Waikiki
In a case of the country coming to town, Kono's on Kapahulu is a city outpost for the popular North Shore–based purveyor of 12-hour slow-roasted kalua…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Aiming for an Italian ambience rather than a Hawaiian feel, this place crafts flatbreads, crunchy crostini and housemade sausage and pasta, and also holds…
North Kohala
The King's View is a bit of a community fixture in North Kohala, offering hot subs, creative pizzas (rosemary garlic anyone?), omelets, burgers and plate…
Honolulu
This state-of-the-art supermarket is street level in the new Ewa wing at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. There's everything you'd expect here, plus a…
Kailua-Kona
The grill serves gut-busting portions of Hawaiian soul food like plate lunches and loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with thick gravy)…
Hanalei
Tasty pizzas in this funky Ching Young dive feature a terrific crust made with Hawaiian honey and organic extra virgin olive oil (there’s a gluten-free…
Lahaina
Next to the verdant gardens of the Lahaina Public Library is a great reason to get out of bed: Sunrise Cafe serves up fantastic cheap breakfasts. Choices…
Haleʻiwa
Giovanni's can fairly claim to be the original shrimp truck, as it began plying area beaches with its sautéed garlic shrimp plates in 1993. It set up at a…
Kihei
If your group can't agree on a lunchtime restaurant, swing by this new food truck park behind the Azeka Mauka Center in north Kihei. A half-dozen or so…
North Shore & Upcountry
You can’t walk by this upbeat, arty cafe without being pulled in by the aromatic scents wafting out the door. Choose from fragrant Moroccan stews,…
Hanalei
One of Kauai's most popular farmers markets takes place on the sports fields adjoining the community center, Hale Halawai ʻOhana ʻO Hanalei. Locals line…
Kailua-Kona
In the midst of the booziest, cheesiest stretch of Aliʻi Dr, Foster's comes out with farm-to-table New American dishes – roast chicken, fresh salads,…
Kailua
One side of this catering company’s cafe (the ‘original’) serves upscale versions of plate lunches, including luau-like Hawaiian specialties on Friday…
Honolulu
The views here are superb, looking east past Waikiki to Diamond Head. Yet, despite the beauty arrayed in front of diners, many can't take their eyes off…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
A former food truck now relocated in a trailer in the Kong Lung mall, Sushigirl delivers generous maki (hand) rolls, sushi burritos, and mixed poke bowls…
Waikiki
This is a Hawaiian-style sports bar with meal portions so huge that virtually everyone walks out with a bag containing what they couldn't eat. The good…
Oʻahu
Farm-fresh salads, grilled panini and all-day breakfasts of crepes, crab eggs Benedict and short-rib loco moco (rice, fried egg and meat topped with gravy…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Locally owned since 1959, Kilani Bakery is just the type of mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall establishment that you remember from growing up. Everything is…
Hilo
Café Pesto is a safe choice, whether for business lunches or dinner with your mother-in-law. Set in a handsome historic building downtown, the large…
Puna
Serving burgers and pasta and an array of island-fusion fare – such as tempura ahi (yellowfin tuna) roll, orzo pasta salad and coconut chicken curry – in…
Hilo
There's something reassuring about a 24/7 old-fashioned diner with a mile-long menu. Established in the 1970s, this popular spot is known for friendly…
Wailua
Relocated to the reopened Coconut Marketplace, this locals' favorite has pop art on the walls and serves imaginative fusion sushi, such as the yellowtail …
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
In a garden setting adjoining the visitor center for Anaina Hou park, this friendly little cafe doubles as the ticket office for the mini golf. It serves…
Waikiki
Food fresh right off the farm is the ethos at this creative and healthy cafe. Most dishes are vegetarian (although the pork-belly Benedict is a winner)…
Honolulu
This former gas station has been transformed into a cheery local hangout. Where the pumps stood are now a dozen shady outdoor tables. At the south end of…
Puna
From Tuesday to Thursday, you'll likely find tacos, hearty Hawaiian dishes and organic coffee (Helloo Sunshine Cafe, Pahoa's best!) served out of food…
Waikiki
This bustling diner dishes straight-up comfort food: banana macadamia-nut pancakes with tropical syrups (guava, honey or coconut), sugary crepes topped…
Lihuʻe
Savvy bar staff and interesting spins on local dishes, including poke with kimchee and delicious coconut curry shrimp, make this breezy upstairs spot the…
Honolulu
Different to Marugame's other location in Waikiki, which caters mainly for tourists, the Downtown store has a different menu, catering to local tastes…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
An offshoot of the nearby organic farm, this roadside stand at Anaina Hou Community Park sells delicious fruit smoothies, juices, frosties, popsicles,…
Hamakua Coast
Honoka‘a's fanciest restaurant is this longtime Italian spot, specializing in thin-crust pizzas, pastas and enormous calzones packed to bursting point…
Hilo
Massive appetite? Unfazed by meat, gravy and fried food? If yes, we dare you to finish your order here. This island-style diner serves portions that could…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
This cheerfully crowded and chaotic store serves all the gluten-free, dairy-free and all-natural groceries, funky superfoods, snacks and supplies you’re…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Turtle Bay Resort's laid-back open-air bar and grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with impressive menus and an extensive wine list. For dinner,…
Windward Coast
The view of the lushly green Haiku Gardens valley dropping off from the open-air dining room here is a stunner that's worth the trip. You can enjoy…
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
South Kohala
Local celebrity chef DK Kodama is known for innovative, fusion Japanese cuisine, such as his signature flash-fried ahi roll, and an extensive wine list…
Honolulu
Fresh, organic island produce, natural-foods groceries, and a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly takeout deli counter for healthy pick-me-ups such as kale and…
Kapaʻa
A good old-fashioned Hawaiian diner, with a bamboo motif on the walls, no-nonsense wait staff and big breakfasts. Consider the Polynesian omelette with…
Kailua-Kona
Located in Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace, TJ's does enormous, tasty slabs of ribs and other meaty favorites, smoked and slathered in sauce (lots of sauce; if…
Storto's Deli & Sandwich Shoppe
Haleʻiwa
The made-to-order submarine sandwiches here are delicious, using a secret recipe for the fresh-baked bread. Sandwiches are named after North Shore surf…
