.

A typical Hawaiian plate always has “poi.” (Photo credit: HawaiianScribe)

People often mention “fish and poi” when talking about traditional Hawaiian food. Fish from the sea and poi from the Earth were staples in a diet that developed through generations of skill and sustainability.

When the first Polynesian voyagers arrived, the kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) found freshwater streams, fertile soil, and oceans rich with seafood. Communities thrived on what they could grow and catch — taro, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, coconuts, fish, and shellfish and lived off a healthy, plant and ocean-based diet.

Today, that food can be hard to find. What many call “Hawaiian food” is actually “local cuisine” — a delicious fusion of Asian, European, and American influences. Many visitors leave Hawai‘i without ever tasting true traditional Hawaiian cuisine. But seeking it out is more than just a culinary treat — it’s a way to experience the islands’ history, culture, and spirit from the inside out.

Haupia (Photo Credit: Onolicious Hawai’i)

10 Traditional Hawaiian Foods You Must Try

Laulau

Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish in which pork, fish, or chicken is wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed, baked, or cooked in an underground oven called an imu. Each laulau is wrapped in green ti leaves, a local plant that protects the food and locks in the juices while it cooks. The dish has a tender, earthy flavor and is often part of a Hawaiian plate lunch alongside poi (taro root paste) and lomi lomi salmon.

Poi

Poi is a Hawaiian staple made of mashed taro root. It is mixed with water until it reaches a smooth, pudding-like consistency, and has a slightly sour taste due to natural fermentation. It is often served alongside laulau, kalua pig, and other traditional dishes.

Kalua Pig

A beloved staple at Hawaiian celebrations, Kalua pig is a slow-roasted pork dish traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The process involves seasoning the meat with Hawaiian sea salt, wrapping it in banana or ti leaves, and covering it with hot lava rocks and earth. After hours of roasting, the result is tender, smoky pork that practically falls off the bone — rich in flavor and served at lū‘aus and family gatherings.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

A Hawaiian side dish made from salted salmon, diced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes green onions, the ingredients are massaged together (lomi lomi means “to massage” in Hawaiian) to create a bright, flavorful mix that pairs well with poi or rice. Traditionally, Native Hawaiians salted fish using sea salt they collected from dried ocean water on shoreline rocks.

Poke

Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved traditional dishes. This raw fish salad is typically made with ahi (yellowfin tuna) or aku (skipjack tuna), and marinated in a savory mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Other versions feature octopus (tako poke), salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian take. Modern variations often add spicy mayo, avocado, or seaweed for an extra burst of flavor.

Opihi

ʻOpihi is a prized Hawaiian delicacy — raw limpet (sea snail) served with just a splash of shoyu (soy sauce) and a sprinkle of sea salt. Harvested by hand from wave-battered rocky cliffs, gathering ʻopihi is both dangerous and deeply rooted in tradition. Its briny, ocean-forward flavor is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted and is cherished by locals for its rarity and cultural significance.

Squid Luau

Squid lū‘au is Hawaiian comfort food made by stewing tender squid in a rich blend of taro leaves and coconut milk. The earthy greens and creamy coconut complement the squid, creating a savory, slightly sweet dish that’s both hearty and traditional.

Breadfruit

When Polynesian voyagers first settled the Hawaiian Islands, they brought with them essential crops known as “canoe plants.” Carefully chosen for their ability to sustain life on new lands, among these was ‘ulu, a starchy fruit that grows on towering trees that became a vital part of a traditional Hawaiian diet. Breadfruit can be boiled, baked, or roasted, with a texture similar to potatoes and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut milk. Its versatility and nutritional value made it a cornerstone of everyday meals.

Haupia

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut dessert with a texture somewhere between pudding and gelatin. Made from coconut milk and sugar, and thickened with cornstarch, this creamy treat is chilled and cut into squares for serving. While classic haupia is simple and satisfying, modern variations often pair it with chocolate in cakes and pies for a rich island twist.

Kulolo

Kulolo is a chewy Hawaiian dessert made from grated taro, coconut milk, and sugar, traditionally steamed or baked in ti leaves. Its dense, fudge-like texture and rich, caramel-like flavor make it a favorite treat at Hawaiian markets and festivals.

