Hawai‘i has truly become a foodie’s delight. With a multitude of good restaurants serving up a bevy of different cuisines, there are options at every price point. The chefs here enjoy experimenting, adding a little Asian to Continental, or Italian to Pacific. And all use Hawai‘i grown ingredients whenever possible. “Pacific Rim” cuisine that has gained international respect. And because Hawai‘i is a melting pot of cultures, there are numerous ethnic cuisines to be enjoyed:, too Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese are only a few of the ones you see every day.
If you’re eating breakfast or lunch, reservations aren’t really necessary. For dinner, however, especially in some of the busier tourist spots such as Honolulu on Oahu and Lahaina or Paia on Maui, it’s always a good idea to book a table in advance by phone or online.
Etiquette in Hawaiian restaurants is the same as it is in the rest of the US. Beach attire is generally acceptable for breakfast and lunch, but for dinner guests should spruce up a bit (i.e. no ball caps or tank tops). Tipping servers also is customary; 15 percent is standard for average service, while good service deserves 20 percent.
Saimin (Japanese noodle soup)
Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
Price categories are for a two-course meal, paired with a glass of wine, if served at the restaurant.
$ = less than $25
$$ = $25–50
$$$ = $50–75
$$$$ = $75 and up
Oahu
Honolulu
Alan Wong’s Restaurant
1857 S. King Street; tel: 808-949 2526; www.alanwongs.com; $$$$
Chef Wong made a name for himself by taking creative and innovative approaches to traditional Island cuisine, and that’s exactly what he continues to do at this restaurant, one of the best in all of Hawaii. Fans rave about the “Da Bag,” which comprises clams and kalua pig steamed in an aluminium pouch. Reservations essential.
Arancino
255 Beach Walk; tel: 808-923 5557; www.arancino.com; $$$
This is the first of four locations for the popular local Italian chain, and it’s still the best. Pasta dishes such as black tiger shrimp and arugula in homemade tomato sauce are executed to perfection. Homemade desserts such as cannolis don’t disappoint either.
BLT Steak
Trump Hotel Waikiki, 223 Saratoga Road; www.trumphotelcollection.com/waikiki; tel: 808-683 7777; $$$$
This French spin on an American steakhouse offers prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood and a variety of side dishes. There’s also a raw bar – one of the best in town. Because the Trump attracts celebrities, you might even find yourself dining with the stars.
Chef Mavro
1969 S. King Street; tel: 808-944 4714; www.chefmavro.com; $$$$
Some see chef George Mavrothalassitis as a bit eccentric; he has been known to spend hundreds of dollars to track down the freshest fish for certain dishes. The result is a French-inspired menu like none other, complete with wine pairings. Menu changes quarterly. Reservations essential.
Cholo’s
62-250 Kamehameha Highway, Hale’iwa; tel: 808-637 3059; www.cholos.mx; $$
This homestyle Mexican restaurant is located in the North Shore Marketplace. The highlights are fish tacos and margaritas in giant goblets the size of small fish tanks. The place boasts authentic, colorful artwork from Mexico; most of it is for sale.
Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, 2335 Kalakaua Avenue; tel: 808-922 2268; www.dukeswaikiki.com; $$
Memorabilia on the walls of this oceanfront restaurant pays tribute to Duke Hakanamoku, the father of modern surfing. The food is pretty appealing, too; the place is known for its tasty prime rib and rotisserie chicken. Sunday brunch here is good value.
Exquisite sushi at Nobu Lanai
Barbara Kraft/Four Seasons
Hau Tree Lanai
New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, 2863 Kalakaua Avenue; tel: 808-921 7066; www.kaimana.com; $$
Follow in the footsteps of author Robert Louis Stevenson as you sit under the hau tree at this beachside seafood restaurant. Kids will love the purple poi pancakes at breakfast. Breakfast and lunch only.
Kona Brewing Company
Koko Marina Shopping Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway; tel: 808-396 5662; $$
This popular local hangout has 24 local brews on tap and sits perched on Koko Marina in Hawai‘i Kai. All that beer should be accompanied by nachos – order the kalua pig version for smoky, moist meat.
Little Village Noodle House
1113 Smith Street; tel: 808-545 3008; www.littlevillagehawaii.com; $
Smack in the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown, this restaurant serves up an eclectic, pan-Chinese menu. In particular, vegetarian options abound; the dried green beans are addictive. Public paid parking available next door.
