A unique, alternative to the abundant Hawaiian fare on Oahu, the 12th Avenue Grill serves modern twists on classic American dishes. The small restaurant... Read More
This dinner-only restaurant at the Turtle Bay Resort overlooks the Pacific Ocean and balances formal white tablecloths with a relatively casual resort... Read More
Meals are prepared with ingredients sourced from the restaurant's two-acre farm. Read More
Named after its location at 3660 Waialae Avenue near the Wilhelmina Rise in East Honolulu, this Euro-Island bistro is a collaboration between Russell... Read More
Every seat in this lobby bar faces an elaborate piece of art: The interior bar features a lava rock wall with a red, lava-inspired inlay; and the seats... Read More
The creation of James Beard Award winner and celebrity chef, Alan Wong, this restaurant is a success with both critics and customers. Wong’s... Read More
Back when sugar plantations filled the area, workers would gather at lunch, and the “mixed plate” concept began when the Japanese,... Read More
Just how traditional is this favorite oceanfront haunt? It now features poi made from taro grown right on the property’s farm. You can also get “luau... Read More
Located in the typical Hawaiian version of a strip mall, Anthony's is tightly packed with a few small wooden tables and rows of wooden shelves on the... Read More
If the full espresso bar is good enough for Laird Hamilton, you’ll probably like it as well. This famous coffee shop fuels the world’s best watermen in... Read More
This unassuming restaurant in Kaimuki is known around the island for its authentic Mexican fare. Azteca has been owned and operated by the Sanchez... Read More
Some of the state’s best pot stickers (plump with chicken, basil, cilantro, ginger, and peanuts) and baby back ribs (tender and smoky, barbecued... Read More
A list of 50 wines with a focus on Rhone-style varieties, half of them offered by the glass, accompanies the Spanish-style tapas dishes at Kauai's Bar... Read More
Formerly Sushi Blues, Bouchon’s is still a sushi bar but has also added a fusion of island, Pacific-American, and French flavors. Dishes include... Read More
It may seem like ocean-side restaurants are a dime a dozen in Hawaii, but Brown's Beach House puts its tables among the palms. Named after 19th... Read More
The bright blue exterior and dangling party lights outside Cafe des Ami set the tone for this casual cafe known for its crepes and curries. Inside,... Read More
Situated on the North Shore, a world-renowned surfing mecca, Café Haleiwa embraces its surroundings with a surf-inspired design and menu. Inside,... Read More
After training with leading chefs in both London and New York City, chef Sandy Tuason brings his experience to the Pacific Rim cuisine served at this... Read More
It’s all about simple, no-frills dining at this small Lanai City restaurant. The small building’s red and white exterior is unassuming, and... Read More
Impossibly romantic in every way? This is your spot. Capische? is the type of place you go to celebrate special occasions. Located inside Hotel Wailea,... Read More
Bongo drums, wine carafes, salsa dancing, rhythmic house, and a Wednesday evening “Ladies Night” that is the hottest night on the island. Whereas other... Read More
For those who like breakfast with salt in their hair, this North Shore saloon is the place to re-fuel after a dawn patrol on the water. The heaping... Read More
It’s been known as “Willie Nelson’s place,” but you never know what A-list celebrity might be laughing and drinking at Charley’s. The vibe here is... Read More
Owned by the French-born chef, and James Beard Award-winner, George Mavrothalassitis, the critically-acclaimed Chef Mavro is regarded as one of the... Read More
Small, hidden, and out of the way, this Lahaina enclave is always packed with people who care about their bodies. Vegan soups and acai bowls keep the... Read More
This Lahaina health bar is always packed with people who care about their body. Vegan soups and acai bowls keep the blenders constantly moving, and when... Read More
Piled high with 17 ingredients, you’ll need a fork to conquer these tacos and everything that falls off the side. The fish is a combo of mahi mahi and... Read More
While it isn’t Hawaiian in the traditional sense, the food that’s served at Da Kitchen is a staple for modern day Hawaiians. Enormous portions of... Read More
Though not Hawaiian in the traditional sense, the food served at Da Kitchen is a staple for modern-day Hawaiians. Enormous portions of chicken katsu... Read More
