Where To Eat In Hawaii

Hawaii’s astounding ethnic diversity, paired with its rich resource of seafood and produce, have melded into a rich culinary heritage to make it an endless feast for foodie enthusiasts. Here’s a quick rundown of the spots you can’t miss, from elevated fine dining to casual heart-stopping eats.


Alan Wong's | Asian-fusion | Honolulu, Oahu

Chef Wong is one of the originators of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and a pioneer of the island’s growing gastronomy. An aromatic mastery of Asian-fusion perfection, Alan Wong’s is a must. We recommend the chopped ahi sashimi and the twice-cooked short rib soy braised and grilled “Kalbi” style.


Rays On The Bay | Eclectic | Kailua-Kona, Big Island

Hawaii is not big on metaphor; you get just what the name suggests. Rays On The Bay is an oceanfront eatery at the Sheraton Kona Resort where you can dine alongside Manta Rays as they have their own feast on ocean plankton. The menu boasts eclectic casual-dining options, featuring everything from shareable platters to fresh catch-of-the-day entrees and burgers.


KO | Seafood, Hawaiian | Wailea, Maui

Located at The Fairmont Kea Lani, KO’s Executive Chef Tylun Pang draws inspiration from Hawaii’s sugarcane plantation era. Creating a cross-cultural mix from the culinary heritage of workers from China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Portugal, all of which arrived in Hawaii with their own culinary specialties. The menu prices will run you some damage, but the flavors are delicious and the portions are generous.


Kauai Grill | American | Princeville, Kauai

The menu for Kauai Grill is a selection of top creations from the star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his eateries all over the world. Located at the St. Regis Princeville Resort, the restaurant offers a stunning view of Hanalei Bay.


Chef Mavro | French, Hawaiian | Honolulu, Oahu

Executive Chef, George Mavrothalassitis has consecutively won AAA Five Diamond Awards for his work at Chef Mavro, and with good reason. The restaurant’s four-six- and 11-course menus are a unique fusion of southern French cuisine and the best of Hawaii’s local seafood and produce. Try his Niman Ranch lamb, Hudson Valley foie gras or Grimaud Farm duckling for a meal you will never forget.


Village Burger | American | Kamuela, Big Island

All the fine dining can get tiring and let’s face it, sometimes all we want is a juicy burger and fries to kill that hunger. So if you’re on the Big Island after a long day’s hike, stop by the Village Burger for a taste of 100 percent pasture-raised, handmade burger perfection. Keep in mind, this is a take-out joint, but the Parker Ranch Center’s food court is available for seating.


Little Village Noodle House | pan-Asian | Honolulu, Oahu

You’ve already guessed what they’re serving, but it’s how they are serving it that matters. Stop by Little Village Noodle House for a serving of Singapore rice noodles with shrimp bean sprouts and curry sauce, sizzling black cod and with zesty black bean sauce, and black pepper beef⎯spicy, gingery and garlicky. If you are feeling fortuitous, the restaurant has a BYOB policy so bring your own and enjoy!


Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar | Japanese | Kapalua, Maui

Known for its creative use of Hawaiian flavors on Japanese cuisine, as well as its lively ambiance and good prices, you get what you come for. The restaurant boasts a wide selection of fresh seafood sushi, grilled fresh catch of the day seafood and a number of beef and poultry dishes. Originally opened in 1996 in Kapalua Resort, there are now four Sansei restaurants on three islands.


Town | Italian, Hawaiian | Honolulu, Oahu

A little ways off the more touristy zones, Town is a small eclectic bistro offering Italian-Hawaiian inspired dishes like gnocchi with sunchokes or pickled pig's ear with mango mostarda. Town is a prime example of Hawaii’s uniquely inspired cuisine.


‘Ulu Ocean Grill And Sushi Lounge | Seafood, Hawaiian | Kona Costa, Big Island

Described by its Executive Chef Chris Bateman as “regional, seasonal, and artisanal,” ‘Ulu’s sources 75 percent of its menu from 160 Hawaiian farms and fishermen. For a taste of modern Hawaiian, enjoy specialties such as the roasted Kekala beet salad with smoked Puna goat cheese or their Big Island wild boar, all amid contemporary Hawaiian décor and an ocean panorama.