These 9 Restaurants In Hawaii Are Among The Best In America

The Hawaiian Islands are home to a mere 1.5 million residents - less than half of one percent of the United States. So, it might come as a surprise to you that nine Hawaiian eateries made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat for 2017. How does it make sense that such a small state accounts for nearly a tenth of the country’s greatest restaurants? Sure, it could be that more people are inclined to use Yelp while on vacation, but it could also simply be evident of the countless incredible and mouthwatering restaurants that have made their mark in Hawaii.

According to Yelp, nearly 75 percent of the restaurants that made the 2017 list are food trucks or fast casual restaurants with an average cost of $10 per plate, as denoted on the website by a single dollar sign. Oh, and they also favored recent reviews more heavily, meaning that the list is rife with hidden gems and underrated establishments. From iconic roadside shrimp trucks to casual neighborhood eateries, these 9 Hawaiian restaurants all have five stars on Yelp and need to be added to your Hawaii dining bucket list as soon as possible.

1. Frenchman’s Cafe, Kailua-Kona

This Hawaii Island eatery blends French, Caribbean and Polynesian flavors effortlessly. It is certainly hard to choose between their sweet crepes and savory omelets. With more than 250 reviews and five stars, this Kailua-Kona cafe is the 12th best restaurant in America - according to Yelp.75-5729 Ali'i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

2. Kaaloa’s Super J’s, Captain Cook

Often recognized as being as local as you can get, this Captain Cook eatery is No. 30 on Yelp's list and serves up delicious, authentic Hawaiian food in a no frills atmosphere. Don't forget to order their famous laulau.83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy A, Captain Cook, HI 96704

3. Thai Mee Up, Kahului

For Maui's best Thai food, head to Thai Mee Up, a Kahului favoirte and No. 36 on this year's best restaurant list. Chef Tom Sribura worked at the famed Mama's Fish House for more than 20 years before opening his own food truck.591 Haleakala Hwy, Kahului, HI 96732

4. Chirashi Sushi Don by Jiro, Kailua-Kona

Only open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 3 to 9 p.m., this tiny establishment - which secured the No. 45 spot - serves up some mouthwatering chirashi-don - a traditional Japanese dish consisting of sushi rice topped with a variety of fresh fish.75-5595 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

5. Island Bree’z, Kahuku

For made-to-order seafood dishes in a casual, open-air environment, head to Island Bree'z, No. 54 on Yelp's list. We suggest trying the "life-changing" lobster tacos. 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy

Kahuku, HI 96731

6. Aloha Shrimp, Hauula

Oahu's north shore is famous for its plethora of shrimp trucks, and nowhere will you get better garlic shrimp than Aloha Shrimp, which scored the No. 57 spot on this selective list.53-534 Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717

7. NOM Kauai, Kapa’a

For amazing burgers made with Kauai grass-fed beef and fresh, mouthwatering tator tots, head to No. 73 on Yelp's list. Kick back and enjoy that incredible breakfast burger with fried egg and bacon while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.4-1620 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746

8. Makai Sushi, Koloa

With a five-star rating on Yelp and nearly 500 reviews, this unassuming sushi in Koloa joint comes in at No. 79. Using only the freshest seafood, Makai Sushi serves up some of the best sushi rolls, poke, and sashimi around.2827 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

9. Porky’s, Waimea

The No. 95 spot on Yelp's list goes to Porky's, a small food truck serving up mouthwatering hot dogs for lunch in the Waimea area.9620 Kaumualii Hwy, Waimea, HI 96796

Need more restaurants to add to your Hawaii dining bucket list? Check out the 10 eateries that made it onto Yelp’s 2016 list.