16 Wildly Famous Restaurants in Hawaii That Are Totally Worth the Hype

After 35 years of living, eating, and “talking story” with chefs and aunties across every Hawaiian island, I’ve learned one thing: Hawaii’s food scene is as rich and varied as its landscapes. Forget the tourist traps and overhyped buffets – what you’ll find here are the real-deal spots, each with a story, a legacy, and flavors that locals crave as much as visitors.

Whether you’re dreaming of oceanfront sunsets with fresh-caught fish, classic plate lunches that taste like home, or chef-driven creations you’ll talk about for years, this guide spotlights the 16 wildly famous restaurants in Hawaii that are truly worth the hype. Hungry for the best? Let’s dig in!

Oceanfront Dining Destinations

Mama’s Fish House

Perched on a crescent-shaped beach on Maui’s north shore, Mama’s isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a complete sensory experience. The open-air dining room filled with polynesian artifacts feels both upscale and relaxed, with waves crashing just feet away.

What makes Mama’s special is their dedication to freshness – the menu lists the name of the fisherman who caught your fish and where it was caught that very morning. The stuffed mahi with lobster and crab melts in your mouth with sweet oceanic flavors accented by a light macadamia nut crust.

Must-try dishes: Stuffed mahi with lobster and crab, the macadamia nut-crusted fish of the day, and their legendary black pearl dessert (chocolate mousse in a pastry seashell).

Pro tip: Make reservations at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for dinner. If you forget, check for lunch openings which sometimes have last-minute availability. The restaurant is about 15 minutes from Kahului Airport, making it perfect for your arrival or departure day on Maui.

Price range: $$$$ | Best for Romantic dinners/Special occasions | Dress code: Resort chic

Location: 799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779 | Phone: (808) 579-8488 | Website: mamasfishhouse.com

Duke’s Waikiki

Named after legendary Hawaiian swimmer and surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront restaurant offers the quintessential Hawaiian dining experience with toes-in-the-sand proximity to Waikiki Beach.

While some might dismiss Duke’s as touristy, there’s a reason both visitors and locals continue to pack this place. Their fresh fish preparations are consistently excellent, especially the “Duke’s style” fish baked with garlic, lemon, and basil. The atmosphere – with swaying palms and traditional Hawaiian music – captures the essence of aloha spirit.

The real star, however, is their Hula Pie – a mountain of macadamia nut ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and more macadamia nuts. It’s decadent and meant for sharing.

Must-try dishes: Duke’s style fresh fish, caramelized beet salad with goat cheese, and the iconic Hula Pie for dessert.

Pro tip: For the best experience, go at sunset and request a table on the beach side. If you can’t get a dinner reservation, their breakfast buffet is also excellent and typically easier to book.

Price range: $$ | Best for Families/Sunset cocktails | Dress code: Aloha casual

Location: 2335 Kalakaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-2268 | Website: dukeswaikiki.com

Mina’s Fish House

Located at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Mina’s Fish House stands out for being one of the only restaurants in the world with a dedicated fish sommelier. This oceanfront restaurant takes Hawaii’s connection to the sea to an entirely new level.

The fish sommelier visits your table to explain the day’s catch in remarkable detail – where it was caught, its flavor profile, and recommended preparation methods. If you order the whole fish, they return to expertly carve it tableside.

My experience with their butter-poached Kona lobster was nothing short of transformative – sweet, tender meat complemented by Big Island corn and local mushrooms. The fish sommelier paired it with a crisp white wine that enhanced the delicate flavors perfectly.

Must-try dishes: Line-caught whole fish of the day, butter-poached Kona lobster, and the seafood tower if you’re dining with a group.

Pro tip: Request a table on the outdoor lanai for unobstructed ocean views, and arrive before sunset to watch the sky transform over the water.

Price range: $$$$ | Best for Celebrations/Seafood lovers | Dress code: Resort elegant

Location: 92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707 | Phone: (808) 679-0079 | Website: minasfishhouse.com

Hau Tree Lanai

There’s something magical about dining beneath the sprawling limbs of the historic hau tree where Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote poetry at Kaimana Beach. This restaurant at the Kaimana Beach Hotel offers breathtaking ocean views with your meal.

While dinner is lovely, breakfast and brunch are where Hau Tree truly shines. Their eggs Benedict arrives with perfectly poached eggs and house-made hollandaise that’s rich yet light. Order it with kalua pig for a Hawaiian twist on the classic.

Last spring, I sipped fresh-squeezed POG (passion-orange-guava juice) here while watching an early morning rainbow stretch across Waikiki. It’s these moments that remind you why Hawaii is worth the long flight.

Must-try dishes: Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict, Poi Pancakes with coconut syrup, and their fresh catch preparation for dinner.

Pro tip: Early morning (7-8am) tables are easiest to secure with shorter notice. Request a “beach row” table for unobstructed ocean views.

Price range: $$ | Best for Brunch/Ocean views | Dress code: Casual beachwear acceptable

Location: 2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 921-7066 | Website: kaimana.com/dining/hau-tree

Award-Winning Luxury Dining

Hy’s Steak House

Since 1976, Hy’s Steak House has been Hawaii’s premier destination for classic American steakhouse dining with European influences. This Waikiki institution, with its elegant koa wood paneling and intimate lighting, creates an old-world atmosphere that feels worlds away from the beachy vibe outside.

The restaurant is famous for their USDA Prime steaks, aged for a minimum of 28 days and cooked over Hawaiian kiawe wood. The tableside preparation adds theatrical flair-whether it’s flambéing your Caesar salad or bananas foster-making dining here an unforgettable experience.

Last anniversary dinner, I watched mesmerized as our server expertly carved the Chateaubriand for two tableside, the aroma of perfectly cooked beef and cognac sauce filling the air. The meat was butter-tender with a beautiful medium-rare center.

Must-try dishes: Kiawe-grilled USDA Prime Ribeye, Tableside Caesar Salad, Beef Wellington (available limited nights), and the Bananas Foster dessert.

Pro tip: Reserve well in advance and request the main dining room for the full experience. Their early bird special (5-6pm) offers exceptional value for essentially the same menu.

Price range: $$$$ | Best for Date night/Special occasions | Dress code: Smart casual (no beachwear)

Location: 2440 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 922-5555 | Website: hyshawaii.com

La Mer

La Mer at Halekulani Hotel is Hawaii’s longest consecutive AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant – an incredible achievement in the competitive culinary world. This fine dining establishment embodies elegance and sophistication with panoramic ocean views.

The French-inspired menu incorporates fresh Hawaiian ingredients into masterful creations. My evening here began with poached lobster nestled in a swirl of tomato and chorizo, paired with squid ink gnocchi that was both visually striking and deeply flavorful.

The service here elevates dining to an art form – attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious. Each course is theatrically presented, creating memorable moments throughout the meal.

Must-try dishes: Homard Poché (poached lobster), Saint-Jacques Rôti (roasted scallop with caviar), and their signature Filet de Bœuf with foie gras and truffle sauce.

Pro tip: Request a table by the window for sunset dining, and consider their prix fixe menu for the full experience. Make reservations at least a month in advance for this extraordinary dining experience.

Price range: $$$$$ | Best for Anniversaries/Fine dining | Dress code: Formal

Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Phone: (808) 923-2311 | Website: halekulani.com/dining/la-mer

Hawaii Regional Cuisine Pioneers

Monkeypod Kitchen

Created by renowned chef Peter Merriman, Monkeypod Kitchen has perfected what might be Hawaii’s best Mai Tai. What makes it special is the honey-lilikoi (passion fruit) foam that tops the drink – a creamy, tangy contrast to the rum-forward cocktail beneath.

Beyond drinks, their menu showcases locally-sourced ingredients in approachable dishes. The wood-fired pizzas feature unexpectedly Hawaiian toppings like kalua pork and fresh pineapple that’ll make you rethink your stance on fruit on pizza.

The Ko Olina location offers stunning ocean views, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset while sipping that perfect Mai Tai.

Must-try items: Signature Mai Tai with honey-lilikoi foam, wood-fired pizzas, and the pumpkin patch ravioli when in season.

Pro tip: Happy hour from 3:30-5:30pm offers discounted drinks and appetizers. There are multiple locations across Hawaii, but the Ko Olina spot has the best ambiance.

Price range: $$ | Best for Happy hour/Families | Dress code: Casual

Location: 92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707 | Phone: (808) 380-4086 | Website: monkeypodkitchen.com

Roy’s Hawaii Kai

When Chef Roy Yamaguchi opened his flagship restaurant in 1988, he forever changed Hawaiian cuisine by introducing what we now call Hawaii Regional Cuisine – a sophisticated fusion of Asian techniques, European influences, and local ingredients.