Read about the evolution of the Hawaiian luau here.

Poke 101: All About Raw Fish

Poke is so popular in Hawai‘i that you can find it in nearly every grocery store. But for locals, it’s not just about having poke — it’s about the variety and quality a place offers.

One of the best spots for poke in O‘ahu is Tamashiro Market in Honolulu. Just look for the weathered pink building with the giant red lobster on the front. This Kalihi-Palama staple has been serving some of the freshest seafood on the island for generations. The Tamashiros were making poke long before it was trendy, and their selection is legendary — think ‘ahi limu, spicy ‘ahi, ‘ahi shoyu, aku limu, ‘ahi onion, and ‘ahi chili, just to name a few.

Here’s a quick Poke 101: Hawaiians use two main types of tuna — ‘ahi and aku. ‘Ahi refers to yellowfin or big-eye tuna, which is pale pink and has a cleaner, milder taste. Aku is skipjack tuna, deeper red in color with a bolder, fishier flavor. Many locals prefer aku poke for its stronger ocean taste — after all, poke is about enjoying raw fish. Personally, I’m all about spicy ‘ahi poke, made with creamy mayonnaise and Sriracha. It’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely addictive.

Once you know the basics, reading the labels becomes a breeze. ‘Ahi limu? That’s poke with seaweed. ‘Ahi shoyu? Marinated in soy sauce. ‘Ahi chili? Spiked with chili peppers or chili water. Aku versions often come with the same tasty combos.

Ahi Poke (Photo Credit: All Recipes)

Where to Find Traditional Hawaiian Food

Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Honolulu

Location: 1240 North School Street, Honolulu, O‘ahu

It’s becoming harder to find restaurants that serve traditional Hawaiian food. While you can still spot laulau or Kalua pig on lunch plates across the islands, it’s rare to find a place that offers the full Hawaiian experience — complete with poi, lomi salmon, and haupia — all on one plate.

That’s what makes Helena’s Hawaiian Food so special. Opened in 1946 by Helen Chock, this humble, family-run eatery in Honolulu has been serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine for nearly 80 years. Today, her grandson Craig Katsuyoshi carries on the legacy, keeping the flavors and traditions alive.

In 2000, Helena’s received the James Beard Foundation’s Regional Classic Award, a national recognition of its enduring quality and cultural significance. Despite the accolades, the restaurant remains true to its roots — unfussy, welcoming, and all about the food.

You can order à la carte or go for a full Hawaiian set meal. Either way, expect traditional favorites like pipikaula short ribs, squid lū‘au, lomi salmon, and, of course, poi.

Waiahole Poi Factory is easy to spot. (Photo Credit: Waiahole Poi Factory)

Waiahole Poi Factory – Kane’ohe

Location: 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744

For more than 50 years, the Hoe family has run the Waiahole Poi Factory in Kāne‘ohe. While it’s no longer a functioning poi factory, this beloved roadside stop specializes in rare hand-pounded poi.

The process is labor-intensive: taro root is harvested, boiled, peeled, and pounded with a heavy stone poi pounder — sometimes weighing up to 10 pounds—until it reaches a smooth, stretchy consistency. With most poi today processed by machine, this old-school method is both a cultural and culinary gem.

If you’re driving to O‘ahu’s North Shore through Kāne‘ohe, keep an eye out for a small, weathered wooden building on the left with just a few tables out front. It’s easy to miss — but definitely worth the stop.

If you’re not hungry for a full plate of Hawaiian food, treat yourself to Waiahole Poi Factory’s signature dessert — the Sweet Lady of Waiahole. Named after the beloved 1980s Jawaiian hit by Bruddah Waltah, this local favorite layers creamy haupia ice cream over warm, chewy kulolo.

Kuhio Grille has a one pound laulau! (Photo credit: Hawaiianscribe)

Kuhio Grille – Hilo

Location: 80 Pauahi Street, Hilo, HI 96720

Home of the legendary One Pound Laulau, Kuhio Grille in Hilo proves that bigger can be better. This Big Island favorite serves up hefty portions of traditional Hawaiian food with a side of local hospitality. If you have room for dessert, their sweets tray features macadamia nut cream pie, sweet potato haupia pie, and crunchy peanut butter mochi. Come hungry — you’ll leave happy.

