Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food. With an abundance of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and unique local dishes, Hawaii is a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or casual eats, Hawaii has it all. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
1. Mama’s Fish House (Paia, Maui)
Mama’s Fish House is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This iconic restaurant, located in the small town of Paia on the island of Maui, is known for its fresh fish, stunning ocean views, and Polynesian-inspired decor. The menu changes daily, but some popular dishes include the stuffed mahi-mahi and the grilled opah.
2. Alan Wong’s Honolulu (Honolulu, Oahu)
Alan Wong’s Honolulu is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its innovative Hawaiian cuisine. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients and flavors of the Hawaiian islands. The menu includes a range of dishes, from classic Hawaiian dishes like poke and kalua pork to more contemporary creations like ginger-crusted onaga and seared Hokkaido scallops. The restaurant has a modern and elegant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions and upscale dining.
3. Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu, Oahu)
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a renowned restaurant located in Honolulu, Hawaii, that has been serving traditional Hawaiian cuisine since 1946. The menu features a range of local dishes such as laulau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, and poi, as well as other specialties like butterfish collar and squid luau. The restaurant’s casual and welcoming atmosphere, along with its authentic and flavorful dishes, has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
4. Merriman’s (Waimea, Big Island)
Merriman’s, located in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a highly acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant that serves contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. With a focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, the menu features dishes such as seared ahi tuna, grilled hanger steak, and macadamia nut crusted mahi-mahi. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and coastline make it a popular dining destination for both locals and visitors.
5. The Pig and the Lady (Honolulu, Oahu)
The Pig and the Lady is a popular restaurant located in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine. The restaurant sources local ingredients and features a menu that changes frequently based on the availability of seasonal produce. Some of their signature dishes include pho French dip, garlic noodles with Dungeness crab, and crispy pork belly. The ambiance is lively and casual, with communal tables and an open kitchen concept.
6. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop (Lahaina, Maui)
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is a popular restaurant located in Lahaina, Hawaii. This charming eatery is known for its delicious homemade pies, sandwiches, salads, and other savory dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The pies at Leoda’s are a must-try, with options like banana cream, macadamia nut chocolate, and key lime. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. With its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Leoda’s is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
7. Gannon’s (Kihei, Maui)
Gannon’s is a popular restaurant located in Wailea, Maui, known for its stunning oceanfront location and upscale, contemporary cuisine. With an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients, Gannon’s menu features a range of dishes from seafood to steak to vegetarian options, all beautifully presented and expertly prepared. The restaurant also offers a spacious outdoor seating area with breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands, making it a popular spot for special occasions or simply a romantic dinner.
8. Duke’s Waikiki (Honolulu, Oahu)
Located on the famous Waikiki Beach, Duke’s Waikiki is a Hawaiian institution. This beachfront restaurant is named after Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer. The menu features a mix of Hawaiian and American dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Some popular dishes include the macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi and the Huli Huli chicken.
9. Roy’s Waikiki (Honolulu, Oahu)
Roy’s Waikiki is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The restaurant offers a fusion of European and Asian flavors, incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from Hawaii’s farms and waters. With a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, Roy’s Waikiki provides a perfect setting for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or business meeting. The restaurant is known for its signature dishes such as Misoyaki Butterfish, Blackened Island Ahi, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
10. Koko Head Cafe (Honolulu, Oahu)
Koko Head Cafe is a popular restaurant located in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its modern Hawaiian cuisine. The restaurant’s menu offers a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes with modern twists and features locally-sourced ingredients. Some popular dishes at Koko Head Cafe include their famous Cornflake French Toast, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The casual, cozy atmosphere of the restaurant combined with the creative and flavorful dishes make it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike.
11. Lahaina Grill (Lahaina, Maui)
Lahaina Grill is a highly acclaimed fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Known for its contemporary American cuisine with Hawaiian influences, Lahaina Grill offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. The menu features a range of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including seafood, steak, and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s award-winning wine list and exceptional service add to the overall dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for foodies visiting Maui.
12. Kauai Grill (Princeville, Kauai)
Kauai Grill is a fine-dining restaurant located at the St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, Hawaii. The restaurant features a modern American menu with Pacific Rim influences, using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as seared ahi tuna, Kauai shrimp, and lamb chops, and the restaurant also offers an extensive wine list. With its elegant decor and stunning views of Hanalei Bay, Kauai Grill is a popular destination for both visitors and locals looking for a special dining experience.
13. Highway Inn (Waipahu, Oahu)
Highway Inn is a popular Hawaiian restaurant that has been serving up traditional island cuisine for over 70 years. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional preparation methods, Highway Inn offers a wide range of dishes, including Hawaiian favorites like kalua pig, laulau, and poi. The restaurant has multiple locations throughout Oahu, and has gained a reputation as one of the best places to try authentic Hawaiian food.
14. Merriman’s Fish House (Poipu, Kauai)
Merriman’s Fish House is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Poipu, Kauai. It offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu features appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are inspired by Hawaiian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s oceanfront setting provides a relaxing atmosphere, and the friendly staff ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, Merriman’s Fish House is an excellent choice for seafood lovers visiting Kauai.
15. The Mill House (Wailuku, Maui)
The Mill House is a farm-to-table restaurant located on a historic plantation in Maui, Hawaii. The restaurant’s menu features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including produce grown on the property’s own farm. The atmosphere is rustic and charming, with outdoor seating available overlooking the plantation’s lush gardens and surrounding mountains. The Mill House also offers a variety of culinary experiences, such as cooking classes, private dining, and farm tours.
16. Hana Ranch Provisions (Hana, Maui)
Hana Ranch Provisions is a restaurant located in Hana, Maui that offers farm-to-table cuisine. The restaurant sources its ingredients from Hana Ranch and other local farms to provide fresh and seasonal dishes. The menu includes a variety of Hawaiian and American cuisine, such as burgers, sandwiches, and poke bowls, as well as vegetarian options. Hana Ranch Provisions also offers a market with locally made products and a community space for events and gatherings.
17. Moku Kitchen (Honolulu, Oahu)
Moku Kitchen is a modern island-style restaurant located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients with an emphasis on fresh and flavorful dishes inspired by Hawaiian and Asian cuisine. Some of their popular dishes include the Mochiko Chicken, Ahi Poke Bowl, and Kalua Pork Nachos. The restaurant also offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wines to complement the meal. The interior design of the restaurant is contemporary and chic, with an open kitchen and communal seating areas.
18. Paia Fish Market (Multiple Locations)
Paia Fish Market is a popular seafood restaurant with multiple locations in Hawaii, including Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. The menu features a variety of fresh fish dishes, including fish tacos, fish and chips, and fish sandwiches. The casual atmosphere and laid-back vibes make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients and serving generous portions at reasonable prices.
19. Leilani’s On The Beach (Ka’anapali, Maui)
Leilani’s On The Beach is a popular restaurant located in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, right on the beach. The restaurant offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options, providing guests with stunning ocean views while they enjoy their meals. The menu features a range of Hawaiian and American cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood dishes, including fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster. The restaurant also offers a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
20. Fish House at The Four Seasons (Kohala Coast, Hawaii)
Fish House at The Four Seasons is a high-end seafood restaurant located in the luxurious Four Seasons Resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, the menu offers a range of dishes including whole fish, crab, lobster, and oysters. The restaurant features a modern and elegant atmosphere with stunning views of the ocean, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.