Marukame Updon is a very popular restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii. Here is a picture of the place at 7AM:
…here is a picture at noon:
…and here is a picture around 8PM, with a line, 3 deep:
If you want to beat the lines, come when it opens or early in the morning. As an added benefit, we were staying at the Laylow Hotel across the street, which made it extremely convenient.
The first thing you do, is tell the person working the type you want. I had the tan tan and my wife had the Nikutama, which is like a sukiyaki.
Then you can choose a whole bunch of various tempura.
Then you pay, find a seat and enjoy.
Both the sukiyaki and tan tan broth were outstanding. Full of umami in every way possible. The tempura was also delicious. I would highly recommend this place. Just be sure to come early, and if you happen to stay at the Laylow, which is part of Bonvoy, then even better . Since we are on the topic of the hotel here is a pic of our room this time.We have stayed here twice. This time in a junior suite:
The hotel has a lively outdoor bar at night with live music, a nice pool area and ok gym. Some floors have cookies and coffee. The first time we stayed in a suite with two balconies and some nice city and water views. It is centrally located in Waikiki within walking distance of shops and the beach. The rooms themselves are very nice and clean.