Honolulu
Handmade soba noodles (with soba flour imported directly from Japan), sushi and lighter-than-air tempura are superb at this long-term Japanese favorite…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Kauaʻi's beloved outpost for tandoori cooking and a filling Indian buffet (served every Wednesday and Friday). The tiled interior is dressed up with…
Sophie’s Gourmet Hawaiian Pizzeria
Oʻahu
Create the pizza of your dreams from the myriad options at this hip pizza place, whose ingredients are sourced from top local produce. Some of the more…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Creates pizzas with both familiar and island flavors, such as Poke Pizza with spicy ahi (yellowfin tuna) and lomilomi (chopped tomato and red onions) on a…
Hilo
Imagine an Irish pub that expanded its burger menu 10 times. That's Hilo Burger Joint, a former pub now offering over 20 types of Big Island beef burgers,…
Honolulu
Vegan home cooking is the theme at this mellow kitchen, where daily dishes get handwritten on the chalkboard. Pick an avocado or cilantro hummus sandwich…
Honolulu
Lots of Nepali and Indian favorites on offer in this popular upstairs place with seating both inside and outside on the balcony. Naan and breads are…
Kahului
The place to get your Mexican fix with a Hawaiian spin. This counter joint serves up classics done well, such as carne asada, chicken ranchero, packed…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
This East Shore institution dishes up solid fusion fare, mainly with a Thai and SE Asian spin, such as hoisin charred ribs and fresh fish steamed, seared,…
Oʻahu
The legend that is Leonard's on Kapahulu Ave in Waikiki now has a popular food-truck outpost at the Koko Marina Shopping Center. Join the lines to get…
Hanalei
Pick up organic and all-natural snacks and groceries at this local favorite food store. The salad bar and smoothie station (both open until 3pm) and…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
Pop into this friendly bakery for malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) fried to order from 7am-2pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, or to pick up interesting…
Kohala & Waimea
Kevin Cabrera's mission is to bring fresh, artisan bread to the people of the Big Island. Rustic boules and flour-dusted loaves of all sorts – triple-oat…
North Shore & Upcountry
The deli counter at this busy general store sells a variety of to-go meals, from salads and sandwiches to Hawaiian poke and plate lunches. The kalua pork…
Scoop of Paradise Ice Cream Factory
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Choose from exquisite homemade ice cream (in more than 50 flavors!), coffees, cakes and smoothies in the blue warehouse next to Paʻalaʻa Kai Bakery. After…
Kihei
This natural foods market draws 'em in for its well-stocked hot and cold salad bars ($10-11 per pound). The soups are so good you might see someone…
Hanalei
Much-loved local food truck permanently parked beside the Big Save supermarket that serves crisped-up tacos and larger burritos at good-value prices…
South Kohala
At the breezy beachside Hau Tree, you'll find casual dining and outdoor dress codes, all overlooking the deep blue Pacific. The solid if not super…
Kailua
Super-casual poke place renowned for the freshness of its seafood. Watch the chefs hard at work. The choices change daily; enjoy them to go or at one of…
North Shore & Upcountry
Fuel up with coffee or a healthy juice before a drive on the Hana Hwy. Good sandwiches and salads are also available to go, plus items from lots of local…
Kula Sandalwoods Cafe & Cottages
North Shore & Upcountry
This retro diner offers a hearty breakfast – eggs Benedict, omelets, hotcakes and French toast – and is conveniently located on the doorstep of Haleakalā…
Kailua
Look for the red-and-white banner written in kanji outside this brightly lit noodle shop. The menu of ramen styles ranges from Sapporo south to Hakata,…
Wailua
Shakespeare once asked, 'What's in a name?' In this case, everything except the mystery. At least you know what to expect. Platters of thinly sliced beef…
Hilo
For inexpensive sushi in a cozy setting, this hole-in-the-wall is sure to please. Order rolls and nigiri sushi à la carte or in generous combos (up to 30…
Kailua-Kona
Run by a friendly Thai family, this place does a mean line of Thai classics (as the name implies), including the standard rainbow of curries. There's a…
Haleʻiwa
So much more than produce; here stacks of vendors sell artisan crafts, souvenirs and organic, seasonal edibles. At the time of writing the market was…
Kohala & Waimea
This cheery cafe serves healthy, innovative food such as a breakfast burrito with eggs, tofu and sweet red pepper, and a hearty vegetable lasagne. Drink…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
This busy lime-green bakery sells takeout pies both sweet and savory, ranging from liliko‘i (passionfruit) cheesecake to chicken chilli pot pie. You can…
Honolulu
Shave ice is good but sometimes you want the indulgence of rich, creamy ice cream. This cute little shop makes everything on site. The flavor lineup…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Healthy and super-delicious acai bowls, pitaya bowls and smoothies, served up just across from Sunset Beach beside the gas station. Buy your refreshing…
Honolulu
Where else can you go to satisfy that crazy craving for dim sum in the afternoon or evening (though it may not be as fresh as it is in the morning)? This…
The Road to Hana
This aptly named old-timer has been slinging burgers, hot dogs and ice cream to midway road trippers for 30 years. The only ATM on the highway is here, as…
Hilo
Large appetites will find satisfaction at this no-frills diner specializing in local favorites: taro corned-beef hash, oxtail soup, fried-rice loco moco…
Hilo
Located downtown, Abundant Life opened in 1977 when only hippies in Hilo ate 'health food.' Like all health-food stores predating Whole Foods, it's…
Haleʻiwa
Food-truck Mexican in Haleʻiwa that gets a big thumbs-up from locals. It's good for dinner as it stays open later than most other food trucks, has parking…
Princeville
Sharing its large deck with vigorous population of scavenging birds, this caffeine filling station dishes up acai bowls, eggs Benedict bowls, breakfast…
Hamakua Coast
Specializing in waffle 'sandwiches' and inventive acai bowls, ranging from healthy to decadent, this tiny cafe is popular for light bites and takeout …
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
A Mexican joint in the same building as the famed Hona Hou diner, serving up tacos, burritos, nachos and taco salads. Pick your protein (pork, chicken,…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
Your quest for Kaua‘i’s top acai bowl might reach the finish line right here. A Marley Bowl comes with hemp seed, kale and bee pollen, and the Avatar with…
Lanaʻi
The coastal panorama from the private cliffside tables here is the best view from any of the island's restaurants, and it's surprisingly little known. The…