Always stop for laulau vendors. (Photo Credit: Hawaiianscribe)

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Roadside Vendors

Some of the best traditional Hawaiian food isn’t found in restaurants — it’s at roadside tents. With high land and startup costs, many families share their culinary talents through pop-up stands or food trucks. While food trucks may offer local dishes, they rarely serve poi or rarities like ‘opihi and kulolo.

That’s why I always keep an eye out for my favorite pop-up shops. One makes laulau just the way I like it. Others offer fresh Kalua pig, homemade haupia, and even ‘opihi harvested straight from the ocean. But the ultimate find? A family that hand-makes kulolo. They only set up occasionally, and when they do, their tent is surrounded within minutes. Grating fresh coconut for kulolo is no easy feat — it’s labor-intensive and time-consuming. So when I manage to snag a piece before they sell out, it feels like winning the lottery.

The stands are generally safe. Just do as the locals do — look for cleanliness and enjoy the fresh-made flavors Hawai‘i is known for.

The post 10 Traditional Hawaiian Foods You Must Try appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Fresh Bite makes and creates a variety of bowls, like Chop Lee (left), named after the owner’s mom, which also can come with grass-fed steak. (Photo: Fresh Bite Farm To Beach)

When asking children what they want to be when they grow up, some of the top replies are a doctor, princess, pro athlete or movie star. But for Sara Carsia, who’s the chef and co-owner of Fresh Bite Farm to Beach, her answer was always the same: restaurant owner.

“I’ve always loved cooking and farm-fresh foods,” says Carsia. “I graduated from college with a degree in nutrition and then moved to Kauai with my now husband, Zak. We worked at some of the most delicious restaurants and would shop at our beautiful farmers markets. After having our first daughter, we made the leap to start Fresh Bite Farm to Beach with our family.”

Found in the quaint and magical town of Hanalei, the Kauai food truck serves up fresh, local and organic fare that’s packed with flavor and good-for-you contents. Menu items cater to plant-based eaters and include salads, wraps and bowls, though, Carsia says there’s surely something for everyone.

Take the 808 steak sandwich ($13), for example, which comprises local, grass-fed steak with Kailani Farms greens, green onion, tomato and a choice of a homemade sauce (buttermilk ranch, honey mustard, chipotle or chimichurri).

The Buddha wrap with organic chicken ($16), meanwhile, is a bestseller. It includes local organic salad greens, crispy and crunchy fresh cabbage, cucumber, carrots, green onion and macadamia nuts that comes together with a rich, creamy, vegan macadamia nut satay sauce in a locally made whole wheat tortilla.

When asked what her favorite thing on the menu is, Carsia says, “I love everything equally, like my keiki, ‘cause I made them all,” with a smile.

“But, today, I’d eat a Chop Lee quinoa bowl with local and grass-fed steak. It’s hearty with organic quinoa, salad greens, tomatoes, roasted corn, hard boiled egg, avocado, green onion, crispy chickpeas and drizzled with the most delicious ranch dressing made fresh every week by my mom, Lee.

Fresh Bite is your quintessential family-run biz, something Carsia says is wonderful but can be challenging at times. But there isn’t a day — or lunch rush— that goes by where she’d want to work with anyone else.

“When you come to Fresh Bite, you are supporting so many local Kauai families and their small business dreams,” she says. “We are connecting people; you can taste the freshness and aloha.”

Fresh Bite Farm to Beach

5-5100 Kuhio Hwy., Hanalei (Kauai)
Phone: 808-652-0744
Web: freshbitekauai.com
Instagram: @freshbitekauai
How to pay: Cash, credit cards and Apple Pay
How to order: Phone or in person

—
Originally published in the Star-Advertiser’s Crave section.

The post The Heart of Hanalei: Fresh Bite Farm to Beach appeared first on Hawaii.com.

While you could easy find a Ted’s Bakery pie in local grocery stores and shops—like Foodland, Times, Don Quixote and Tamura’s—around Oʻahu, Maui and Kauaʻi, an unexpected supply chain issue has been plaguing the local business for years—and enough is enough. The ingredient causing the issue is a specific type of starch that Ted’s Bakery uses in its baking process that keeps the right consistency right as it is frozen and shipped to local grocery stores and outlets.

