Oʻahu
Could it possibly get any better than a Bubbies mochi (Japanese sticky-rice cake) ice cream? There are so many great flavors to try that it will be hard…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Down to Earth Organic & Natural
Kailua
Part of the Oʻahu-wide chain, this large natural-foods store with a takeout deli and hot-and-cold meal bar has moved into a massive space on Kailua Rd…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
Vendors sell mostly flowers and produce, including island fruit – drink the milk from a whole coconut. Bring small bills and change, and show up on time,…
Kailua-Kona
Shave ice is piled up here in huge, psychedelic-colored mounds that are as big as your head. Dither over a rainbow variety of toppings, from condensed…
Hamakua Coast
A fudge shop turned cafe, this pleasant (and enticingly fragrant) spot satisfies a variety of cravings: sandwiches, salads, ice cream, shave ice and…
Jo-Jo's Anuenue Shave Ice & Treats
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
This shack delivers icy flavor: all syrups are homemade without additives and won't knock you out with sweetness. The superstar item is the halo halo …
Kailua
A 1930s landmark market near the beach that sells picnic supplies, convenience foods, made-to-order sandwiches and market-fresh salads. Good coffee, too…
Puna
Reliable, above-average Thai food with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. The green curry is usually top notch, as is the authentic green papaya…
Hanalei
A saffron-scented Kundalini-themed food truck serving Indian delights such as coconut vegetable and shrimp curries, chana palak (a chickpea curry), dahl,…
Lahaina
Enjoy authentic fare at this habanero-hued restaurant. All the expected standards are here like fajitas and burritos. There is also a huge selection of…
Wailua
This friendly restaurant makes broke da mout (delicious) ahi wraps, fresh poke, grilled fish plates, salads with local greens, and more. Get takeout for a…
Kapaʻa
Great for self-caterers, this local supermarket chain has a deli that chops fresh poke. It also stocks more locally grown produce and Hawaii-made food…
The Road to Hana
The coconut shrimp served at this food truck is so good that it brings people out of Hana. Other plates include mediocre beef and rice. Tuck in under a…
Oʻahu
Fill your picnic basket with organic produce and locally made specialty foods, hot and cold deli items, takeout sushi and salads, made-to-order hot pizzas…
Kailua-Kona
Kamana is a fine choice for Indian food way out here in the islands, with a deep menu that caters to carnivores (chicken vindaloo) and vegetarians …
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
After coastal hikes or lazy days on the beach, cool off with the delicious shave ice treats from this storefront shop. There are dozens of colorful…
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
This place lives up to its moniker. Stop in for tropically flavored shakes, sundaes, floats or old-fashioned scoops of Maui-made Roselani ice cream in…
Kailua
Authentic flat-crusted pizzas. Buy by the slice or by the pie. Close to the beach, it has a fine terrace with tables under umbrellas. Does a huge takeout…
South Kona Coast
Thin crust and zesty sauce makes us happy travelers. Claims to authentic NYC pizza are only slightly exaggerated at this native NYer's kitchen, just south…
Kapaʻa
A Mexican seafood truck can be a beautiful thing. It does Ensenada-style fish and shrimp tacos, ceviche tostadas and bulging burritos. There are picnic…
Kohala & Waimea
This weekly farmers market offers hand-crafted goods, fresh local produce and original art. Held at the Paniolo Heritage Center.
Waimea Canyon & the Westside
One of the county-wide Sunshine Markets. Small-scale farmers truck in the goods themselves, and locals keen to score the best produce line up before the…
Princeville
The comforting smell of waffle cones beckons, as do scoops of sweet island flavors such as Kauaʻi pie (Kona coffee ice cream with coconut flakes and…
North Shore & Upcountry
Dishes up 24 flavors of Maui-made gelato. The Sandy Beach is mixed with graham crackers and peanut butter. Smoothies, breakfast bagels and sandwiches…
Princeville
The North Shore’s largest and best-value supermarket has an abundance of fruits and vegetables, freshly prepared sushi and some damn good poke, wine and…
Windward Coast
Cool off with an ʻAngel's Halo' shave ice or a real-fruit smoothie next to Foodland at Laʻie Shopping Center. The soft-serve ice cream also has its fans.
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Small farmers market with fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh-baked goods and handicrafts. Meet the locals at this North Shore favorite on Saturday mornings.
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Brando, Sinatra and the Sopranos look down in approval from the cluttered walls of Giannotto’s, a family-run pizza joint known for its home recipes.
Honolulu
The BBQ ribs plate lunch is huge at this unfussy strip mall Korean kitchen. Fast service and tons of parking. The chicken katsu is a winner.
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Pretty and pink, the decorations at this cone-sized ice-cream and coffee shop are as sweet as the desserts. Try the locally made Hawaiian hot fudge.
Lahaina
Enjoy your silky gelato on the back deck overlooking the sea. There's a hard-to-resist array of smooth gelati as you enter, and a fine coffee bar.
West Maui
Off-duty surfers shoot the breeze at this low-key coffee shop, which sells sweet pastries, cupcakes and the probiotic drink kombucha (on tap $6).
Kohala & Waimea
This casual eatery serves reliably creative, tasty and healthful salads, sandwiches, pastas and more than a dozen crisp, thin-crust pizzas.
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
The near oceanfront location offers great views and the local-style breakfasts and plate lunches are priced right. Popular with locals.
Kapaʻa
This hickory barbecue truck keeps it traditional, with pulled-pork sandwiches and plates, and beef and pork ribs on offer.
Kihei & South Maui
For a quick, inexpensive meal to go, visit this deli inside the Whalers General Store at the back of the Shops at Wailea.
Moloka'i
The best selection of any supermarket on the island. In the afternoon fresh seafood from the wharf often appears.
Kailua
Get here early; locals line up for the freshest papayas, mangos and pink-ginger flowers around.
Kailua
Supersized slices of pizza with thick, chewy crust that the locals rave about. Offers delivery.
Puna
Find organic produce, healthy sandwiches, hot mains and the local nouveau hippie crowd.
