382 Best Restaurants in Hawaii, USA

Delicious artisan sandwiches, classic burgers, and signature items make 808 on Main a local favorite. The pupus, cocktails, and draft beers will make you wish the place was open later (10–3 pm). Check out its counterpart, 808 Deli in Kihei, for breakfast, paninis, and gourmet hot dogs.

Beachy yet upscale, this restaurant has an in-house beer sommelier who advises on the perfect pairing with your food choice, which can range from fresh catch, steak, burgers, and sandwiches to crab cakes and escargots. Many dishes incorporate Hawaiian touches. The sports bar offers a 24-tap digital beer tower and 10 TV screens. An innovative frost rail on the cocktail bar keeps your drinks cool. Patio seating outside offers additional dining options.

This food truck in the Manuhealii parking lot serves delicious, made-to-order malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts) 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.

This popular spot began as a French–Vietnamese bakery on Oahu and has branched into popular small restaurants sprinkled throughout the Islands, with some locations set up as kiosks in malls and others, like this one, as stand-alone spots with a few picnic tables out front. Vietnamese pho (soup laden with seafood or rare beef, fresh basil, bean sprouts, and lime) shares menu space with local-style saimin and plates of barbecue or spicy chicken, beef, pork, or local fish served with jasmine rice.

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. 

An array of authentic Japanese dishes made with Hawaiian seafood and fresh, seasonal, mostly organic North Shore veggies and fruits attracts locals and visitors alike to this hip yet family-friendly sushi house. The extensive menu includes classic sashimi and tempura, standard and off-the-wall sushi rolls, Wagyu beef, broiled fish entrées, and various vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Hip and pricey, this tapas bar is a top place in Hanalei in terms of flavor and creativity, with food that's often organic and consistently remarkable. The dining room is super-casual but chic, with a welcoming bar and a nice porch for outdoor dining. Owner-chefs Hanna and Kenny Uddifa's brief menu changes regularly, but favorites include honeycomb with goat cheese and apple or Hawaiian fish (type depends on the local catch) with leek couscous, sunchokes, white wine beurre blanc, and sunflower sprouts. The adjacent sister restaurant, Ama, serves ramen and other Asian-style dishes in an upscale outdoor setting.

Loyalists of Roy Yamaguchi's celebrated spots in Hawaii Kai and Waikiki are thrilled to find his North Shore outpost—a rustic, beam-and-concrete-floor pavilion literally on the sand at Turtle Bay. All the favorites are served at this more beach-casual spot, from miso deep-water black cod to beef short ribs, along with a more casual lunch menu.

From its upstairs, open-air dining room decorated with kitschy surfer chic, this restaurant invites customers to enjoy views of the pier and a bustling corner of Alii Drive. Fortunately, an excellent, extensive menu makes it well worth a stop; fresh fish plates including fish tacos are a sure bet. The clam chowder is some of Kona's best. Try the smashburger (a cooking technique that adds flavor while reducing grill time) or the marinated sirloin or New York strip. Death by Chocolate is the dessert to die for. They also serve breakfast from 7 until noon, and there's a happy hour, as well as live music nightly. Great prices keep the locals coming in. 

Well established as a local favorite, this unassuming café is situated in a strip mall near Diamond Head and away from the bustle of Waikiki. It's a great spot to grab a quick, delicious breakfast or brunch, including best-sellers such as the loco moco, açai bowl, bagel sandwiches, French toast, omelets, and other morning staples. Locals love their Mama's fried rice dish, with plenty of sautéed vegetables. Many lunch options are available as well, such as chicken salad and lobster rolls. The interior is basic, but there's also ample seating on the patio out front.

Unquestionably the fanciest spot in Honokaa, this cozy Italian bistro known for its pizza and other options feels like you've taken a step into Florence. Wood details, a full bar, travertine finishes, warm woods, antique furnishings, pendant lighting, and a fantastic stone pizza oven combine to create a thoroughly welcoming atmosphere. On the menu, pizzas and calzones dominate, but there is a full selection of pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Prices are surprisingly affordable. Local entertainers play on weekends.

One of the most romantic settings on the Kohala Coast, this landmark, oceanfront restaurant showcases traditional Hawaiian flavors, artful presentations, and locally grown or raised products. The progressive menu spotlights standout entrées such as roasted beef tenderloin, dry-rubbed New York Steak, Keahole lobster, fish caught locally, shellfish, island-fresh greens, and local goat cheese. Choose a fine wine from a roster of premium varietals to complement your meal. 

Enjoy sunset views over the yacht harbor, live music, and signature "Guy-Tai" cocktails at this Waikiki landmark opened in 1969 by surfing legend Joey Cabell. The extensive menu maintains the mid-century notion of fine dining, with oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, and steaks (including a bison tenderloin from Ted Turner's ranch) alongside poke, macadamia-nut-crusted mahi mahi, and the fan-favorite "Joey's ahi mignon." Early birds can take advantage of the "surf break" menu, and there's a very popular weekend brunch (book in advance). Regulars perch at the bar, and in the dining room, local families, couples, and tourists feast amid the dark, cork-lined walls while admiring the lovely marina.

You'd never guess by the nondescript exterior and the location in an old pineapple cannery-cum-strip-mall, but this restaurant has the feel of a hip urban eatery and is popular with locals for breakfast and lunch, as well as happy hour and dinner—when the bar side opens, the candles come out, and it's time for martinis and fresh fish.

This tiny place is the real deal. Yes, your tab might be a bit high, but it will be worth it because authentic, always-fresh poke doesn't get better than this. Enjoy bowls that include two selections of poke, one side, and a scoop of rice. The plates offer more choices. Try the award-winning Wet Hawaiian, which incorporates roasted kukui nuts or the Spicy Garlic Sesame, made with spicy Hawaiian chili pepper, garlic, and sesame seeds. Occasionally you will see a "Closed—Gone Fishing" sign on the door but consider that a good thing. They catch much of the fish themselves, sometimes the same day they serve it.

Hawaii's culinary superstar, Roy Yamaguchi, runs his signature Hawaiian-fusion-cuisine restaurant on Kauai's South Shore in a shopping village that suits the name and creative fare. Though billed as "plantation cuisine," the hot-pot rice bowl, spicy ramen, and burger that's half wild boar are about the only items that might have their roots in the days when sugar was king; otherwise, the menu is classic Asian fusion. Pot stickers, meat appetizers, and an array of noodle dishes and salads make it easy to cobble together a hearty tapas-type meal. Roy's signature molten chocolate soufflé (gluten free) is also offered. The food is served in cast-iron skillets and other casual ware that suit the plantation-style decor. Reservations are recommended, and there is a separate take-out menu.

In the heart of Waikiki, El Cielo was opened in 2023 by chef Masa "Arnaldo" Gushiken, who creates incredible Spanish tapas and other international specialties based on his global expertise in places such as Japan, Los Angeles, and Spain. The interior's serene, minimalist design establishes a sophisticated but relaxed ambience in several dining rooms. A few standouts include the truffle egg custard pudding, imported cheeses and hams, octopus, and Basque-style sea bream, and the wine list has some Spanish vintages. The restaurant has attracted attention from local and visiting food lovers, becoming a must-dine experience on Oahu. 

Ocean breezes flow through this open-air restaurant on Alii Drive, known for a quality menu infused with Cajun and island influences. Almost all dishes are made to order and feature non-GMO, hormone-free, or USDA-certified organic ingredients. A must-try is the seafood pesto puff pastry on the appetizer menu, and for dinner the steak house pasta (creamy mushroom pasta topped with a New York strip steak) is a good bet. Signature cocktails blend freshly muddled fruit and fresh juices with no commercial mixes. With happy hour daily from 3 to 5 and live entertainment nightly, Foster's Kitchen is a cool spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail or late-night libation. It's a good sign that you see a lot of locals here; it's got an elevated reputation among residents. 

While the rest of Makawao Town eases into the day, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this garden café in the shade of a sprawling Argentinian coral tree. With options like huevos rancheros, French toast, and house-made biscuits and gravy, it feels like Sunday brunch every day.

At one of Lanai’s newest restaurants, casual fare is made with tons of love, and although dishes lean heavily toward the salty, sweet, and sour tastes represented by Filipino fare, specials highlight a dynamic range of Pacific flavors and cuisines. The menu includes plate lunches, salads, burgers, and an outstanding chicken sandwich. You can dine inside or on a large patio facing Dole Park or take food to go for a day of exploring.