What This informal joint in a residential neighborhood east of Waikiki is a takeout favorite.... Read More
Owner Ed Kenney composts with a worm bin, then uses the fertilizer on the greenery outside of Downtown. Read More
While it’s graced the menu of this Westin Maui restaurant for years, the Dragonberry Bomb keeps racking up awards and remains a Ka‘anapali classic. The... Read More
Surrounded by the lei stands and street merchants of Chinatown, the small, 80-seat Duc’s Bistro is a slightly off-the-beaten path Vietnamese and... Read More
Eskimo Candy is the nickname for the belly strip of a smoked salmon and the inspiration for this small seafood market and café in Kihei. Ocean ... Read More
Historic Wailuku is in the midst of an awakening, and the Farmacy Health bar is the natural infusion the old school town has needed. Bowls of healthy... Read More
With live violin music drifting into the moonlight, the al fresco dining at this beachfront ristorante offers one of Maui's most romantic settings (and... Read More
With live violin music drifting into the moonlight, the al fresco dining at this beachfront ristorante offers as romantic an evening as you’ll find on... Read More
It’s usually the more adventurous tourist that heads to Honolulu’s slightly gritty Chinatown (relatively far from the hotels in Waikiki), but those who... Read More
If the half-price sushi doesn’t win you over the fiery sunsets will. Sushi and appetizers are 50% off from 3-7pm, and the discount pricing kicks back in... Read More
Located in a one-story wooden building, the Flatbread Company in Paia is known for its use of organic ingredients from local farms. Under the corrugated... Read More
Calling all locavores and pizza lovers: The flatbreads served at this Pai'a hot spot use locally sourced ingredients and are arranged in a medley of... Read More
Bagpipes at sunset kick off the festivities at this rooftop bar by Mick Fleetwood. The legendary drummer can make impromptu appearances and jump right... Read More
Yes, it’s a supermarket in a nondescript shopping mall, but the diverse selection of ahi poke bowls are what make it a local favorite. If you didn’t... Read More
Formaggio Wine Bar is located on the edge of Waikiki, set away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Devoid of any signage, the restaurant only indicates... Read More
Happy hour is sexy again at this chic Wailea restaurant, where golfers, visitors, resort staff, and realtors mingle until 8:30pm. The $6 wine is served... Read More
Fine French cuisine on Maui goes by the name of Gerard's. This restaurant is the most formal in Lahaina, with a wine list that's a staple on Wine... Read More
With a 100 year-old roaster in the plantation-style kitchen, coffee trees hanging by the porch, and organic beans the family has harvested since opening... Read More
Between the 100 year-old roaster in the plantation-style kitchen, the coffee trees hanging out over the porch, and the organic beans this family has... Read More
Brewpub-restaurant at Waimea Plantation Cottages. Read More
Specializing in the traditional Japanese noodle dish, oden, Hakkei is an outpost of an onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) restaurant... Read More
Haleiwa Joe's provides a casual dining experience on the North Shore near the famous Rainbow Bridge, which is visible from the café’s... Read More
If there were an award for "exceptional Maui restaurant in the unlikeliest of locations," Hali'imaile General Store would definitely take the cake.... Read More
There aren’t any luaus in the jungles of Ha‘iku—but you wouldn’t know it from the “Hana Hou Plate” served at this laid-back East Maui hideout. Squid... Read More
One of two sit-down restaurants in Hana proper, this casual eatery is a practical choice for tourists staying at the Travaasa Hana hotel, only a five... Read More
Set on the bank of the Hanalei River, this celebrated seafood restaurant serves fresh local fish at riverside tables shaded by bright blue umbrellas.... Read More
Henry Adaniya might be the city’s most improbable new restaurateur. He closed his acclaimed Chicago restaurant Trio—where chefs Rick... Read More
Wins hands down for biggest pancake in the tropics. In the market town of Waimea, this breezy diner is the favorite stop for locals who love their... Read More
Hidden in the back of a non-descript building in a town where few tourists visit, Hawaiian Superfoods might take the cake for Maui’s best vegan... Read More
Waking up early from a case of jetlag is common for Maui visitors. Luckily for caffeine addicts rising before the sun, Hawaiian Village Coffee opens at... Read More
Found in the unlikely spot of the Waiakea Center strip mall between Walmart and Office Max is Hilo Bay Cafe, which offers American Nouveau cuisine. The... Read More
A joint venture between chef Hiroshi Fukui and master sommelier Chuck Furuya, Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas was established to showcase Fukui’s skill at... Read More
Located inside the Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hoku’s has earned critical praise for its inventive and upscale Pacific Rim cuisine, crafted by chef... Read More
The price is right, the taste is authentic, and it’s right across the street from the surf schools near the Cove Park in Kihei. The fish can either be... Read More
A quintessentially Hawaiian seafood restaurant built over the ocean, Huggo’s is a Kona institution, having been in the same island family for more... Read More
Quirky, family-owned hole-in-the-wall Irifune is one of the best finds (and best values), Japanese or otherwise, in Waikiki. The petite space is an... Read More
A fountain depicting dolphins at play adds to the beach vibe of this casual roadside eatery, a North Shore favorite known for its fresh seafood and... Read More
The hand-rolled sushi and local beers on tap are enough to draw you in, but it’s the view of the ocean from your barstool that will make you want to... Read More
Chef Jean Marie Josselin prepares a wide selection of tapas. Read More
Directly next door to Mud Hen Water is another recent Ed Kenney creation, this one a throwback of sorts to old-school counter delis—but with a menu that... Read More
Located on the second floor of the Waikiki Beach Walk—a large development with restaurants, hotels, and shops—Kaiwa is a teppan-fusion and... Read More
Is it still dark but you’re jet-lagged and starving? Luckily, this casual breakfast joint starts cooking at 5 a.m. The local favorites like eggs and... Read More
A local institution, Kilauea Bakery and Pau Hana Pizza serve specialty pizzas, tropical cakes and pastries, and beverages from its espresso bar.... Read More
Happy hour is “Aloha Hour” at this famous Front Street hangout—and the sound of waves gently crashing on rocks accompanies every meal. Relax on the... Read More
Kintaro on the Kuhio Highway in Kapa’a focuses on Japanese fare, but is best known for their inventive--and inexpensive--sushi like the Hanalei... Read More
Though Maui was once homogenously Hawaiian, field laborers who arrived to work the plantations brought their flavors with them. At Kō restaurant in the... Read More
The popularity of brunch on the island has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years, and nowhere else has led the trend like Koko Head Café. You... Read More
A favorite of President Barack Obama, this casual burger joint is located across the street from the Haleiwa Shopping Plaza on the North Shore.... Read More
What A luncheonette with surfboards on the wall, and sandwiches made with fish right out of the sea.... Read More
Like a sliver of French countryside transplanted in Kula, this rural bakery has all the charm of a patisserie in Provence. Enjoy a warm, flaky, freshly... Read More
From its opening on Valentine’s Day back in 1990, this New American bistro with a European feel has been Lahaina's most romantic restaurant. Fine china... Read More
From the moment it opened on Valentine’s Day back in 1990, this New American bistro with a European feel has been the most romantic restaurant in... Read More
When it comes to fish tacos, the overall vibe plays a big role in determining the strength of the taco. In the case of Lahainaluna Café—a takeout window... Read More
One of the North Shore’s prized properties features seven restaurants, but Lei Lei’s is the only Turtle Bay restaurant that offers views of... Read More
If you're craving fish tacos on Ka'anapali Beach, look no further than Leilani's patio at the front of Whalers Village. Arguably Ka'anapali's most... Read More
The Maui vote is unanimously in favor of these Ka‘anapali fish tacos. Served in large, flour tortillas with pico de gallo and cheese, the sour cream,... Read More
Part bakery, part sandwich shop, and part pure isolation, Leoda's has become a Maui classic in just a few short years. Leoda's has burgers, sandwiches,... Read More
