Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine
Experience the best of Thai and Laotian cuisine in a chic setting with a breathtaking outdoor courtyard, complete with a koi pond.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the best of Thai and Laotian cuisine in a chic setting with a breathtaking outdoor courtyard, complete with a koi pond.
"Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine is an absolute gem, offering a delightful dining experience with flavorful food and a charming atmosphere."
Reserve for the Best Seats
Book ahead to secure a table by the waterfall or in the scenic courtyard, especially for larger groups.
Embrace the Exotic Flavors
Don't miss unique Laotian specialties like Nam Kow and Laotian sausage for an adventurous culinary journey.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Thai, Laotian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(808) 536-5300
Address
66 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enchanting Courtyard Dining
Dine al fresco in a charming, resort-like setting with lush greenery, water features, and a koi pond, perfect for special occasions.
Authentic Thai & Laotian Flavors
Experience exotic tastes with signature Laotian dishes like crispy rice salad and lemongrass-infused sausage, alongside beloved Thai classics.
BYOB Paradise
Enjoy your favorite wine or beer with your meal thanks to a generous BYOB policy, with no corkage fees to worry about.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve for the Best Seats
Book ahead to secure a table by the waterfall or in the scenic courtyard, especially for larger groups.
Embrace the Exotic Flavors
Don't miss unique Laotian specialties like Nam Kow and Laotian sausage for an adventurous culinary journey.
BYOB Convenience
Bring your preferred beverages; there's a liquor store next door if you forget, and no corkage fee.
Consider Outdoor Dining Prep
For outdoor seating, especially in the courtyard, it's wise to bring insect repellent.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve for the Best Seats
Book ahead to secure a table by the waterfall or in the scenic courtyard, especially for larger groups.
Embrace the Exotic Flavors
Don't miss unique Laotian specialties like Nam Kow and Laotian sausage for an adventurous culinary journey.
BYOB Convenience
Bring your preferred beverages; there's a liquor store next door if you forget, and no corkage fee.
Consider Outdoor Dining Prep
For outdoor seating, especially in the courtyard, it's wise to bring insect repellent.
Visit Earlier to Avoid Loud Music
Opt for an earlier dining time to sidestep potential late-night DJ sessions and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine is praised for its delicious and flavorful Thai and Laotian dishes, with many highlighting the unique outdoor ambiance and BYOB policy as major draws. While the food is consistently lauded, some diners mention that service can be slow, and prices may be on the higher side for certain dishes.
"Olay Thai Cuisine is an absolute gem! Every bite of food was bursting with flavor—I genuinely enjoyed every dish. We loved it so much, we went two days in a row! The service was just as impressive as the food: friendly, attentive, and welcoming. I'm truly amazed by the quality and taste. I’ll definitely be coming back! Highly recommend to anyone who loves authentic Thai cuisine."
Joana Frausto
"This lovely, cozy restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with fresh ingredients and a BYOB policy that comes with no corkage fees. The portions are generous, and the staff is incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home.
The seating area features a charming small pond with turtles and fish, creating a pleasant atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. I had a great time and will definitely return! There are plenty of options on the menu, making it perfect for families and vegetarians alike."
D B
"Olay’s is not your average Thai restaurant. It gives you something a little extra, with their unique decor, extensive menu, and outdoor dining, the whole experience is a great one.
Keep in mind, it’s BYOB. There is a liquor store/market directly next door so if you forget, you can pop over to grab drinks. They don’t have a cork fee so you don’t have to drink it all.
The atmosphere is vibrant and lively. There was a wait when I went on a Thursday at 7:30pm. Next door there is a very unique bar that you can pop into if there is a long wait.
The food is absolutely delicious and comes out hot hot hot! A recommend place if you’re in the Chinatown area of Honolulu."
Christopher Villegas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Olay's Thai Lao Cuisine has a BYOB policy with no corkage fees, allowing you to bring your own beverages.
Reservations are recommended, especially for securing a table in the desirable courtyard or near the waterfall.
Must-try Laotian specialties include the crispy rice salad (Nam Kow) and the flavorful Laotian sausage with lemongrass.
Yes, the restaurant proudly offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options on its menu.
The restaurant features a charming, resort-like outdoor dining area with a koi pond and water features, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Parking is limited to street parking in the area.
Yes, you can specify your desired spice level for most dishes.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 23 Best Restaurants In Honolulu, Oahu - Oahu
You’d think in a city with year-round warm weather there’d be more great places to eat outside, however, they’re surprisingly scarce. That fact makes Olay’s all the more beloved, as it’s one of our favorites for outdoor dining. Even amongst groups celebrating special occasions, it’s generally calm in the courtyard garden, lush with palms and a koi pond.
Best Honolulu Restaurants, Summer 2022
Spend summer in one of Honolulu’s most inviting courtyards, fringed by ferns and bamboo and a koi pond with a waterfall. BYOB to pair with the Laotian dishes that are the star of the menu, from the Laotian salad platter, offering a sampler of Lao sausage and pork rinds, to the nam khao, deep fried rice balls tossed with fermented pork sausage and a citrus vinaigrette. Don’t miss the whole fried fish — always a showstopper.
Best Restaurants in Honolulu
For a good part of her life, Olay Somsanith cooked Thai food in other people’s restaurants. At age 63, at daughter Macy Khounkeo’s urging, she finally spotlighted the cooking of her native Laos. The Olay’s Thai-Lao menu is still mostly Thai, because we’ll always have a spot for green curry and stuffed chicken wings, but its locale amid Chinatown’s destination restaurants puts Somsanith’s Lao cooking front and center.
Authentic Indian Delights in Honolulu
Located in McCully Shopping Center where the old Thai Lao used to be. It's literally the same set-up with the existing bar/register/cashier area and the tables jazzed up to the current restaurant cuisine, which I'm not mad about. And these people don't play around!.
Thai Restaurant In Honolulu Recipes
The noodles were delicately crispy , the shrimp cooked perfectly, and the sauce was sooooo tasty. The Seafood Pad Thai was also yummy. I would have preferred more fish, shrimp or scallops and fewer pieces of squid but my husband was fine with the seafood combo.
You’re In For A Treat, These Thai Restaurants In Honolulu Are Here To Be Your New Faves!
So much food, it’s about to overflow, and that’s what makes it so good!. Image courtesy of the Olay’s Thai Lao Cuisine Instagram page. 66 N Hotel St | Honolulu | olaysthaihawaii.com
A Local's Guide to Chinatown Honolulu // Restaurants, Bars & Shopping
If you like Pad Thai, Shannon says it’s the best she’s found on Oahu. ADDRESS 66 N Hotel St Honolulu, HI 96817
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit