20 Best Restaurants in Hawaii, Totally Must Visit!

Photo by Cosmin Serban from Unsplash

Hawaii is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about 2.000 miles from the mainland United States. Unlike other states, Hawaii is the only tropical state in the United States.

Because of the location of the island, Hawaii is blessed with pristine beaches and beautiful wildlife. Combined with the warm temperature, it’s no wonder that Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States.

Not only nature, but Hawaii is also a hotspot for art, culture, and cuisine. There are many interesting spots to explore and great restaurants to visit.

And here are the 20 best restaurants in several cities in Hawaii that you must check out!

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1. HELENA'S HAWAIIAN FOOD

If you’re visiting Honolulu and looking for a great place for dining, then Helena's Hawaiian Food is a great option to check out. You can find Helena's Hawaiian Food at 1240 North School Street, Honolulu, and it’s currently open from 10.00 a.m. until 07.30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday.

Helena's Hawaiian Food is a restaurant that has been operating since 1946. Helena’s Hawaiian Food specializes in traditional local Hawaiian dishes, such as kalua pork, ribs, and lomi salmon. And since this restaurant is family-owned, you will also feel the warmness and the spirit of ohana.

Helena's Hawaiian Food

Local draw known for homestyle Hawaiian cooking in a casual, no-frills space

Cash only

Address : 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States

2. DUKE'S WAIKIKI

If you’re looking for a great beachfront restaurant in Honolulu, then look no further than Duke's Waikiki, which is located in Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, approximately at 2335 Kalakaua Avenue #116, Honolulu. You can visit this restaurant from Monday to Sunday from 07.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

At Duke’s Waikiki, you will be served choices of mouthwatering surf and turf dishes in a tiki vibe space. Some of the dishes that you will find here include Coconut Shrimp & Fries, Duke’s Cheeseburger, Mango BBQ Bacon N Burger, and Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Duke's Waikiki, Honolulu

Popular option known for its beachfront location, surf 'n' turf, tiki vibe & umbrella drinks.

Gorgeous ocean views with live music makes their patio one of the top places to eat.

Address : 2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

3. SWEET E'S CAFé

If you’re looking for an amazing place that serves amazing breakfast, brunch, and lunch fares in Honolulu, then look no further than Sweet E's Café. You can visit this restaurant at 1006 Kapahulu Avenue from Monday to Sunday from 07.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m.

At this café, you can indulge yourself in many options of foods, ranging from omelets, eggs benedicts, pancakes, waffles, French toast, burritos, and salads. The casual and friendly atmosphere of the restaurant has also made it a good spot to have a fun conversation with your friends.

Sweet E's Café, Honolulu

French toast & other breakfast/brunch dishes in a cozy space with comfy-chic decor.

Try all of the French toast flavors and get an omelet, you won’t regret it.

Address : 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States

4. NICO'S PIER 38

Nico's Pier 38 is a great restaurant for casual dining. This waterfront restaurant is located at 1129 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu. Nico's Pier 38 opens its door for the customers from 06.30 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Meanwhile, on Sunday it’s open from 10.00 a.m. until 09.00 p.m.

Once you entered this restaurant, you will be welcomed in a bustling space with a warm atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy choices of dishes made from locally sourced seafood, such as Furikake Pan Seared Ahi, Garlic Pesto Shrimp, and Poke Bowl. Besides seafood, this restaurant also offers dishes made from chicken and meat.

Nico's Pier 38

Large waterside hub showcasing locally sourced seafood & dishes mixing French & Hawaiian styles.

Strongly recommend of you want to experience a high quality Hawaii favorite in a beautiful setting.

Address : 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA

5. HAWAIIAN STYLE CAFE HILO

Hilo is a popular tourist city in Hawaii. Here, you can also find many great restaurants that serve various amazing dishes. And one place that you can’t miss is the Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo is located in Manono Street Marketplace, approximately at 681 Manono Street, Hilo.

