Times Supermarket - Kahala

I’ve frequented this times on multiple occasions and am a teller at one of the banks next door to them. I’ve built a few relationships with the staff there and I’m a bitten sadden by my experience today. I worked out prior to going shopping and thought why not walk over and buy my groceries instead of driving. I walked in with my tights and a backpack and all sweaty and as I began my shopping experience, I began being watched. Working as security prior to the bank I know the steps taken to prevent theft. As I continued shopping more and more employees began circling me one even stood behind me and crossed his arms while giving me dirty looks as I shopped for chicken. As I walked to the register the two of them followed me and one made like he was talking to a cashier but was just watching me check out. They also had another employee who looked like he was from grocery posted at the door. I left with no issues obviously cause I wasn’t going to do anything but as I walked home I debated on whether or not I should say something. As I walked home I began analyzing what I could’ve done better to avoid that situation or draw attention to myself. As a tall native Hawaiian I’m not ignorant to the fact that people judge me or are intimidated by me based off my appearance. I think “maybe next time I’ll just wear brighter colors or for go the tights” but why? Others are able to go in and have a normal shopping experience why is it on a day I choose to be spontaneous I am somewhat criminalized for it? I don’t think I’ll stop shopping at this times, it’s convenient for me and I like the little interactions I have with the staff that knows me. I originally didn’t plan on saying anything but how can people be better if they don’t know what they did was wrong.

Great convenient location right off the freeway east bound, or a simple Uturn westbound. Grocery esp produce is always fully stocked. The hot foods/sushi/sides at this location is prime. Inexpensive grab and go items. This Times has self check out which is so convenient. Attendants for the self check out so friendly and helpful. Staff always friendly and kind.

10/21/21 Unfortunately, lately, prices in their foodservice area have significantly increased in a matter of days, not weeks. Understandably, the supply chain problems have affected a lot of consumer goods, and as a frequent customer, I can appreciate this. Other stores have compensated for their increases in different, creative ways. Not sure why they haven't. To simply raise bento prices by $1 or $2, is actually pretty ridiculous and shows a lack of vision. They have had a good following of seniors, construction workers and price conscious repeat eaters. I'm one of them there at least four times a week. I really wish they would have done it in increments or at least warn us so we could plan our lunch and dinner budgets. I, and many others I often see there, want to stay loyal, but why bother when my Amazon membership gives me better deals at Whole Foods, with better quality. One of the best deals, Times Unagii Bento, that used to sell out, jumped a whole $1 - overnight, to $9.99. Myself and another regular commented about the jump in price, and the noticeably reduced portions. Customers aren't stupid.. We both put it back down, browsed a little more, and left the store. Pretty sad to shock your loyal customers that way. I thought it was a neighborhood type store but not getting that feeling lately. Hence, the 3 stars - was 4. I'm pretty sure more customers will jump somewhere else, if they haven't already. There are other deals in the Kahala area, if you hunt. Stay tuned if Times actually takes the time to communicate and show they care to their loyal customers. At least offer helpful alternatives. Let us know how long these prices will last, etc. Need feedback from your customers? Ask! Servers there are still friendly and helpful, thank goodness. Upper management, I dunno! 4/10/21 I frequent the foodservice area here about 3 - 4 times a week. I'll browse and buy something at least half the time. It's been, especially during Covid, a pretty good value. It's evident by the crowds you see if you go as often as I do. They've evolved from regulars to seniors, military and construction workers. It's also reasonable enough where people can afford to go more than once a week. Sunday, I had a portion of Pot Roast for $7.99. Ample serving, tender, good proportion of potatoes and carrots, and a whole lotta beef, sliced like how it's supposed to be, and not in chunks. I also had a quick tuna salad for $4.99. They have a daily plethora of hot bentos and cold poke bowls or sushi trays. You can get a complete bento or ala carte your lunch and dinner. You just have to search and shop smartly here. There are a number of options to keep yourself healthy and happy. The grab and go sandwiches are a pretty good value too, especially the hero subs - gigantic! My favorite is the Passion Turkey Sandwich. Have that with a bag of chips or a side of slaw. Will post more pics as I go but absolutely worth giving a try. The value is definitely there in these challenging "Times". Oh, and don't forget the Sumo Breakfast and try the Chorizo Hash. It's outta bounds! 3/23/21: The Unagi Bento is off the hook! Easily, one of the best deals in town at $8.99. It flies off the counter as soon as it gets to the counter. I keep telling them to put more out cause it's money!! And couldn't resist a portion of Roast Turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce! Where else can you get your turkey fix on a Tuesday. 3/26/21 A plethora of choices! 3/27/21 Where else in the Kaimuki / Kahala area can you get good, authentic tasting Japanese side condiments. Hijiki and Yasai Takiawase. 4/10/21 They've just stared taking appointments for the J&J vaccine. Awesome sauce! 🤙 4/16/21 Seafood counter has pretty good stuff at periodically good prices when fish is at a high $$$. Staff is always accommodating. 12/24/21 Guava Ribs is soft, tender, tasty and off the hook! Shop here still like 5 days a week or more. The food concession still offers one of the better values in the area. Some things can be pricey but a lot of deals too. Back to 4 stars! 🤙✌

On the East side of Honolulu, the Kahala Times has the most varied and comprehensive selection of Asian groceries. It's my go-to supermarket when I need to replenish my Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese staples. In addition, they have a good variety of Mexican items as well. I also appreciate their Asian vegetables which are usually in stock.