Though the Hawaiian Islands are small in terms of landmass, the islands feel huge as soon as you consider the countless restaurant options found across the state, some more popular than others. From casual drive-ins and seaside poke joints to upscale seafood restaurants and resort restaurants, these 13 popular restaurants in Hawaii are totally worth the hype — and 100 percent worth the wait.
- Marukame Udon, Honolulu
Laura C./Yelp Marugame Udon, 2310 K?hi? Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
John L./Yelp Widely regarded as one of the country’s best restaurants, this casual Japanese eatery specializes in noodle soup, and there is almost always a line out of the door. Noodles are made using the Sanuki-style method, and you can watch cooks sheeting and cutting the fresh dough into noodles while you wait. Each step of the udon-making process is taken care of by a different person, by hand. And it shows — the udon is absolutely mouthwatering! 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI, 96815
- Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona
Meghan M./Yelp
CeliaJeff C,/Yelp This seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex is known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads — and, in our very humble opinion, makes the absolute best poke in Hawaii – and that’s saying something! Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, 76-6246 Alii Dr #101, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740 Da Poke Shack, 76-6246 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
- Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina
Jason R./Yelp
Pryo H./Yelp Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina is an extremely busy breakfast and brunch spot that is located right on the beach at the Napili Shores condo complex. Don’t allow the hour-long line to discourage you, Gazebo Restaurant serves the best breakfast food for miles — you’ve got to try their famous macadamia nut pancakes. Pro tip: if you arrive and the line is too long for your liking, walk around the corner and order your food to go — you can then take your breakfast and eat on the beach, with the same view!5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI, 96761 The Gazebo, 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
- Haleiwa Joe’s, Kaneohe + Haleiwa
KC C./Yelp
Sarah K./Yelp Haleiwa Joe’s, Kaneohe + Haleiwa , a classic Hawaiian restaurant, not only serves up some of the freshest seafood around (and the most massive prime rib you can imagine!) but is also located in quite the picturesque setting. An iconic Hawaiian seafood restaurant, Haleiwa Joe’s has two locations that are pure Hawaiian paradises: on Oahu’s north shore in Haleiwa and windward Oahu at the Haiku Gardens. Hale?iwa Beach Park, 62-449 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
- Mama’s Fish House, Paia
Troy D./Yelp
James L./Yelp Scores of five-star ratings speak volumes about Mama’s Fish House in Paia, which is clearly doing something right. With fresh and delicious seafood and a picturesque oceanfront location, there is little better than this Paia eatery with breathtaking sunset views, and it really belongs on every Hawaiian’s bucket list! 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI, 96779 Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779, USA
- My Cafe, Kapolei
Nadine C./Yelp
Mike O./Yelp Serving breakfast all day, My Cafe is wildly popular, and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, and traditional breakfast favorites are cooked fresh and made to order. If you’re into pancakes, you’ve got to try the “Flight of Pancakes” with flavors like cookie butter and lilikoi, with syrups to complement the flavors.563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI, 96707 My Cafe, 563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
- Tidepools, Poipu
Tidepools/Yelp
Tidepools/Yelp Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon.1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI, 96756 Tidepools, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
- Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina
Jeffrey R./Yelp
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop/Facebook Serving up some of the most delicious pies on Maui is Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, a café that is all about fresh ingredients, and hand-crafted specialties. Their chocolate macadamia nut pie is heaven for any chocolate lover, and the bananas in the banana cream pie are harvested from the restaurant’s own farm.820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI, 96761 Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
- Rainbow Drive-In, Honolulu
Sophia N./Yelp
Maricel S./Yelp The Rainbow Drive-In is a Honolulu classic that also happens to be one of Obama’s favorite places to visit when he’s in town – and for good reason. Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its scrumptious plate lunches, complete with rice, mac salad, and your choice of meat, as well as their mouth-watering loco moco plate.3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815 Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
- Ulu Ocean Grill & Seafood Lounge, Kailua-Kona
Jim D./Yelp
Ricardo J./Yelp Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, Ulu Ocean Grill & Seafood Lounge clearly has stunning views — but the culinary team also places an emphasis on local cuisine with a regional, seasonal and artisanal philosophy.Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740 ULU Ocean Grill, 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive Ka’upulehu, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
- Merriman’s, Kapalua
Merriman’s Kapalua/Facebook
Terry M./Yelp While Merriman’s is definitely a pricier pick on this list, this restaurant’s food, view, and experience is worth every penny. Serving up incredible seafood dishes, mai tais, and mouth-watering desserts, Merriman’s has got it all in terms of food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Oh, and the sunsets are absolutely magical.1 Bay Club Place, Lahaina, HI, 96761 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
- Sushi Sasabune, Honolulu
Dan M./Yelp
Wing Y./Yelp Located in the heart of Honolulu, Sushi Sasabune is not only one of the most unique restaurants in the Aloha State but it’s also been voted one of the best. In fact, for some of the best sushi in Honolulu, head to Sasabune. It’s here where you should order the omakase, which consists of approximately a dozen courses of chef-selected fare. Though this forces you to trust the chef, you will not be disappointed.1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI, 96814 Sushi Sasabune, 1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
- Matsumoto Shave Ice, Haleiwa
Albert Lynn/Flickr Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shave ice shop. What once began as a small grocery store has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!66-111 Kamehameha Highway #605, Haleiwa, HI Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Which of these popular restaurants in Hawaii is your favorite? Are there any restaurants in Hawaii you’d like to see featured? Nominate them and tell us why!
