Food: 8/10 Service: 7/10 Ambiance: 7/10 Food was really good. Exceeded my expectations. We got the katsu plate and poke tacos, and both were stellar. I don't live in San Clemente, but if I did, I'd be coming here pretty often! No wonder this place has such good reviews

What a heavenly Hawaiian haven! This restaurant idea was created in the parking lot of a Waikiki hotel. Bringing real Hawaiian roots to South County OC. The menu makes it tough to choose. Everything sounds so good! There is a separate dessert menu, so make sure to save room for that. There are two items that aren't listed but are made in-house. The Hawaiian Bread Pudding, which is made with Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, and the Macadamia Nut Cheesecake. Both sound amazing! Can't wait to try everything!

I will always be a fan of their kalua pork. And even more so when piled high on a delicious mound of crispy French fries. If you have a chance, I would highly recommend it. And as for their bbq- the big mixed plate was alright. I feel like it could have had more meat on it, but overall, the pork was good, the galbi was tasty and the variety of chicken was delicious.

This place is so good best food I've had in a bit, went for my husbands birthday and I still think about it. Drinks are stiff, service is great and timely and the portions are HUGE. Ambiance is fantastic and the decor is nice, really mellow

So much food! Delicious and hit the spot! Great island food without having to travel to Hawaii. Best I've had in SD actually. The only thing that wasn't the best was the Mac salad. Can't wait to come back!

My brother recently moved to the area and ate at Hapa J's a week prior to my visit. He raved about the food and he wasn't wrong. Unfortunately I came to Hapa J's on Tuesday. Not being a regular, I didn't realize on Tuesdays they have an abbreviated menu. I was really looking forward to trying some of the Poke but unfortunately I had to settle for the smaller Taco Tuesday menu. The restaurant wasn't busy so we chose a table by an open window. The ocean breeze added a nice touch to the ambiance of the restaurant and made me feel like I was sitting on the beach in Hawaii. The service was quick and the employees were friendly and welcoming. One of the servers brought a nearby table the nachos. I couldn't believe how monstrous the platter was. It had to have been five pounds of chips, cheese, meat and salsa. I didn't think I could take down that massive amount so I ordered the chips with bean dip appetizer and my buddy ordered the wings. Both were delicious and the portion size was definitely shareable. I decided to try the kalua pork quesadilla since my brother had raved about it. I did not disappoint. The pork was amazing. Sometimes pork can get a little dry if it is overcooked or held at temperature too long but this pork had delicious flavor and was moist. The portion was huge! I was only able to eat three of the six slices and had to take the rest to go. I definitely will return to Hapa J's on a non Tuesday so I can sample the rest of the menu and get a better idea of what they have going on.

Food was good and very filling. Huge portions. Loved the mac salad and the chicken katsu. Galbi was a little too sweet and the shoyu chicken was slightly overcooked, but overall still tasty. Service was quick and friendly. Ambiance is casual with plenty of seating.

Food was so delicious and in such huge portions! Everything was really tasty and we had leftovers. Service was super attentive. We came on a Saturday night (veterans day) and was surprised to see the place be really empty and quiet. Our server was great and recommended great drinks and food. Parking was super easy in a lot across the street. Overall a great community spot to chill and get your grub on!