Hawaii Restaurant and Dining Guide

Aloha! The land of surf, sun and... scrumptious food? That's right! Hawaii is not only a paradise for beach bums and surf dudes but a heaven for food aficionados too. Today, we'll embark on a delicious journey through the most iconic eats of Hawaii, and the restaurants that serve them best. Along the way, we'll uncover hidden gems and awe-inspiring landscapes that'll make this trip an unforgettable foodcation. So, whether you're a hardcore foodie, an adventure enthusiast, or just someone curious about Hawaiian culture, I've got your back. Buckle up, it's going to be a tasty ride!

The Heartbeat of Hawaii: Honolulu - More than Just Poké

Ah, Honolulu, the bustling city that never seems to sleep. From the energetic shores of Waikiki Beach to the hallowed waters of Pearl Harbor, this city is an intoxicating blend of the modern and historic. After soaking in the sights, head over to Ono Seafood, an establishment that has been making waves with its divine Poké. The term 'ono' in local parlance means delicious, and boy, do they live up to their name!

But Honolulu isn’t a one-trick pony. Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions, for example, brings unique flavors with their Taegu Poke, a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and umami. Don’t forget to try their Lau Lau and Poi, which will teleport your taste buds back to ancient Hawaii. Helena's Hawaiian Food, a Honolulu mainstay since 1946, offers a meat lover's dream, Pipikaula, and the classic Lomi Salmon, a dish so refreshing you'd wish it were summer all year long!

And if you thought the food was diverse, wait until you explore the city's landmarks. From the ethereal Manoa Falls to the majestic Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu truly offers a feast for the senses.

Lahaina: The Little Town with Big Flavors

If you thought Honolulu was a gastronomic powerhouse, wait till you reach Lahaina. A charming town with a rebellious past, Lahaina is the perfect place to savor the ocean's bounty. Start your culinary adventure at the Fish Market Maui with their fresh Poke, Fish Taco, or Shrimp Burrito. Each bite captures the spirit of the sea and Maui's vibrant culture.

Next, give your palate a different sensation with Lāhainā Sushi Ko’s Shrimp Tempura Poke and Roll. Imagine the rich, creamy tempura coating mingling with the crisp and cool poke, a dance of textures and flavors that'll leave you craving for more.

And when you're done dining, the Banyan Tree Park with its towering banyan trees and the serene Kapalua Coastal Trail are just a stone's throw away, promising breathtaking views and a dose of local history.

Kaneohe: Where Land Meets Sea

Nestled on the Windward side of Oahu, Kaneohe offers a diverse food scene. K.Bay Bros Fish & Ice dishes up unique Scallop and Hamachi Poke, while Waiahole Poi Factory serves the traditional Squid Luau and Haupia, dishes that have been cherished for generations.

After you're stuffed, walk it off at the ethereal Kaneohe Sandbar or explore the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens. And if you're in the mood for some tranquillity, a visit to the serene Byodo-In Temple is a must.

Hilo: A Blend of the Traditional and the Contemporary

The quaint town of Hilo, nestled on the eastern edge of Hawaii's Big Island, packs a culinary punch that far exceeds its size. Whether you’re sampling the poke and Lau Lau at the aptly named Poke To Your Taste or savouring the Misoyaki Butterfish and the famous 1lb Laulau at Kuhio Grille, Hilo's local dishes offer a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary flavors that mirror the city's unique charm.

To round off your gastronomic exploration, it's absolutely essential to visit the tranquil Liliʻuokalani Gardens, named after the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Their serene landscape provides a peaceful post-meal stroll. Then, head over to Richardson Ocean Park, a volcanic sand beach offering panoramic views that perfectly match the charm of Hilo. The chilled-out vibe and picturesque beauty of Hilo make every meal here an unforgettable experience.

Kailua-Kona: A Symphony of Flavors

We end our culinary journey on the sunny seaside town of Kailua-Kona, renowned for its world-class coffee, captivating sunsets, and phenomenal seafood. Umekes is a must-visit for their fresh Poke, Luau Oyster, and Kaula Pork. This eatery is a seafood lover's paradise. For a unique local culinary delight, try Kanaka Kava's Sweet Potato Pie and Squid Luau. Craving some comfort food? Then don’t miss the Garlic Furikake Chicken and Haupia at Broke Da Mouth Grindz KONA.

Once you've had your fill, quench your thirst for adventure at the rich historical landscapes of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park or soak up the sun at the stunning Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay). You can even catch a glimpse of Hawaiian green sea turtles basking on the shore. Kailua-Kona's winning combination of delightful food and outdoor attractions make it the perfect place to end your Hawaiian food journey.