This casual restaurant offers classic Hawaiian comfort dishes that are guaranteed to pamper your taste buds. While you’re here, make sure to try their world-famous Massive pancakes and Kalua Pork Hash. Other dishes that you can find here include Loco Moco, Fried Chicken, Burgers, Pancakes, and Stews.

Hawaiian Style Cafe Hilo

Classic Hawaiian comfort dishes are served at this casual establishment with a cheerful atmosphere.

There are lots of menu choices and you can’t go wrong with whatever you are feeling at the moment.

Address : 681 Manono St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

6. KEN'S HOUSE OF PANCAKES

If you’re looking for a restaurant in Hilo that serves a great portion of meal and price, then look no further than Ken's House of Pancakes that is located at 1730 Kamehameha Avenue. Ken's House of Pancakes opens its door for the customers seven days a week from 06.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.

Ken's House of Pancakes is an American-style eatery with a laid-back atmosphere. They offer various breakfast, lunch, and dinner items to satisfy your hunger. There are numerous choices of foods available for you, ranging from burgers, sandwiches, steak, loco moco, waffles, noodles, and many others.

Ken's House of Pancakes

Thank you Kathy!! We forgot the kids face masks and was about to order to go but this sweet lady at the hostess stand gave us tie die bandanas to match my shirt. Thank u Kathy!!! We got to dine in because of you. I’m sorry I...

Nostalgic with great service and food Expect a wait if you want to eat breakfast. Ours was about 30 minutes. The food was very good and loved the pancakes. Our waitree had been working there for over 20 years. Many pictures on the...

Homestyle Hawaiian Food; Big Portions Place is homey; service is friendly; you get a lot of food. 1 less star for the food quality. Ingredients are quantity over quality. For big appetites; this is the place to go. There's...

Address : 1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720-4639

7. PINEAPPLES RESTAURANT

Hilo also has a New American restaurant that is worth checking out, namely Pineapples Restaurant. You can find this restaurant at 332 Keawe Street and it’s open from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.

From burgers, wraps, to sandwiches, you can enjoy them all here. Other than the food mentioned before, Pineapples Restaurant also still has many dishes in store for you, including pasta, salads, and seafood dishes made from fresh and locally caught seafood.

Pineapples Restaurant, Hilo

Happening restaurant featuring New American dishes & cocktails, plus live music & retractable walls.

They have a good selection and a lot of fun drinks, both alcoholic and not.

Address : 332 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

8. CAFE PESTO HILO BAY

Stop by Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay and treat yourself with some delicious wood-fired pizza. You can visit this restaurant at 308 Kamehameha Avenue #101, and it’s open from 11.00 a.m. until 08.30 p.m. every day.

The restaurant that has a history dating back to 1988 is an award-winning establishment known for its wood-fired pizzas with various kinds of toppings. Other than pizzas, you can also enjoy other dishes here, such as salads, pasta, and risottos.

Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Mainstay eatery in a quaint, restored historic space is known for its pizzas from a wood-fired oven.

Situated in the heart of downtown Hilo.

Address : 308 Kamehameha Ave #101, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

9. DA POKE SHACK

If you’re in Kailua-Kona and looking for a place that offers amazing poke, then you should check out Da Poke Shack. This restaurant is located in Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, approximately at 76-6246 Ali'i Drive and it’s open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m.

Da Poke Shack is a beachfront seafood joint that serves fresh poke for take-out. There are choices of poke available here, including Spicy Garlic Poke, Shoyu Poke, Sesame Poke, and many more. Besides poke, Da Poke Shack also offers Hawaiian plates, such as Kalua Pork Plate, Lau Lau Plate, and Kahuna Plate.

Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona

Seafood joint by the beach for take-out poke & other local specialties & salads.

If you enjoy Poke, then you gotta check this place out.