Established in 1952 by the grandson of Portuguese immigrants, Leonard’s is best known for its malasadas, traditional Portuguese pastries made of fried... Read More
This colorful truck in the Kahului oasis specializes in Hawaii’s favorite fish dish, and features local twists such as ahi katsu and everyone’s favorite... Read More
One of Little Village’s signature dishes, honey walnut shrimp, gets high praise from patrons. Other favorites are the mu-shu roll, hot and sour... Read More
As the name suggests, this Chinatown newcomer (from the team behind the nearby popular restaurant Lucky Belly) specializes in all things meat, with a... Read More
It’s sexy, it’s swanky, and there’s live music each night—just what you’d expect from a Four Seasons Bar. Stop by at sunset for the evening hula shows... Read More
Chef Ed Kenney ventured outside of Kaimuki (the neighborhood where his other restaurants—Town, Kaimuki Superette, and Mud Hen Water—are located) for his... Read More
Behind an ordinary green stucco storefront on Wailuku's central thoroughfare, Main Street Bistro serves contemporary Mediterranean and American dishes... Read More
Makawao Garden Cafe is tucked off of Baldwin Avenue in a green board and batten building; the only seating is ten tables located on a shady patio... Read More
Mark Ellman was part of the movement known as Hawaii Regional Cuisine, which is based on regionally produced farm goods. He and his wife Judy started... Read More
In Maui, "Mama's" is synonymous with fine dining—and simply mentioning the restaurant's name may be enough to make your date swoon. Truly an experience... Read More
“Mama’s” is synonymous with Maui fine dining, and the mere mention of the restaurant may be enough to make your special somebody swoon. Arrive for... Read More
Chef-owner Shingo Chibana makes his house-specialty soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles) from scratch six to eight times a day at Matsugen. The master is... Read More
Lines often extend out the door at this family-owned eatery, a North Shore landmark since 1951. The homemade shaved ice is available in 36 flavors,... Read More
You never know what big name act will be playing in Maui when you visit. Artists from The Eagles to Elton John have performed here at “the MAAC,” and... Read More
This Kahului staple has been helping Maui residents wake up since 1982. Choose from 100% Kona coffee or 100% Hawaiian blends, all of which are roasted... Read More
It isn’t open often, but when it is, no other food truck can compare. Chef Kyle Kawakami weaves fresh local ingredients into a truly global menu—one... Read More
Ka‘anapali coffee beans are grown on land that was formerly covered in sugar cane, so it only makes sense to taste the beans at the base of the sugar... Read More
How fresh is the food at this kombucha brewery? Every day has a new food menu and the kombucha can change by the hour. This raw café can feature vegan... Read More
This Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant on a corner of Honolulu’s Chinatown isn’t fancy, with an aqua awning and doors, white-clothed tables... Read More
Fresh wraps made with local produce are the specialty at Mermaids Café, a small, cash-only roadside stand located on Kuhio Highway in Kapaa.... Read More
If you want to make an impression for dinner, order a bottle of wine by the fire pit and time its arrival for sunset. This Kapalua classic occupies the... Read More
Chef Peter Merriman began promoting the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement in 1988 with the opening of this eponymous restaurant in Waimea’s Opelo... Read More
At one time, Hawaii’s farms didn’t grow much besides pineapple and sugar cane. Chef Peter Merriman set out to change that, and he has been... Read More
Want to really make an impression? Order a bottle of wine by this restaurant’s fire pit, and time its arrival exactly for sunset. This Kapalua classic... Read More
Chef Peter Merriman was one of the first to celebrate Hawaiian regional cuisine. Read More
A hole in the wall in nearly every sense of the word, Mitsu-Ken Okazu & Catering is, essentially, a nondescript, off the beaten path, shack.... Read More
This Lahaina pub (opened in 1983) was the second of three locations to open in Hawaii, three years after the original launched in Waikiki. All three... Read More
Located in Honolulu’s Kaimuki neighborhood (which has emerged as one of the city’s hottest culinary destinations), Mud Hen Water is Hawaii-born chef Ed... Read More
