From underrated eateries to upscale, oceanfront restaurants, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible restaurants that are loved and frequented by many. In 2018, we featured several of these excellent eateries, and have now compiled them into an epic 2019 dining bucket list. With popular roadside restaurants, fine dining establishments in unforgettable settings, and eateries with cult-like followings, this list features 12 of the best restaurants Hawaii has to offer — one for each month of the year.
- Star Noodle, Lahaina
Star Noodle/Facebook
Star Noodle/Facebook If you’re in the mood for noodle dishes, Asian shared plates, and cocktails in Lahaina, head to Star Noodle. Tucked away at the top of Lahaina Industrial Park. this casual, modern restaurant features both a menu with an embarrassment of riches of options and flavors and a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. Since opening in 2010, Star Noodle has achieved explosive success, due in part to its eclectic menu with vast global influences. Not only will you find classics like hot and sour soup, ramen, and pad thai, but you’ll also discover uniquely Hawaiian dishes like saimin, Lahaina fried soup, and their specialty: garlic noodles made with fresh and fried garlic, dashi, and scallions. Click here to learn more.
- Tidepools, Koloa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa/Website
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa/Facebook Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon. With plenty of old-school charm and a touch of elegance, this restaurant is both upscale and comfortable. Serving up authentic Hawaiian cuisine inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, chefs use local ingredients whenever possible. From a variety of mouthwatering seafood dishes (including the fresh ahi pictured below) to steaks, chicken, and vegetarian entrees, you won’t be disappointed by the food at Tidepools.Click here to learn more.
- Restaurant 604, Honolulu
Restaurant 604/Facebook
Restaurant 604/Facebook Offering the best waterfront dining in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, Restaurant 604 serves up a mouthwatering selection of classic American dishes as well as island favorites in addition to Hawaii’s best bloody mary. From poi and guava pancakes to Kalua pork eggs benedict and fried rice, their brunch menu can’t be beat. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, plate lunches, and fish tacos are on the menu for lunch, while the dinner menu is full of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. There’s truly something for everyone here.Click here to learn more.
- The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm, Hilo
P. NITTA/Google
Jake Joao/Google Established in the 1920s, The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm is not only one of Hawaii’s oldest restaurants, but one of the most unique as well. Patrons looking for a true farm-to-table experience will find just what they’re looking for at this Hilo restaurant. In fact, diners can simply look out their window to see where their food is coming from, as long as they’re ordering fish, of course. You see, the menu features a variety of fish that are raised and grown right here on the fish farm. Behind the restaurant is Lokowaka, a 30-acre all-natural, brackish fishpond. A variety of fish are raised here, including mullet, tilapia, and aholehole, a local favorite.For more information, click here.
- Makawao Steak House, Makawao
Makawao Steak House/Facebook
Makawao Steak House/Facebook Serving up slabs of prime beef served in a cozy atmosphere with a charming and rustic Paniolo theme, this local steakhouse is sure to please. It was originally opened in 1927 as a fish market, but by 1982, it had taken on a new persona as the Makawao Steak House. With a focus on locally-raised and naturally-grown ingredients, you can bet your meal will always be fresh and delicious! Steaks served include tenderloin, ribeye, t-bone, and prime rib options, all seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and a toasted pepper blend. Yum! Click here to learn more.
- Lava Lava Beach Club, Kapa’a
Lava Lava Beach Club - Kauai/Facebook
Lava Lava Beach Club - Kauai/Facebook Located at the newly-renovated Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapaa, Lava Lava Beach Club is one of the only “toes in the sand” restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii. Specializing in Hawaiian-inspired fare, there’s little better than enjoying dinner on this unconventional patio. From pizzas and fish tacos to fresh seafood, salads, and more, the menu is full of casual and upscale options and is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.For more information, click here.
- Monkeypod Kitchen, Kapolei
Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman - Ko Olina/Google
Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman Oahu/Facebook Nestled in the heart of Ko Olina — West Oahu’s magical resort destination — is Monkeypod Kitchen, a unique farm-to-table restaurant that serves up the most mouthwatering Hawaiian regional cuisine you’ve ever tasted in a funky, comfortable atmosphere. With live music daily and a phenomenal patio, you’re sure to love the laid-back island vibes and Aloha Spirit found at Monkeypod Kitchen. And the food is to-die-for. From salads and burgers to tacos, gnocchi, saimin, and fresh-caught seafood, there’s something for everyone at this swoon-worthy restaurant.Click here to learn more.
