The 22 Best Hawaii Restaurants
- Mama’s Fish House • Maui • $$$$.
- Lahaina Grill • Maui • $$$
This fine dining establishment specializing in steak and seafood dishes serves as an ideal setting for elegant dinners and memorable occasions. Renowned for its richly flavored and artfully presented meals, broad wine list, and exemplary customer service. Be certain to leave room for dessert; if undecided on which sweet treat to cap off the meal with, they do permit half-portions to try multiple options. The atmosphere lends itself to upscale dining, yet as with most locales in Maui, dressing formally is not mandatory. On-street parking can prove challenging but there`s a paid lot situated behind their building, sharing the same historic location as Lahaina Inn. Reservations are recommended, or expect an extended wait time. - Lahaina Grill • Maui • $$$ Stylish bistro in downtown Honolulu offering current fusion nourishment. MW’s center is on locally sourced fixings, giving conventional Hawaiian nourishments an cosmopolitan twist. Suppers can be requested independently or as a multi-course testing menu with discretionary wine counterparts. Amazing cocktails are made with unusual fixings, like green tea, beets, and lemongrass. Valet stopping is accessible; street stopping can be crowded.
- Town – Oahu – $$ The ingredients grown locally or harvested from Hawaiian canoes are highlighted on the menu of this restaurant focusing on farm-to-table meals. Named Town, it features highly innovative dishes, emphasizing Hawaiian ingredients with touches of American and Italian flavors. The daily changing food menu depends on local availability. Their exceptional cocktail menu, reworked weekly in collaboration between the bar and kitchen using diverse fresh purees, is also outstanding. The environment here has an urbanly cool vibe with industrial decor. Situated in the trendy Kaimuki neighborhood, parking can be difficult; a nearby municipal lot is available if on-street parking is full. Reservations recommended.
- Art Café Hemingway • Kauai • $$ The best restaurant on Kauai. This is a cozy little spot serving locally sourced ingredients with a French twist, very different than anything else in the area. They are famous for their brunch, especially their egg dishes, and an ever-changing menu means that dinner here is innovative and exciting. (black pepper soufflé for dessert!) The dining experience here is not one to rush through – it’s relaxed and European-style, with a casual, artsy ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
- Sweet Home Café • Oahu • $$ A delectable hot pot establishment where diners curate their own broth and cook it at their tables. An exhaustive selection of rich stocks and thinly sliced proteins on the menu, plus three refrigerators brimming with veggies, noodles, tofus, and more to stir into the pot, and a sauce bar to add some zest. All orders include a complimentary Taiwanese-style shaved ice dessert, with boba, coffee jellies, fruit, and sweetened condensed milk. The atmosphere here is fun and relaxed, rendering this a popular place to reconnect with friends and family. The restaurant has a small footprint, and parking in the lot is constrained, though street parking is free. They do not accept reservations, so the wait can be elongated, but as the patrons queued outside will affirm, it’s entirely worthwhile.
- The Poke Shack – Big Island – $$.
- Star Noodle • Maui • $$ Vibrant establishment serving homemade noodles, blended meals, sake, and novel beverages. Flavors were bold, and most servings were abundant, meant for sharing. They were most acclaimed for their garlic noodles, Asian-fusion soup, and Southeast Asian pancakes, but the entire list of options excelled. The establishment had an amazing selection of sake and full bar; their Asian pear beverage was the most popular drink. Atmosphere was warm, casual, and sometimes lively. Advance reservations were highly recommended, and should be made well in advance. They filled up swiftly, especially on weekends.
- A dessert establishment – Oahu – $$.
- Heavenly • Oahu • $$ Sweet miniature café serving breakfast throughout the day. Here the concentration is on local, organic foods which are healthy and delicious, all with Pacific Rim flair. The menu is varied, serving light fruit plates and egg breakfasts, along with Hawaiian and Asian favorites like loco moco and Hainanese chicken rice. The ambience is casual, upbeat, and family friendly. Parking is in the trade center across the stand; make certain to have the host validate the ticket.
- Keoke’s Paradise • Kauai • $$ Tropical-themed restaurant serving Hawaiian and American cuisine. This place appears like a tourist attraction, and indeed, they serve piña coladas out of hollowed pineapples, but the food is outstanding. Fresh poke, perfectly cooked seafood, juicy kalua pork, and exceptional cocktails. If the Hawaiian interior design is too gaudy, head outside – their outdoor dining offers great views of the garden and water features. Fun, family-friendly vibe with easy parking and no need for reservations.