Alan Wong protégés (and husband-and-wife team) Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka have perfected their Hawaiian-inflected surf-and-turf menu since... Read More
One of Kihei's newest restaurant options, Nalu's was instantly popular from the day it opened. Located in the Azeka Shopping Center in the heart of... Read More
This Big Island coffeehouse and café is situated along Akoni Pule Highway, near Keawaeli Bay. The canary yellow eatery has an outdoor patio and... Read More
In Hawaiian, “No Ka Oi” simply means “the best,” and it’s a fitting name for this smooth martini, poured by the bartenders at chef Peter Merriman’s... Read More
Located inside the Waikiki Parc Hotel, this upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant is part of an international chain owned by world-renowned chef... Read More
Sushi master Norio Yamamoto is the namesake of this contemporary restaurant in the Fairmont Orchid hotel. Light-colored hardwood floors fill the... Read More
Organic, locally grown fare at Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort. Read More
Oahu locals have long known that special-occasion lunches (birthdays, graduations) are best celebrated at this beachside restaurant within the... Read More
Set on the south end of Front Street on the beach at 505, Pacific'O is where you go to pair your fish with wine and the sunset. It's one of Lahaina's... Read More
Surrounded by a tropical moat, this acclaimed restaurant is located just steps from the ocean at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The dining room... Read More
If the line out the door isn't a dead giveaway, then the first bite into an ahi fish burger should be: This restaurant's menu is full of succulent... Read More
Does it get better than a sports bar set right on the beach, screening football at 7 a.m.? The nine TVs in this Ka‘anapali pool bar mean you’ll never... Read More
Some nights of the week are mellow and casual here, but the Thursday and Friday live music jams are as authentic as Hawaiian music gets. It’s common for... Read More
After surfing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the north shore in the morning, many visitors have lunch at the white taco truck parked on Weke Road at the... Read More
This curious and casual Pa‘ia enclave opened in 2013, and has been turning heads with its cross-cultural creations and Korean inspired cuisine ever... Read More
The 1930s manor house of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation is now one of the most beautiful restaurants on Kauai. Verandas overlook manicured... Read More
Set right in the heart of historic Makawao at the only intersection in town, Polli's has been a staple of the Upcountry community since 1980. At this... Read More
Tacos are served with chunks of ono and are topped with Maui avocados, and to add a tropical buzz to the meal, pair with the restaurant’s highly lauded... Read More
What One of the last drive-in restaurants in Honolulu, its parking lot is often filled with vans topped with surfboards. Rainbow is a favorite pit stop... Read More
Locally-made spirits and locally-sourced fruit have become common in Maui cocktails, but this bar at the Makena Beach and Golf Resort goes a step... Read More
What A flaming-red shrimp shack, in Kahuku, near the Turtle Bay Resort, Romy’s serves up its signature giant prawns wok-seared in butter with... Read More
Now with restaurants throughout the mainland, Roy's Ko Olina is one of three Hawaii locations in chef-restaurateur Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian-fusion... Read More
Deliciously absent of tourists (and even lacking a sign), this no-frills diner is always packed to the gills with hungry islanders scarfing down pho ... Read More
Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch, Crab & Big Aloha Brewery serves the foods of Hawaii like poke, moco, macadamia nut-crusted chicken with papaya... Read More
Ask a local where to get sushi and nearly everyone will tell you Sansei. Legendary for its brand of flavorful hand rolls, the restaurant also has a late... Read More
Sansei Kapalua has Maui’s best sushi—and any local will agree. What’s even better is getting discounted rates, and happy hour from 5:15-6pm is 25% off... Read More
D.K. Kodama, a third-generation Japanese American, founded this Asian-fusion restaurant, whose name translates in Japanese to “third generation.... Read More
A lot of Maui restaurants look out at the beach, but Sarento’s is one of the only places with tables right next to the sand. If possible, arrive before... Read More
