Lihuʻe
Chef Joshua Stevens’ Mexican, New Mexican and California-style cooking might put whatever style of tacos you’ve been eating back home to shame, at this…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaii
Honolulu
An originator of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Merriman's serves comfortable fare with island and Asian accents. Dishes are 90% locally sourced. Regular menu…
Honolulu
Seafood yes, but Young's also serves up plenty of locally beloved kalua pork, chicken and beef with the popular plate lunches that it's been dishing up…
South Kohala
Vegetarians flock to this spot, where the dishes show a commitment to local and organic produce and Pacific Rim influences. Kalbi-style tofu is served up…
Farmacy Health Bar & Grill ‒ Pukalani
North Shore & Upcountry
Craving a healthy lunch? Pop into Farmacy for a juice, smoothie or acai bowl – all fruit loaded and fresh. A spin-off of the Farmacy in Wailuku, this…
Kailua-Kona
Come here for several variations on delicious ahi tuna poke, plus a range of other island dishes like salted Waimea beef served plate-lunch style with…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
The only restaurant west of Hanalei is so close to the beach that ocean breezes waft through the windows. Its well-judged menu includes everything from…
Waikiki
Why go to Tokyo for perfect pork tonkatsu when you can enjoy the lightly breaded bits of deep-fried pork goodness right here near Waikiki Beach? The…
Kailua-Kona
Don’t let the fluorescent-lit dining room and polystyrene plates fool you: Ba-Le serves the sort of Vietnamese food that makes you want to pack it all up…
Kohala & Waimea
Barbecue isn't the first food genre folks tend to associate with Hawaii, but this is an island that loves smoked meat. This sit-down restaurant serves…
Honolulu
One-page and ever-changing, the lunch, dinner and dessert menus reflect the intensely local farm-to-table ethos at Fête, run by a talented couple. The…
Kailua-Kona
An adorable little Japanese sushi house awaits discerning eaters on the west end of Aliʻi Dr. Friendly Seiji serves fresh fish and creative rolls that…
Honolulu
If you live for anything fishy in black-bean sauce, this is Honolulu’s gold standard. On the eclectic pan-Chinese menu, regional dishes are served up…
Waikiki
Arrive early at this addictive, made-to-order poke shop before it runs out of fresh fish marinated in shōyu (soy sauce), house-smoked tako (octopus),…
Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu
Many fans consider the 30-minute drive to this coffee shop from Waikiki to be an essential part of their holiday. Classic diner fare is served by…
South Kohala
Fine dining and Pacific influences come together at this gem, which overlooks a fine sweep of the Mauna Lani oceanfront. Try the rib-eye steak, the slow…
Poʻipu
Natural woods, tiki torches and water features combine to form a warm jungle lodge atmosphere. The higher-priced, dinner-only dining room offers grilled…
Kailua-Kona
A convivial gathering spot for Sunday brunch or a sunny breakfast (served until 11:30am) with ocean-view dining on the sidewalk patio. This upscale diner…
Waikiki
Ride an escalator down to a perfectly authentic Japanese food court. Try to choose between 16 different stalls and restaurants. Your options range from…
Kihei
Come for the amazing spicy tuna nachos, stay for the Acapulco shrimp scampi, the Asian marinated grilled rib eye and the other impeccably flavored Latin…
North Shore & Upcountry
Hip, modern counter-service spot for a healthy salad fix or wholesome breakfast or lunch. The superb-quality acai bowls, salads and grain bowls are vegan…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
Come to this seafood-lovers’ dream to pick up a piled-high poke bowl or rice plate topped with seared fresh catch. Despite the name, they also serve all…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
This counter joint does the best donuts on Maui. The handcrafted brioche delights are made using local ingredients. Flavors rotate, but expect to find…
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is likely your introduction to the Big Island; with this in mind, let Ultimate Burger be your introduction to the wonderful world of Big…
Kona Coast
Do you know what’s better than enjoying pupu (snacks) or a great burgers on the breezy, beachside porch of the Beach Tree on a perfect Hawaiian day? Not…
West Maui
You put the lime in the coconut, Burger Shack. This casual and fun oceanfront joint beside DT Fleming Beach sells gourmet burgers, fun shakes and…
Honolulu
A diner for the modern age, the Superette has top quality comfort fare. French toast made with bread from famous local bakeries, chia seed pudding made…
Poʻipu
A guilty pleasure, this taco shop is just a hole in the wall of the Kukui‘ula Market grocery store, with no tables nearby. Lines form daily to get hold of…
Waikiki
Set on a patch of Astroturf with picnic tables fronting Kuhio Ave, this food truck serves one thing: hot dogs. Choose between a Polish sausage or a veggie…
Kahului
You can't beat the value at this casual local spot serving tasty Hawaiian eats. Don't come for the setting (brown furniture under florescent lights); come…
ʻIao Valley & Central Maui
Located in the bays of a 1920s gas station, this is (as a sign proclaims) 'where the hip come to sip.’ In Wailuku this means surfing the web in your T…
Hanalei
Great coffee and breakfast specials – like bacon and onion pizzas with soft eggs cracked on top – draw morning crowds to this organic bakery and cafe in…
Hilo
Vegetarians rejoice, everything is fresh, locally sourced and meat-free at this pleasant cafe. You'll find 'ulu (breadfruit) and taro serving as the base…
Windward Coast
No longer a lonely little vehicle, graffiti-covered Giovanni’s is flanked by a covered patio and surrounded by a veritable fleet of other food trucks…
Hanalei
Arrive early at this lovely riverside setting at Hanalei's eastern end for lunch or a sunset dinner, with fresh fish served cooked or as sushi, and steak…
North Shore & Upcountry
Craving a vitamin injection? Head to this small, palm-tree-shaded garden cafe off the main street that serves fine natural fruit bowls. Choose from three…
North Shore & Upcountry
Sidle up to the life-size wooden cowboys on the porch and say howdy. Then pop inside and check out the cowboy hats and souvenir T-shirts. If it’s…
Hanalei Bay & the North Shore
Kilauea’s busiest weekly market, beside the highway, attracts farmers and foodtrucks from all over the island. Stop and shop for fresh goat’s cheese and…
Honolulu
Sliced beef or ground pork noodles are combined with authentically piquant Sichuan noodles. A range of spices enliven the homemade beef bone soup, which…
Waikiki
Shrimp in all forms are the stars at this vibrant blue food truck. The spicy garlic shrimp po' boy is a spicy delight, with succulent little crustaceans…
