The 12 Hawaii Restaurants You Should Add To Your Dining Bucket List
×
Megan Shute
Author
From underrated eateries to upscale, oceanfront restaurants, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible restaurants that are loved and frequented by many. We featured several of these excellent eateries and have now compiled them into an epic dining bucket list. With popular roadside restaurants, fine dining establishments in unforgettable settings, and eateries with cult-like followings, this list features 12 of the best restaurants in Hawaii — one for each month of the year.
Star Noodle, 1285 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
If you’re in the mood for noodle dishes, Asian shared plates, and cocktails in Lahaina, head to Star Noodle. Tucked away at the top of Lahaina Industrial Park. this casual, modern restaurant features both a menu with an embarrassment of riches of options and flavors and a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. Since opening in 2010, Star Noodle has achieved explosive success, due in part to its eclectic menu with vast global influences. Not only will you find classics like hot and sour soup, ramen, and pad thai, but you’ll also discover uniquely Hawaiian dishes like saimin, Lahaina fried soup, and their specialty: garlic noodles made with fresh and fried garlic, dashi, and scallions.
Read on to learn more about one of the top restaurants in Hawaii.
Read on to learn more about one of the top restaurants in Hawaii.
Advertisement
Tidepools, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
Advertisement
Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon. With plenty of old-school charm and a touch of elegance, this restaurant is both upscale and comfortable. Serving up authentic Hawaiian cuisine inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, chefs use local ingredients whenever possible. From a variety of mouthwatering seafood dishes (including the fresh ahi pictured below) to steaks, chicken, and vegetarian entrees, you won't be disappointed by the food at Tidepools.
It’s easily a must-visit restaurant in Hawaii.
It’s easily a must-visit restaurant in Hawaii.
Restaurant 604, 57 Arizona Memorial Dr, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
Offering the best waterfront dining in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, Restaurant 604 serves up a mouthwatering selection of classic American dishes as well as island favorites in addition to Hawaii’s best bloody mary. From poi and guava pancakes to Kalua pork eggs benedict and fried rice, their brunch menu can’t be beat. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, plate lunches, and fish tacos are on the menu for lunch, while the dinner menu is full of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. There’s truly something for everyone here.
A top restaurant in Hawaii.
A top restaurant in Hawaii.
The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm, 1790 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Established in the 1920s, The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm is not only one of Hawaii’s oldest restaurants but one of the most unique as well. Patrons looking for a true farm-to-table experience will find just what they’re looking for at this Hilo restaurant. In fact, diners can simply look out their window to see where their food is coming from, as long as they’re ordering fish, of course. You see, the menu features a variety of fish that are raised and grown right here on the fish farm. Behind the restaurant is Lokowaka, a 30-acre all-natural, brackish fishpond. A variety of fish is raised here, including mullet, tilapia, and aholehole, a local favorite.
Advertisement
Makawao Steak House/Facebook
Makawao Steak House/Facebook
Serving up slabs of prime beef served in a cozy atmosphere with a charming and rustic Paniolo theme, this local steakhouse is sure to please. It was originally opened in 1927 as a fish market, but by 1982, it had taken on a new persona as the Makawao Steak House. With a focus on locally-raised and naturally-grown ingredients, you can bet your meal will always be fresh and delicious! Steaks served include tenderloin, ribeye, t-bone, and prime rib options, all seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and a toasted pepper blend. Yum!
Lava Lava Beach Club, 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA
Located at the newly-renovated Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapaa, Lava Lava Beach Club is one of the only "toes in the sand" restaurants you'll find in Hawaii. Specializing in Hawaiian-inspired fare, there's little better than enjoying dinner on this unconventional patio. From pizzas and fish tacos to fresh seafood, salads, and more, the menu is full of casual and upscale options and is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.
For more information, click
For more information, click
Related Stories
Did You Know That Hawaii Is Home To The World’s Biggest Volcano?
This Easy 1.7-Mile Trail In Hawaii Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
You Won't Believe The Views You'll Find At This Incredible Airbnb In Hawaii
Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Wailea, Maui, 10 Wailea Gateway Pl B-201, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Advertisement
Nestled in the heart of Ko Olina — West Oahu's magical resort destination — is Monkeypod Kitchen, a unique farm-to-table restaurant that serves up the most mouthwatering Hawaiian regional cuisine you've ever tasted in a funky, comfortable atmosphere. With live music daily and a phenomenal patio, you're sure to love the laid-back island vibes and Aloha Spirit found at Monkeypod Kitchen. And the food is to die for. From salads and burgers to tacos, gnocchi, saimin, and fresh-caught seafood, there's something for everyone at this swoon-worthy restaurant.
Easily a top restaurant in Hawaii.
Easily a top restaurant in Hawaii.
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753, USA
Located on Maui’s stunning western coast is the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. And within this stunning oceanfront resort is one of the best restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii: Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Named after the Hawaii state fish, this Polynesian thatch-roof restaurant floating on a lagoon is as pretty as a postcard and serves up some mouthwatering food with Polynesian and Hawaiian influences.
