Lanaʻi
Overlooking the ocean, this restaurant offers top-end steaks and fresh local seafood. Eat as the sun goes down against flickering tiki torches and the…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Moloka'i
A simple bakery selling rather good fresh-baked goods, Kanemitsu is known for its Molokaʻi sweet bread and crackers (the macadamia-nut ones are…
Waikiki
Who doesn’t love a grill-it-yourself BBQ joint? Settle in with your entourage at this branch of the local chain for Kobe rib-eye steak, kalbi (marinated…
Honolulu
Combining the efforts of an impressive kitchen team and sourcing almost everything locally, this tidy little restaurant turns out refined meals without…
Oʻahu
With umbrella-shaded tables gazing out at the marina, this unhurried hangout individually brews cups of Hawaii-grown coffee – try richly roasted 100% Kona…
Kailua-Kona
Head here for organic shaved ice, with flavors ranging from green tea to bubble gum to mango to li hing mui (sweet and salty plum). This shaved-ice spot…
Lahaina
It’s a hunka-hunka burger love at this lively 2nd-floor doo-wop diner, where most of the burgers, sandwiches and salads are named for 1950s icons,…
Honolulu
Excellent cake doughnuts get elaborate and at times overwhelming toppings created fresh with each order. Some of the extravagant choices include Ala Wai…
Honolulu
Omakase (chef’s tasting menu) meals are Honolulu’s pick for serious sushi aficionados. As at top sushi places in Japan, Sasabune's chefs are fanatical…
Kapaʻa
'No shirt, no shoes, no worry' at this walk-up counter that makes humongous burritos and wraps, curry bowls and stir-fry plates. Get the ahi nori wrap…
South Kohala
Always ridiculously bustling and noisy, Roy's will either delight or disappoint. We suggest that you focus on the food and not the buzzy atmosphere. The…
Honolulu
Family-run Andy's anchors Manoa Valley's casual food scene. Next to a Starbucks and across the road from Manoa Marketplace, it can be a squeeze to get in,…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
A new-school Japanese fast-food fusion joint spinning up truffle and teriyaki burgers, fried-chicken sandwiches with Sriracha slaw, and a Japanese burrito…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
A strip-mall Vietnamese noodle shop offering their country's most nourishing export: pho (noodle soup with beef broth and rare steak). You can go super…
Honolulu
On the 1st-floor Ewa wing of the Ala Moana Shopping Center, visit Japan without leaving Hawaii. Part culinary theme park, part food court, there are 56…
Hilo
If urban ambiance is a priority, you'll like Jackie Rey's, a 'night out' dining spot with chic interior, sweeping bar and somewhat overpriced menu. The…
South Kohala
Hawi-born Rio Miceli cranks out eclectic, island-themed dishes at this spiffy restaurant, such as cold soba noodles with lobster, kalua pork flatbreads…
Haleʻiwa
These guys offer not only killer tacos but killer burritos. Try the longboard burrito ($9.50) with coconut rice and chicken, beef or kalua pig, plus all…
Hilo
Seeking value-priced, home-style Japanese takeout? This tidy little shop turns out yummy bento in three sizes, a welcome option for light eaters or kids…
Hilo
For fresh, inexpensive sushi to go, make a beeline to this nondescript counter near the downtown farmers market. Rolls and nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) are…
Honolulu
This sprightly addition to Chinatown features a high ceiling with a spare yet elegant decor. Paintings of monks cast their serene gazes down upon diners,…
Wailua
Reopened after a renovation in 2019, this mall is developing as a convenient dining hub with good restaurants including Sushi Bushido and Nom Kauai. A…
Hana & East Maui
This place is like a barbecue at your neighbor's house. Here, diners sit on folding chairs under a canvas awning while an extended family cooks away over…
Living Foods Gourmet Market & Cafe
Poʻipu
High-priced even by island standards, the often-organic, gluten-free and/or all-natural products sold here include cheeses, meats and imported wines,…
Waikiki
A beautiful beachfront setting under an arbor of three namesake hibiscus trees brings retirees and tourists back to this open-air pink-tablecloth…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Serving hearty salads, sandwiches and burgers, this restaurant has simple, airy decor and fairy lights inside. The pupu (snacks) menu includes dishes such…
Hanalei
Drop by this small white truck alongside Big Save supermarket for mouthwatering poke bowls, topped with various combinations of wasabi, sesame, avocado,…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
For harbor views and barbecue, settle in at this lively eatery. Beach Bums uses a wood-burning rotisserie smoker to grill up everything from burgers and…
Honolulu
At this hip bistro hybrid in Kaimuki, the motto is ‘local first, organic whenever possible, with aloha always.’ On the daily-changing menu of boldly…
Kihei & South Maui
No other place in Wailea comes close to this breezy restaurant for romantic seaside dining. Lunch features light options, such as an ahi (yellowfin tuna)…
Honolulu
Part of the Pier 38 complex, Uncle's serves fabulously fresh seafood. It's known for its Uncle's Original Poke Tower – sushi rice layered with fresh ahi …
Honolulu
This attractive and airy bistro, on the 3rd floor of the Nieman Marcus department store at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, features a fusion of American…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
This tiny green-and-blue trailer is incredibly popular and serves fresh sandwiches and a good selection of salads using organic and local products…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
For quick bites, this handy food court has four takeout restaurants offering ramen and plate lunches, but the real reason to visit is the excellent,…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
The roomy and rather lovely wood-built bar/restaurant at the Waimea Plantation Cottages has been through various incarnations over the years, including…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
For many late-night denizens, the teri meatballs (flavored with teriyaki) at this literal hole-in-the-wall are an essential part of a night out carousing…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
Hawaii’s famed icecream chain started operations right here in 1983. Lappert’s is way too big for Hanapepe-based production now, but this quaint little…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Not so much a traditional farmers market, but a worthy stop for fantastic handicrafts and drums, sterling-silver jewelry, fresh-cut fruit, cold coconuts…
Honolulu
Considered by locals as serving up the best Indian cuisine on the island, this lovely spot on S King St is small and intimate with an authentic atmosphere…
Waikiki
The breakfast and lunch restaurant at the Hawaiian Monarch Hotel on the canal is finding itself inundated with nonguests who turn up for the delicious…