- Pa’ia Fish Plaza — Maui — $$ This casual eatery focuses on locally caught fish that is fresh. The Pa`ia Fish Market truly serves the most superb fish burgers in Maui, though their fish tacos and fish and chips are also superb choices. Their best burger, the sizable Obama (grilled ono with wasabi butter), is not on the menu; simply ask! Beer and hard cider are options here, but there is no full bar. Seating is in a communal family style with massive shared tables. Parking can be difficult here; there is a free lot a few blocks west, if on-street parking is full nearby.
- B.Loose: Greek-made, casual linen clothing for men and women.
- Restaurant • Hawaiian Island • $$ Local neighborhood diner specializing in Hawaiian-style cuisine. The dishes here are both tasty and filling while offering good value. Breakfast options feature local favorites – choose between loco moco, fried rice, or a combination of the two through the Ali`i Fried Rice topped with a hamburger patty, corned beef hash and an over easy egg. Plate lunches (two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad plus an entrée item) are standard here, with the most popular being kalbi and garlic chicken. Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with four locations across Oahu.
- Hilo Bay Café – Big Island – $$.
- A Hawaiian-American restaurant situated in Hilo Bay offering exceptional sushi and stunning scenery. Food served is seasonal and organic with many vegetarian selections. Their fish selection of the day can be prepared in various styles, and regardless of what it transpires to be on that day, it will emerge prepared flawlessly. Their full bar includes fun cocktails, craft beers, and an excellent wine listing. Fun, lively environment. For the best perspectives, reserve your table ahead of time and request to be seated on the lanai. Parking here is convenient and free.
- La Spezia • Kauai • $$.
- Sam Sato’s, Inc. – Maui – $.
- Tin Roof – Maui – $.
- Heavenly • Oahu • $$.
- Frostcity – Oahu – $ This unmissable little sweet shop offers Taiwanese-style shredded snow – which is not the same as the widespread shave ice on the island! While the flavor lies somewhere between shave ice and frozen dessert, the texture of shredded snow takes it to another level. Fluffy, light ribbons of cream pile high and dissolve instantly in your mouth. Portions look larger than they are, because they’re so airy. Flavors include fun combinations, like pineapple basil, and are topped with mocha, fruits, and sweetened condensed milk. Casual, fun atmosphere, family friendly, convenient parking.
- Da Crack – Kauai – $ The best Mexican cuisine in all of Hawaii. The menu is simple – primarily tacos and build-your-own burritos – and the flavor is heavenly. Portions are generous, filling, and inexpensive. This tiny establishment is literally a hole in the wall, smaller than your average food truck. Take out only; no seating; no alcohol. Plenty of parking.
This open-air seafood eating establishment located simply east of Pa’ia offers elegant meals in a casual setting. The fish here is incredibly fresh, and the menu lists the name of the person who caught that specific fish that morning. What`s available changes daily depending on recent catches, typically including ahi, ono, opakapaka, and mahi-mahi among other varieties. Their cocktail selection incorporates modern favorites as well as a few island classics from the turn of the prior century. Nautical themes adorn the decor quite extensively yet in a charming manner, using fishing nets, glass floats, and the hull of a sunken vessel. Casual attire, easy parking access, and varied menu appeal to locals and tourists alike, couples and families. Reservations recommended especially on weekends and around sunset
This fine dining establishment specializing in steak and seafood dishes serves as an ideal setting for elegant dinners and memorable occasions. Renowned for its richly flavored and artfully presented meals, broad wine list, and exemplary customer service. Be certain to leave room for dessert; if undecided on which sweet treat to cap off the meal with, they do permit half-portions to try multiple options. The atmosphere lends itself to upscale dining, yet as with most locales in Maui, dressing formally is not mandatory. On-street parking can prove challenging but there`s a paid lot situated behind their building, sharing the same historic location as Lahaina Inn. Reservations are recommended, or expect an extended wait time.
