Though the Hawaiian Islands are small in terms of landmass, the islands feel huge as soon as you consider the countless restaurant options found across the state, some more popular than others. From casual drive-ins and seaside poke joints to upscale seafood restaurants and resort restaurants, these 13 famous Hawaiian restaurants are totally worth the hype — and 100 percent worth the wait.
1. Marukame Udon, Honolulu
Widely regarded as one of the country's best restaurants, this casual Japanese eatery specializes in noodle soup, and there is almost always a line out of the door. Noodles are made using the Sanuki-style method, and you can watch cooks sheeting and cutting the fresh dough into noodles while you wait. Each step of the udon-making process is taken care of by a different person, by hand. And it shows — the udon is absolutely mouthwatering! We couldn't have chosen a better spot to start off our list of popular Hawaiian restaurants. 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI, 96815
2. Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona
This seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex is known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads — and, in our very humble opinion, makes the absolute best poke in Hawaii -- and that's saying something! Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, 76-6246 Alii Dr #101, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
3. Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina
Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina is an extremely busy breakfast and brunch spot that is located right on the beach at the Napili Shores condo complex. Don’t allow the hour-long line to discourage you, Gazebo Restaurant serves the best breakfast food for miles — you’ve got to try their famous macadamia nut pancakes. Pro tip: if you arrive and the line is too long for your liking, walk around the corner and order your food to go — you can then take your breakfast and eat on the beach, with the same view!5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI, 96761
4. Haleiwa Joe’s, Kaneohe + Haleiwa
Haleiwa Joe’s, Kaneohe + Haleiwa , a classic Hawaiian restaurant, not only serves up some of the freshest seafood around (and the most massive prime rib you can imagine!) but is also located in quite the picturesque setting. An iconic Hawaiian seafood restaurant, Haleiwa Joe’s has two locations that are pure Hawaiian paradises: on Oahu’s north shore in Haleiwa and windward Oahu at the Haiku Gardens.
5. Mama’s Fish House, Paia
Scores of five-star ratings speak volumes about Mama’s Fish House in Paia, which is clearly doing something right. With fresh and delicious seafood and a picturesque oceanfront location, there is little better than this Paia eatery with breathtaking sunset views, and it really belongs on every Hawaiian's bucket list! 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI, 96779
6. My Cafe, Kapolei
Serving breakfast all day, My Cafe is wildly popular, and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, and traditional breakfast favorites are cooked fresh and made to order. If you’re into pancakes, you’ve got to try the "Flight of Pancakes" with flavors like cookie butter and lilikoi, with syrups to complement the flavors.563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI, 96707
7. Tidepools, Poipu
Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon.1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI, 96756
8. Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina
Serving up some of the most delicious pies on Maui is Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, a café that is all about fresh ingredients, and hand-crafted specialties. Their chocolate macadamia nut pie is heaven for any chocolate lover, and the bananas in the banana cream pie are harvested from the restaurant’s own farm.820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI, 96761
9. Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
The Rainbow Drive-In is a Honolulu classic that also happens to be one of Obama's favorite places to visit when he's in town -- and for good reason. Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its scrumptious plate lunches, complete with rice, mac salad, and your choice of meat, as well as their mouth-watering loco moco plate.3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815
10. Ulu Ocean Grill & Seafood Lounge, Kailua-Kona
Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, Ulu Ocean Grill & Seafood Lounge clearly has stunning views — but the culinary team also places an emphasis on local cuisine with a regional, seasonal and artisanal philosophy.Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
11. Merriman’s, Kapalua
While Merriman's is definitely a pricier pick on this list, this restaurant's food, view, and experience is worth every penny. Serving up incredible seafood dishes, mai tais, and mouth-watering desserts, Merriman’s has got it all in terms of food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Oh, and the sunsets are absolutely magical.1 Bay Club Place, Lahaina, HI, 96761
12. Sushi Sasabune, Honolulu
Located in the heart of Honolulu, Sushi Sasabune is not only one of the most unique restaurants in the Aloha State but it’s also been voted one of the best.
In fact, for some of the best sushi in Honolulu, head to Sasabune. It's here where you should order the omakase, which consists of approximately a dozen courses of chef-selected fare. Though this forces you to trust the chef, you will not be disappointed.1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI, 96814
13. Matsumoto Shave Ice, Haleiwa
Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shave ice shop. What once began as a small grocery store has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!66-111 Kamehameha Highway #605, Haleiwa, HI
Which of these famous places to eat in Hawaii is your favorite? Are there any restaurants in Hawaii you'd like to see featured? Nominate them and tell us why!
For a more casual meal, why not head to one of these 15 unassuming eateries?
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