30 years of mouth-watering foods, brought to you by Hawaii's very own Tanioka's Seafood and Catering 

Rushing stores at the crack of dawn on Black Friday, having family over on Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day . . . wrapping presents, dropping off gifts, waiting for Santa, popping fireworks and going to pick up your order from Tanioka’s?  Yes, added to typical holiday traditions in Hawaii, is picking up your onolicious food from Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering, located in the heart of Waipahu.  I know I’ve been one of those people in that long, winding line, but always greeted with a smile, and great service, when picking up my holiday platters of fresh poke, sushi, fish patties (YUM), and other local delicacies.  Who would’ve thought over 30 years ago, that this small husband and wife-run shop, would be one of the most successful and admired businesses in the State of Hawaii? 

Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering celebrates 30 great years in Hawaii this year.

Tanioka’s foods has become one of the local “traditions” here in Hawaii, year-round.

Tanioka’s founders/owners, Mel and Lynn Tanioka

Mel and Lynn Tanioka started Tanioka’s Fish Market, Inc., also known as Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering, in October of 1978.  With just a humble 900 square feet of space (their rent was $300!), and four employees, they have grown drastically to now own their own 7,000 square foot building, employing over one hundred employees.  Having won many acclaimed awards within the past three decades (U.S. Small Business Award, Pride in Waipahu award, Peopole’s Choice Awards-Best of the Best, multiple years, Family Business of the Year, and more), it seems unbelievable that the owners of this successful business would remain rooted, deeply rooted, to the people of Hawaii, and also humble.  I know firsthand, that Mel and Lynn Tanioka are truly two of the nicest, most down to earth people you will meet.  Mel reminisces about the “early days.”  “We started with help from both of our parents and actually hired a dishwasher for the first few months so there were actually no employees on payroll for the first year except for Lynn and myself,” says Mel.  Today, the Taniokas’ two children, Justin and Jasmine, help to run the business and make sure that the same quality of service and food, is delivered to loyal customers. 

Today, Mel and Lynn still spend time overseeing operations, and working in the shop, but have turned a lot of the operations over to their two children, Justin and Jasmine Tanioka.

In the beginning, Mel and Lynn single-handedly did a majority of the work; including the tedious work of going to early morning fish auctions.  “Wow, we use to purchase the fish from the auction, clean them, prepare them, sold them, and even cleaned up in the first year!” remembers Mel.  Fish was plentiful, and more than that, cheap.  “Aku fillet sold for $1.50 a pound and the aku bone was 50 cents a pound!!!  Limu poke went for about $2.95 per pound and the poi was a little more than a dollar per bag!” says Mel.   The Taniokas experimented with different business possibilities in the 1980’s, by expanding to open another store at the previous Gem’s location in Waipahu (currently Don Quixote), a store called Tanioka’s Seafoods in Mililani,  and even a dress shop, run by Lynn, in the Mililani Town Center (Lynn’s Fashions).  Says Mel, “Operating four stores with limited managerial support wasn’t fun at all working seven days a week and not seeing the kids so we decided to scale back in 1990 and concentrated on one store and started our catering which was the best thing we did!”  Focusing in on their niche, the Taniokas felt blessed to now be able to attend Sunday services at Mililani Missionary church, as well as spend more time with their children.

Jasmine pictured with husband, Darrell, and newborn son, Ethan.

The Taniokas’ daughter Jasmine, now married, with a recently born son, has a background/education in teaching, but gratefully to the elder Taniokas, decided to help run the family business.  The gratitude is mirrored in Jasmine’s response to her parents and the family business.  “I thank God for blessing me with the best parents in the world - Mel and Lynn Tanioka.  They have provided a beautiful life for my wonderful brother Justin and me.  Our home has always been filled with love and laughter.  Everything we have and everything we are is because of their hard work, patience, kindness, support, and love.  They have been the best role models for us through their love for people and their generous hearts.  Throughout my life, what I remember most is the way my parents take care of family, friends, employees, customers and the community.  By the grace of God I am now blessed to have a family of my own.  I am truly grateful for Darryl, the best husband in the world, and for my amazing son Ethan,” remarks Jasmine.

Justin Tanioka, Manager of Operations at Taniokas, would sleep in the shop when he was a baby!

Son Justin, now Manager of Operations, was a mere infant when the business began.  “The earliest I can remember is sleeping on a long white chest freezer in the market . . . other than that it’s all a blur to me,” recalls Justin.  A vivid memory to Justin is no matter how busy and hectic the family business was, his parents were always there for the important events.  “My dad was our soccer coach for close to 12 years . . . he always made time for the team and brought us snacks after practice,” says Justin.  And of course, Mel outdid “normal snack parent volunteers” by bringing the best snacks to these sporting events.  “It wasn’t just the normal orange wedges and apples – it was the really good stuff, like candy from the market, or leftovers from the day . . . our teams always ate well!” laughs Justin.  Starting from “the bottom,” Justin washed dishes, swept and mopped the floor at the end of the day; everything that was necessary for the business to run.  “I’m glad I went through it, it gave me a wider perspective of the market and how it was operational from the bottom to the top. I was lectured and talk to just like everyone else; about work ethics and how the customers are the most important thing for our store and how we should treat them good so they would continue coming in to the store.  At first I didn’t understand the importance at first but as I matured it became clearer and clearer . . . no customers, no Tanioka’s,” says Justin.  After a brief “rebellion/denial-turned-awakening” teenage phase, Justin gratefully returned to the Tanioka’s market folds, and has been working there ever since. 

Mel and son Justin work hard, and play hard together, at a busy day in the shop.

Justin realized the importance of his family in his future and the pride he held in the business.  “We have our ups and downs as a family as you can imagine but I think with an open line of communication between us any problems that we occur it always works itself out in the end. I think the best part about working with your immediate family is the trust is there and that you can count on each other no matter what and to help each other without judgment,” comments Justin.

Mel and Lynn spend some of their now free time, traveling and with their first grandchild, Ethan, pictured here.

Mel and Lynn are now able to spend more time traveling, and enjoying time with their grandson, Ethan, as they have turned a lot of the reigns over to their children and other trustworthy employees at Tanioka’s.  In true “proud father” form, he speaks of the justification behind turning the business over to the younger Taniokas.  “Both Justin and Jasmine have decided to carry on the Tanioka’s name and in my opinion, will do as well or better in the future.  They both have commendable characters with Jasmine as a precise intelligent administrative leader always showing concern and generosity to our employees.  Justin on the other end, directs the operational duties with his fun loving character, always joking with honesty and fairness to our employees. He always amazes me with his ability to visualize two sides of a problem -which many of us do not possess,” beams Mel.  Mel and Lynn entrust their loyal customers, and work family, to the hands of their two children, and state an important fact, “Most parents or owners wait too long to pass down or release their authority but we are very confident and allow them to carry the responsibilities of operating Tanioka’s!” says Mel, and continues, “There is nothing Lynn and I wouldn’t do or give to both of them and we feel very confident and appreciative that they share the same love.”

Mel Tanioka, still hard at work after 30 years!

Tanioka’s is probably never empty, but the line moves very quickly with their capable and friendly staff!  I’ve never had to wait too long for the food; thank goodness, because my mouth is watering the entire time!

So if you’re hiding under a rock, 30 feet atop Kaena Point, or have simply not been in touch with the outside world and don’t know what Taniokas offers, be prepared for your mouth to water.

On their menu:  Poke, of all kinds (very good), crispy boneless fried chicken, ahi, salmon patties, different types of sushi, marlin and tofu patties, andagi, shrimp tempura, lumpia, hash patties, char siu, roast pork, fried sweet potato, bentos for every appetite of age, and of course all the Hawaiian fixings.  They also offer a wide variety of “snack” items, such as a wall full of seeds and candies,  soybeans, peanuts, and drinks.  A large part of the business also focuses on catering-to the smallest or largest of function needs—doing an Oriental Menu, Prime Rib Menu, Hawaiian Menu, or “create your own” menu.   Taniokas also assists community efforts, by offering fundraising (customers selling tickets or snack packs).  Need a gift?  They stock and prepare beautiful gift baskets starting as low as $9.99.  They serve early morning breakfast, and have monthly plate specials, which is advertised on their website.

Don’t believe me?  Lets take a tour of the Tanioka’s products/people!

I call this my favorite refrigerator-with every yummy fixing you can imagine!  Straight on back when you enter the market

Pictured here is Taniokas onion limu poke.

My most favorite fried chicken . . . ever!

