Haleʻiwa
This outpost of Uncle Bo's roaringly successful operation on Kapahulu Ave in Honolulu is earning its own loyal supporters with a great range of pupu,…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Moloka'i
A dead-simple corner location belies the fine yet basic fare here. Molokaʻi's best burgers come with excellent fries, although many patrons are simply…
Hilo
A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…
Hamakua Coast
Your fondest memory of the Pepeʻekeo 4-Mile Scenic Drive might be this roadside eatery. On the northern end of the drive, look for the cheerful yellow…
South Kona Coast
We first came here after Ironman, where we saw a wiry Italian, without an ounce of fat on his body, walk by, then walk in, saying to his partner, 'It's…
Kapaʻa
A farm-to-table gastropub with imaginative dishes like beer-battered tuna belly, spicy buttermilk-fried chicken, starfruit Caprese and lamb empanadas. It…
Honolulu
Expect lines of locals waiting outside this cafe's tiny strip mall location. On wooden family-style tables sit steaming-hot pots; pick your broth, then…
Waipahu
It's all here and it's all good: poke bowls, plate lunches, bentō boxes, legendary garlic ahi and more. The classics of modern Hawaii cuisine are…
Kona Coast
If some freak climatic event ever brought winter hibernation to the Big Island, you could survive the lean season by storing the calories away after a…
Honolulu
Hawaii’s only natural-food co-op is extremely good value and has an organic hot-and-cold meal and salad bar, plus a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly deli…
The Road to Hana
This sophisticated street-side stall is a welcome break for road trippers on their way to Hana. Hardworking pizza chefs cook fresh, 10in island-style…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Well-prepared diner fare with an island accent: omelet with kalua pork, Hawaii-style hash, passion-fruit biscuits and more. It's at the very south end of…
Oʻahu
After a tough day at Hanauma Bay, do as former president Obama has done (attested to by photos of Obama modeling a Kokonuts Shave Ice T-shirt) and drop…
Epi-Ya Boulangerie & Patisserie
Honolulu
Grab a pair of tongs and fill up your platter with pastries, ham rolls and myriad other treats fresh from the oven (we bought a loaf of their superb…
North Shore & Upcountry
Worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting, this charming island landmark with its creaking screen door and carved wooden tables grows its own coffee and dishes…
Honolulu
Buried in Kekaulike Market, you wind your way around vegetable and seafood vendors to this little stall in the back. Everything is spare and sparkling,…
Hanalei
It’s worth paying a few dollars extra at Hanalei’s finest shave-ice stand for their organic rather than their regular syrups; the liliko‘i (passion fruit)…
Honolulu
In the charming old YWCA Laniakea building opposite 'Iolani Palace, Cafe Julia is a gem. Named after Julia Morgan, one of America's first female…
The Road to Hana
The smell in the air tempts you in before you've even parked your car. The flavorsome chicken and pork ribs are cage-grilled over an open fire and turned…
North Shore & Upcountry
Tucked inside a former warehouse, this rasta-casual vegetarian eatery serves up a dynamite burrito loaded with beans, hot tofu and jalapeños. Also right…
Honolulu
This place at the top of Kapiʻolani Blvd racks up best breakfast gold medals in local culinary awards. Expect to queue to get in for the legendary lineup…
Windward Coast
Superb plate lunches can be enjoyed at tables inside and out at this super-casual (but not shack-like) local eatery. The beach is a short walk away; get…
Kailua
Locals reading the paper or petting their dogs at the blue-checker-clothed tables are the norm at this legendary cafe. The famous lilikoʻi (passion fruit)…
Kohala & Waimea
Think you can eat a lot? Expect enormous portions of loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with gravy or other condiments), pancakes the…
Windward Coast
One of the Windward Coast's best food trucks, this one is set near beaches and is surrounded by lush plants. There's also a nice shady picnic area. The…
Kailua
Cool off with a Lanikai Lime or Banzai Banana shave ice at Island Snow, which serves up some of the best shave ice on Oʻahu; it's creamier than most. A…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Held in the lower parking lot at Mililani High School, this popular market doesn't see too many tourists. There's everything you'd expect to find at a…
Kona Coast
The storefront cafe serves 100% Kona coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. Out back, an organic, slow-food restaurant dishes up a sophisticated yet casual…
Haleʻiwa
At the back of the town’s karmically cool health-food store hides a popular vegetarian-friendly deli. Breakfast is served all day, lunch is hot plates,…
Hilo
For a mouth-watering variety of freshly made poke (sold by the pound), Suisan is a must. Buy a takeout bowl of poke with rice and chow down outside the…
South Kohala
When only a real burger will do, come here for local grass-fed quarter-pounders with specialty toppings that are, in short, absolutely gorgeous. If you're…
Kailua
An excellent addition to the local farmers-markets lineup, this one lasts all morning. Wake up with local coffee and browse fresh foods, prepared foods,…
Oʻahu
This Big Island import is known for its microbrewed beers, especially the Longboard Lager, the Pipeline Porter and the Big Wave Golden Ale. There's live…
Puna
Fat pancakes, flavorful scrambles or hearty French toast, all made from scratch. This is breakfast the way it was meant to be. You won't find a more…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Authentically flavored and well portioned if somewhat overpriced (and splitting a plate will cost you a $6 surcharge). The chefs recognize that good Thai…
North Kohala
This little family-run organic take-out stand dishes out delicious empanadas (try the sweet potato, kale and goat cheese), bowls of ulu (breadfruit) curry…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hana Hou embodies all the glory and nostalgia of a 1940s family diner – because it was, and still is, one. The menu is filled with local takes on good ol'…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
In an area with few options, Mehe's is a surprisingly good one. Friendly staff serve burgers, sandwiches and a rotating selection of daily specials to…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
With an emphasis on local farm-fresh food and set in an upmarket farmhouse, the Mill House restaurant is impress-your-friends-dining without being stuffy…
North Shore & Central O‘ahu
Black Sheep makes craft ice cream in small batches daily. Every unique flavor has a kitschy name. Brave a single scoop ($4.50) of I Like Pig Butts and I…