Stylish bistro in downtown Honolulu offering current fusion nourishment. MW’s center is on locally sourced fixings, giving conventional Hawaiian nourishments an cosmopolitan twist. Suppers can be requested independently or as a multi-course testing menu with discretionary wine counterparts. Amazing cocktails are made with unusual fixings, like green tea, beets, and lemongrass. Valet stopping is accessible; street stopping can be crowded.
The ingredients grown locally or harvested from Hawaiian canoes are highlighted on the menu of this restaurant focusing on farm-to-table meals. Named Town, it features highly innovative dishes, emphasizing Hawaiian ingredients with touches of American and Italian flavors. The daily changing food menu depends on local availability. Their exceptional cocktail menu, reworked weekly in collaboration between the bar and kitchen using diverse fresh purees, is also outstanding. The environment here has an urbanly cool vibe with industrial decor. Situated in the trendy Kaimuki neighborhood, parking can be difficult; a nearby municipal lot is available if on-street parking is full. Reservations recommended.
The best restaurant on Kauai. This is a cozy little spot serving locally sourced ingredients with a French twist, very different than anything else in the area. They are famous for their brunch, especially their egg dishes, and an ever-changing menu means that dinner here is innovative and exciting. (black pepper soufflé for dessert!) The dining experience here is not one to rush through – it’s relaxed and European-style, with a casual, artsy ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
A delectable hot pot establishment where diners curate their own broth and cook it at their tables. An exhaustive selection of rich stocks and thinly sliced proteins on the menu, plus three refrigerators brimming with veggies, noodles, tofus, and more to stir into the pot, and a sauce bar to add some zest. All orders include a complimentary Taiwanese-style shaved ice dessert, with boba, coffee jellies, fruit, and sweetened condensed milk. The atmosphere here is fun and relaxed, rendering this a popular place to reconnect with friends and family. The restaurant has a small footprint, and parking in the lot is constrained, though street parking is free. They do not accept reservations, so the wait can be elongated, but as the patrons queued outside will affirm, it’s entirely worthwhile. 
Small eating establishment serving solely poke balls, a conventional Hawaiian food made of cubed raw ahi tuna, flavored with various herbs and spices, over rice. Customary choices comprise Pele`s Kiss, with Hawaiian chili and habanero peppers, and the Wet Hawaiian, with sesame and kukui nut oils. This is an unpretentious take-out restaurant with restricted seating, two chairs inside and a couple of picnic tables outside. Deemed the best eatery in the U.S. by Yelp in 2014, this relaxed spot is easy to miss, situated in the parking lot of a condominium complex three miles from downtown Kailua-Kona. Come in the early hours for the best variety; once a distinct side or fish has run out, it’s done for the day.
Vibrant establishment serving homemade noodles, blended meals, sake, and novel beverages. Flavors were bold, and most servings were abundant, meant for sharing. They were most acclaimed for their garlic noodles, Asian-fusion soup, and Southeast Asian pancakes, but the entire list of options excelled. The establishment had an amazing selection of sake and full bar; their Asian pear beverage was the most popular drink. Atmosphere was warm, casual, and sometimes lively. Advance reservations were highly recommended, and should be made well in advance. They filled up swiftly, especially on weekends.
The breakfast and brunch spot is known for soufflé pancakes, folded French omelets, and spins on eggs Benedict. The cuisine blends French, Japanese, and Hawaiian influences, while the environment resembles an English garden. Portions are small, allowing diners to sample various dishes. Bring your own champagne for mimosas. The ambiance is fun and relaxed. Adjoining the Pacific Monarch Hotel, parking in their lot is free with validation.
Sweet miniature café serving breakfast throughout the day. Here the concentration is on local, organic foods which are healthy and delicious, all with Pacific Rim flair. The menu is varied, serving light fruit plates and egg breakfasts, along with Hawaiian and Asian favorites like loco moco and Hainanese chicken rice. The ambience is casual, upbeat, and family friendly. Parking is in the trade center across the stand; make certain to have the host validate the ticket.Reviews
Annie’s is an extraordinary small burger bistro with its own adjoining farm, cultivating nearly all the ingredients for their burgers, sides, and beverages. The cattle itself is raised on the nearby Parker ranch. Flavors spotlight local components, for example their taro bun or lilikoi spritzer. All burgers are described with a suggested beer or wine pairing, and there’s a full bar with cocktails made from fruits grown onsite. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives also. Relaxed feel with lots of fun, eclectic art on the walls. Free parking in the lot.