Address : 76-6246 Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

10. BROKE DA MOUTH GRINDZ & CATERING

If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves excellent Hawaiian as well as Filipino dishes, then look no further than Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering. You can visit this restaurant at 74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona. Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering opens its door for the customers from 11.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday.

Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering is an underground restaurant that exudes intimacy and romance, which makes it a great place for a romantic dinner with your partner. Here, you will be served with handmade pasta, wood-fired branzino, grilled quail, and other incredible Italian dishes to pamper your taste buds.

Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering

Offbeat, neighborhood nook preparing hearty portions of locally sourced Hawaiian & Filipino staples.

If you are looking for good carry out, this is the spot!

Address : 74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

11. UMEKES FISH MARKET BAR & GRILL

Experience the exquisiteness of Hawaiian seafood at Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill that is located at 74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona. This restaurant is open seven days a week from 11.00 a.m. until 09.00 p.m.

At Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, you will be served classic Hawaiian cuisine in a lively and laid-back atmosphere. Some of the menus that you can enjoy here are Poke Bowl, Grilled Kona Shrimp, and Ahi Katsu. Besides seafood, you can also find other dishes made from meat and chicken.

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, Kailua-Kona

This is a restaurant that serves hawaiian cuisine and an excellent selection of cocktails.

They have a selection of seafood which is fresh and cooked perfectly.

Address : 74-5563 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

12. ISLAND LAVA JAVA

Visit Island Lava Java and enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view. You can visit this restaurant in Ali‘i Sunset Plaza, approximately at 75-5801 Ali'i Drive Building, 1, Kailua-Kona and it’s open from 07.30 a.m. until 07.30 p.m. daily.

Choices of fresh, homemade, and hearty foods, ranging from pancakes, omelets, and waffles can be enjoyed here, as well as organic espresso, fresh juice, smoothies, and shakes are also available to complete your meal. If you miss your breakfast, Island Lava Java also offers a lunch and dinner menu to satisfy your appetite.

Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona

Coffee shop & cafe with beach view.

This shop serves eggs in the morning to seafood in the evening.

Address : 75-5801 Ali'i Drive Building, 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

13. KIMO'S MAUI

If you happen to visit Lahaina with your family and looking for a great place to eat, then look no further than Kimo's Maui that is located at 845 Front St a, Lahaina. Kimo's Maui is open from 11.30 a.m. until 09.00 p.m. every day.

Once you entered Kimo's Maui, you will be welcomed in a relaxed space with the stunning view of the harbor. Numerous delicious items from the menu are available to delight your palates, from local seafood, prime rib, and the famous Hula Pie dessert that you can’t miss.

Kimo's Maui, Lahaina

Relaxed seafood spot with harbor views.

It serves local seafood, prime rib & the famous Hula Pie dessert.

Address : 845 Front St a, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

14. PAIA FISHMARKET FRONT STREET RESTAURANT

Another place that you can check out to grab some delicious bites in Lahaina is Paia Fish Front Street Restaurant. You can visit this restaurant that is located at 632 Front Street, Lahaina and it’s open seven days a week from 12.00 p.m. to 08.30 p.m.

Paia Fishmarket Front Street Restaurant is a casual eating spot that serves local Hawaiian dishes. Some of the foods that you will find here include fresh fish and seafood dishes, charbroiled burgers, pasta, chicken, quesadillas, and tacos.

Paia Fish Market Front Street Restaurant

Great Food! The restaurant was really busy, but the service was fast and the food was excellent! The environment is not real fancy and is a great place for a family dinner.

Lunch with Chiiko san Stop by to have some lunch at this restaurant located in Lahaina on Front Street. Normally long lines of people wanting to eat here. However during the pandemic, place was empty. Thought it would be a good...

Lovely experience Food came out pretty fast after ordering, hot and delicious all freshly prepared, a quick stop before going on the submarine tour!