- Humuhumunukunukuapua’a Restaurant, Wailea
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a/Facebook
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a/Facebook Located on Maui’s stunning western coast is the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. And within this stunning oceanfront resort is one of the best restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Named after the Hawaii state fish, this Polynesian thatch-roof restaurant floating on a lagoon is as pretty as a postcard and serves up some mouthwatering food with Polynesian and Hawaiian influences.For more information, click here.
- Hamura Saimin, Lihue
LowellBear/TripAdvisor
Bonnie M/TripAdvisor This timeless restaurant in Lihue only gets better with age. Founded in 1951 by Aiko and Charlie Hamura, this classic eatery may not look like much, but the saimin served here is some of the world’s best. Housed inside a humble bungalow that was once used as barracks for the United States Army and has since been declared a state historic site, tourists and locals alike come to Hamura’s to slurp saimin at a U-shaped counter. With a secret-recipe broth and noodles made daily at the family’s home-run-factory nearby, there’s no better place to eat on a windy and rainy Kauai day — or any day, for that matter.For more information, click here.
- Cinnamon’s Restaurant, Kailua
Shihmei Barger 舒詩玫/Flickr
Cinnamon’s Restaurant/Facebook With long wait times, it’s easy to see that Cinnamon’s serves up some of the best breakfast food around. Locals and tourists alike flock to this charming Kailua eatery, and we certainly can’t blame them. The menu is full of wholesome dishes sure to hit the spot — from sweet pancakes to omelets, eggs benedict, sausage, hash browns, and more. No matter what you order, you’re sure to leave feeling satisfied and happy.For more information, click here.
- Holuakoa Gardens & Cafe, Kailua-Kona
Holuakoa gardens & cafe
Holuakoa gardens & cafe/Facebook Located in Holualoa just twelve miles from the Kona International Airport and five miles from Kailua-Kona is this garden retreat that will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Surrounded in gorgeous flora and decked out with twinkling lights, we can’t imagine a more enchanting place for your next date night. Most of their produce is sourced from farms within just five miles of the restaurant, fish is caught by local fishermen, meat is sourced from local, grass-fed, organic farms on the island, and the bread, pasta, and desserts are all made in the restaurant’s kitchen.Click here to learn more.
- Herringbone Waikiki, Honolulu
Herringbone Waikiki/Website
Herringbone Waikiki/Website Welcome to Herringbone Waikiki, a stunning new seafood restaurant situated just 350 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Combined with the lush beauty of Waikiki, Herringbone’s expansive 2,000 square foot lanai is truly a sight to behold. From Alaskan King Crab, lobster, and jumbo shrimp to yellowtail, scallops, ahi, and fresh local catch options, the seafood at Herringbone is simply divine. It is their oysters, however, that truly stand out.For more information, click here.
So, tell us: how many of these epic eateries have you visited before? Which one’s up first on your 2019 dining bucket list? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
Star Noodle/Facebook
If you’re in the mood for noodle dishes, Asian shared plates, and cocktails in Lahaina, head to Star Noodle. Tucked away at the top of Lahaina Industrial Park. this casual, modern restaurant features both a menu with an embarrassment of riches of options and flavors and a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. Since opening in 2010, Star Noodle has achieved explosive success, due in part to its eclectic menu with vast global influences. Not only will you find classics like hot and sour soup, ramen, and pad thai, but you’ll also discover uniquely Hawaiian dishes like saimin, Lahaina fried soup, and their specialty: garlic noodles made with fresh and fried garlic, dashi, and scallions. Click here to learn more.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa/Website
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa/Facebook
Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Tidepools serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts overlooking a picturesque lagoon. With plenty of old-school charm and a touch of elegance, this restaurant is both upscale and comfortable. Serving up authentic Hawaiian cuisine inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, chefs use local ingredients whenever possible. From a variety of mouthwatering seafood dishes (including the fresh ahi pictured below) to steaks, chicken, and vegetarian entrees, you won’t be disappointed by the food at Tidepools.Click here to learn more.
Restaurant 604/Facebook
Offering the best waterfront dining in Oahu’s Pearl Harbor, Restaurant 604 serves up a mouthwatering selection of classic American dishes as well as island favorites in addition to Hawaii’s best bloody mary. From poi and guava pancakes to Kalua pork eggs benedict and fried rice, their brunch menu can’t be beat. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, plate lunches, and fish tacos are on the menu for lunch, while the dinner menu is full of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. There’s truly something for everyone here.Click here to learn more.
