get. I have to go into Kaimuki or town to get anything decent. I haven't tried Cha Cha Cha or the The Shack -- those seem decent.

[MBS]

Yeah, that's what happens when you live in the 'burbs(Hawaii Kai). But HK was always like that. Either they didn't have decent food and/or it was overpriced. I'll take the city any day!

[anthony]

Hahaha! Falafels always reminds me of Bill O'Reilly.

[Will Lee]

Yah, my wife and I are thinking of moving closer to town in a few years.

I did like that Japanese restaurant in the Aina Haina shopping center - Komomatsu (?).

Any place else worth recommending in the HK, Niu Valley, Aina Haina areas? I know Chef's Table is very busy and popular but it's, what, Polish food (or was it Bavarian)? - can you say "calories?"

[renee]

hi reid! =) it might be just me, but the falafel looks a little overdone... i used to like the calamari there, though yah, as with everything else in HI Kai, it's on the more expensive end. ilike the falafel sandwiches at mazal's in kalihi - they've got some other cool stuff there too. oh, a note to will lee: the owner of Komakata in Aina Haina passed away recently & the son took over. from what i heard, he's nowhere as good a chef as his dad... give him some time and he'll get there...

[sherry]

never tried this place but if you like greek you should try the olive tree right outside kahala mall on the mcdonalds side...plus it's byob but i think they now charge $1.00 for each glass.

[Mama BoK]

What a bummer..!!

[Reid]

Hi Kathy,

I've been here twice and each time I didn't finish all of the food. I'm thinking that it's because I didn't really enjoy it.

Hi Colette,

Long time no hear.

I like Leo's too, but it's been a while since I've eaten there...and the prices went up when I passed by recently! I've been to Cafe Europa a while ago, but can't really remember the food. I guess a return visit is in order!

Hi MBS,

Definitely much too expensive for the quality of the food you get.

Hi Will,

I think you're right, but then there are some bargains to be had in Hawaii Kai. I think the food at Komokata is good and not too expensive.

Hi MBS,

Yes, exactly. That's why I'm staying right where I am.

Hi Anthony,

LOL! Bill O'Reilly? Why?

Hi Will,

Komokata is a pretty decent Japanese restaurant. The Chef's Table actually serves Austrian food that's quite good. I'm not sure of any other places that I would recommend in Hawaii Kai. Let me give it some thought.

Hi Renee,

Thanks for visiting the site.

I had not heard about the owner of Komokata as it's been a couple years since I was there. I used to go there to eat dinner once a month with the gang from work, but since everyone moved on to new jobs (we aren't in the same office anymore), our work schedules are different and we don't have the opportunities to get together.

The falafel was overdone and I wouldn't order it again...and yes, it really is expensive.

Hi Sherry,

Thanks for stopping by!

I did try the Olive Tree and wasn't impressed. I heard the owner of Olive Tree is the same person that used to own The Mad Greek way back when.

Maybe it's time to revisit that place.

Hi Mama BoK,

Bummer is right...but since I was there twice, it's a double bummer!

[Sarah]

I've eating at Greek Marina for about since 06/06. I must say, I love it..

[Garet]

Hi everyone,
I really enjoyed Greek Marina but, I only ate there once. I had the falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and hummus, with pita bread and salad. My falafel werent as overdone like the picture. I was quite satisfied overall, however the price is up there.

[anonymous]

I was a regular at Greek Marina, at least a couple times a week. It was an addiction. However, my last dining experience was a nightmare!! My Greek Salad was filled with bugs! At least 20 little gnats and aphids. I called the owner who was down right rude and came just short of calling me a liar. No offer of apology or credit for my disgusting meal. I would warn anyone wanting to dine at Greek Marina. It may not be clean. I have called the health department