Lucky Belly
50 N. Hotel Street; tel: 808-531 1888; www.luckybelly.com; $$
Pork lovers will adore this Modernist and upscale eatery, which elevates the swine to gastronomic heaven. Try the pork belly bao to start, then move on to ramen with pork belly, bacon and sausage. Meat-free salads also available.
Michel’s at the Colony Surf
Colony Surf, 2895 Kalakaua Avenue; tel: 808-923 6552; www.michelshawaii.com; $$$$
Lovers, this is the place for you. Restaurant windows sit mere inches from the ocean. An exquisite French menu includes traditional options such as escargot and foie gras, as well as newer items that incorporate local seafood. Dinner only. Reservations essential.
The Modern
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard; tel: 808-943 5900; www.morimotowaikiki.com; $$$$
Try the kim chee tofu dish made tableside at this upscale eatery from TV Iron Chef Morimoto. The restaurant serves mostly super-fresh sushi and sashimi – largely caught in local waters the day you dine.
MW Restaurant
1528 Kapiolani Boulevard; tel: 808-955 6505; www.mwrestaurant.com; $$$
The brains behind this popular local restaurant are Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, a husband-and-wife team from Alan Wong’s, who strive to blend local seafood and produce. Try the hearty oxtail soup. Reservations recommended.
Rainbow Drive-In
3308 Kana‘ina Avenue; tel: 808-737 0177; www.rainbowdrivein.com; $
Food at this drive-in restaurant is about as authentic as Hawaiian food can get. The signature dish is the Plate Lunch, with two scoops of rice, one scoop of macaroni salad and your choice of protein. Daily specials – particularly the beef stew – are worth sampling, too. Breakfasts here are also delicious.
Asia meets Europe at Roy’s Waikiki Beach
Roy’s
Roy’s Waikiki Beach
226 Lewers Street; tel: 808-923 7697; www.roysrestaurant.com; $$$$
This isn’t Roy Yamaguchi’s first restaurant in Honolulu, but it is by far the most popular. Located in the Beach Walk development, the eatery turns out Roy’s signature spin on Island cuisine, blending European techniques and Asian cuisine.
Sorabol
805 Ke‘eaumoku Street; tel: 808-947 3113; www.sorabolhawaii.com; $$
This 24-hour eatery represents the largest Korean restaurant in the city, and is a favorite spot among late-night revelers. Traditional dishes such as bi bim bap and kal bi are above average.
Ted’s Bakery
59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Sunset Beach; tel: 808-638 597; www.tedsbakery.com; $
There’s more to this North Shore hole-in-the-wall than chocolate cream pies; Ted’s is a classic sandwich shop as well, serving up giant submarine sandwiches, mixed plate lunches and more. Buy an extra roll or two, sit outside and feed the local chickens.
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
134 Kapahulu Avenue; tel: 808-926 3444; www.teddysbiggerburgers.com; $
Hawaiians love their comfort food, and the burgers (and shakes and fries) at Teddy’s rank among the best. There are other locations around town but this is the original. It even has a place to store surfboards for customers who come in off the beach.
Vintage Cave
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard; tel: 808-441 1744; www.vintagecave.com; $$$$
Small portions and Japanese sensibility characterize the experience at this sophisticated eatery, which serves a set menu every night. Attire here is semi-formal for men and women alike. Reservations essential. Consider making reservations a month in advance.
Wai‘oli Tea Room
2950 Manoa Road; tel: 808-988 5800; $$
Experiencing old-fashioned “high tea” at this tearoom in the hills above Honolulu feels like stepping into someone’s house, though it is run by the Salvation Army and profits go towards a local rehabilitation center. Tea is hot, goodies are fresh and delicious, and photos and clippings on the walls are like a walk down memory lane.
Hawai‘i Island
Beach Tree at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; 72-100 Ka‘upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona; tel: 808-325 8000; www.fourseasons.com/hualalai; $$$
Waves break just beyond your table at this alfresco, modern eatery that combines cuisine from Italy and Spain. Though the atmosphere feels a bit formal, the restaurant actually is great for kids, with chalk and chalkboards for every table.
A beachside table at Beach Tree
Don Riddle/Four Seasons
Bite Me Fish Market Bar & Grill
425 Kealakehe Parkway; tel: 808-327 3474; www.bitemefishmarket.com; $
You can’t get fish much fresher than what’s on offer here; the joint looks out on the boat ramp at Bite Me Fish Market in Honokohau Harbor. Sandwiches are named after fishing lures. For a real treat, order the fish tacos.
