Aloha to Hawaii: Hawaiian Bros opens up new restaurant in Ward Parkway Center

After a new Hawaiian Bros location opened up in the Ward Parkway Shopping Center on April 2, providing a closer location for East students and new employment opportunities.

“I’m so excited it’s finally nearby so I don’t have to drive 30 minutes for the Dole Whip anymore,” sophomore Greta Stechschulte said.

The additional restaurant location has also provided new job opportunities for students looking for a summer job. Senior Claire Baker, who was recently hired at the new Hawaiian Bros, has been working there for over two weeks, directing cars on the curbside and ringing up the cash register.

Baker enjoys her new job with friendly coworkers who greet her with fist bumps and smiles each day.

“They advertise that their motto is ‘ohana’ for ‘family’ in Hawaiian, and I thought they were kind of just saying that to say it, but it really is a fun and positive environment,” Baker said.

The chain, which has only been around since 2018, has gained traction with their Hawaiian-inspired lunches that have price-ranges and meal-sizes similar to those of Chipotle or Panda Express. There are currently three restaurant locations near the Kansas City metropolitan area — one in Shawnee Mission Parkway, another on College Boulevard, and the new location in Ward Parkway.

“I think people really like the newness of the food,” Baker said. “There really hasn’t ever been a Hawaiian food restaurant around here.”

Huli Huli Chicken

The Huli Huli Chicken, which was the main course of my lunch plate, had a unique, slightly sweet tang and a freshly-grilled aroma that tasted like it was straight out of a Hawaiian luau. It was delicious on top of the bed of white rice, but could have used some spice or extra flavor rather than simply plain rice. The plate filled me up and would be a perfect meal to grab while out with friends.

Seasoned vegetables

Complete with zucchini, carrots, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, squash and red bell peppers cooked to perfection, the fresh vegetables I ordered as a side balanced out the rest of my meal perfectly. They were delicious enough to make me actually enjoy eating veggies, but not overboard with the spices so that I could pick what kind and amount of sauce I wanted to put on it. I dressed it with the housemade teriyaki sauce and enjoyed a sweet spin on the steamed vegetables.

Dole whip

It’s hard to believe that something so delicious as the pineapple Dole Whip is fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and low in calories. The pineapple soft serve is sweet, soft and refreshing after eating a savory Hawaiian plate. My diehard love of frozen custard might just be overshadowed by the adoration I have for this fruity, frozen treat.