Experience Banzai Bento

Founded in 2023, Banzai Bento is a local lunchbox shop, bringing family recipes using fresh local ingredients to create Onolicious Grindz sure to "Broke Da Mouth!" Quality and convenience are our top priority!

Gary Soma was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i before moving to Kane'ohe at the age of 11. His love for fishing began at a young age as he would always go fresh water fishing and whipping with his dad. Gary's passion for diving started when he attended community college and eventually transitioned to University of Hawai'i Manoa where he received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology.  From 2002-2015 Gary worked at various schools across Oahu, from elementary to high school, teaching students on the spectrum.  He discovered his talent for Gyotaku printing while teaching at King Intermediate, and while at Castle High School he shared his passion for cooking through leading culinary classes. During the summer of 2021, Gary met his fiancé, his one and only true love, Dawn Nashiwa.

Gary was taught how to cook by his grandma at a very young age. Some of his favorite dishes they would make together were shoyu chicken, oio fish cake, fried saimin, and spam musubi. Her special, secret recipes continue to be shared with our beloved costumers of Banzai Bento's. Gary's aim with Banzai Bento's is to ensure that no opu is left hungry, and every opu on the island of O'ahu will remain filled and happy with his dishes.