Sophisticated cuisine at Brown’s Beach House
Leonardo
Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast; tel: 808-885 2000; www.fairmont.com/orchid; $$$
Every restaurant on Hawaii Island serves local seafood, but few do it as expertly as Browns. Consider the Keahole lobster tails cooked with lilikoi Hawaiian vanilla bean gastrique. Other dishes incorporate daikon, ginger, lavender and different local ingredients.
The Coffee Shack
83-5799 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook; tel: 808-328 9555; www.coffeeshack.com; $
Think of this diner as a Hawaiian spin on a traditional Greasy Spoon; it’s only open for lunch and dinner, but breakfasts are huge and all of the breads are homemade. Beans for the house coffee are grown on the mountainside directly below the lanai.
Hilo Bay Café
315 Maka‘ala Street, Hilo; tel: 808-935 4939; www.hilobaycafe.com; $$
Roasted eggplant-parmesan custard and Hamakua mushroom pot-pie are among the options at this vegan-friendly restaurant in a strip mall on the outskirts of Hilo. This is a favorite among locals, so make a reservation, even for lunch. The view can’t be beat.
Huggo’s
75-5828 Kahakai Road; tel: 808-329 1493; www.huggos.com; $$$
There aren’t many fancy restaurants in Kailua, but this oceanfront eatery is the fanciest (and most expensive) of the bunch. Local seafood is the specialty here; also, try the guava-braised baby back ribs.
Kawaihae Seafood Bar & Grill
61-3642 Kawaihae Harbor, Kawaihae; tel: 808-880 9393; www.seafoodbarandgrill.com; $$
The building that houses this restaurant dates back to the 1850s. If you’re with a big group, order off the pupu (appetizer) menu; if you like vegetables, the Island Salad comprises the very best of the island’s produce of the day.
Kona Brewing Company Pub and Brewery
75-5629 Kuakini Highway; tel: 808-329 2739; www.konabrewingco.com; $$
Every visitor to Kailua-Kona should come here and dine on the patio at least once. Never mind that the place is in an industrial part of town; the microbrews are stupendous and the Polynesian-themed menu (think pulled-pork quesadillas) is great for any occasion.
Merriman’s
65-1227 Opelo Road, Waimea; tel: 808-885 6822; www.merrimanshawaii.com; $$$
Renowned Hawaiian chef Peter Merriman considers this his signature restaurant, which means the food is fresh, exciting and delicious. Try the seared ahi or any of the braised meats, all of which are raised locally to the restaurant’s specifications. Reservations essential.
The Seaside Restaurant & Aqua Farm
1790 Kalaniana‘ole Avenue, Hilo; tel: 808-935 8825; $$
Sure, the food here is tasty (try the fried aholehole), but the real attraction is the 30-acre (12-hectare) brackish-water fishpond outside, where the Nakagawa family raise their own fish. Reservations suggested.
A salad at Sushi Rock
Steven Greaves/Apa Publications
Sushi Rock
55-3435 Akone Pule Highway, Hawi; tel: 808-889 5900; www.sushirockrestaurant.net; $$
There’s no question that this small and quirky eatery serves up some of the best sushi on the entire island. Rolls change daily and often incorporate local ingredients with a twist – beef, lamb, or another type of meat. There’s also a full bar (and a lengthy cocktail list).
Village Burger
67-1185 Mamalahoa Highway, Waimea; tel: 808-885 7319; www.villageburgerwaimea.com; $
Burgers from this Parker Ranch Center eatery aren’t just any old hamburgers; they’re locally raised, grass-fed, hormone-free hamburgers. Toppings include local bacon, local avocadoes and local cheese. Even the ice cream for the house shakes is made in town.
Molokai
Molokai Pizza Café
Kahuna Center, Kaunakakai ; tel: 808-553 3288; $–$$
In addition to serving pizza (as the name suggests), this restaurant offers a mean prime rib and surprisingly good Mexican food. The atmosphere is casual and fun; at times, even on sparsely populated Molokai, it can actually feel lively.
Lanai
Dining Room
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Ko‘ele, 1 Keomoku Highway; tel: 808-565 4580; www.fourseasons.com/koele; $$$
The menu at this upscale in-lobby restaurant features a Hawaiian spin on the nature-to-table concept, incorporating as many locally grown and harvested items as possible (including meat). The multi-course chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings is a surprisingly good value.
Nobu Lanai
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Manele Bay, 1 Manele Bay Road; tel: 808-565 4580; www.noburestaurants.com/lanai; $$$
Of all the Nobu restaurants around the world, this one has the most spectacular view –of Manele Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Sushi and sashimi here are as fresh as they come; hot items – especially steak dishes – also are worth a try. Reservations essential.
