Poʻipu
A sublime oceanfront location makes Kaua‘i’s favorite special-occasion restaurant perfect for a romantic sunset dinner; book well in advance…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
North Shore & Upcountry
This blue food truck with a Hokusai-style wave emblazoned on the side is one of the best on Maui. Located near the Haliʻimaile Distilling Company, it…
Lahaina
This inviting waterfront restaurant from local restaurateur Mark Ellman fuses Mediterranean and Pacific influences with upmarket flair. Tapas dishes…
Waikiki
This contemporary incarnation of Roy Yamaguchi’s island-born chain is perfect for a flirty date or just celebrating the good life. The ground-breaking…
Poʻipu & the South Shore
This gourmet food truck serves lunch three times weekly at Warehouse 3540. The changing menu features self-taught chef Seth Peterson’s rich, upscale take…
West Maui
This place is tiny, not super friendly and the choices are weird (kung pao chicken and spaghetti with meatballs?). So why do we like it? First you nibble…
North Shore & Upcountry
During brunch watch the chefs whip up your huevos rancheros (Mexican eggs), a Benedict, or avo on sourdough at this pleasant indoor-outdoor cafe tucked…
Waikiki
For colonial atmosphere that harks back to early-20th-century tourist traditions, enjoy afternoon tea here. It comes complete with finger sandwiches,…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Like a food truck, only there's no truck. This family-run legend hidden deep in a commercial complex turns out memorable Hawaiian food, including pork…
Kona Coast
Ignore the mall setting and savor the beautifully presented Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, including tender miso black cod, Hawaiian ono (white-fleshed wahoo…
Waikiki
Overlooking the stylish pool at the Surfjack Hotel, this open-air bistro has a well-imagined casual and comfortable menu of classics, such as burgers,…
Waikiki
Why drive all over Oʻahu looking for favorite local foods when you can get many of them right here. Fittingly owned by the iconic Rainbow Drive-In next…
North Shore & Upcountry
Delicious homemade food, including fresh-baked bread, a full breakfast menu (nine omelet options, plus shakshuka, Benedicts, and biscuits and gravy), plus…
Lihuʻe
You won’t find an evening spot more fun and lively than Duke’s, which offers a classic view of Kalapaki Beach. The steak-and-seafood menu is none too…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
The old-school American diner gets a Hawaiian twist at this low-frills locals’ joint. Breakfast standbys such as Denver omelets and banana pancakes jostle…
Lahaina
Hidden in the back of an aging strip mall, this place looks like a dive from the outside, but the food’s incredible. Start with the fragrant ginger…
North Shore & Upcountry
Across from Rodeo General Store, in a gravel parking lot, you'll find the most delicious farm-to-table sushi, served out of a gypsy-style food trailer…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Wow, this ice cream is seriously good. Made from ingredients from local farms, such as Maui gold pineapples, Kula strawberries and Sunrise papayas, these…
Poʻipu
Celebrated chef Peter Merriman runs two very different but equally good restaurants in the same plantation-style building. Upstairs the Fish House offers…
Lihuʻe
There is no doubt that the historic Wilcox home at Kilohana Plantation provides a handsome setting, particularly on the veranda. You can daydream amid…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Inside a small, breezy green plantation-style house surrounded by fast-food joints, this cafe looks like it belongs in the Caribbean or Key West. The…
Kapaʻa
The most popular food truck of the bunch, this is a real-deal, authentic taco truck with fresh fish tacos and burritos, terrific al pastor (spit-roasted…
Honolulu
After a high-profile solo run, maverick chef (and namesake) George Mavrothalassitis has paired up with chef Jeremy Shigekane to continue creating avant…
Kihei
Da Kitchen is da bomb. Come to this no-frills eatery for Hawaiian plate lunches done right. The local favorite is Da Lau Lau Plate (with steamed pork…
Hilo
A longtime local favorite, Miyo's is known for delicious home-style Japanese meals and nightly crowds. Try classics such as broiled ahi (yellowfin tuna)…
Poʻipu
Standing alone in lush green lawns peppered with well-shaded tables on the mauka (inland) side of the highway, this little shack makes a great place to…
Hilo
For island-style Japanese food, this diner delivers high-volume flavor in a simple dining room filled with locals. Favorites include steaming ramen bowls…
Waikiki
Step inside this fantastic gourmet deli and bakery for take-away roast pork loin and citrus jicama (yam bean) salad, perfect for a beach picnic. Outside…
West Maui
Between the waterfalls, the swan pond and the tiki torches, this is Kaʻanapali’s most romantic night out. The award-winning cuisine includes the expected…
North Kohala
Trio specializes in three-course, creative Hawaiian-fusion cuisine. The menu has a lot of variation; on one night you might mix Indonesian chicken with…
Hanalei
Reserve well in advance to dine and drink in this smart ‘tapas and wine’ restaurant, which is Hanalei’s most chef-driven spot. It typically takes four or…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Fans of this mini-chain line up for manapua (Hawaii version of Chinese-style steamed or baked buns) stuffed with anything from char siu (Chinese barbecued…
South Kona Coast
The bingo-parlor dining room of the Manago is an iconic Big Island experience. It feels like an early-20th-century diner, but one made for South Kona's…
Lihuʻe
Despite neighbors including auto repair and welding shops, this is a prime destination for Lihuʻe's freshest seafood and meat. Poke servings are some of…
Lahaina
Who needs the ocean? The only view at this attractive Italian restaurant trapped inside a strip mall is of fabulous pastas and pizza. The rigatoni,…
Poʻipu
This old-style grocery store has much more local flavor than its big-mall rivals; stock up your condo kitchen here to sample some genuine Kauaian foods…
Plantation Gardens Restaurant & Bar
Poʻipu
Spreading through a historic plantation house open to the ocean breezes amid tropical gardens lit by tiki-torches, this charming restaurant probably won’t…
Windward Coast
Mike and his legendary yellow food truck have moved up the coast to Kahuku. You can't miss the vehicle, emblazoned with the words 'Winna Winna Chicken…
Lahaina
Step up to the front-yard register and prepare to be wowed by the hefty malasadas that arrive piping hot. You can order them plain or stuffed with…
Honolulu
The original store of this mini-chain dates to the 1940s – and looks it. The shave ice here is old-style: sliced powder fine, then flavored with an array…