Tory Nakamura, who now runs the shop after the semi-retirement of her father, Ted Nakamura, said that the manufacturer of the ingredient is no longer producing it, which is turn makes it unclear whether or not the bakery will be able to return to its wholesale operation at all.

“This has been an ongoing challenge since the summer of last year, and we have tested multiple substitutes but unfortunately have not had great success. At this time, we don’t know if we can go back to wholesale,” said Ted’s Bakery in an Instagram post. “Pies and cakes will still be available at our Sunset Beach location. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support.”

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A post shared by Ted’s Bakery (@tedsbakeryhi)

So if you’re craving a Ted’s pie, what should you do? Make a day of your sweet-tooth journey and head up to the North Shore, where you can also enjoy some of the best beaches on Oʻahu. And for visitors traveling to the state, you’ll have a great excuse to actually check out the bakery’s brick and mortar location, which also happens to sell delicious plates of garlic shrimp as well as burgers and other delectable plate lunch options.

For more information and for store hours, visit Ted’s Bakery’s website.

The post Iconic Ted’s Bakery Ends Wholesale Operations appeared first on Hawaii.com.

There are some things on Maui that never change, like the fiery beauty of a Haleakala sunrise or the trade winds on summer afternoons.

Then there’s the Maui restaurant scene, where seemingly the only constant is change — oftentimes for the better. While it’s always hard to see your favorite restaurant close its doors, there’s an excitement surrounding the chance to try out someplace different and new.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best new Maui restaurants over the past few years that are now local favorites.

1. Fork and Salad

Fork and Salad is the place to go for a healthy lunch of freshly made sandwiches and salads. The fresh produce is sourced here on island, and the restaurant’s mission is to bring farm-to-table dining to the casual lunchtime crowd. Considering it’s run by the same chefs behind Three’s Bar and Grill, it’s little wonder that the healthy options have become an instant hit.

2. The Pint and Cork

A little bit further south in Wailea, another gastropub, The Pint and Cork, serves food until midnight for anyone looking for late night food in Wailea. The sports on TV and craft beers on tap help make it a popular gathering place for visitors and South Maui locals, and it’s carved out a classy but casual niche since opening in 2016.

3. Humble Market Kitchin

Just across the parking lot at the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort, Humble Market Kitchin is the latest brainchild of famed chef, Roy Yamuguchi. Specializing in breakfast and dinner, the restaurant stays true to its island roots with loco moco in the morning, and fancies it up with ribeyes and butterfish at night when the sun goes down.

4. Maui Teriyaki Company

For a casual South Maui meal that’s friendly for families as well as your wallet, Maui Teriyaki Company is located inside the Dolphin Plaza and across from Kamaole II beach. Most plates are under $10 and it makes for a casual, flavorful meal of teriyaki chicken or pork.

5. Baya Bowls

An affordable newcomer to Lahaina is the popular Baya Bowls food truck, which you’ll find parked on Waine‘e Street just a three-minute walk from Front Street. The healthy selection of acai bowls is a hit with the local beach community, as is the cold brewed coffee that serves as the perfect party-town pick me up.

6. Alchemy Maui

For another healthy Lahaina option that’s opened within the last year, Alchemy Maui is a located a bit off the well worn visitor track, but the menu of sandwiches and tangy kombucha makes up for the industrial setting.

7. Mauka Makai

For the latest installment of Hawaiian Regional cuisine in Ka‘anapali, Mauka Makai is the signature restaurant of the Westin Nanea Villas, and features a menu of dishes sourced from the mountain slopes (mauka) down toward the sea (makai).

8. Nylos

If you find yourself on the North Shore by night, the recently opened Nylos restaurant brings fine dining to funky Paia with three course dinners plus wine.

9. Acevedo’s Hawaicano

Or, if you’re simply looking for Mexican food with a local Hawaiian twist, Acevedo’s Hawaicano is a classic, family owned hole in the wall that’s conveniently located just five minutes from Kahului Airport. The industrial setting is the absolute antithesis of oceanfront dining on Maui, but the portions are huge, the taste is authentic, and it sometimes sells out by mid-afternoon—which means they’re doing something right.