Address : 632 Front St, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761-1223

15. LEODA'S KITCHEN AND PIE SHOP

Lahaina also has a great pie restaurant, namely Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina. This restaurant is at 820 Olowalu Village Road and it’s open from Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. until 06.00 p.m.

Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop is a quaint restaurant with a plantation-era atmosphere. There are choices of pies, both with sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please anyone’s taste. Besides pies, this restaurant also offers other items made from fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients, including sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, and salads.

Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop

This cafe serves fresh American food from the farm & hand made baked goods.

Address : 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

16. DUKE’S BEACH HOUSE

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a great atmosphere in Lahaina, then you should go to Duke’s Beach House that is located at 130 Kai Malina Parkway. This restaurant is open from 08.00 a.m. until 09.00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

Duke’s Beach House is an open-air beach eatery that offers local Hawaiian cuisine in a space with surfer décor and tiki torches. There are many choices of food available to enjoy in this restaurant, including Duke’s Style Plate Lunch, Beer Battered Fish Sandwich, Ribs & Chicken Plate Lunch, and many more.

Duke's Beach House Maui

If you're in the area definitely stop by, excellent view of the ocean and good atmosphere.

The menu has a nice selection of fish and local beef.

The cocktails are lovely and it’s just across a boardwalk from the ocean.

Address : 130 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA

17. GIOVANNI'S SHRIMP TRUCK

Haleiwa is a city in Hawaii that has many great restaurants that are worth exploring. While you’re in Haleiwa, make sure to check out the famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck. You can find this food truck at 66-472 Kamehameha Highway and it’s open from 10.30 a.m. until 05.00 p.m. daily.

The food truck that has been operating since 1993 offers mouthwatering foods, such as the “No Refund” Hot & Spicy Shrimp, Lemon Butter, Shrimp, and Jumbo Garlic Hot Dog. While you’re here, you should not miss trying the famous Shrimp Scampi that made the food truck known worldwide.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Haleiwa

Pit stop set up with graffiti decoration.

They provide a variety of prawn plates & a selection of garlic hot dogs.

Address : 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

18. TED'S BAKERY

Enjoy numerous yummy baked goods at Ted’s Bakery that is located at 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Ted’s Bakery can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 08.00 a.m. until 06.30 p.m.

As the name suggests, Ted's Bakery is a place where you can fill your tummy with numerous yummy baked goods, including bread, pastries, cakes, and cream pies. In addition to the baked goods, Ted’s Bakery also offers hot sandwiches and plate lunches.

Ted's Bakery

Shop selling cream pies, cakes, breads & pastries.

Address : 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

19. HALEIWA JOE'S

Haleiwa Joe's is a seafood restaurant that is located at 66-011 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. This restaurant is currently open from 04.30 p.m. until 09.00 p.m. seven days a week. Haleiwa Joe's is a casual eating spot with beachy décor sets.

At Haleiwa Joe's, you will be taken on an amazing journey from the land to the sea through their exceptional dishes. Some of the dishes that you will be able to enjoy at this restaurant include Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Salmon, Mauka Makai, and Madras Curry Pork Chop.

Haleiwa Joe's

A restaurant with a casual beach decor.

They serve island inspired chow & fruit drinks.

Address : 66-011 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

20. HALEʻIWA BEACH HOUSE

If you’re looking for a great spot to grab a bite in Haleiwa, then look no further than Haleʻiwa Beach House. This restaurant is located at 62-540 Kamehameha Highway and it’s available for dining from 10.00 a.m. until 08.00 p.m. daily.

Haleʻiwa Beach House offers various Hawaiian local favorites, such as surf ‘n’ turf and pupu platters in a laid-back setting and quaint atmosphere. The restaurant features a terrace with a view of the beach, which is a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of drink the restaurant has to offer.

Haleʻiwa Beach House

Food is amazing as well as the service.

Perfect portion size and pricing is on point.

The waiters and serving staff are really nice, and very accommodating

Address : 62-540 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA