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This food truck in the Manuhealii parking lot serves delicious, made-to-order malasadas (Portuguese donuts) that are crispy and dark brown on the outside and soft, chewy, and sweet on the inside. They're also denser than those found at some other bakeries on the island. This means that they're probably more authentic to the original Portuguese recipe.
5 Hoolai St., Kailua, Hawaii, 96734, USA
Known For
- Authentic malasadas
- No-fuss takeout
- Convenient location
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Just over $1 a malasada
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$ | Waikiki |
Follow a narrow beach pathway (between The Cheesecake Factory and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort) lined with surfboards to reach this takeout spot specializing in banán, a frozen, vegan-friendly dessert made with local bananas and containing no added sugar. Other snack options include smoothies, smoothie bowls, and ulu (breadfruit) waffles. Try the “Riss Moore” flavor, filled with tropical fruits and named after surfer Carissa Moore, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion. There's no seating here, but Banán is steps from the beach and the main drag in Waikiki.
2301 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
Known For
- Plant-based frozen desserts
- Locally owned
- Refreshing snack on a hot day
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$ | Waikiki |
At this bright, lively, upscale food court on the third floor of the Royal Hawaiian Center, you can feast on local and Japanese options ranging from massive, juicy burgers to spicy shrimp tacos to exquisite smoothies topped with colorful, edible designs—all emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients. Vendors here include Five Star Shrimp, Milk, JTRRD, Meatally Boys, POTAMA (Pork Tamago Onigiri), Honolulu Burger Co., Surfer’s Cafe, and Tap Bar. Best of all, you don’t need to try just one vendor—you can mix and match and enjoy tasty selections from several. There’s plenty of seating, and you can also shop for local art and cool island souvenirs.
2201 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
808-922–2299-for Royal Hawaiian Center
Known For
- New and modern
- Variety of vendors offering upscale options that you can mix and match
- Lots of seating
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$ | Manoa |
Dating from 1922, this historic café surrounded by the verdant Manoa Valley landscape is part of the Hawaii Salvation Army headquarters and has been independently operated by Ross and Stefanie Anderson since late 2018. A short menu of simple, delicious breakfast and lunch items are ordered at the counter and delivered to your chosen table, either inside the cozy, multiroom bungalow or on the covered lanai. The Waioli staff is largely made up of people in recovery from substance abuse who are learning the restaurant and kitchen trade, and a 3% vocational training fee is added to all checks, bringing the former tearoom back to its roots as a kitchen skills program for orphaned girls. There's a cute gift shop and plenty of space to linger in the lushness.
2950 Manoa Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
Known For
- Braised short rib loco moco
- Assorted house-made pastries, scones, muffins, breads, jams, and jellies
- Honey and salt produced on the property and a burgeoning garden
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner., No reservations
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The menus at Turtle Bay Resort’s signature restaurant—a casual but chic open-air space overlooking Turtle Bay and the Seven Mile Miracle—showcase Hawaiian comfort food with a modern, upscale twist, including braised kalbi short ribs, roast chicken with macadamia nut mole, and Salanova lettuce. About 95% of the fresh produce, from lettuce, tomatoes, and breadfruit to apple bananas and kitchen herbs, comes from the 100-acre organic farm across the road and is grown in partnership with longtime local farmers.
57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, Hawaii, 96731, USA
Known For
- Special-occasion dinners
- Sweeping ocean views
- Braised short ribs
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Diamond Head |
Just five minutes from Waikiki's hotels is chef Kelvin Ro's one-stop food shop—indispensable if you have accommodations with a kitchen or want a quick grab-and-go meal. Join surfers, beachgoers, and Diamond Head hikers at the takeout window to order gourmet sandwiches and plates, such as hand-shaped burgers, portobello mushroom sandwiches, Korean kalbi ribs, and grilled ahi with wasabi-ginger sauce, rice, and salad. Selections include sandwiches, bento boxes, and salads. Don't miss the bakery: locals love this place for the giant scones and desserts like lemon crunch cake. You can also pick up wine, beer, and soft drinks.
