Must-see restaurants in Hawaii

  • Kilauea Sunshine Market

    Hanalei Bay & the North Shore

    This modest, county-run market has a friendly hippie vibe. A dozen or so local, mostly organic farmers show up to sell mangoes, papaya, cucumbers,…

  • Kilauea General Store

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Slim pickings for groceries, but does decent sub sandwiches (from $7.45) and pizza to go (from $13; 3pm to 6:30pm – call ahead for pickup). ATM and gas as…

  • Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant

    Kailua

    Pretty good sushi in a non-central location. Daily early-bird and late-night (9pm to 10pm) specials help keep the costs down. Presentation is stylish; the…

  • Reuben's

    Hilo

    Reuben's does strictly 'OK' Mexican food. It may not wow you, but neither will it disappoint, and when you're in need of a nice big burrito where you can…

  • Ocean View Pizzaria

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    The pizza is just OK, but they do make filling sandwiches (we're partial to the French Dip), but the lack of ambiance makes this a place where you eat, or…

  • Spoonful Cafe

    Puna

    Of Keaʻau's three Asian-inspired restaurants, Spoonful has been consistently the most dependable. Serves standard Thai fare in a comfortable space set…

  • Hilo Sharks Coffee

    Hamakua Coast

    Every village has its hangout spot, and in Honomu, this is it. Locally grown coffee (and chocolate), outdoor seating, tasty wraps, refreshing smoothies…

  • KTA Waikoloa Village

    South Kohala

    Located mauka (inland) of the highway in Waikoloa Village, this branch of the excellent KTA Super Stores is a full-service grocery store with deli, bakery…

  • Kapolei Marketplace

    Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu

    About a 15-minute drive east of the Ko Olina resort area, this basic strip mall has pan-Asian noodle joints, Hawaiian BBQ places, a pancake house and a…

  • Fresh Bite

    Hanalei

    Drawing on local, organic produce wherever possible, this ‘farm-to-beach’ food truck serves steak, chicken or veggie sandwiches, along with salad-based…

  • Foodland

    Kapaʻa & the Eastside

    Groceries stocked here include local produce and artisanal foods, as well as select gourmet and health-conscious brands. Scoop up some fresh poke from the…

  • Big Save

    Poʻipu & the South Shore

    Fill the kitchen of your vacation rental at one of the best branches of this Hawaiian chain, which stocks plenty of local produce; the ahi poke is great…

  • Safeway

    Kapaʻa & the Eastside

    Caters to mainland tourists through familiar national brands and an American-style deli, bakery, pizza station and sushi bar. It's the only 24hr grocer on…

  • Sueoka Store

    Poʻipu & the South Shore

    This small local grocery store on the town's main drag holds its own by stocking the basics, plus prepackaged Japanese snacks and Kauaʻi-made Taro Ko…

  • Malama Market

    Puna

    Pahoa's biggest grocer is best for basics and known for its diverse and excellent poke (seasoned cubes of raw fish; $12 per lb) selection.

  • Happy Snacks

    Kapaʻa

    A Thai-Chinese truck serving fish, chicken and beef dishes, wok-tossed in sauces spicy and sweet. It does a range of Thai curries and noodles too.

  • Vim 'n Vigor

    Lihuʻe

    Stocks healthy snacks, bulk staples and gluten-free and dairy-free products, but not much produce. Vegetarian and vegan sandwiches sell out fast.

  • Kaʻu Farmers Market

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    A small farmers market (Wednesday is bigger than Saturday) sets up in front of Ace Hardware twice weekly. Arts, crafts and limited produce.

  • Makawao Farmers Market

    North Shore & Upcountry

    Upcountry gardeners gather to sell their homegrown veggies and fruit once a week at this small open-air market next to Poʻokela Church.

  • ChoiceMart

    South Kona Coast

    South Kona's largest grocery store lets you stock up on beach picnic supplies. Also has a very good beer, wine and liquor selection.

  • Kukui Grove Center Farmers Market

    Lihuʻe

    On the garden side of the Kmart parking lot. Smaller and more focused than other island farmers markets, but still worth a visit.

  • Island Naturals Market & Deli

    Kailua-Kona

    This health-conscious grocery store has a deli making sandwiches, wraps and salads to go, plus a hot-and-cold takeout bar.

  • KTA Super Store

    Kona Coast

    Locally owned supermarket chain stocking groceries, beach snacks and drinks, with a full-service deli and bakery.

  • Volcano Store

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Basic groceries, camping supplies and a few grab-and-go items. Friendly staff and two gas pumps.

  • Waimea Coffee & Co

    Kohala & Waimea

    If you can snag a patio table, this is a lively hangout for espresso drinks and light fare.

  • Takata Store

    North Kohala

    For groceries, try this well-stocked, family-run market between Hawi and Kapaʻau.

  • Hana Ranch Store

    Hana & East Maui

    The place to stock up on groceries and liquor. Also has an ATM. Off Hana Hwy.

  • Foodland Farms

    South Kohala

    Full-service gourmet supermarket with an impressive deli selection.

  • Safeway

    Lahaina

    Has everything you need for self-catering, as well as a good deli.

  • Safeway Kahului

    Kahului

    For groceries, the Safeway in the town center never closes.

  • Healthways II

    Kohala & Waimea

    The local health-food store option in Waimea.

  • Amigo’s

    Kihei

    On Mondays, tacos are only $2.75 at this family-run Mexican restaurant that’s part of a small island-wide chain. Come here for huevos rancheros, sizzling…

  • Wong’s Restaurant & Omoide Bakery

    Waimea Canyon & the Westside

    Part Chinese restaurant, part local bakery, this Hanapepe fixture serves up favorites from saimin (local-style noodle soup) with pork to a whole roasted…

  • Wiki Wiki Mart

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    The only place to get groceries in town covers basics, but leaves a lot to be desired. Stock up in Keaʻau or Ocean View before finding yourself hungry on…

  • True Value Hardware

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Actually a famous hardware store chain, but its few aisles of groceries and refrigerated items is Volcano's best selection for self-caterers.

  • Malama Market

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    Standard groceries and basic supplies.