Tropical-themed restaurant serving Hawaiian and American cuisine. This place appears like a tourist attraction, and indeed, they serve piña coladas out of hollowed pineapples, but the food is outstanding. Fresh poke, perfectly cooked seafood, juicy kalua pork, and exceptional cocktails. If the Hawaiian interior design is too gaudy, head outside – their outdoor dining offers great views of the garden and water features. Fun, family-friendly vibe with easy parking and no need for reservations.
This casual eatery focuses on locally caught fish that is fresh. The Pa`ia Fish Market truly serves the most superb fish burgers in Maui, though their fish tacos and fish and chips are also superb choices. Their best burger, the sizable Obama (grilled ono with wasabi butter), is not on the menu; simply ask! Beer and hard cider are options here, but there is no full bar. Seating is in a communal family style with massive shared tables. Parking can be difficult here; there is a free lot a few blocks west, if on-street parking is full nearby.
An intimate, upscale venue for wine and small plates. Simplicity in dishes executed well is the focus here. Cheese, charcuterie, and hand-crafted flatbreads comprise much of the menu. The eclectic wine collection features bottles from boutique vineyards worldwide. The relaxed ambiance permits casual dress. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.
Local neighborhood diner specializing in Hawaiian-style cuisine. The dishes here are both tasty and filling while offering good value. Breakfast options feature local favorites – choose between loco moco, fried rice, or a combination of the two through the Ali`i Fried Rice topped with a hamburger patty, corned beef hash and an over easy egg. Plate lunches (two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad plus an entrée item) are standard here, with the most popular being kalbi and garlic chicken. Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with four locations across Oahu. 
The superb yet understated restaurant is an outstanding choice for breakfast, brunch, and Italian dinners. Their stuffed French toast options like bacon/brie and blueberry are truly remarkable. The brunch service showcases a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar showcasing a variety of options. Dinners feature homemade pastas and breads paired perfectly with wines. Reservations are recommended if dining during busy hours. Free parking is available in the side lot.
Sam Sato`s is considered the origin of Maui`s passion for dry mein dishes. Most renowned for their version of saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup reminiscent of ramen, the noodles here are shallow fried and served with a small cup of broth for dipping each bite. The environment feels cozy and simple, conveying a taste of old Hawaii. This establishment is rarely visited by tourists – come here to experience life as a local does. Only open for breakfast and lunch, they don`t accept reservations but instead utilize a sign-in system; service is prompt so wait times tend to be brief. Free parking is available on site.
Takeout shop for Hawaiian comfort foods owned by renowned Chef Sheldon Simeon. This little restaurant with big flavors flies so far under the radar, they don’t even have a sign! Working with nearby farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, they serve only what’s fresh and local, so their menu changes daily. Their most popular dish, though, the mochiko chicken is always available. Make sure to order an extra dime bag, their name for their house blend seasoning pack. Laid back vibe, limited seating, and free parking. Order online to avoid the wait!
Graceful Japanese udon and tempura in the heart of Waikiki. All noodles, broths, and condiments are made fresh, in-house with ingredients grown in Japan. The kitchen is an open style, and noodles are all cooked to order right in front of the diners – they pair well with a soft boiled egg on top. Casual vibe in this fast-paced, cafeteria style restaurant. Don’t be fooled by the long line spilling onto the sidewalk; it moves fast! Street parking only; no restroom.
This unmissable little sweet shop offers Taiwanese-style shredded snow – which is not the same as the widespread shave ice on the island! While the flavor lies somewhere between shave ice and frozen dessert, the texture of shredded snow takes it to another level. Fluffy, light ribbons of cream pile high and dissolve instantly in your mouth. Portions look larger than they are, because they’re so airy. Flavors include fun combinations, like pineapple basil, and are topped with mocha, fruits, and sweetened condensed milk. Casual, fun atmosphere, family friendly, convenient parking.
The best Mexican cuisine in all of Hawaii. The menu is simple – primarily tacos and build-your-own burritos – and the flavor is heavenly. Portions are generous, filling, and inexpensive. This tiny establishment is literally a hole in the wall, smaller than your average food truck. Take out only; no seating; no alcohol. Plenty of parking.