For more information, read all about one of the best restaurants to visit in Hawaii.
For more information, read all about one of the best restaurants to visit in Hawaii.
Hamura Saimin, 2956 Kress St, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
This timeless restaurant in Lihue only gets better with age. Founded in 1951 by Aiko and Charlie Hamura, this classic eatery may not look like much, but the saimin served here is some of the world’s best. Housed inside a humble bungalow that was once used as barracks for the United States Army and has since been declared a state historic site, tourists and locals alike come to Hamura’s to slurp saimin at a U-shaped counter. With a secret-recipe broth and noodles made daily at the family’s home-run factory nearby, there's no better place to eat on a windy and rainy Kauai day — or any day, for that matter.
So many people think it’s one of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
So many people think it’s one of the best restaurants in Hawaii.
Advertisement
Cinnamon's Restaurant Kailua, 315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
With long wait times, it's easy to see that Cinnamon’s serves up some of the best breakfast food around. Locals and tourists alike flock to this charming Kailua eatery, and we certainly can't blame them. The menu is full of wholesome dishes sure to hit the spot — from sweet pancakes to omelets, eggs benedict, sausage, hash browns, and more. No matter what you order, you're sure to leave feeling satisfied and happy.
Located in Holualoa just twelve miles from the Kona International Airport and five miles from Kailua-Kona is this garden retreat that will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Surrounded in gorgeous flora and decked out with twinkling lights, we can't imagine a more enchanting place for your next date night. Most of their produce is sourced from farms within just five miles of the restaurant, fish is caught by local fishermen, meat is sourced from local, grass-fed, organic farms on the island, and the bread, pasta, and desserts are all made in the restaurant’s kitchen.
Herringbone Waikiki, 2330 Kal?kaua Ave #3, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Advertisement
Welcome to Herringbone Waikiki, a stunning new seafood restaurant situated just 350 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Combined with the lush beauty of Waikiki, Herringbone’s expansive 2,000 square foot lanai is truly a sight to behold. From Alaskan King Crab, lobster, and jumbo shrimp to yellowtail, scallops, ahi, and fresh local catch options, the seafood at Herringbone is simply divine. It is their oysters, however, that truly stand out.
We love this top restaurant in Hawaii.
We love this top restaurant in Hawaii.
So, tell us: how many of the best restaurants in Hawaii have you visited before? Which one’s up first on your 2019 dining bucket list? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Best Restaurants In Hawaii
What are the best restaurants in Hawaii?
These restaurants represent just a taste of the vibrant dining scene in Hawaii, offering a variety of culinary experiences that showcase the diverse flavors and influences of the islands.
These are the best restaurants in Hawaii:
- Alan Wong's (Honolulu, Oahu): Alan Wong's is a renowned restaurant that showcases innovative and contemporary Hawaiian cuisine. It focuses on locally sourced ingredients and offers a menu that highlights the flavors and traditions of the islands.
- Mama's Fish House (Paia, Maui): Mama's Fish House is a beloved oceanfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and picturesque views. It features a menu that incorporates local catches, tropical flavors, and Polynesian influences.
- Merriman's (Waimea, Big Island): Merriman's is a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. It offers a diverse menu with dishes that showcase the bounty of the Big Island, including fresh seafood and island-grown produce.
- Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop (Lahaina, Maui): Leoda's is a popular spot for comfort food and delectable pies. It offers a range of delicious sandwiches, burgers, and savory pies, as well as an array of sweet pies that are made from scratch.
- The Pig and the Lady (Honolulu, Oahu): The Pig and the Lady is a Vietnamese-inspired restaurant known for its bold and flavorful dishes. It combines traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern techniques, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience.
- Halekulani (Honolulu, Oahu): Halekulani is a luxury hotel that is home to several exceptional restaurants, including La Mer, which is known for its exquisite French cuisine and elegant dining experience.
- Hula Grill (Lahaina, Maui): Hula Grill offers a relaxed beachfront setting and a menu that celebrates the flavors of Hawaii. It features fresh seafood, island-inspired dishes, and tropical cocktails, all enjoyed with breathtaking ocean views.
What is the best food in Hawaii?
The best food in Hawaii is the iconic dish the Kalua Pork. Kalua Pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish showcasing the islands' rich flavors and cultural heritage. The pork is slow-roasted in an underground oven called an imu, which imparts a smoky and tender texture to the meat. The process involves marinating the pork with sea salt and wrapping it in banana leaves before burying it in the imu for several hours. The result is succulent and flavorful pork with a hint of smokiness that melts in your mouth. Kalua Pork is often served at traditional Hawaiian luaus and can be enjoyed in various forms, such as in sandwiches, tacos, or alongside other Hawaiian dishes like poi or lomi lomi salmon.
Featured Addresses
Hawaii, USA