3158 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816, USA
Known For
- Excellent desserts and scones
- Picnic fare for the beach
- Well-priced grab-and-go dinners
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Moiliili |
Get a taste of local Japanese culture at this family operation on the main thoroughfare in Moiliili, a mile or so mauka (toward the mountains) out of Waikiki. Open since 1939, the delicatessen offers take-out breakfasts and lunches, Japanese snacks, noodle dishes, and confections—and it's a local favorite for catering, from parties to funeral gatherings. Try mochi (sweet rice-flour cakes), shoyu chicken, hash patties, garlic chicken, and Asian-style salads. The folks here are particularly patient and helpful to visitors, but it's only open from 6 to 2. Going on a round-the-island drive? This is a good option to pick up a picnic lunch.
2710 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826, USA
Known For
- Nori-wrapped chicken
- Mochi tray, offering samples of everything
- Kid-friendly menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner
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$ | Kakaako |
Owner Hank Adaniya's idea of a hot dog involves things like a duck and foie gras sausage with truffle mustard and stone fruit compote. Originally a true hole-in-the-wall, the gentrified Hank's is still a tiny spot where you can go classic with the Chicago Dog, made with the traditional fixings (including neon-green relish), or gourmet with the butter-seared lobster sausage topped with garlic-relish aioli. And always get the beef-fat fries with a house-made dipping sauce (spicy curry ketchup is a winner). Or get a burger—they're equally good. Forget cola; here you can have island-fresh drinks like hibiscus lemonade and lilikoi-lime soda. Order at the counter, stake out a bar stool inside, or wander outside to the bar-style seating.
324 Coral St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA
Known For
- 11 varieties of dogs daily, plus another 5 or so daily specials
- Fries, truffle fries, and onion rings to die for
- Part of Kakaako's SALT area
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Remember to get parking validated, Reservations not accepted
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$ | Waikiki |
Locals love the scrumptious taro-based confections and delightful coffee beverages created by this family-run outfit. Fried in coconut oil, the doughnuts are known for their light texture, splashy colors and designs, and sophisticated flavors with fun names like Island Chocolate, Pineapple Express, Miso Honey, Kale’n It, and Prosperity (with kumquat and poppy seeds). Inquire about the weekly tasting boxes (of four) and seasonal specialties. There’s no seating, but it’s an easy walk to the beach. Other locations are in nearby Ward Village and on the island of Kauai; plans are in the works for new Mainland locations.
325 Seaside Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
Known For
- Taro-based doughnuts
- Locally sourced, fresh ingredients
- Unusual flavors and designs
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$ | Makiki Heights |
Owner Ken Takahashi retired as a nightclub impresario on the Big Island to become a real-life burger king. This modest spot is the home of the locavore burger, made with range-fed beef, Manoa lettuce, tomatoes, and a wide range of toppings, all island-grown—and you can taste the difference. Go classic with a single, hand-shape patty, the meat loosely packed to let the juices run free, or try one of Takahashi's creations. Don't forget the truffle fries.
1295 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814, USA
Known For
- Miso Kutie Burger topped with red miso glaze and Japanese cucumber slices
- Blue Hawaii Burger with blue cheese and bacon
- A presence at local farmers' markets or elsewhere in its own food truck
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted, Closed Mon.
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$ | Waikiki |
A massive, antique roaster is the centerpiece of this beautifully appointed, spacious, and airy coffeehouse, the largest and most unique branch of the Waikiki chain, situated near the convention center. There are plenty of options for tea drinkers, too, in addition to pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and açai bowls. There’s a big parking lot and shaded outdoor seating as well.
1800 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96815, USA
Known For
- High-quality coffee
- Variety of baked goods
- Lovely spot to relax
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This hole-in-the-wall has been creating shave ice perfection in its tiny original spot since 1979, but when two young girls named Obama discovered the luscious flavors in 2008, it was really put on the map. A favorite spot for both locals and storied visitors (and these days lots of regular tourists), it makes a mean shave ice, whether you stick with standard flavors like cherry or go for lilikoi (passion fruit) guava with a snowcap on top. The original is right by the beach; there's a second location in the Kailua Shopping Center. Buy one of the popular shirts and hats while you're there.
130 Kailua Rd., Kailua, Hawaii, 96734, USA
Known For
- The best shave ice on the windward side
- The Obama girls, who grew up on this stuff (look for their photos on the wall)
- Long lines of locals and tourists
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Recharge for more adventure with coffee, chocolate, shave ice, and boba drinks at family-owned and operated Island X Hawaii, in an old sugar mill garage. Chocolate and coffee come from the neighboring fields, and the owner crafts the all-natural syrups with organically grown mango, papaya, pineapple, and passionfruit.
67-106 Kealohanui St., Waialua, Hawaii, 96791, USA
Known For
- Intriguing location
- Fresh ingredients
- Made-from-scratch syrups
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$$$ | Kapahulu |
Teruaki Mori designed this pub, one of the most traditional of Honolulu's izakayas, to make you feel that you're in a northern inn during winter in his native Japan. Dishes not to miss include aji tataki (seared, vinegar-marinated jack mackerel topped with ginger); karei karaage (delicate deep-fried flounder); fried gobo (burdock) chips; and crab, avocado, and bacon salad. And don't forget to try the frozen sake: the menu item that brings locals back begging for more.
3108 Olu St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816, USA
Known For
- Great happy hour and late-night spot
- Tiny spot with a huge menu
- Long waits (reservations strongly recommended)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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This one-stop, green-and-white, Mediterranean-leaning café, wine bar, bakery, and gourmet deli is the creation of the Dymond family, two generations of restaurateurs who have shaken up the windward food scene. Come in on your way to the beach for a cup of coffee and bagel, and stop back for a gourmet pizza or bruschetta for lunch or a candlelight dinner at night. The breakfast and lunch menus are a mix of sandwiches, salads, and other creative offerings; the place transforms at night, with table service, candles, and a frequently changing menu of freshly grilled fish and turf offerings. The original Kalapawai Market, a grab-and-go spot, is right at Kailua Beach.
750 Kailua Rd., Kailua, Hawaii, 96734, USA
Known For
- Signature dishes by night
- Good coffee and sandwiches by day
- Impressive wine list for such a small spot
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Generations of children have purchased their beach snacks and sodas at Kalapawai Market near Kailua Beach. A Windward Oahu landmark since 1932, the green-and-white market has distinctive charm. You'll see slipper-clad locals sitting in front sharing a cup of coffee and talking story at picnic tables or in front of the market. It's a good source for your carryout lunch, since there's no concession stand at the beach. It also has one of the better selections of wine on the island. There's a sister Kalapawai Cafe with a sit-down menu in the center of Kailua.
306 S. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, Hawaii, 96734, USA
Known For
- Takeout deli sandwiches
- Good coffee
- A great selection of wine
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$ | Iwilei |
This well-established bakery offers both old-school classics and newer treats, some of which have become cult favorites. You'll salivate as you stare at the cases filled with inexpensive pastries, doughnuts, cookies, and breads. Items are often unlabeled, so point and ask if you want to know what is what, and the counter attendants will cheerfully explain. The poi-glazed doughnuts/malasadas are a phenomenon, but the Chantilly Roll (poi roll filled with black sugar and topped with Chantilly frosting and walnuts) is to die for.
1284 Kalani St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, USA
Known For
- Variety of malasadas
- Friendly service
- Opens early (before dawn) and sells out of many things by midmorning
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Why not stop for shave ice like President Barack Obama did while visiting the island after the 2008 election? This spot in Koko Marina Center serves fluffy shave ice, açai bowls, bubble drinks, ice cream, and more.
7192 Kalanianaole Hwy., Hawaii Kai, Hawaii, 96825, USA
Known For
- Shave ice with syrup flavors such as strawberry, coconut, and lilikoi (passionfruit)
- Bubble drinks
- Acai bowls
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This North Shore spot has gone from funky burger shack (it first opened in 1975) to institution, with crowds of tourists and locals standing in line to order the large, hand-formed burgers heaped with bacon, cheese, and pineapple. Frankly, there are better burgers to be had around the island, but this place commands a truly loyal following.
66-160 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712, USA
Known For
- A pilgrimage stop on the North Shore surf circuit
- Tourists by the busload
- Decent burgers and fries
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Chinatown |
At this large Chinatown institution, the dim sum cart ladies stop at your table and show you their Hong Kong–style fare. If you come for breakfast dim sum, arrive before 9 am, especially on weekends, if you want to hear yourself think. There are also à la carte lunch and dinner menus.
100 N. Beretania St., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817, USA
Known For
- Still-warm custard tarts
- Dim sum, reasonably priced by the dish
- Easy parking in the cultural plaza parking lot