Hawaii, the archipelago state with coconut trees, sea breeze, and rich Polynesian culture. It is a getaway spot from the mainland’s urban atmosphere and modernism.
What makes Hawaii attractive is its food made from fresh ingredients. The cooking process of Hawaiian cuisine embodies the values of the island’s aboriginals. We introduce the highly recommended restaurants from three of the Hawaiian Islands: O’ahu, Kauai, and Maui.
O’ahu, Hawaii Food
With the meaning ‘The Gathering Place’, O’ahu is the third largest island in Hawaii with a high population density. It is also where the state capital, Honolulu, is located.
1. The Original Roy’s in Hawaii Kai
Opened by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, this upscale restaurant serves delicious Hawaiian-Asian fusion. This restaurant specializes in bite-sized food such as sushi and crab cakes. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste Chef Roy’s cooking in Honolulu.
If you wish to do takeaway, the restaurant features different specials every day. You can check their website to view the carryout special menu of the day.
Address: 6600 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States
2. O’ahu Grill
O’ahu Grill serves authentic local favorite Hawaiian cuisine. The chefs follow a handed down family recipe that eliminates any artificial ingredients or sugar in their cooking.
You can get the infamous Kalua Pig, Squid Lu`au, and crispy fried pork from this grill bar. Each dish is carefully arranged on top of wooden plates and fresh green leaves. With a restaurant that focuses on familial values, you can choose one of the three Ohana Packs to share with your family.
Address: 1137 11th Ave #104, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
3. Karai Crab
A seafood restaurant in Honolulu that serves a variety of underwater delicacies. It is recognizable with a large cartoon crab avatar at the entrance.
Whether it’s King Crab, shrimp, or oyster, you can find them from this restaurant’s menu. Many regulars praise their garlic-oriented dishes that enhance the flavor, like the garlic fried rice or the garlic noodles. You will fall in love with these foods after one taste.
Address: 1314 S King St STE G2, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
Kauai, Hawaii Food
The Northern Kauai Island bears the name of ‘the Garden Isle’. The island is famous for its massive rainforest, mountain spires, and cliffs, perfect for nature trekking.
1. Hukilau Lanai
If you are staying in Kauai Coast Resort, never ever miss this fantastic restaurant.
Only open during dinner hours, Haukilau Lanai ensures customers having the most exquisite dining experience. Their attentive servers will give you their menu and cocktail recommendations. Every dish is made of fresh ingredients from local farms and markets, which explains why this restaurant receives a number of praises.
Remember to reserve a seat before your special night with your loved ones.
Address: 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, United States
2. Coconut Corner
Do not skip the coconuts when you are on a tropical island. Time to stop by at Coconut Corner to refresh yourself with naturally squeezed juices.
Although the establishment may look simplistic, the quality dishes and drinks are on par with any 5* restaurants. Besides, the affordable price makes the restaurant popular with the locals and visitors.
Address: HI-50, Waimea, HI 96796, United States
Maui, Hawaii Food
Maui, also known as ‘The Valley Isle’, is well-known for its beautiful beaches and farms. People visit the island for whale-watching and try out farm-to-table cuisine.
1. Ono Tacos Lahaina Maui
Why would we introduce Mexican food when we are already in Hawaii? Well, this is not an ordinary Mexican taco stall.
Many will go for this stall’s shrimp and fish taco, ingredients which Hawaii is famous for. There are other Mexican delicacies, like burrito and quesadillas for your quick meal. You can hang out with the chickens lingering around the stall.
So, stop by at the Honoapiilani Highway’s strip mall and get one of those tacos.
Address: 910 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
2. Paia Fishmarket Front Street Restaurant
Since 1989, Paia Fishermarket Front Street Restaurant has been the embodiment of Hawaiian cuisine. Their freshly caught fish are a part of their menu ingredients.
This restaurant offers meal sets that come with one fish of your choice and one side dish. There are other options available if you are not into fishes. The full meal set will definitely fulfill any customer’s hunger.
Address: 632 Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761, United States
3. Kula Bistro
Right near to Kula Park, Kula Bistro gives its patrons an extraordinary dining experience with beautiful landscape and homey atmosphere. It serves classic Western and Hawaiian meals
Before visiting the farms in Kula, you can stop by for a frittata or pancake in the morning. After a long, productive day, the bistro serves Maui coffee for you to enjoy while watching the sunset.
Address: 4566 Lower Kula Rd, Kula, HI 96790, United States
Already excited about your Hawaii trip? Remember to jot down these eateries in your travel itineraries to get the best dining experience in the islands.
We have more food trips and restaurant recommendations from LokaEats.
