Waikiki
Hy's is so old-school that you expect to find inkwells on the tables. This traditional steakhouse has a timeless old leather and wood interior. But…
Must-see restaurants in Oʻahu
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Waikiki
This clapboard corner shop has been making the same super-fine shave ice since 1940, and we’d argue that it’s got the formula exactly right. Get yours…
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Honolulu
Electricity, buzz, whatever, you'll feel the energy as you enter one of the city's most innovative restaurants. It's not big, so book. Once seated you'll…
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Honolulu
Chef Ed Kenney has pulled off a real trick at this comfy corner bistro: he's created a menu of comfort foods drawn from Honolulu's many cultures and he's…
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Waikiki
This hole-in-the-wall keeps busy making fresh onigiri (rice balls) stuffed with seaweed, salmon roe and sour plums. Other specialties include salmon-roe…
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Waikiki
Waikiki's best beach cafe is just south of the sand at Queen's Beach. Order at the window and grab a shady table close to the water and tuck into island…
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Waikiki
Katsu, the deep-fried Japanese cooking method that coats meats like pork and chicken in a perfectly crispy exterior made from panko bread crumbs. This…
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Honolulu
Known mostly by word of mouth, this insiders’ izakaya (Japanese gastropub) beats the competition with adherence to tradition and supremely fresh sushi and…
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Oʻahu
Roy Yamaguchi is one of the driving forces behind Hawaii Regional Cuisine, emphasizing fresh local ingredients with artfully blended European, Asian and…
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Waikiki
Everybody loves this reconstructed Japanese noodle shop, which is so popular there is often a line stretching down the sidewalk. Watch those thick udon…
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Honolulu
An award-winning Vietnamese fusion restaurant, the Pig & the Lady is crazy popular. Book well in advance. Imaginative lunch banh mi (sandwiches) come with…
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Honolulu
One of Honolulu's greatest hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Ethel's serves Japanese diner fare with an Okinawan bent and an overlay of Hawaii. This bustling,…
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Honolulu
This smart-looking corner place has a curving front and is hugely popular with locals. There are four sizable tables out front on Coolidge St, or you can…
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Kailua
An excellent gourmet, self-serve deli by day, Kalapawai transforms after 5pm into an inviting, eclectic bistro. The eggplant bruschetta and other share…
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Honolulu
Set in a vintage compound amidst enormous trees, this little cafe cooks up superb breakfasts and lunches. Sit out on the gracious Craftsman-style 1920s…
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Honolulu
Walking through the door is like stepping into another era at this legendary institution. Although longtime owner Helena Chock has passed away, her…
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Honolulu
Arguably the best poke on the island is in this unpromising-looking liquor store. Just head inside to the poke counter in the back and feast your eyes…
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Kailua
It's a little hard to spot from the street, but you'll be glad you made the effort at Kailua's favorite breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. A fave is the…
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Honolulu
This impressive cafe at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, or just for a coffee break while perusing the museum's…
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Oʻahu
At Oʻahu’s premier gathering of farmers and their fans, everything sold is locally made or grown and has a loyal following, from Nalo greens to Kahuku…
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Waikiki
Avocado toast two cuts above the cliche is but one of the delights at this cafe, which is also a gallery for local artists. Enjoy excellent coffee as…
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Oʻahu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort's top restaurant scoops accolades and awards annually and is revered for its elegant East-West creations. The Sunday brunch…
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Honolulu
Expect lines of locals waiting outside this cafe's tiny strip mall location. On wooden family-style tables sit steaming-hot pots; pick your broth, then…
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Honolulu
Hawaii’s only natural-food co-op is extremely good value and has an organic hot-and-cold meal and salad bar, plus a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly deli…
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Oʻahu
After a tough day at Hanauma Bay, do as former president Obama has done (attested to by photos of Obama modeling a Kokonuts Shave Ice T-shirt) and drop…
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Epi-Ya Boulangerie & Patisserie
Honolulu
Grab a pair of tongs and fill up your platter with pastries, ham rolls and myriad other treats fresh from the oven (we bought a loaf of their superb…
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Honolulu
Buried in Kekaulike Market, you wind your way around vegetable and seafood vendors to this little stall in the back. Everything is spare and sparkling,…
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Honolulu
In the charming old YWCA Laniakea building opposite 'Iolani Palace, Cafe Julia is a gem. Named after Julia Morgan, one of America's first female…
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Honolulu
This place at the top of Kapiʻolani Blvd racks up best breakfast gold medals in local culinary awards. Expect to queue to get in for the legendary lineup…
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Kailua
Locals reading the paper or petting their dogs at the blue-checker-clothed tables are the norm at this legendary cafe. The famous lilikoʻi (passion fruit)…
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Kailua
Cool off with a Lanikai Lime or Banzai Banana shave ice at Island Snow, which serves up some of the best shave ice on Oʻahu; it's creamier than most. A…
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Kailua
An excellent addition to the local farmers-markets lineup, this one lasts all morning. Wake up with local coffee and browse fresh foods, prepared foods,…
Oʻahu
This Big Island import is known for its microbrewed beers, especially the Longboard Lager, the Pipeline Porter and the Big Wave Golden Ale. There's live…
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Waikiki
This plate-lunch legend draws legions of locals and tourists from Waikiki. Wrapped in rainbow-colored neon, it's a throwback to another era. Construction…
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Waikiki
If it's 3am and you're famished, skip the temptation for a cold $25 burger from room service (if you have room service) and drop by Waikiki's best all…
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Waikiki
Oʻahu’s most elegant Sunday brunch spread covers all the bases, with a made-to-order omelet station; a buffet of poke, sashimi, sushi and salads; and a…
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Honolulu
Market-fresh salads and sandwiches made with Oʻahu-grown ingredients, a decent selection of wines by the glass and tropically infused desserts make this…
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Waikiki
Three generations at Haili’s have been cooking up homegrown Hawaiian fare since 1950. Locals shoehorn themselves into kid-friendly booths and tables, then…
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Waikiki
The crowds are proof: people love Pioneer Saloon's Japanese-fusion plate lunches, with dozens of choices from grilled ahi to fried baby octopus to…
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Waikiki
Azure is the signature restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Resort. Seafood fresh from the market is celebrated in the bouillabaisse, and simplicity is the…
