Aloha, foodies! 🌺 Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and, of course, its delicious cuisine. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional Hawaiian dishes, or a modern culinary twist, these famous restaurants in Hawaii will have you coming back for seconds… and thirds. Let’s dive in!
1. Mama’s Fish House (Maui)
This iconic restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With a beachfront view, Mama’s Fish House offers fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen. The coconut crab soup is a game-changer!
2. Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Oahu)
Since 1946, Helena’s has been serving authentic Hawaiian dishes like kalua pork and lomi salmon. This James Beard Award-winning spot is perfect for those looking to taste traditional Hawaiian flavors.
3. Merriman’s (Big Island)
Chef Peter Merriman is a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his restaurant is a testament to his dedication to locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss the macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi!
4. The Pig and The Lady (Oahu)
A modern Vietnamese fusion restaurant, The Pig and The Lady is famous for its pho French dip sandwich. Located in Honolulu’s Chinatown, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
5. Mama’s Fish House (Maui)
Double the mention, double the deliciousness. If you haven’t tried Mama’s yet, you’re missing out. This place is so good, it deserves to be mentioned twice!
6. Roy’s Waikiki (Oahu)
Roy Yamaguchi’s flagship restaurant in Waikiki blends European techniques with Asian cuisine. The misoyaki butterfish is a must-try.
7. Haleiwa Joe’s (Oahu)
With locations in Haiku Gardens and Haleiwa, this restaurant offers stunning views and even better food. The prime rib is legendary, but the fresh catch of the day is always a winner.
8. Lahaina Grill (Maui)
This upscale bistro has been a Lahaina favorite for years. Their award-winning sautéed mahi-mahi with Keahole lobster is to die for.
9. Alan Wong’s (Oahu)
Chef Alan Wong is one of the godfathers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. His Honolulu restaurant offers innovative dishes like ginger-crusted onaga and twice-cooked short ribs.
10. Miso Phat Sushi (Maui)
With locations in Kihei and Kahana, Miso Phat is a top choice for sushi lovers. The fish is fresh, and the rolls are generous. Try the Black Widow roll – you won’t regret it.
11. Star Noodle (Maui)
This noodle house in Lahaina serves up Asian-inspired dishes that are perfect for sharing. The garlic noodles and pork buns are crowd favorites.
12. Chef Mavro (Oahu)
For a fine dining experience, Chef Mavro offers a seasonal menu featuring French-Hawaiian fusion. The lavender-honey roasted duck is a standout dish.
13. Monkeypod Kitchen (Maui)
This lively restaurant by Peter Merriman offers handcrafted food and drinks. The pumpkin patch ravioli and lilikoi foam mai tai are highly recommended.
14. Highway Inn (Oahu)
A local favorite since 1947, Highway Inn serves classic Hawaiian plate lunches. The laulau and pipikaula short ribs are must-tries.
15. Hukilau Lanai (Kauai)
This Kapaa gem offers farm-to-table dining with a focus on sustainability. The ahi poke nachos and Kauai shrimp & clams are just a couple of the mouthwatering options available.
Final Bites
From traditional Hawaiian fare to innovative culinary creations, these restaurants showcase the best of Hawaii’s diverse food scene. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these dining spots are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with unforgettable flavors. Bon appétit and aloha!