P. NITTA/Google
Jake Joao/Google
Established in the 1920s, The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm is not only one of Hawaii’s oldest restaurants, but one of the most unique as well. Patrons looking for a true farm-to-table experience will find just what they’re looking for at this Hilo restaurant. In fact, diners can simply look out their window to see where their food is coming from, as long as they’re ordering fish, of course. You see, the menu features a variety of fish that are raised and grown right here on the fish farm. Behind the restaurant is Lokowaka, a 30-acre all-natural, brackish fishpond. A variety of fish are raised here, including mullet, tilapia, and aholehole, a local favorite.For more information, click here.
Makawao Steak House/Facebook
Serving up slabs of prime beef served in a cozy atmosphere with a charming and rustic Paniolo theme, this local steakhouse is sure to please. It was originally opened in 1927 as a fish market, but by 1982, it had taken on a new persona as the Makawao Steak House. With a focus on locally-raised and naturally-grown ingredients, you can bet your meal will always be fresh and delicious! Steaks served include tenderloin, ribeye, t-bone, and prime rib options, all seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and a toasted pepper blend. Yum! Click here to learn more.
Lava Lava Beach Club - Kauai/Facebook
Located at the newly-renovated Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapaa, Lava Lava Beach Club is one of the only “toes in the sand” restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii. Specializing in Hawaiian-inspired fare, there’s little better than enjoying dinner on this unconventional patio. From pizzas and fish tacos to fresh seafood, salads, and more, the menu is full of casual and upscale options and is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.For more information, click here.
Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman - Ko Olina/Google
Monkeypod Kitchen By Merriman Oahu/Facebook
Nestled in the heart of Ko Olina — West Oahu’s magical resort destination — is Monkeypod Kitchen, a unique farm-to-table restaurant that serves up the most mouthwatering Hawaiian regional cuisine you’ve ever tasted in a funky, comfortable atmosphere. With live music daily and a phenomenal patio, you’re sure to love the laid-back island vibes and Aloha Spirit found at Monkeypod Kitchen. And the food is to-die-for. From salads and burgers to tacos, gnocchi, saimin, and fresh-caught seafood, there’s something for everyone at this swoon-worthy restaurant.Click here to learn more.
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a/Facebook
Located on Maui’s stunning western coast is the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. And within this stunning oceanfront resort is one of the best restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii: Humuhumunukunukuapua’a. Named after the Hawaii state fish, this Polynesian thatch-roof restaurant floating on a lagoon is as pretty as a postcard and serves up some mouthwatering food with Polynesian and Hawaiian influences.For more information, click here.
LowellBear/TripAdvisor
Bonnie M/TripAdvisor
This timeless restaurant in Lihue only gets better with age. Founded in 1951 by Aiko and Charlie Hamura, this classic eatery may not look like much, but the saimin served here is some of the world’s best. Housed inside a humble bungalow that was once used as barracks for the United States Army and has since been declared a state historic site, tourists and locals alike come to Hamura’s to slurp saimin at a U-shaped counter. With a secret-recipe broth and noodles made daily at the family’s home-run-factory nearby, there’s no better place to eat on a windy and rainy Kauai day — or any day, for that matter.For more information, click here.
Shihmei Barger 舒詩玫/Flickr
Cinnamon’s Restaurant/Facebook
With long wait times, it’s easy to see that Cinnamon’s serves up some of the best breakfast food around. Locals and tourists alike flock to this charming Kailua eatery, and we certainly can’t blame them. The menu is full of wholesome dishes sure to hit the spot — from sweet pancakes to omelets, eggs benedict, sausage, hash browns, and more. No matter what you order, you’re sure to leave feeling satisfied and happy.For more information, click here.
Holuakoa gardens & cafe
Holuakoa gardens & cafe/Facebook
Located in Holualoa just twelve miles from the Kona International Airport and five miles from Kailua-Kona is this garden retreat that will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Surrounded in gorgeous flora and decked out with twinkling lights, we can’t imagine a more enchanting place for your next date night. Most of their produce is sourced from farms within just five miles of the restaurant, fish is caught by local fishermen, meat is sourced from local, grass-fed, organic farms on the island, and the bread, pasta, and desserts are all made in the restaurant’s kitchen.Click here to learn more.
Herringbone Waikiki/Website
Welcome to Herringbone Waikiki, a stunning new seafood restaurant situated just 350 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Combined with the lush beauty of Waikiki, Herringbone’s expansive 2,000 square foot lanai is truly a sight to behold. From Alaskan King Crab, lobster, and jumbo shrimp to yellowtail, scallops, ahi, and fresh local catch options, the seafood at Herringbone is simply divine. It is their oysters, however, that truly stand out.For more information, click here.
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