CU Brings a Taste of Seoul to Downtown Honolulu

by Lori Makiya

Popular Korean Convenience Store Opens 1^st U.S. Location in Honolulu

If you’ve ever explored the streets of South Korea, you know CU is everywhere. It’s the go-to spot for quick bites, late-night ramen, and quirky snacks. When I visited Seoul earlier this year, CU was my daily stop. There seemed to be one on every corner! My favorites? Banana milk, rice balls, and those make-your-own iced drinks.

Now, Honolulu gets its own slice of K-convenience heaven. CU, South Korea’s largest convenience store chain with nearly 19,000 locations worldwide, has opened its first-ever U.S. store right in downtown Honolulu. You’ll find it on Fort Street Mall, in the space that once housed Longs Drugs and later Walmart. If you’ve been around a while, you probably remember that spot!

So, what makes CU worth visiting?

Ramen Wall + Cooking Stations: Pick from dozens of ramyun varieties and cook them on-site.
Exclusive Korean Snacks & Drinks: Banana milk, yogurt, rice balls, custom coffee drinks, and even the famous tornado potato.
Local Collabs: Chef Sheldon Simeon’s Ho‘ina line adds island flavors like garlic noodles and smoked ahi onigiri. Plus, Kūha‘o Zane brings specialty products with Hawaiian flair.
Korean Beauty Products: If you know, you know.

This isn’t just a convenience store—it’s an experience. Whether you’re craving authentic Korean snacks or want to try something new, CU brings a taste of Seoul to Honolulu in a way that feels fresh and fun.

🎥 Watch the grand opening video here.

Next time you’re downtown, stop by CU and see why it’s Korea’s favorite convenience store. Trust me—you’ll want to snap a few photos and grab a banana milk while you’re there!