The terrace at Nobu Lanai
Barbara Kraft/Four Seasons
Kauai
Art Café Hemingway
4-1495 Kuhio Highway, Kapa‘a; tel: 808-822 2250; www.artcafehemingway.com; $
What do you get when you mix a historic building with an Eastern European menu and homage to Ernest Hemingway? This café, which also displays work from local artists. Locals rave about the food and rant about the service.
Bar Acuda
5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; tel: 808-826 7081; www.restaurantbaracuda.com; $$$
Tapas (small plates) such as whole-roasted tomato bruschetta and Spanish chorizo with grilled apples rule the menu at this unpretentious eatery in downtown Hanalei. Grab a seat on the tiny patio to dine under the stars.
Beach House
5022 Lawai Road, Koloa; tel: 808-742 1424; www.the-beach-house.com; $$$
Many say this is Kauai’s best seafood restaurant – the lemongrass and kaffir-lime sea scallops are a local favorite. The setting also is a stunner, especially at sunset. Vegetarian menu available. Reservations essential.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
2100 Ho‘one Road, Poipu; tel: 808-742 7588; www.brenneckes.com; $$
Portions are huge at this casual, busy bar with windows overlooking the beach. Burgers come with a veritable pile of fries and rib racks are longer than most human forearms. If you prefer just drinks, there are two Happy Hours every day.
Caffe Coco
4-369 Kuhio Highway, Kapa‘a; tel: 808-822 7990; $$
This café, in a restored plantation set back from the highway, serves up an eclectic menu that includes pot-stickers, samosas, Greek salads, fresh fish and soups. In nice weather, try to grab a seat in the garden out back.
Casa di Amici
2360 Nalo Road, Poipu; tel: 808-742 1555; www.casadiamici.com; $$$
Classical piano music on Saturday nights makes the “House of Friends” a popular romantic destination. The food certainly packs them in, too; chefs make their own sausages, and risotto dishes that incorporate island produce always impress.
Hanama‘ulu Restaurant, Tea House, Sushi Bar, and Robatayaki
3-4291 Kuhio Highway, Hanama‘ulu; tel: 808-245 2511; $
Tearooms featuring tatami-seating are the highlight of this no-frills, pan-Asian restaurant that has added to its list of expertise over the years. Popular dishes include ginger chicken, fried shrimp and the robatayaki, which, essentially, comprises grilled meat and fish.
Keoki’s Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa; tel: 808-742 7534; www.keokisparadise.com; $$$
Food is almost secondary at this raucous restaurant, which is built to look like a Polynesian boathouse and boasts live music every night. Still, the list of seafood appetizers is always a good bet after a long day.
Postcards Café
5-5075A Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; tel: 808-826 1191; www.postcardscafe.com; $$
There really are postcards adorning the walls of this Hanalei café, which caters to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. A local favorite: taro fritters, which often appear on the menu as a special. All deserts are made without refined sugar.
Restaurant Kintaro
4-370 Kuhio Highway, Wailua; tel: 808-822 3341; $$
Tatami-mat seating is available at this Japanese restaurant that is a favorite among locals. Try the Bali Hai bomb, a roll of crab and smoked salmon, baked and topped with wasabi mayonnaise. Expect long lines on weekends.
Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge
5-5134 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei; tel: 808-826 6277; www.thenui.com; $$
This Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar saw a huge spike in business after its star turn in The Descendants, the 2011 movie with George Clooney. There’s live music nightly with Hawaiian slack-key guitar on Fridays.
Maui
Casanova Italian Restaurant & Deli
1188 Makawao Avenue, Makawao; tel: 808-572 0220; www.casanovamaui.com; $$–$$$
This Makawao restaurant revolves around its pizza oven; it’s an authentic dinner house and nightclub, but most guests just come for a pizza and some beer. By day, the eatery is a deli, pouring strong coffees and wrapping fat sandwiches.
Flatbread Company
89 Hana Highway; tel: 808-579 8989; www.flatbreadcompany.com; $$
Locals line up in droves for the brick-oven pizzas made with organic ingredients from this down-home restaurant just outside of downtown Paia. Vegetarians, rejoice: there are a number of meat-free pizzas and salads are tremendous. Go early and expect a short to moderate wait at peak hours.
Grandma’s Coffee House
9232 Kula Highway, Kula; tel: 808-878 2792; www.grandmascoffee.com; $
Yes, they sell coffee at this country-style restaurant on the Back Road to Hana, but the place is famous for its giant breakfast dishes and its baked goods. On weekends there is live music on the small patio (in the shade of coffee plants).
