The Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In Hawaii — Pizzas, Tacos, Ice Cream, And More!
It’s often a surprise for many visitors to Hawaii to discover such a bustling culinary scene. From food festivals across the islands to local restaurants showcasing traditional cuisine, food in Hawaii is anything but rudimentary. While you can surely find a traditional all-American burger or steakhouse during your visit to Hawaii, we recommend diving deeper into the culinary adventure. Try the poi, laulau, or poke for a taste of the islands. Even swap that ice cream cone for an all-natural shaved ice for a unique twist on a sweet treat. If you are the type of foodie with an adventurous palate or simply want to immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture as much as possible, we have some of the best restaurants Hawaii has to offer in one list, including a few hole-in-the-wall gems.
The Best Pizza In Hawaii
It’s true that Hawaii isn’t known for having a bustling Italian food scene, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t feast on a deliciously made pizza pie every now and again. It’s been said that one of the best pizza places in the state is Manioli’s Pizza Company along the southwestern shores of Maui. Locals and tourists love the laid-back atmosphere, not to mention the hand-tossed pizzas brimming with toppings.
Doesn’t this outdoor dining at Manioli's look like pure perfection?
The Most Delicious Tacos In Hawaii
There is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican eatery on Oahu known as North Shore Tacos that is unassuming but oh-so-delicious. With only the freshest, most sustainable ingredients, North Shore serves up scrumptious tacos featuring fish, shrimp, sweet pork, beef, chicken, and steak. Don’t forget to have your tacos topped with their signature Surf Sauce to round out the whole meal! Also, pro-tip: the quesadillas and burritos are equally as satisfying as their tacos.
Anyone else ready to feast at North Shore Tacos in Hawaii?
The Best Italian Restaurant In Hawaii
While it might not be the oldest Italian restaurant in Hawaii, it certainly has the most spectacular views! Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante is Wailea’s only beachside open-air restaurant and is located within the Four Seasons Maui. This is al-fresco dining at its finest. Imagine picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean stretching below the cliffs as you twirl your fork in a plate of fresh pappardelle. You’ll be able to savor this rustic Italian food right along the Hawaiian shoreline.
Can you picture yourself dining on this Italian cuisine cliffside?
The Most Mouth-Watering Donuts In Hawaii
There is a donut shop in the heart of Kaka’ako that features a menu bursting with elevated options. Purve Donut Stop is not your average donut shop - but instead, features a creative blend of flavors and toppings, with tons of island influence. Wait for donuts fresh off the assembly line, still warm with a scrumptious glaze saturating a cake dough. Try the fan-favorite AlohaMac, featuring a chocolate glazed donut, caramel drizzle, and macadamia nut topping!
We bet you can’t walk out of Purve Donut Stop with just one donut.
The Most Amazing Ice Cream In Hawaii
It’s not enough to just find the nearest ice cream shop in Hawaii to satisfy your cravings, especially if you are in Maui. If you’re on the hunt for the best ice cream in Hawaii, nay, in the world, we have a heavyweight contender in Coconut Glen’s Homemade Ice Cream. According to Conde Nast Traveler, Coconut Glen’s is one of the best local ice cream spots across the globe as voted by readers. This roadside joint is not to be missed if you’re looking for some mouth-watering island-inspired ice cream.
Blink and you might miss this roadside ice cream stop in Hawaii!
One Of The Best Bakeries In Hawaii
One of the most coveted bakeries and the largest retail bakery in the state is none other than Liliha Bakery in Hawaii. With the original location in Honolulu, Liliha Bakery has expanded across the state since it opened in 1950. Here, you’ll find a plethora of baked treats, almost like a buffet of baked goods. Picture Hawaiian favorites like Chantilly cakes, malasadas, and of course, the famed coco puffs. These cream puff pastries are filled with sweet chocolate pudding and topped with buttery macadamia nut Chantilly frosting. These little gems are part of the reason why this bakery has been such a local staple!
Have you ever tried the coco puffs from Liliha Bakery before?
One Of A Kind Sandwiches In Hawaii
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind deli experience in Hawaii serving up gourmet sandwiches galore. E.A.R.L. is a hidden gem eatery in Honolulu that has a lunchtime meal you’ll be dreaming about. These sandwiches are extraordinary, with menu favorites like the spicy Caprese, the short rib, the Cubano, and more. This is one quick-stop lunch spot with sandwiches you won’t find anywhere else.
Have you ever had a midday meal at E.A.R.L. in Hawaii before?
The Most Delicious Mexican Food In Hawaii
It’s certainly not easy to find tasty, authentic Mexican food on any of the Hawaiian islands. But the next time you’re visiting Oahu, make sure to plan a trip to Barrio Cafe. This off-the-beaten-path Mexican hideaway features colorful decor, indoor picnic tables, and a menu overflowing with tacos, chorizo rice, tortas, and so much more. Also, you can turn this hotspot into your very own winery when you BYOB on Taco Fridays!
Are you ready for the best Mexican cuisine in Hawaii?
