The Islands are home to literally hundreds of small take-out shops, okazuya (Japanese delicatessens), plate-lunch places, manapua shops and bento stands. This is a mere sampling.

KAREN'S KITCHEN

Owner Karen Yamaoka says her specialty is "good homestyle cooking" and she's proving that you don't have to go home to get it. Her small Kaka'ako restaurant, open since 1993, draws regulars who have their favorites, generally of the warm and filling comfort food variety — mushroom beef tip, pot roast beef, oxtail soup, hamburger curry. There are specials every day, too. Despite a lack of parking, Karen's bustles.

614 Cooke St. 597-8195. 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. No reservations. No credit cards. No checks. $.