And there you have it, a foodcation through Hawaii that promises a culinary adventure like no other. From traditional local dishes to innovative fusions, Hawaii's food scene is as diverse and vibrant as its people and landscapes. So, pack your appetite and adventurous spirit, and set sail for a food journey that will tantalize your taste buds and capture your heart. Whether you're planning your first visit or are a seasoned traveler, Hawaii's local cuisine and stunning attractions are sure to keep you coming back for more. As they say in Hawaii, "Hana hou!" (Do it again!) Until next time, aloha and 'ono kau kau! (Let's eat delicious food!)

Must-Try Restaurants in Hawaii

K.Bay Bros Fish & Ice

46-028 Kawa St, Kaneohe, HI 96744

The staff are nice and friendly.
We ordered the two choice poke box! It was so delicious, affordable and had large portions.
I will def...

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Superb149 Reviews4.8

Kahiau Jerky Poke & Provisions

1164 Smith St, Honolulu, HI 96817

Wow. This place is so ono! I have tried to go to this location near the end of their open times to see that they were closed because they had already s...

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Superb34 Reviews4.6

Poke To Your Taste

790 Leilani St, Hilo, HI 96720

This is the place to grab breakfast or lunch on the go. Small mom n pops but don't let the space fool you! They have good poke, plates and musubi.&...

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Superb59 Reviews4.9

Kanaka Kava

75-5803 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

I've been looking forward to coming here for years and it did NOT let me down. Super chill, great ʻawa, great food. The laulau is so good, I finis...

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Good108 Reviews4.2

Broke Da Mouth Grindz- KONA

74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Amazing restaurant. Once I found it, I think I went there daily and took some of my classmates in the training I was going to. The garlic fried seaweed f...

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Superb325 Reviews4.3

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Incredible fresh ahi!!! My friend and I visited on a Sunday night around 6:30. We sat at the bar because there was a line and it was the perfect spot for...

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Good683 Reviews4.2

Lāhainā Sushi Ko

1221 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761

Decent and tasty, a local favorite! It is rare to find a good sushi bar. Sushi Ki can fulfill your needs with satisfaction

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Superb42 Reviews4.4

The Fish Market Maui

3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Great place to grab a quick bite! Food was awesome here. I absolutely loved the sauce that comes with the pork. Portion sizes were great and flavors were...

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Good298 Reviews4.2

Helena's Hawaiian Food

1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817

Great local food, friendly staff! Must order the short rib and fried fish collar. Personally I won’t order the poke here, you could easily get better pok...

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Superb254 Reviews4.4

Waiahole Poi Factory

48-140 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Still a great Hawaiian plate. Kalua pork, laulau, squid, saimin, lomi salmon, haupia, side of poi. Service is nice and efficient. There is a new gift sho...

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Superb284 Reviews4.5

Kuhio Grille - Home Of The Famous 1lb Laulau

80 Pauahi St, Hilo, HI 96720

Super friendly neighborhood laulau restaurant. Huge portions and best laulau we’ve had!

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Good185 Reviews4.2

Ono Seafood

747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

We love the poke here but man... this place has a really bad smell inside. It's always this strong chemical smell! The first few times we thought ma...

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Superb445 Reviews4.5

Recently Opened Restaurants

Lahaina Tacos

900 Fort Street Mall #190, Honolulu, HI 96813

I'll say this, this is exactly like the Mexican food I had at family gatherings in Mexico. It's hard to find ceviche made the way it's mad...

Superb24 Reviews4.8

Sub Shack

78 Wilikina Dr, Wahiawa, HI 96786

The best sandwich ever!!!!!! Bread is so soft and vegetables are so fresh. I wish I could post a picture of the sandwich but totally forgot cuz it was so...

Superb30 Reviews5

Coco Deck Kitchen + Bar Lahaina

1312 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

In looking for a place to eat away from the hotel strip we came upon Coco Deck. The menu looked like a good offering of options so we went. Had to wait a...

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Good45 Reviews4

Onkee Korean Grill House

1000 Auahi St Unit 220, Honolulu, HI 96814

We ordered combo #1, the flavor of the meat is good. But the meat is definitely previously frozen. The vanilla ice cream was topped with olive oil and a ...

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Superb102 Reviews4.5

ramenGO/ラーメンゴー

342 Lewers St #105, Honolulu, HI 96815

Since my last visit I've been back 4 times. Consistently delicious. My kids ask for Ramen Go almost every night.

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Superb19 Reviews4.8

La Birria

1148 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813

These are hands down the best birria tacos on the island! The meat is incredibly tender and packed with so much flavor. The tacos are perfectly crispy on...

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Superb30 Reviews4.9

Island Soul Shaved Ice

1810 N King St # E1, Honolulu, HI 96819

Got here right before closing after a day at the beach. I ordered the DIY shaved ice. It came with 3 types if syrup. Syrup had the perfect sweetness and ...

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Superb281 Reviews4.9

Huaka'i Luau- Journey Through Polynesia

Ka'anapali Beach Club Resort, 104 Kaanapali Shores Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761

I only gave them a 1 because I couldn't give them a zero. We had a member of our group fall ill the day of the Luau. We were told we could not recei...

