No one-liner can adequately describe the diversity of Hawaiian cuisine: It includes heaping plate lunches of gravy-drenched carbs, bundles of steamed taro leaves stuffed with succulent pork or other treats, noodle soups, delicate mochi, and consistently inventive dishes from chefs who draw their inspiration from both the islands and other parts of the world.
You probably imagined surfing, sunlight, beautiful sunsets, and swaying palm trees when you heard the term “Hawaii.” Twelve innovative cooks later gained fame for their “Hawaii Regional Cuisine.” On this list of the Top Restaurants in Hawaii are four of them. Seven more people own good eateries around Hawaii. With excellent farm-to-table fruit, fantastic fresh seafood and meats, and talented chefs rising through the ranks, Hawaii is quickly becoming a destination for foodies.
Restaurants on each island are distinctive and range from local favorites to cuisine with global influences. The chefs, diners, and experts in the business tallied and developed our list of the Top Restaurants in Hawaii utilizing surveys, publications, and awards. The Top 5 Restaurants in Hawaii are listed below.
You can find a little bit of everything in Aloha State, from fine restaurants to greasy spoons. Whether you’re craving a hefty bowl of saimin or some fresh poke (pronounced poh-ké, like Pokémon, not poh-key, which is Hawaiian for cat), we’ve got you covered.
Mama’s Fish House (Maui)
One of Maui’s most well-known dining establishments is Mama’s Fish House. Mama’s distinguishes itself from the competition because the fish are caught and served on the same day. The restaurant has been family-owned since 1973 and is situated in lovely Paia on Maui’s Northshore. On their daily menus, they also mention the fisherman’s name and the location where they took the fish. Isn’t Fish your thing? That’s alright! Pork, chicken, beef, and poultry are available at Mamas.
However, it might be challenging to plan your visit because their menu fluctuates frequently. Mama’s is a great spot to celebrate a special event, albeit a bit pricey. Both locals and tourists to the island concur that Mama’s Fish House is worthwhile despite the high price and distance.
If you go, taste the Polynesian Black Pearl, their signature dessert! One warning: if you want to go to Mama’s Fish House while on vacation, make a reservation as soon as possible. Mama’s is known to sell out for up to 6 months!
Shokudo Japanese Restaurant and Bar (Oahu)
Shokudo Japanese, which is close to the renowned Ala Moana Shopping Center, is a favorite among locals and island visitors. Their selection of lunch bento boxes is affordable, beginning at just $11.99.
You can choose to have supper family-style or keep all the entrées to yourself; both options are pretty delicate and understandable. If you enjoy dessert, you should visit Shokudo only to sample their authentic honey toast. They serve shokunin (a fluffy Japanese milk bread) hollowed out and filled with toasted, cubed pieces of shokunin, vanilla ice cream, and honey. In addition, they offer strawberries, cookies & cream, and even matcha flavors.
Shiro’s Saimin Haven (Oahu)
Shiro’s is a genuine hole-in-the-wall—somewhere only locals know about and love—compared to the other eateries on this list. Since 2016 when they chose as one of Hawaii’s Best, they have consistently won first place, and it’s easy to see why.
Since 1969, Shiro’s has been dishing up regional comfort cuisine. Try Shiro’s saimin if you want to eat like an absolute lifetime resident of Hawaii. Saimin is a modern dish unique to Hawaii and is similar to yet different from ramen from Japan. It represented Hawaii’s ethnic heritage and was created during its plantation history. Shiro’s offers a wide variety of additional meals in addition to its well-known saimin, such as lau lau (a must-try for tourists to the islands), pork adobo, and even mochiko chicken. Yum!
Nobu (Lanai)
On the remote island of Lana’i, at the Four Seasons Resort, you can find the Hawaii outpost of the highly regarded international restaurant Nobu. They request that customers wear stylish casual clothing because it is an upmarket restaurant.
The delectable Japanese cuisine you’ll indulge in and the breathtaking panoramic views of the island make an effort to look good well worth it. No place is better to treat yourself than Hawaii if you’ve always wanted to experience Nobu’s fine dining!
Shibuya (Oahu)
Shibuya is a popular hot pot restaurant with lengthy wait times that is conveniently situated inside the Ala Moana Shopping Center. It is the perfect restaurant for you if you enjoy having a wide variety of options.
You pick your meats and broth first. You then proceed to the bar to choose your vegetables and other fillers, such as tofu. Despite being a chain restaurant and not unique to Hawaii, Shibuya is such a fantastic experience that you must not miss it.
Things to Think About
Hawaii’s relaxed The laid-back attitude of aloha culture is unique and naturally permeates the culinary world. But it doesn’t imply your service will be subpar; Hawaii offers world-class customer service because of the Aloha spirit.
Some of the most excellent local eateries are actual dives, keeping with the laid-back attitude of Hawaii. They appear ancient because they are and have been in business for a long time for a reason. When you dine and are surrounded by locals, you know you’ve found something extraordinary. Compared to other areas in the globe, fine dining in Hawaii is a little more relaxed.
While you would anticipate dressing to the nines to eat at a fancy restaurant, superb dining in Hawaii typically necessitates casual elegance. To pass the vibe test, dress appropriately in a nice Aloha shirt, pants, and shoes.
Finally, many individuals depend on tips to support themselves due to the high cost of living in Hawaii and the state’s heavy reliance on tourism. A little suggestion would be welcomed and appreciated even if you get takeaway.
Final Thoughts on Hawaii’s Best Restaurants
What are Hawaii’s top eateries, then? Regardless of the island, you’re on. There are several options available.
From cheap eats like Shiro’s Saimin Haven to fine dining at Nobu, there are options for every foodie at every price point. You can’t go wrong eating where the locals do if you want the whole Hawaiian experience. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