The post 11 New Maui Restaurants That Are Now Local Favorites appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Rainforests dripping with precipitation and dry cactus-laced coastlines make the island an exclusive location for harvesting a variety of food.

Chefs have the privilege of using purple sweet potatoes, green beans, mango and lychee to spruce up their dishes, as they are among the bountiful edibles regularly available to them. That’s what makes dining here so special.

This variety of flavors straight from the soil is why the culinary culture on the Garden Isle is something to look forward to during your Hawaiian vacation.

Fresh, Local Ingredients

Most restaurants encompassing the island have at least one or two specialty dishes that use fresh, local ingredients. You’ll find salads made with greens from north shore farms and desserts created with fruits plucked from west side gardens. Most places strive to use as much local produce as possible for their dishes.

Fresh Catch of the Day

The cuisine on Kaua‘i also represents the myriad of fish found in deep waters surrounding the island’s coasts. Often, restaurants will serve the fresh catch of the day, which can fluctuate from ahi (tuna) to ono (mackerel). Chefs use the fish in a range of ways from baked with a macadamia nut crust to rolled raw in sushi. There’s often an Asian Pacific flare to these dishes as well. Teriyaki sauces and miso glazes are common to many menus — something you won’t be able to taste in quite the same way anywhere else.

The Kauai Food Truck Scene

Sit-down restaurants aren’t the only option if you want to experience Kaua‘i’s culinary culture. Food trucks keep springing up in places like Hanalei, Kapa‘a and Po‘ipū. They are a less expensive, more casual option, but the food is just as delicious. Many of these trucks also go out of their way to work with farmers and fisherman to accommodate the local food movement.

Farmer’s Markets

It goes without saying that farmer’s markets are one of the best places to get in on Kaua‘i’s culinary action, especially one where value-added products are sold. These items are pre-made and can be anything from popsicles made with fresh fruit and homemade jams, to pasta and soup.

Kaua‘i’s cuisine is so eclectic with such a unique tropical flare it would be difficult not to please your palate during your stay in paradise.

The post Kauai Cuisine: Eating Good on the Garden Isle appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Koa Pancake House

Photo: Koa Pancake House

A staple for breakfast with an impressive menu spanning everything you can imagine — from omelets, to benedicts and more — Koa Pancake House has been open for nearly four decades and now boasts Butter Mochi Pancakes and a Butter Mochi Waffle topped with Guava Lava puree. Butter mochi is a more decadent mochi, usually a golden yellow hue and includes … yes, rich, silky butter. The chewy texture is addictive and a perfect blend of sweet with savory.

Koa Pancake House
6 Locations island-wide
Oahu, Hawaii
www.koapancakehouse.com

YogurStory

Photo: YogurStory

Famous the world over for their vibrant purple ube pancakes, the management team at YogurStory decided to try something new — Ube Waffles. This pairing of ube (purple yam) with mochi flour topped with a sour cream whipped cream will leave your tastebuds dancing. The waffles have more of a spongy texture when compared to traditional pancakes, and the ube syrup is a blend of coconut milk and sweet yam, which offers a nutty, creamy and comforting essence.

Yogurstory
745 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 942-0505
www.yogurstory.com

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki

Photo: M.A.C. 24/7 

An all-day and all-night eatery serving unique island favorites along with traditional comfort classics, these Mochi Pancakes are uniquely delicate, alarmingly addictive and easily devoured. Naturally gluten free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack, the original option is served with a spiced vanilla butter, or you can choose to add freshly picked fruits to enhance the flavor profile. Honestly, these pancakes are so yummy you don’t need to add anything to them in this chic, contemporary yet charmingly convenient gem.

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
2500 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 921-5564
www.mac247waikiki.com

Herringbone Waikiki

Photo: Herringbone Waikiki

Weekend brunch just got better when you add Mochi Pancakes from Herringbone Waikiki to the mix. Topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) butter and seasonal fruits, this order of pancakes is almost too beautiful to eat. Lilikoi is a blend of both sweet and sour, so if you would prefer to enjoy the delicate flavor of the gluten-free pancake, ask for the sauce on the side. A convenient location at International Market Place, along with the idyllic decor, makes this a hot spot for those who love to enjoy an afternoon meal with flowing mimosas in the tropics.