Laura C./Yelp
Marugame Udon, 2310 K?hi? Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
John L./Yelp
Widely regarded as one of the country’s best restaurants, this casual Japanese eatery specializes in noodle soup, and there is almost always a line out of the door. Noodles are made using the Sanuki-style method, and you can watch cooks sheeting and cutting the fresh dough into noodles while you wait. Each step of the udon-making process is taken care of by a different person, by hand. And it shows — the udon is absolutely mouthwatering! 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Meghan M./Yelp
CeliaJeff C,/Yelp
This seaside eatery nestled in a condominium complex is known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads — and, in our very humble opinion, makes the absolute best poke in Hawaii – and that’s saying something! Oceanfront Kona Bali Kai Condos, 76-6246 Alii Dr #101, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
Da Poke Shack, 76-6246 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Jason R./Yelp
Pryo H./Yelp
Gazebo Restaurant, Lahaina is an extremely busy breakfast and brunch spot that is located right on the beach at the Napili Shores condo complex. Don’t allow the hour-long line to discourage you, Gazebo Restaurant serves the best breakfast food for miles — you’ve got to try their famous macadamia nut pancakes. Pro tip: if you arrive and the line is too long for your liking, walk around the corner and order your food to go — you can then take your breakfast and eat on the beach, with the same view!5315 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI, 96761
The Gazebo, 5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
KC C./Yelp
Sarah K./Yelp
Haleiwa Joe’s, Kaneohe + Haleiwa , a classic Hawaiian restaurant, not only serves up some of the freshest seafood around (and the most massive prime rib you can imagine!) but is also located in quite the picturesque setting. An iconic Hawaiian seafood restaurant, Haleiwa Joe’s has two locations that are pure Hawaiian paradises: on Oahu’s north shore in Haleiwa and windward Oahu at the Haiku Gardens.
Hale?iwa Beach Park, 62-449 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Troy D./Yelp
James L./Yelp
Scores of five-star ratings speak volumes about Mama’s Fish House in Paia, which is clearly doing something right. With fresh and delicious seafood and a picturesque oceanfront location, there is little better than this Paia eatery with breathtaking sunset views, and it really belongs on every Hawaiian’s bucket list! 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI, 96779
Mama’s Fish House, 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779, USA
Nadine C./Yelp
Mike O./Yelp
Serving breakfast all day, My Cafe is wildly popular, and you should definitely call ahead for a reservation. Coffee is served in mismatched mugs, and traditional breakfast favorites are cooked fresh and made to order. If you’re into pancakes, you’ve got to try the “Flight of Pancakes” with flavors like cookie butter and lilikoi, with syrups to complement the flavors.563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI, 96707
My Cafe, 563 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Tidepools/Yelp
Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon.1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI, 96756
Tidepools, 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
Jeffrey R./Yelp
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop/Facebook
Serving up some of the most delicious pies on Maui is Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, a café that is all about fresh ingredients, and hand-crafted specialties. Their chocolate macadamia nut pie is heaven for any chocolate lover, and the bananas in the banana cream pie are harvested from the restaurant’s own farm.820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI, 96761
Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Sophia N./Yelp
Maricel S./Yelp
The Rainbow Drive-In is a Honolulu classic that also happens to be one of Obama’s favorite places to visit when he’s in town – and for good reason. Rainbow Drive-In is famous for its scrumptious plate lunches, complete with rice, mac salad, and your choice of meat, as well as their mouth-watering loco moco plate.3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Jim D./Yelp
Ricardo J./Yelp
Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island’s Kona Coast, Ulu Ocean Grill & Seafood Lounge clearly has stunning views — but the culinary team also places an emphasis on local cuisine with a regional, seasonal and artisanal philosophy.Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740
ULU Ocean Grill, 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive Ka’upulehu, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Merriman’s Kapalua/Facebook
Terry M./Yelp
While Merriman’s is definitely a pricier pick on this list, this restaurant’s food, view, and experience is worth every penny. Serving up incredible seafood dishes, mai tais, and mouth-watering desserts, Merriman’s has got it all in terms of food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Oh, and the sunsets are absolutely magical.1 Bay Club Place, Lahaina, HI, 96761
1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Dan M./Yelp
Wing Y./Yelp
Located in the heart of Honolulu, Sushi Sasabune is not only one of the most unique restaurants in the Aloha State but it’s also been voted one of the best. In fact, for some of the best sushi in Honolulu, head to Sasabune. It’s here where you should order the omakase, which consists of approximately a dozen courses of chef-selected fare. Though this forces you to trust the chef, you will not be disappointed.1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI, 96814
Sushi Sasabune, 1417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Albert Lynn/Flickr
Located in the historic surfing town of Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, is this famous shave ice shop. What once began as a small grocery store has transformed into so much more – t-shirts, souvenirs, snacks and, of course, their famous shave ice. On a hot summer day, the store produces more than 1,000 shave ices!66-111 Kamehameha Highway #605, Haleiwa, HI
Matsumoto Shave Ice, 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
For a more casual meal, why not head to one of these 15 unassuming eateries?
