What exactly makes a restaurant a hole in the wall? Is it cramped seating, a hard-to-find location, cheap food, a dated facade, or simply a food truck? Perhaps it can be any of these things, though the one aspect these 12 hidden gem restaurants in Honolulu share is absolutely incredible food... in perhaps a less-than-ideal setting.

1) Ray's Cafe, Honolulu

With just five tables inside and a line outside the door, Ray's Cafe is certainly a Kalihi favorite. Learn more about this unassuming restaurant on the Ray's Cafe Facebook page.

Let's check out Ray's Cafe in Honolulu, in this video from Loyal Manny. Ray's is one of many hidden gem restaurants in Hawaii and it's known for the best prime rib on the island:

2) Broke Da Mouth Grindz, Kailua-Kona

My mouth is watering for those pork adobo fries... This place takes dining out in Hawaii to a whole new level! To learn more about Broke Da Mouth Grindz, visit its Facebook page.

3) Ono Tacos, Lahaina

Hawaii is home to some killer food trucks, including this Mexican joint that serves up burritos, tortas, and tacos for miles. Learn more on the Ono Tacos Facebook page.

4) Pono Market, Kapaa

This unassuming joint is the spot for killer Hawaiian food in Kapaa. The Lau Lau is awesome, though unfortunately only available during specified lunch hours.

5) Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu

This Honolulu classic is one of Obama's favorite places to visit when he's in town, and for good reason. This casual eatery is one of the best local restaurants in Hawaii. Read more about Rainbow Drive-In in our previous article.

We check out Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu, HI with Passport_Ced, one of the best places in Honolulu to get the iconic Hawaiian loco moco:

6) Kohala Burger and Taco, Kawihae

This casual Mexican-American Grill serves up local fish, grass-fed beef, and 1950s milkshakes for a dose of nostalgia and some of the best burgers in Hawaii. Learn more about Kohala Burger and Taco on its website.

7) Mark’s Place, Lihue

From plate lunches to bento boxes, Mark's Place is known for serving up some delicious meals. Learn more about this unassuming restaurant on Mark's Place's official website.

8) Blue Ginger Café, Lanai City

With a casual, old-school vibe and simple American and Pan-Asian fare, Blue Ginger Cafe is a must-visit while in Lanai City.

9) Helena's Hawaiian Food, Honolulu

This laid-back eatery is known for serving up the best Hawaiian food around - from Lau Lau and Kalua pork to poke and poi. Learn more by visiting Helena's Hawaiian Food's website.

10) Hawaiian Style Café, Waimea

If you're looking for home-cooked American and Hawaiian food, look no further than this local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Read more about Hawaiian Style Cafe in our previous article.

11) Da Crack, Koloa

This Mexican eatery may be tiny, but the portions are anything but and the prices are affordable. Visit the Da Crack website for more information.

12) Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Kahuku

Kahuku is known for a plethora of shrimp trucks, but Giovanni's is by far the most famous and it started out in 1953. Learn more by visiting Giovanni's Shrimp Truck's website.

Another one of the best places to eat in Hawaii is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Kahuku. Learn more about this delicious mobile restaurant in this video from Eater:

There is something special about a local foodie find that only the locals know about. Which of these places is your favorite? What other hidden gem restaurants in Honolulu, Hawaii would you add to this list?