168 Best Restaurants in Hawaii, USA

The Franco family has been perfecting its organic coffee since 1918, growing and handpicking the beans, drying them under the Maui sun, and then roasting them at the coffeehouse. Pop in or order takeout online—the food here truly reflects local culture, with dishes that tutu (grandma) would make for the ohana (family) and baked goods, bagels, and burgers that all hit the spot.

Folks just love this cash-only, old plantation-style diner, though the very simple food doesn't quite live up to the buzz. Locals and tourists still stream in and out all day long: the famous saimin noodle soup is the big draw, and each day the Hiraoka family dishes up about 1,000 bowls of the steaming broth and house-made noodles topped with a variety of garnishes. The landmark eatery is also famous for its lilikoi (passion fruit) chiffon pie. Parking is often a challenge.  This is one of the few Lihue restaurants open late—10 pm on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hilo's best Chinese restaurant specializes in seafood but also offers many other Cantonese treats, including salt-and-pepper pork, Mongolian lamb, and vegetarian specialties like garlic eggplant and crispy green beans. The food is good, portions are large, and the price is right, but don't come here expecting any ambience—this is a funky, no-frills Chinese restaurant, with random pieces of artwork tacked up here and there.

Come hungry: there’s a reason the line is usually out the door at this popular hole-in-the-wall eatery in a shopping center downtown. Not only does the Hawaiian comfort food hit the spot, it’s affordable and served in sizable portions. The heavily “local” menu items include fresh fish specials, poke bowls, and kalua pork hash served with fried rice and eggs.

Started by Helen Chock and now run by her grandson, this casual, unassuming spot is an iconic stop for classic Hawaiian food. You can skip the hotel luau and come here for authentic kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, poi, pipikaula (salted and dried) beef short ribs, haupia (a Jell-O-like coconut pudding), and more. Order at the counter and sit down, but you won't wait long, as Helena's is known for its efficency

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, as well as 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; on the island of Kauai; and in Los Angeles.

The signature plate here is the pastrami on rye, and it's no ordinary sandwich. This one, possibly rivaling those in New York City, boasts locally raised, grass-fed sirloin that is brined for 13 days, then slow smoked, sliced razor thin, and served with handcrafted dressing and Swiss cheese. Housed in the vintage First Bank of Hilo building, they also offer chili, burgers, pizza, dogs, and other delights, and of course, a full selection of bottles and taps as well as specialty cocktails. 

Located within a nondescript mini strip mall, this small place has only a few stools and a couple of tables outside, but service is fast, and the food is consistently good—all it takes to keep the place filled with locals. The beef and black bean chow fun and the mahi mahi (dolphinfish) with lemon capers are the top-selling favorites, but there are vegetarian options and lighter fare such as Grandma's spicy tofu, egg foo young, and even a veggie burger. It's cash only, so arrive prepared.

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. A second location is in Kaimuki.

Hidden lakeside at the Kings' Shops, this little takeout place is a best-kept secret in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The combo baskets brim with tempura fresh-catch fish, chicken, shrimp, and more. Grab a table beneath the gazebo and enjoy assorted appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts while taking in the view.

Recharge for more adventure with coffee, chocolate, shave ice, and boba drinks at this family-owned and operated spot in an old sugar mill garage. The owner crafts the all-natural syrups with organically grown mango, papaya, pineapple, and passion fruit.

One of four Jolene’s locations in Oahu, the Kaneohe restaurant with an open-air dining room and deck is next to the Bayview Golf Course and Bay View Mini-Putt and Zipline; the deck has a golf course view and a peek-a-boo glimpse of Kaneohe Bay. The eatery is best known for its lobster “buttah” rolls—toasted, buttery bread stuffed with pickled vegetables and lobster salad—and also has a range of coastal Atlantic hot and cold sandwiches, salads and burgers, many with some Asian spin, too. For beverages, choose from iced milk teas, sweet teas, and tropical slushies you can spike, plus other alcoholic beverages. 

Unassuming from the outside, this small, local-style plate-lunch eatery serves top-quality, genuine Hawaiian specialties in Hilo. All the staples are here, from kalua pork (slow-cooked and pulled) to shoyu chicken (cooked in a sauce including fermented soy sauce), loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), and pork adobo. Order at the takeout window and grab a seat at one of the picnic tables outside.

A sibling of popular Java Kai in Kapaa, this Kilauea coffee joint serves breakfast and lunch until 2 pm. Order online ahead of time, otherwise risk a lengthy wait.

Serving up delicious coffee made with Hawaii-grown and -roasted beans, Kai Coffee Hawaii is an island favorite and has several locations. Featuring various coffee styles (including pour over and French press), this is a trusted spot for a fresh cup of gourmet brew or other beverages, such as hibiscus iced tea. It's known for açai bowls and crepes as well. This location in the Alohilani Resort faces Waikiki Beach.

