Kailua
Home-style Italian cooking is on offer here, where the owner knows most patrons by name. Don’t miss the white-chocolate and mascarpone cheesecake. The…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Moloka'i
Have a seat in a retro booth in the starkly lit dining area at this pizza joint, or order takeout from the counter (and play Pac-Man while you wait). It…
Hilo
An unhip fixture downtown, this coffee shop has an old-school vibe (and teddy bears lining the walls). It's a laid-back spot for a cuppa joe and…
Hamakua Coast
Experience a plantation-era general store, with freshly cooked plate lunches and a vast selection of local snacks, such as 'seed' (salty-sweet-sour…
Windward Coast
Fast-food restaurants, shops and services cluster in this mini mall, about a half mile north of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Foodland supermarket has a…
Lihuʻe
Lihuʻe has two small farmers markets each week: Kukui Grove Center Farmers Market in the Kmart parking lot at the Kukui Grove Center and the Kauaʻi…
Windward Coast
Serving from a window in one of the old sugar-mill buildings near the center of town, this place specializes in burgers such as the Paniolo (Hawaiian…
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
Hilo
If Lisa Frank did fruity 'health' food, it would look like the rainbow of concoctions served here. Think technicolor smoothies and giant bowls of fruit…
Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
Kohala & Waimea
This market, spread out on a grassy field, has a scruffy, local feel. It offers fruits and vegetables, eggs, preserves, flowers, meats, cheeses, tea,…
Kapaʻa & the Eastside
A roadside shack that sells fresh tropical fruit and tasty smoothies, healthful multigrain-bread sandwiches, fish tacos, garden salads and addictive…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Among the best of several food trucks in central Koloa, Chalupa’s – owned by a chef from Veracruz – serves takeout plates of fish tacos and shrimp (garlic…
Hilo
Strange but true: an impeccable European-style bakery is plopped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pastry chef Jackie Tan-DeWitt specializes in classic…
Kihei
What? Great poke from a wine and liquor store? Yep, after browsing the aisles, which are well stocked with liquors, wines and beer, head to the tucked…
Hamakua Coast
Honokaʻa's oldest restaurant, a cozy go-to spot for wholesome eats, from taro pancakes to an open-faced spicy turkey melt. A kids' menu, biodegradable…
Kapaʻa
This small, back-street, all-natural grocer is ideal for health-conscious types who seek a wide assortment of organic, gluten-free, bulk and raw foods…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
This friendly, cozy Mexican cocina (kitchen), tucked away on an unassuming side street, serves authentic eats in generous portions amid bright and…
Windward Coast
This is the restaurant base in Hauʻula for North Shore Tacos – it also has a food truck in Pupukea. Nothing fancy, but tasty Baja-style Mexican with award…
Honolulu
Don't expect $4 doughnuts with toppings such as marzipan acai at this splendid little old-school doughnut bakery. Among the dozens of classic flavors is…
Hilo
Go beyond mustard and relish at this indie hot dog shop. The Mac Attack is smothered in bacon and house-made mac and cheese, while the Kalua Pork Dog is…
Waikiki
A fine alternative to overhyped bakeries, Nanding's has a great range of excellent baked goods and no lines. Their Spanish rolls are light, fluffy and…
Hilo
Stand in line (the earlier the better) with the local crowd to fill a box with freshly cooked okazu-ya (Japanese deli) food. Don't miss the maki sushi,…
Hamakua Coast
Check out the staggering selection of homemade preserves featuring local fruit ($8.50 per jar). Liliko‘i (passion fruit) is a classic. Low-sugar and sugar…
Windward Coast
Tamura's is Hauʻula's main supermarket and sells something that can't be bought up the road in Mormon-influenced Laʻie: alcohol! It's also open on Sunday…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
In a small storefront, this humble lunch counter makes huge plate lunches like loco moco and chicken katsu (deep-fried fillets), plus BBQ chicken and ribs…
North Shore & Upcountry
Good place to stop to pick up a picnic on the way to Haleakalā's summit. It does reasonably priced ready-made sandwiches, salads and hot meals, such as…
Haleʻiwa
Excellent Thai options here at the northern end of the main street range from soups, noodles and curries to fried rice. It serves good-size dishes and…
North Shore & Upcountry
One of Kula’s best-kept secrets, this little courtyard restaurant in the middle of nowhere is a lovely spot for lunch (try the crepes). Mains include…
Lahaina
Downtown Lahaina's best bar also has very good bar food. There's an emphasis on seafood, choices include fish tacos, various deep-fried shellfish, grilled…
Hana & East Maui
Located between mile markers 34 and 35, this 7-acre farm has a roadside stand in front of Hana Health selling organic produce grown on-site, plus healthy…
Kapaʻa
Start with ahi poke nachos, followed by wild-boar and lamb sausages and Belgian fries, or move on to a flank steak with chimichurri sauce or a vegetarian…
Windward Coast
At the Kualoa Ranch visitor center, this cafeteria lays out a filling midday buffet with staples such as kalua pork. Banana pancakes for breakfast and…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
The menu at this cute coffee shop lures customers with espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, granola bowls, homemade soups, garden salads and bagel and panini…
Lahaina
Excellent Asian fare is cooked up fast and fresh at this small restaurant buried in the recesses of the Wharf Cinema Center mall. Choose from a large…
Windward Coast
You don't usually find buns baked from scratch at a Hawaiian barbecue joint, but here a local family does it right, dishing up smoked brisket and ribs,…
Windward Coast
Eclectic comfort food keeps the regulars happy and entices newcomers at this popular cafe, now at the Waimanalo Center. Pizza, sandwiches, acai bowls and…
North Kohala
A comfy place to hang out and treat yourself to muffins, fresh-brewed Kona coffee and heavenly Tropical Dreams ice cream. For breakfast, the bagels,…
Hilo
This steak, seafood and pasta restaurant will suit those hankering for familiar American food with an island twist. More mainstream than cutting edge,…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Expect good-sized portions of Korean standards such as marinated galbi (short ribs) and beef barbecue. The barbecue chicken, pork and beef draw fans from…
Lahaina
Has everything you need for self-catering, as well as a good deli. The ahi poke (raw tuna) is served fresh, cheap and in numerous varieties at the seafood…
Hana & East Maui
Tacos? In Hana? Yep, and they're darn good too. Also serves quesadillas, breakfast burritos and fresh-made salsa. Look for the orange food truck parked…