Herringbone Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Avenue #316
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 797-2435
herringboneeats.com/locations/waikiki

The post Mochi for Breakfast? Here are 5 Spots You Must Try appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Mugen Waikiki

Photo: Mugen Waikiki

Mugen Waikiki
2452 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI

Salt and Pepper Cafe Hawaii

Photo: Salt and Pepper Cafe

Salt and Pepper Cafe
1341 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

malu

Photo: malu

malu
661 Keeaumoku Street
#106E
Honolulu, HI

La Vie Waikiki

Photo: La Vie

La Vie
383 Kalaimoku Street
Honolulu, HI

Cloud Nine Cafe

Photo: Cloud 9 Cafe

Cloud Nine Cafe Hawaii
2919 Kapiolani Blvd
#206D
Honolulu, HI 96826

The post Oahu’s Best New Restaurants for Winter 2019-2020 appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Mark’s Place

This is one of the most popular places for Pacific Rim Cuisine. Tucked in an industrial area in Puhi, it’s where you’ll find a variety of grab-and-go plate lunches and bento boxes that you can take with you or enjoy at one of their outside tables. Try a little bit of everything when you order Mark’s Famous Mixed Plate, served with chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, beef stew, rice and a scoop of classic potato macaroni salad.

Smiley’s Local Grinds

This place has just about every single kind of local plate you can imagine. Try any number of items, including laulau, chicken long rice, kalua pig or loco moco at a fraction of the cost of other places. And bring your appetite to this small diner, which is nestled inside a mini strip mall on Rice Street, because portions are ample.

Hamura Saimin

Located in an obscure alley in Lihue, this place has bustled with customers ever since opening in the 1950s. And not much has changed about it since then, including its old-fashioned U-shaped counter. Visit on a chilly evening and order a warm, heaping serving of saimin, a bowl of soup reminiscent of the plantation days when workers would cobble together ingredients in order to fill their bellies after a hard day’s work. Each bowl is made with ramen noodles, broth and a range of other ingredients, such as lunch meat, fish cakes and roasted pork.

Koloa Fish Market

Get your fill of locally caught, fresh fish at this tiny South Shore grab-and-go eatery. This little hole in the wall is the perfect place to pick up something to bring to the beach for a picnic. They’ve got ahi poke with all the spicy trimmings, as well as fish plates that come with rice, green salad and macaroni salad.

Fish Express

This is another fresh fish option that serves an array of poke bowls, as well as Hawaiian plates made with your choice of laulau or kalua pork, lomi salmon, rice and a side of poke. They also have grab-and-go gourmet bento boxes with options like baked teriyaki chicken and furikake crusted salmon. Best of all, this is an excellent place to pick up fresh fish, such as ahi, ono or mahimahi, to take with you and grill yourself.

Pono Market

This locally owned and operated Kapaa eatery, which also serves as a convenience store, opened in 1968. The market is known for its Hawaiian plate lunches that include an assortment of flavorful options, such as spicy poke, lomilomi salad, chicken laulau steamed in taro leaves and hefty scoops of rice. They also make musubi by the hundreds every day with different flavors and meats, including teriyaki beef or chicken, and, of course, classic Spam.

The post Check out these restaurants for great local grinds on Kauai appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Jolene’s Market

Photo: Jolene’s Market

Jolene’s Market
100 North Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Tex 808

Photo: Tex 808

Tex 808
333 Keahole Street
Honolulu, HI 96825

TBD Hawaii

Photo: Olena Heu

TBD Hawaii
2885 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

Hamada General Store

Photo: Hamada General Store

Hamada General Store
885 Queen Street
Honolulu, HI 96813

The Moani Island Bistro & Bar

Photo: The Moani Island Bistro & Bar

The Moani Island Bistro & Bar
91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy
Kapolei, HI 96707

Thrills

Photo: Thrills

Thrills
510 Piikoi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814

The post Check out these new Oahu restaurants for fall 2019 appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Moku Kitchen

Photo: Moku Kitchen

Moku Kitchen
660 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813

Top of Waikiki

Photo: Top of Waikiki

Top of Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua Ave.
21st Floor
Honolulu, HI 96815

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi

Photo: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi
2552 Kalakaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815

Chef Chai

Photo: Chef Chai

Chef Chai
1009 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814

Maui Brewing Company

Photo: Maui Brewing Co.

Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki
2300 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

Bevy

Photo: Bevy

Bevy
675 Auahi Street #130
Honolulu, HI 96813

The post Happy Hour in Honolulu: Our Top Picks for Summer 2019 appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Magic’s Beach Grill

Magic’s Beach Grill. Photo: Karen Rose.

With a magnificent view of the Kona coastline, Magic’s Beach Grill is quickly becoming a favorite among Kona residents and visitors. Chef Dan Robayo creates fresh dishes that highlight local farmers and food producers. Menu items include the Kimchi Gumbo and the Kimchi Rueben sandwich. Another popular dish is the Ulu Fries with a trio of sauces that include malt vinegar aioli, spicy ketchup and mango mustard. Don’t forget to top off your meal with a slice of the Okinawan Sweet Potato Haupia Pie! Magic’s Beach Grill is located at 77-6452 Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.

Kuleana Rum Shack

Located in the Queens’ MarketPlace in Waikoloa, Kuleana Rum Shack serves up fresh island dishes and handcrafted cocktails made with rum from their on-island distillery. The Rum Shack features authentic yet creative cuisine inspired by the melting pot of Hawaiian cultures. Try the Pipikaula Lumpia, Hawaiian salted beef dried in the sun, served with Swiss cheese, house-made kimchi and kochu-jang aioli. There are plenty of amazing dishes to choose from, but whatever you choose, be sure to save room for dessert. The malasadas (Portuguese donuts) are freshly fried to perfection and served with three self-serve injector fillings of chocolate, haupia and lilikoi. It’s the food your Hawaiian aunty made with an epicurean flare.

Nui Italian

The Hilton Waikoloa Village has brought authentic Italian cuisine to Hawaii Island, with Nui Italian Restaurant. Fresh from Italy, Chef Gino Cipriano serves up delicious, traditional dishes from his native country and turns food into art. Everything is fresh and superbly tasty — even the bread is beyond compare. One can’t go wrong with a genuine Italian pizza and the great selection of Italian wines. Nui has exceptional food with attentive service and true Hawaiian hospitality.

Ola Brew

Known for their tasty brews and ciders, Ola Brew now offers a menu of light but certainly not boring pub-grub to pair with your favorite suds. The flatbreads are perfect to share with friends, and the Poke Melt turns this traditional Hawaiian dish into an entirely new experience. The Poke Melt is made with locally baked focaccia bread and poke from The Poke Shack, which was rated the No. 1 poke spot in the world on Yelp. Topped with cheese and slightly heated just to melt the cheese, it’s the best tuna melt you’ll ever taste. Ola Brew is located in the Old Industrial area of Kailua-Kona.

Pele’s Wok Bistro & Bar

Pele’s Wok. Photo: Karen Rose.

The most recent addition to Shops at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast is Pele’s Wok Bistro & Bar. This Chinese-inspired restaurant elevates Chinese take-out to a whole new level. Committed to supporting local food producers, the chef pairs the best Chinese ingredients with locally sourced seafood and meats. The menu items are a bit pricier than your average Chinese food but well worth the extra expense. The quality of the dishes and the portion sizes make it a decent value. Be sure to try the Wok Tossed Brussels made with vinegar, honey, chili, sesame, garlic and fish sauce, and the Red Ginger Cake with Mango Ice Cream.

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Rigo Hawaii

Rigo Hawaii. Photo: Olena Heu.

Rigo Hawaii
885 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-9760

2. Let’s Toast

Let’s Toast. Photo: Olena Heu.

Let’s Toast Cafe
26 Hoolai Street #500
Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 200-5949

3. Da Kitchen Kakaako

Photo: Da Kitchen Kakaako.

Da Kitchen Kakaako
651 Ilalo Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 888-3488

4. Aloha Steakhouse Waikiki

Photo: Aloha Steakhouse Waikiki.

Aloha Steakhouse Waikiki
320 Lewers Street
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 600-3431

5. Adela’s Country Eatery

Adela’s Country Eatery. Photo: Olena Heu.

Adela’s Country Eatery
45-1151 Kamehameha Hwy
Kaneohe, HI 96744
(808) 236-2366

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