14 Famous Restaurants In Hawaii That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For
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 14 famous restaurants found throughout Hawaii are totally worth the hype — and 100 percent worth the wait.
This casual Japanese eatery specializes in noodle soup, and there is almost always a line out of the door. It was rated as the 10th best restaurant in America in Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2016, so it should definitely be added to your 2017 dining bucket list if you have yet to check it out.
2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
This seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex is known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads — and was once considered the best restaurant in America, according to Yelp.
Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, 76-6246 Alii Dr #101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, 76-6246 Alii Dr #101, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
This busy breakfast spot 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
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI 96761
This classic Hawaiian restaurant not only serves up some of the freshest seafood around 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.
With 4.5 stars on Yelp and more than 4,000 reviews, Mama’s Fish House is definitely 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.
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Serving breakfast all day, this café 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
563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707
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
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI 96756
Located in Waikapu at the base of the West Maui Mountains is the Maui Tropical Plantation, a beautiful slice of paradise that is home to a restaurant so good, we would travel across the world just to visit. This is the Mill House Restaurant, and the photographs definitely don’t do this place justice.
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy #2, Wailuku, HI 96793
1670 Honoapiilani Hwy #2, Wailuku, HI 96793
This Honolulu classic is 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
3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, this restaurant 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
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Yelp reviewers agree that the four dollar sign designation is accurate — but the 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
1 Bay Club Place, Lahaina, HI 96761
For some of the best sushi in Honolulu, head to Sasabune, 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
1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814
Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous 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
66-111 Kamehameha Highway #605, Haleiwa, HI
Serving up some of the most delicious pies on Maui is Leoda’s, 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
820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Which of these restaurants is your favorite? For a more casual meal, why not head to one of these 15 unassuming eateries?