Baristas give a ‘shaka’ at Grandma’s Coffee House
Steven Greaves/Apa Publications
Hula Grill
2435 Ka‘apanali Parkway, Ka‘anapali; tel: 808-667 6636; www.hulagrill.com; $$–$$$
This restaurant cranks out upscale pub food Hawaiian Style; think pupus, hamburgers and workmanlike fish dishes. Perhaps the best part of the eatery is the Barefoot Bar, with its live music and drink specials during Happy Hour on weekdays.
Ko
Fairmont Kea Lani, 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive; tel: 808-669 6299; www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/dining; $$$$
The menu at this upscale Asian restaurant is the only restaurant on Maui to be serving food inspired by Hawaii’s sugar cane plantation era. What’s more, chef Tylun Pang incorporates family recipes from his own family and families of his line cooks. Reservations essential.
Honokowai Okazuya
3600-D Lower Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Honokowai; tel: 808-665 0512; $
Locals swear by this hole-in-the-wall restaurant, located in a Honokowai strip mall. The signature dish: mahi-mahi with lemon capers, which always comes with a scoop of macaroni salad. The restaurant has a few small tables but is designed mostly for take-away.
Lahaina Grill
127 Lahainaluna Road, Lahaina; tel: 808-667 5117; $$$
Iconic chef David Paul is no longer associated with this upscale restaurant, but the food is still delicious. An obvious favorite is the Cake Walk, with samples of Kona lobster crab cake, Louisiana rock shrimp cake and seared ahi cake. Reservations essential.
Mala Ocean Tavern
1307 Front Street; tel: 808-667 9394; www.malaoceantavern.com; $$–$$$
This tiny restaurant overlooking the Mala Ramp and Lahaina Harbor offers an eclectic menu that touches on the Mediterranean, Italy, Thailand and the Middle East. If you can’t sit on the patio, ask for a seat at the bar.
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Place, on the highway near Paia; tel: 808-579 8488; www.mamasfishhouse.com; $$$$
It’s no fluke that this has become Maui’s most famous restaurant. The food – freshly caught fish from around the islands – is stellar and the beachfront view never ceases to amaze. It’s also a great place to spot local celebs such as Sammy Hagar and Steven Tyler.
Seafood at Mama’s Fish House
Steven Greaves/Apa Publications
Manoli’s Pizza Company
100 Wailea Ike Drive; tel: 808-874 7499; www.manolispizzacompany.com; $$–$$$
Gluten-free crust is a huge hit at this brick-oven pizzeria in Wailea, as it is one of the only pizza shops on the island to offer such an option. Menu options also include traditional pizzas and a host of homemade pastas. Delivery available.
Milagro’s Food Company
3 Baldwin Avenue; tel: 808-579 8755; www.milagrosfoodcompany.com; $$
Margaritas and Tex-Mex food are the attractions at this closet-sized eatery near the intersection of Baldwin Avenue and the Hana Highway. Most ingredients are organic and some are even grown locally. Grab a seat on the patio and watch the world walk by.
Plantation House Restaurant
2000 Plantation Club Drive, Kapalua; tel: 808-669 6299; www.theplantationhouse.com; $$$
Views of Molokai from this top-notch restaurant in the clubhouse on Kapalua’s Plantation golf course are remarkable. The food is good, too; chefs incorporate local produce and products into a modern take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Reservations essential.
Spago
Four Seasons Resort, 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive; www.fourseasons.com/maui/dining/restaurants/spago; tel: 808-879 2999; $$$
Wolfgang Puck’s famous restaurant translates well in Hawaii, where chefs prepare freshly caught fish every night. Dessert is a spectacle, as well, with options such as passionfruit crème brûlée. In winter, Puck himself might be working the line. Reservations essential.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
600 Office Road, Kapalua; tel: 808-669-6286; $$$
There is sushi on Maui, and then there’s Sansei. The cult favorite serves up a variety of traditional sushi dishes, as well as new spins that incorporate ingredients such as panko-flakes, Asian shrimp cakes and mango. Meat-based dishes are available, too.
Star Noodle
286 Kupuohi Street, Lahaina; tel: 808-667 5400; www.starnoodle.com; $
Disregard the location of this restaurant (it’s in an industrial park); the food here is among the best on the island. Try the pan-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and kim chee purée, or the Lahaina fried soup (fat chow fun, pork and bean sprouts). For a more sociable experience, sit at the communal table in the center of the restaurant.