Honolulu
Wandering food trucks gather at the western end of Kewalo Basin. You never know what you'll find, but generally the quality and variety are excellent…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Wow-Wee Maui’s Kava Bar & Grill
Kahului
The grill dominates the kava at this buzzing local joint, but it’s still your best chance to try piper methysticum, a ceremonial drink made from the kava…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Truly on the beach, like the name says, with unmatched ocean views, a romantic atmosphere and sophisticated cuisine featuring local ingredients. It's…
Hamakua Coast
In a cozy space with a New Age-y vibe, a husband-and-wife team serves creative healthy vegetarian fare (along with killer kombucha on draft!). Sample…
Kihei
For fresh, healthily prepared seafood in a family-friendly setting, try this chill spot in north Kihei. Order at the counter – we recommend the fish tacos…
West Maui
The Sea House offers a solid steak and seafood menu, but the main reason you're here is the million-dollar sunset. Our advice? Sidle up to the bar at this…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
The Eastside local's steak house serves broiled garlic tenderloin, tender center-cut fillets, and a NY steak topped with blue cheese or garlic butter. It…
Honolulu
A local favorite since 1950, Liliha is not far northwest of Chinatown. This old-school island bakery and diner causes a neighborhood traffic jam for its…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Enjoy delicious home-cooked Caribbean fare in a lovely, casual indoor courtyard-garden setting. Along with empanadas (puff pastry stuffed with fillings),…
North Shore & Upcountry
Grab a seat in the shaded courtyard at this local-favorite eatery to dine on sweet or savory crepes, salads and a variety of curries. You’ll also find…
Shokudo Japanese Restaurant and Bar,
Honolulu
Knock back lychee sake-tinis at this sleek, bright red Japanese restaurant (shokudō means ‘dining room’) that’s always filled to the ceiling (which is the…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
The US's southernmost bakery is squarely on the tour bus circuit and usually crowded – for good reason. If you want to try the Portuguese fried sweet…
Honolulu
Look for the orange sign well off the street at this long-standing izakaya (a casual pub), where staff shout their welcome (‘Irrashaimase!’) as you make…
Windward Coast
Right on the road, Keneke’s comes complete with Christian sayings and word games on the wall. Hawaiian plate lunches, such as loco moco (rice, fried egg…
Kihei
Wondering whether to order the seafood chowder? You should. This hearty treat primes the palate for the top-notch fresh seafood served in this busy fish…
Waikiki
Hit this simple noodle shop at lunchtime and you’ll have to strategically elbow aside Japanese tourists toting Gucci and Chanel bags just to sit down…
West Maui
The Maui outpost of chef Roy Yamaguchi’s upscale dining empire sits inside the golf-course clubhouse at the Kaʻanapali Resort. Views of the greens are a…
Honolulu
Traditional kaiseki ryōri (seasonal small-course) cuisine infused with Hawaii-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood and, frankly, magic. This is an…
Waikiki
The street-side takeout counter may be a tad short on atmosphere, but there is a fine little side yard with shady plastic tables where you can chow down…
Kailua
This chain supermarket offers high-end foods at high-end prices. It has a very large selection of organic fare and lots of prepared meats and seafood…
Kihei
At most Mexican restaurants on Maui, the food is simply a buffer for the margaritas. But here? The margaritas are excellent, but so is the authentic…
Waikiki
Inside this mustard-yellow storefront, boisterous groups devour the inventive chef’s encyclopedic list of fusion pupu (appetizers) crafted with island…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Lunch on organic vegetarian and vegan comfort foods like salads, sandwiches and pasta in the sunroom behind the Volcano Garden art gallery, or in the…
Wailua
Options on Oyster 369's raw bar menu include oysters on the half-shell, poke, ceviche and tuna carpaccio, while shrimp, mussels, calamari and clams are…
Haleʻiwa
With a superb location overlooking Hale‘iwa Small Boat Harbor, and with postcard sunsets, Joe’s is the place for romantic dinners. The inventive pupu…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
This popular Thai hole-in-the-wall place has a takeout counter tucked into the backside of Mililani Shopping Center. It's hard to find and there's not…
Kihei & South Maui
With more than 50 wines available by the glass, handmade pastas and pizza, and impeccable service, it's no surprise that Matteo's is a top pick in Wailea,…
Haleʻiwa
If you like pork, this is as good as it gets – legendary kalua (pit-oven) pork cooked daily for over 12 hours. The triple crown sandwich ($15) features…
Windward Coast
In a backstreet north of Laʻie Shopping Center, this small cafe is the kind of place locals would rather keep to themselves. Local grinds (food) – such as…
South Kohala
Spectacularly maintained and stocked, this is a one-stop shop for takeout food, freshly made sushi, basic and specialty groceries, magazines, gifts and…
Kihei
What puts the fab in Fabiani’s? Definitely the prosciutto, mozzarella and arugula white pizza with truffle oil. Or maybe it’s the linguini with sautéed…
Lahaina
That would be Fleetwood as in Mick (although they do serve a fine mac and cheese). The legendary singer is very much in evidence here at his eponymous…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Flavors are subtle, fresh, and familiar yet inventive at this restaurant helmed by the highly regarded chef Jean Marie Josselin. His focus is all-natural…
Honolulu
Inside, the dining room is classy, outside, the seating is near the waterfront and Honolulu’s fish auction. Chef Nico was inspired by the island-cuisine…
South Kohala
The Mauna Lani's flagship restaurant showcases local ingredients creatively but simply. Island ingredients are crafted with care; the risotto with Hamakua…
Waikiki
Surfboards on the wall and an awesome ocean view set the mood at this cheery open-air restaurant, bar and nightclub. LuLu’s filling breakfasts, complete…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
This laid-back place with a reggae soundtrack offers authentic taqueria gravitas right down to the house-made tortillas. Tacos come with chicken, locally…
Big Island Brewhaus & Taqueria
Kohala & Waimea
This brewpub nails the intersection of booze and belly-busting meals. The brewmasters have crafted over a dozen memorable beers, including White Mountain…
Honolulu
This late-night hub is where you’ll find Honolulu’s top chefs hanging out after hours, along with partying locals who come for hearty portions of kalbi,…
Honolulu
Honolulu’s bigwigs hang out after work at this swank French-Vietnamese bistro with a tiny bar. Ignore the inauspicious outside appearance and step inside…