Yummy spam musubi pictured here

Andagi at Tanioka’s-soft, fluffy, full of flavor, and seems to disappear in your mouth!

Here, you can see the “wall of seeds and candies” and even the baskets along with on top, pictures of celebrities who have been loyal Tanioka’s customers in the past 30 years.

Yayo Kaya (Kitchen Crew)

Ryan Pablico (Kitchen Crew)

Ryan Tanabe (Kitchen Crew)

Joann Abilla (Main Poke Mixer)

Reyn Ishitani (Front Crew)

Erlinda Lorenzo (Sushi Side)

Linda Hiraki (Sushi Side)

Marita Tangi (Sushi Side)

Ryan Tanabe and Rosalie Astorga (Kitchen Crew)

Jasper Hermano (Kitchen Crew)

Russell Yoza (Front Crew)

Joann Abilla (Main Poke Mixer)

Glenn Balais (Fish Dept / Poke Mixer)

Anthony Sabado (Front Crew)

Kurt Shimizu (Front Crew)

Arnel Omnes (Kitchen Crew)

Joshua Solivar (Fish Dept)

Joshua Solivar (Left) and Danilo Vila (Right)(Fish Dept)

Emmanuel (Left) and Romel (Right) Basuel (Fish Dept) Brothers

Abraham Baon (Fish Dept)

Best looking in the store and Ryan Tanabe (HAHAHA!!!)

Taniokas even started a non-profit foundation.  “Tanioka’s Charity Foundation,” a 501c3 non-profit company, supports various organizations throughout Hawaii (American Cancer Soceity, Honolulu Police Department, Waipahu Community Association, Boy Scouts of America, and many more) and shows the Taniokas’ wonderful efforts to give back to the community.

Although much has changed in terms of Hawaii’s economy, lifestyle, and landscape, the Tanioka family has remained true to their motto:  “Quality foods with a friendly smile.”  The closeness of the family is obvious, as you witness little inside jokes and warm laughter between the four Taniokas and their staff.  Its evident that they truly consider staff, whether working there part-time for a few weeks, or full-time since day 1, extended family.  Walking through the shop is like walking into a typical Hawaiian style family party.  So while the past 30 years have been good to the Tanioka family, I can only envision the next 30 to be even better-congratulations on 30 great years, Taniokas!

What Da Locals Think (of their favorite Tanioka’s food!)

Gregg Hammer, Comedian/Entertainer/Radio personality
http://www.thegregghammerband.com/

“Their fried noodles and fried chicken!”
Kim’s note:  Make sure you all head to a special “Night After Christmas” performance of the Gregg Hammer Band at Dave & Buster’s on December 26, 2008 @ 6:30 p.m.  Call (808) 589-2215 for reservations before they book up!

Tiny Tadani, Television/Radio personality:

I like da roast pork and spam musubi-the best!

Sharlene Oshiro, Makaha Sons Concert Coordinator:
http://www.sharleneoshiro.com/

Fried chicken . . . yummy!

Kelly Boy Delima, Kapena
http://www.kapena.com/

Fried garlic chicken!

Mikey Goodknecht, Makaha Sons sound technician

Their chicken and lomi ahi!

John Koko, Makaha Sons
http://www.makahasons.com/

Cone sushi, fried chicken, sashimi plate, and their andagi!

MY favorites:

I absolutely love this mix; spicy ahi/tako on top of sushi rice . . . the blend of flavors and its size and price, are just perfect!

I absolutely love all of their poke-as long as its with poi!

My ultimate FAVORITE seed, ever, from anywhere, is stocked regularly at Tanioka’s-their seedless li hing mui!

Another view of the yummy poke displays!

Yes, I know, I’m a horrible food reviewer, because I don’t know what these are called – they are fairly new to the Tanioka’s menu … I think they are called their crabcakes?  Yummy.  Filled with a concoction of imitation crab, and I have no idea what else, these are so delicious; crispy on the outside, and full of flavor and seafood on the inside!

And where have THESE been my entire life?  Just recently added to their variety of goodies, is this unreal mochi treat.  At the time this article was written, there was no name for it, but the mochi is simply amazing.  In the middle of the mochi was a strawberry-type filling, then drizzled with light chocolate.  Need I say more?  If you don’t know what its called, just tell them it’s the mochi that Kim loves!