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The 7 Must-Try Musubi Flavors At Musubi Cafe Iyasume: 2025 Honolulu Guide & New Location Update

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Planning a trip to Honolulu in late 2025 or early 2026? Then you need the most up-to-date guide to the island’s most iconic and beloved quick-service eatery: Musubi Cafe Iyasume. This isn't just a place for a quick snack; it's a culinary institution that has perfected the art of the Hawaiian musubi, blending Japanese tradition with local flavors. As of the current date, December 19, 2025, the biggest news is the imminent expansion of this Waikiki favorite, making it more accessible than ever for both locals and tourists seeking the perfect on-the-go meal or a delicious, cheap eat.

The cafe, which has become synonymous with the best musubi in Waikiki, continues to serve its signature rice balls across multiple convenient locations. With a new store opening soon, and a menu that goes far beyond the classic Spam musubi, we dive deep into the essential flavors, key locations, and the fascinating history that makes Iyasume a cornerstone of Hawaiian dining culture.

Iyasume's Corporate Profile & Honolulu Locations (The Essential Entities)

Musubi Cafe Iyasume, often simply called "Iyasume" (meaning "rest" or "relaxation" in Japanese), has grown from a single, humble counter to a multi-location powerhouse. The brand's success is a testament to its commitment to quality, freshness, and an incredible variety of creative musubi fillings. The company has become an essential entity in the Honolulu food scene, especially for those looking for an authentic taste of the island's unique fusion cuisine.

The Founder and Origin Story

The story of Iyasume begins in September 2000, when founder Toshiyuki Otake opened the first small counter location in the Waikīkī Sand Villa Hotel, across from the Ala Wai Canal. Otake's vision was to elevate the simple, traditional musubi (Japanese rice ball, or *onigiri*) into a gourmet, convenient, and affordable meal, quickly capturing the hearts of both locals and tourists.

Key Honolulu Locations and Hours (Current as of Late 2025)

Iyasume strategically places its cafes in high-traffic areas, making it the perfect stop for a pre-beach breakfast or a late-night snack. Here are the must-know locations and their typical operating hours:

  • Waikiki Beach Walk Store: 227 Lewers St. (A prime Waikiki location for tourists). Hours: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm daily.
  • Pacific Monarch Hotel Store: 2427 Kuhio Ave (Ground floor of the hotel). This is often considered one of the most popular spots.
  • Ala Moana Center (Lanai Food Court): 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard (2F). A convenient stop while shopping. Hours: Typically 9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily.
  • Kahala Mall Store: 4211 Waialae Ave, #G-19. Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm daily.

The 2025 Expansion: New Ala Moana Store

The most exciting news for late 2025 is the opening of a second Ala Moana Center location. Set to open in November 2025, this new store will be located in the bustling Makai Market Food Court area, taking over the former Curry House space. This expansion highlights Iyasume's growing dominance in the quick-service food market and provides even more options for those craving their famous musubi while shopping at the world-renowned center.

The 7 Ultimate Musubi Flavors You Must Try

While the classic Teriyaki Spam Musubi is the foundation of their success, Musubi Cafe Iyasume has built topical authority by innovating with dozens of unique fillings. Their menu is a masterclass in Hawaiian comfort food, offering everything from savory breakfast musubi to traditional Japanese rice balls. If you're visiting for the first time, these seven entities are the essential, must-try flavors that define the Iyasume experience.

  1. Spam-Omelet-Avocado-Unagi Musubi (The Ultimate): This is widely considered the ultimate Iyasume creation and a truly unique musubi. It layers sweet-and-savory teriyaki Spam with fluffy omelet, creamy avocado, and a slice of rich, grilled unagi (freshwater eel). This complex flavor profile is a perfect example of Hawaiian-Japanese fusion.
  2. Bacon, Egg, and Spam Musubi (The Breakfast King): A perfect grab-and-go breakfast in Waikiki. This musubi provides a double savory punch from the bacon and Spam, balanced by a soft egg and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying start to any day.
  3. Traditional Spam Musubi (The Classic): You can't visit Iyasume without trying the original. It features a slice of teriyaki-glazed Spam on a block of rice, wrapped in nori (seaweed). The exquisite sweet and salty (Amakara) seasoning is what sets Iyasume's version apart.
  4. Spicy Cod Roe Musubi (Mentaiko): For those who appreciate traditional Japanese flavors, the Mentaiko musubi is a savory, umami-rich option. The spicy cod roe provides a subtle heat and a deep, complex flavor that is a favorite among Japanese visitors and locals alike.
  5. Tuna Mayo Musubi (The Comfort Food): A simple yet universally loved flavor. The creamy tuna salad mixed with Japanese mayonnaise is a comforting, familiar taste that contrasts beautifully with the warm rice and crisp nori.
  6. Plum Musubi (Ume): The sour, tangy flavor of pickled plum is a staple in traditional onigiri. Iyasume’s Plum musubi is a refreshing, palette-cleansing option that offers a sharp, salty contrast to the rich Spam varieties.
  7. Cheese-Spam Musubi (The Unexpected Twist): Iyasume is known for its creative style, and the Cheese-Spam is a deliciously unexpected combination. The melted cheese adds a gooey, salty, and decadent layer to the classic Spam, appealing to those who love a modern, Americanized twist on the traditional snack.

Beyond Musubi: The Full Iyasume Menu and Catering Options

While musubi are the main attraction, Musubi Cafe Iyasume offers a surprisingly extensive menu that solidifies its position as a go-to spot for cheap eats in Honolulu. They cater to more than just a quick snack, providing full meals and catering service for events.

Bento Boxes and Side Orders

Iyasume’s menu extends into traditional Japanese and local Hawaiian comfort foods, making it an excellent choice for a full lunch or dinner. Their bento boxes are popular for their convenience and value. Key side order entities include:

  • Chicken Katsu: Crispy, breaded chicken cutlet, often served with a savory sauce.
  • Tonkatsu: A pork cutlet version of the Katsu, equally popular.
  • Miso Butter Fish: A more upscale, savory fish dish that offers a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine.
  • Potato Croquette: Deep-fried, panko-crusted mashed potato balls.
  • Shrimp Dumplings: Savory, bite-sized dumplings perfect as a side.
  • Curry: A comforting, mild Japanese-style curry, available in a 12oz portion.

The Hawaiian Musubi Tradition

Iyasume doesn't just sell food; it participates in the rich history of Spam musubi. The snack itself is a cultural icon in Hawaii, blending the Japanese tradition of *onigiri* (rice balls) with the American wartime staple, Spam, which became a permanent fixture in the islands after World War II. By offering both traditional rice ball fillings (Plum, Salmon, Seaweed) and modern Spam musubi variations, Iyasume honors this unique culinary heritage while constantly innovating. Their success is a direct reflection of Hawaii's melting pot culture, making it a truly authentic stop on any food tour.

Catering and Delivery

For large groups, office lunches, or events, Iyasume offers a full catering service across Oahu, delivering their famous rice balls and bento boxes. This service is a major reason why they are so popular with local businesses and families, allowing them to deliver the perfect musubi pack to any gathering. Whether you are ordering a single musubi or a large catering order, Musubi Cafe Iyasume remains an indispensable part of the Honolulu dining landscape, now with even more locations to serve you.

The 7 Must-Try Musubi Flavors at Musubi Cafe Iyasume: 2025 Honolulu Guide & New Location Update
musubi cafe iyasume honolulu hi
musubi cafe iyasume honolulu hi

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