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Popular Restaurants in Hawaii August 06, 2022 Sarah M. What are some inexpensive restaurants in Hawaii? Living in – and visiting – Hawaii can get quite costly, so it’s always good to have a few tried-and-true standbys that offer inexpensive dining options. Some of our favorite cheap eats in the Aloha State are these chain restaurants in Hawaii – and don’t scoff at their “chain restaurant” status, because they really are some of the top eateries in the state! We’re big fans of places like Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Merriman’s, Fresh Catch, and Roy’s, which serve up a wide variety of cuisines sure to satisfy any craving you have! What are the best casual restaurants in Hawaii? Hawaii is known for its amazing cuisine, and you don’t have to make a reservation at a fine-dining establishment to sample some of the best the state has to offer. Hawaii’s food trucks, in fact, dish up some of the best eats in the Aloha State; and the best part is, these dishes are generally super affordable, too! From the malasadas and sweet corn at Manuela Malasada Company to the fresh fish tacos from Da Fish House Lunch Wagon, the poke and grilled fish plate lunches from South Maui Fish Company to the killer sandwiches from Nana’s Snack Shack, you will not go hungry when you visit Hawaii’s awesome food trucks!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Popular Restaurants in Hawaii
August 06, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some inexpensive restaurants in Hawaii? Living in – and visiting – Hawaii can get quite costly, so it’s always good to have a few tried-and-true standbys that offer inexpensive dining options. Some of our favorite cheap eats in the Aloha State are these chain restaurants in Hawaii – and don’t scoff at their “chain restaurant” status, because they really are some of the top eateries in the state! We’re big fans of places like Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Merriman’s, Fresh Catch, and Roy’s, which serve up a wide variety of cuisines sure to satisfy any craving you have! What are the best casual restaurants in Hawaii? Hawaii is known for its amazing cuisine, and you don’t have to make a reservation at a fine-dining establishment to sample some of the best the state has to offer. Hawaii’s food trucks, in fact, dish up some of the best eats in the Aloha State; and the best part is, these dishes are generally super affordable, too! From the malasadas and sweet corn at Manuela Malasada Company to the fresh fish tacos from Da Fish House Lunch Wagon, the poke and grilled fish plate lunches from South Maui Fish Company to the killer sandwiches from Nana’s Snack Shack, you will not go hungry when you visit Hawaii’s awesome food trucks!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Living in – and visiting – Hawaii can get quite costly, so it’s always good to have a few tried-and-true standbys that offer inexpensive dining options. Some of our favorite cheap eats in the Aloha State are these chain restaurants in Hawaii – and don’t scoff at their “chain restaurant” status, because they really are some of the top eateries in the state! We’re big fans of places like Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Merriman’s, Fresh Catch, and Roy’s, which serve up a wide variety of cuisines sure to satisfy any craving you have!
What are the best casual restaurants in Hawaii?
Hawaii is known for its amazing cuisine, and you don’t have to make a reservation at a fine-dining establishment to sample some of the best the state has to offer. Hawaii’s food trucks, in fact, dish up some of the best eats in the Aloha State; and the best part is, these dishes are generally super affordable, too! From the malasadas and sweet corn at Manuela Malasada Company to the fresh fish tacos from Da Fish House Lunch Wagon, the poke and grilled fish plate lunches from South Maui Fish Company to the killer sandwiches from Nana’s Snack Shack, you will not go hungry when you visit Hawaii’s awesome food trucks!