The Haleiwa location may be the namesake and claim the surf, but this windward-side branch offers knock-'em-dead views and a tiki torch–lit atmosphere after dark along with the friendly vibe and grilled seafood. In addition to surf-and-turf favorites, look for special preparations of each day's catch, which is delivered straight from the Honolulu Fish Auction. Come for an early dinner and a stroll around the pond and through the Haiku Gardens directly behind the restaurant. Note the H3 highway nestled into the deep valleys and soaring Koolau Mountains in the distance; it's reportedly the longest and most expensive elevated highway in the United States.

After more than 30 years, chef Beverly Gannon's first restaurant remains a culinary destination, serving exquisite dishes like Bev's Famous Crab Pizza, sashimi Napoleon, barbecue pork sandwiches, and the macadamia nut–crusted fresh catch, as well as daily and nightly specials, hand-crafted cocktails, and local beers. The rambling former plantation store has two dining rooms, both of which are usually full, so reservations are encouraged.

Just outside of Hana, a former food truck has been transformed into a permanent location with a large, covered patio, real restrooms, and beautiful wood-fired pizzas, calzones, and salads that highlight the vegetables from Hana Farms. While you wait for your food enjoy the free Wi-Fi (rare in the area) and peruse the farm stand for tropical fruits, banana bread, home and bath gifts, and more. For some of the only nightlife in the area, drop by on Friday nights for live music from local musicians.

Fresh, local produce features greatly here, and the menu mixes tasty American fare with local favorites like poke bowls. The quality of food and the prices are reflective of a more upscale restaurant, but the atmosphere is casual (no swimwear allowed, however). The bar, with its decadent craft cocktails (and mocktails) and local beer selection, is one of the area's few nightspots and tends to get a bit lively in the evening.

Fresh fish caught in local waters by local fishers take star billing at this upscale tropical-theme restaurant and sushi lounge on the banks of the Hanalei River. There are also many land-based dishes on the menu, including Hawaiian and haole (white-person) chicken, beef tenderloin, and steaks. The Dolphin doesn’t take reservations—if there’s a wait, order a cocktail or glass of wine and hang out in the lush riverside garden. The on-site market sells fish and seafood, as well as sushi rolls, steaks, and organic greens, and is a good option for lunch.

On the docks at Kona's sleepy harbor, this open-air restaurant is an authentic place to grab a beer and a bite after a long day of fishing, beach-going, or diving. The venue is nothing fancy, but it's one of the best spots in Kona for fresh-fish sandwiches, a variety of fried fish-and-chip combos, and even burgers. Frosty 18-ounce schooners of Kona Brewing Co. ale cannot be beat price-wise anywhere on the island, either. Come early for dinner, though: it closes at 7 and on Sunday at 6. Happy hour runs from 3 to close.

Tiny and locally owned, this sushi shack in the heart of town has gained an incredible following and specializes in "reverse" (rice on the outside, nori on the inside) rolls, filled with three or four ingredients of your choice. It's super popular and gets crazy crowded, so expect a long wait—but it's worth it. (Wait times can exceed an hour or more, but they let you know how long before you order.)  The restaurant also makes fantastic party platters that you can order in advance.

Overlooking Hilo Bay from its towering perch on the waterfront, this popular, upscale restaurant with great water views has a sophisticated second-floor dining room that looks like it's straight out of Manhattan. A sushi bar complements the excellent selection of fresh fish, pork, beef, and vegan options. Premium wines and sake are available.

What this casual former Irish pub lacks in space and parking is more than made up for in burger choices: more than 22 varieties of gourmet burgers, from a bacon ranch burger to a southern BBQ burger. Many of the ingredients come straight from the Big Island, and non-beef selections such as fish burgers are available as well, so it's definitely worth checking out.

Located in Hotel Molokai, the island's only oceanfront restaurant is also its fanciest and best place to grab a drink or watch the game on TV. Enjoy pasta, steak, shrimp, or fish while watching the sunset and listening to live music, and don't be surprised if the couple you saw hiking is seated at the table right next to you. Try hearty burgers for lunch, local favorite plates like kalbi ribs for dinner, and for a real treat, plan for breakfast on Sunday.