Poor1 Reviews1

House of Sushi Food Truck

3501 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

This place always closed no matter which time we come. We visited last year it was closed and this year the same situation. It is Friday 11 am, google sa...

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Good97 Reviews4.2

AFC Sushi

45-934 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744

The food was great the service friendly and fast. Nice cozy place. Good for families or a date. Had the sushi and it was top notch

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Superb150 Reviews4.5

Healthy Habits Kona - Healthy Meal Prep

73-4976 Kamanu St Ste 100, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

The sweet potato lasagna & beet salad were both amazing!! Good size portions also.
Jessica is an amazing person & chef!!

Superb17 Reviews5

Yoajung

1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

This was a different ice cream place the last time I was here and I met Nick Lachey from 98 Degrees here!!! I think it was called Somisomi. Now this plac...

Superb108 Reviews4.3

5th Floor Cafe

1250 Punchbowl St Fl 5, Honolulu, HI 96813

The 5th Floor Cafe is a unique cafe with a limited selection of local breakfast and lunch favorites. The cafe is at the top of the Public Health building...

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Good1 Reviews4

DEAN & DELUCA HAWAII - RITZ-CARLTON STORE

383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815

Awesome brunch! Food was beautifully presented and delicious. Service was excellent. Great value for the money. There's a kamaaina discount. Valet p...

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Good157 Reviews4.1

Hawaiian Monarch Coffee | Navarro Farms LLC

96-3044 Koali St, Pahala, HI 96777

As an avid coffee drinker, I am so thoroughly impressed by the flavor of Hawaiian Monarch Coffee. My morning espressos will never be the same and I love ...

Superb3 Reviews5

Recent Reviews

Le Bazaar Maui

1280 S Kihei Rd #107, Kihei, HI 96753

We've seen this restaurant come into Kihei and we're so glad we decided to experience the wonderful Moroccan cuisine! The food was absolutely d...

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Superb294 Reviews4.9

Driftwood Bar And Grille

4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI 96766

Our bartender, Amanda, was top notch! We ate there a couple times and thought the food was great too.

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Good26 Reviews4

Uncle Bob’s BBQ

718 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720

We had a group of 9 from out of town who were starving and getting hangry! This place hit the spot for what everyone was craving!! "Rob" took c...

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Superb42 Reviews4.7

Konohiki Seafoods

3-4301 Kuhio Hwy #102, Lihue, HI 96766

Excellent food friendly service Wishing Kyle. his Ohana ,employees Merri Hurisumasu Be Safe hungry soing their MOW!!!!

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Superb292 Reviews4.6

Pan's Kitchen

46-003 Alaloa St Ste 3, Kaneohe, HI 96744

Cashier seems impatient, rushing for my order and when asked about menu she gets irritated🤔 when no line. Need to work on customer service sm...

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Good61 Reviews4.2

Yes Dog! Hot Dogs

5-5190 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

We were lucky enough to find this stand on our recent trip to Kauai. Im still drooling, tried the Hawaiian dog and omg….. has to be the best ho...

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Superb46 Reviews4.9

Luquin's 454

454 Manono St, Hilo, HI 96720

Hopefully the next time I visit the quality and service improves. It needs work to compare to the Pahoa location

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Good111 Reviews3.9

Sunset Kai Lanai

78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #1000, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Beautiful place to watch sunset and get a good drink, price are about average for the area

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Good302 Reviews3.9

Pur Sina Hawaii

701-731 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI 96813

I and a couple of other retirees discovered Pur Sina when they opened and have been weekly customers ever since. Their small kitchen limits the menu choi...

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Superb3 Reviews5

So Juicy Hawai'i

75-5595 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

No commitment to what it says it stands for. How you do anything is how you do everything. So it shows. Juice is overrated and overpriced

Superb10 Reviews4.3

Donut King

600 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734

Little donut shop with a variety of delicious sweet treats. There was a little bit of a line but it moved fairly quickly. I wanted to try their croissant...

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Superb68 Reviews4.4

Fête

2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817

Outside table for one at lunch time. Korean barbecue chicken sandwich. Excellent, delicious and messie to eat. I would order again.

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Superb731 Reviews4.6

Guieb Cafe

1311 N King St Suite F06, Honolulu, HI 96817

Small unassuming cafe away from the main tourist area. The food and service was fantastic. Comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel at home

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Superb188 Reviews4.5

The HI Dive Bar

79-7460 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750

Very laid back the bartender was really cool too he even cut someone off which I thought was cool

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Superb32 Reviews4.6

Mexirican Mix

22 Alahele Pl, Kihei, HI 96753

I do not normally post reviews. (I believe this is my second one since my wife typically does the posting). But, this food is amazing. I went back a seco...

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