With its oceanfront location close enough for diners to feel the salt spray, Kai's is a fun, casual dining experience. Just pick a table, then order and pay online; they bring your meal to your table. In the morning, you can fill your paper coffee cup with limitless amounts of coffee at the self-serve station. For lunch and dinner, choose from the "plancha" burgers such as the smashburger or one of the gourmet pizzas with goofy names like Mango Tango or Funkai Funghi. Owned by the same company as Huggo's and Lava Lava Beach Club, Kai's prices are pretty good considering its spot right on the water. 

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, 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. The market 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 and two more locations in Waimanalo and Kapolei.

Pahoa Town isn't known for gourmet dining choices, but Kaleo's is pretty sophisticated for a small-town restaurant and remains a local favorite. Hawaiian-inspired fare blends the gamut of the island's international influences with tempura ahi rolls, grilled burgers, and catch of the day. Nightly entertainment makes this the place to be on a laid-back Pahoa evening. Sit on the porch and watch the goings-on in Pahoa Town.

They specialize in breakfast and great views. This covered, outdoor establishment sits directly across from the Kailua seawall, so even if you have to wait, the view alone is worth it. The Tex-Mex scramble, lilikoi French toast, and salmon Benedict are crowd favorites, along with 100% Kona coffee. They can get busy and do their best to accommodate, so patience is advised. 

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.

The old-school interior at this "Molokai rest stop" feels a bit like a time warp, making it the perfect place to try one (or two) of the 30 or more flavors of Dave's Hawaiian Ice Cream; it's the only place that serves it on the island. Sit in the refreshing breeze on one of the benches outside to enjoy your cone and pick up snacks, crack seed, water, and cold drinks.

This is a popular local hangout, and not just because the kava drink makes you mellow. The Hawaiian proprietors, who have a certified organic farm in Hamakua, also serve traditional Hawaiian food, including fresh poke, bowls of healthy organic greens, opihi (limpets), and traditional Hawaiian laulau (pork or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed). Organic kava root, used for relaxation, is harvested on the Hamakua Coast and transformed into a traditional, slightly bitter brew. Seating is at a premium, but don't be afraid to share a table and make friends. 

Authentic organic everything is on the menu here. This bakery and café serves a variety of coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, kombucha, teas, and salads, and it's all 100% organic. There's gluten-free and vegetarian selections as well. The chill hippie vibe here extends to lots of cozy seating, crafts for sale, and, no doubt, interesting conversations with locals. 

Part of a huge working cattle ranch—McCandless Ranch, founded in 1915—this homey country store offers bargain-priced shave ice delectably made with a traditional machine. You can order it with a variety of syrups and even add ice cream at the bottom of your cup. Portions are so large you will be challenged to finish it all before it melts. Fortunately, there's outdoor seating and abundant napkins. They carry lots of locally made crafts and souvenirs. 

The humble hamburger gets an Asian twist at Kenji's, a small casual eatery with four outposts throughout the island that uses primarily grass-fed Kauai beef. Choose the teriyaki, veggie, truffle, or hapa burger, each topped with goodies like caramelized onions, Japanese mushrooms, and tomato jam; local favorites include loco moco (a popular local rice, beef, gravy, and eggs concoction), poke, and chicken katsu (fried cutlet) bowls. Don't miss the sushi burritos, which are actually hearty nori wraps stuffed with softshell crab, lobster, ahi, and other seafood selections. The thin crispy french fries get a lift when sprinkled with furikake, a Japanese seaweed seasoning. There is indoor and outdoor seating.

This little spot offers epic cheeseburger plates (using grass-fed beef) and even has a 1950s-style malt shop. They also serve a local favorite, the pineapple whip, perfect for a cool break on a hot day. Their self-serve ordering kiosk helps get your meal out to you faster, or order online. Check the website for operating hours, as they vary.

If you're looking for something sweet—or savory—this busy café in downtown Hawi serves breakfast (bagels, espresso machine–steamed eggs), and lunch (hot dogs, burgers, chili, salads) until 6. Sit outside and watch the world go by as you enjoy locally made ice cream that is ono (delicious), as well as other sweet treat specialties.

The only full-service restaurant in Maui's largest shopping center, the well-established Koho's serves things like sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken, as well as fajitas and other Mexican dishes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there's a happy "hour" from 2 to 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Having outgrown its tiny shop by the post office, Koloa Fish Market now offers tasty take-out poke, plate lunches, fresh fish, and party platters at a location along the road to Poipu.

All of this family-owned coffee company's businesses—growing, roasting, brewing, and serving their authentic Kona coffee—operate within a 10-mile radius of the farm. At their homey little café, they offer a staggering array of coffee drinks, along with upscale deli items such as lox and a veggie focaccia sandwich; breakfast goodies include acai bowls. The café offers mostly takeout with limited dine-in availability. They do offer tours of their coffee farm: reserve online.