With a view looking out towards Napili Bay and one of the island's best happy hours, the Sea House restaurant is a local favorite for breakfast, happy... Read More
Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but the afternoon happy hour at this oceanfront patio is one of the best deals on Maui. All appetizers are 50% off between 2-5pm... Read More
Named after the popular Lahaina surf spot, “The Pit” creates a land-based feeding frenzy every day around lunchtime. Fish and shrimp tacos are drizzled... Read More
What An aquamarine-paneled truck parked in a palm-shaded gravel lot across the road from the eponymous cove, this propane-powered galley kitchen serves... Read More
Shokudo translates to "dining room" in English, and this Honolulu eatery, part traditional Japanese izakaya and part sushi bar, is just that. The... Read More
On an island where space is the prized commodity, strange couplings occur. Like karaoke and fried chicken. Side Street Inn, a chef’s hangout in... Read More
Perched at 3,200 feet on the slopes of Haleakala, this Kula restaurant offers a romantic escape for watching a storm roll through. Combat the chill with... Read More
The name itself is somewhat of a misnomer, as “delicious,” “surprising,” and “borderline ridiculous” would be a better fit for the name. The crab cake... Read More
Maui has a rule that prohibits dancing in an establishment without a dance floor (weird, we know). Luckily, not only does the “Tiki Lounge” have a... Read More
It's safe to say the secret is out: Star Noodle is one of Maui's absolute must-visit restaurants. Given the venue's explosive success since opening in... Read More
This cozy, wood–paneled restaurant may look like scores of other places in Honolulu, but chef-owner Manabu Kikuchi’s izakaya (Japanese tapas... Read More
The terrace of this oceanside global restaurant at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Kapalua overlooks Pailolo Channel and Molokai Island. Decor is minimal,... Read More
In Hawaii, going to a formal dining room doesn’t always mean dressing up; attire is resort casual at this 44-seat, dinner-only restaurant. Warm... Read More
What do you get when you combine macadamia nut pancakes with sweeping views of Moloka‘i? One of Maui's best breakfast spots and a 20-person line out the... Read More
What do you get when you combine macadamia nut pancakes with a sweeping view of Moloka‘i? A 20-person line before the restaurant even opens. The Gazebo... Read More
A newcomer to Oahu’s established shave-ice scene (that classic sweet treat that might as well be the unofficial state dessert of Hawaii), the Local... Read More
What started as a buzzy pop-up with stands at farmers’ markets around the island turned into an actual—and just as popular—restaurant in Chinatown in... Read More
Not only does your table look out towards Moloka‘i and the famous Plantation golf course, (which hosts the annual PGA Hyundai Tournament of Champions),... Read More
A Honolulu institution, the Willows was founded by Kathleen Perry and her husband, Al, on July 4, 1944 to help Kathleen’s family maintain their... Read More
In partnership with the popular South Kihei restaurant, this truck features genre-bending culinary concoctions that are worthy of a fine dining kitchen.... Read More
Superstar Oahu chef Ed Kenney opened Town, his first restaurant, in 2005, and it's been perennially popular with both locals and visitors ever since.... Read More
While nearly every Maui bar has some sort of award-winning Mai Tai, there’s something to be said for consistency. Dale, the bartender at the Ka‘anapali... Read More
What started out as a taco wagon, this eatery evolved after many years into a fixed restaurant in the Halele'a Building about a mile from the Hanalei... Read More
Located on the fourth floor of the Ala Moana Center, Tsukiji Fish Market is part restaurant and part market. The restaurant serves dishes on an upscale... Read More
Claiming to serve “fish so fresh, it’s from tomorrow,” Uncle’s Fish Market on Pier 38 is a casual, family-friendly eatery that... Read More
Just a few doors down from Maui Kombucha, Veg Out is a vegetarian restaurant with a number of vegan options. Falafel and avocado wraps accompany... Read More
Blending cuisine and wine, Vino is the brainchild of two of Hawaii’s most influential culinary personalities, restauranteur D.K. Kodama... Read More
A stand serving delicately flavored ice cream cones. Read More