The original Hawaii Kai location remains the most special of Roy’s three Oahu restaurants. Sitting at the chef’s counter, I watched the kitchen team expertly sear my misoyaki butterfish until the sweet miso caramelized into a glossy glaze. The fish itself was so tender it barely required chewing, dissolving like butter with an umami-sweet finish.

Must-try dishes: Misoyaki Butterfish, Blackened Ahi with soy mustard sauce, and the Chocolate Soufflé (order it when you place your main order as it takes 30 minutes).

Pro tip: Make a 5:30pm reservation to catch the sunset over Maunalua Bay through the restaurant’s large windows.

Price range: $$$ | Best for Date night/Groups | Dress code: Resort casual

Location: 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825 | Phone: (808) 396-7697 | Website: royshawaii.com

Merriman’s Honolulu

Peter Merriman was among the 12 chefs who pioneered Hawaii Regional Cuisine in the 1990s, and his commitment to local sourcing remains unmatched – roughly 90% of ingredients come from Hawaiian farms and waters.

The Honolulu location presents elegance without pretension. Their macadamia nut-crusted catch is a masterclass in texture and flavor balance – the crunchy nut crust giving way to flaky fresh fish, all complemented by a light lilikoi (passion fruit) butter sauce that adds brightness without overwhelming.

Must-try dishes: Macadamia nut-crusted fresh catch, tableside-mixed poke, and the locally-raised filet with Hamakua mushrooms.

Pro tip: Request a table on the outdoor lanai (patio) for fantastic people-watching in the trendy Ward Village area. “Talk story” (chat) with your server about the day’s specials – they’re knowledgeable about where everything comes from.

Price range: $$$ | Best for Farm-to-table enthusiasts/Groups | Dress code: Casual chic

Location: 1108 Auahi St, Ste 170, Honolulu, HI 96814 | Phone: (808) 215-0022 | Website: merrimanshawaii.com

Traditional Hawaiian Food Havens

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Walking into Helena’s feels like entering your Hawaiian grandmother’s kitchen. This James Beard Award-winning institution has been serving soul-satisfying Hawaiian classics since 1946. The tiny Kalihi neighborhood spot remains unpretentious despite its fame – plastic chairs, paper plates, and mind-blowing food.

The pipikaula short ribs arrive glistening with fat, perfectly dried with crispy edges yet tender inside. Their kalua pig delivers that authentic imu-roasted smoky flavor without being dry. Paired with sticky poi (traditional taro paste), it’s Hawaiian comfort food perfection.

One Wednesday afternoon, I brought my mainland cousin here and watched his eyes widen as he tasted the lomi salmon – a bright, tangy mixture of salmon, tomatoes, and onions. “I finally understand Hawaiian food isn’t just pineapple and ham pizza,” he whispered reverently.

Must-try dishes: Short Ribs Pipikaula Style, Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, and Haupia (coconut pudding) for dessert.

Pro tip: Come before 11am or after 1:30pm to avoid the longest lines. The combo menu options (like Menu C with pipikaula, kalua pig, and lomi salmon) give you the perfect sampler experience.

Price range: $ | Best for Authentic experience/Families | Dress code: Casual

Location: 1240 N. School St, Honolulu, HI 96817 | Phone: (808) 845-8044 | Website: helenashawaiianfood.com

Waiahole Poi Factory

Housed in an authentic 1900s factory building in rural Windward Oahu, this family-run restaurant makes poi the traditional way – pounding taro by hand into that distinctive purple paste. The building itself is charmingly rustic with picnic tables scattered around the property.

Their laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves) steams with an earthy aroma when unwrapped. The meat inside falls apart with just your fork, infused with the mineral richness from the leaves. Their squid luau transforms tough octopus into buttery tenderness swimming in coconut-taro leaf stew.

Must-try dishes: Hand-pounded poi, squid luau, laulau, and don’t leave without trying the “Sweet Lady of Waiahole” dessert – warm kūlolo (taro coconut pudding) with haupia ice cream that creates a hot-cold flavor explosion.

Pro tip: They’ve recently opened a second location at Windward Mall with longer hours, but true food adventurers should visit the original factory for the authentic experience. Bring cash, as credit card machines sometimes go down with rural internet issues.

Price range: $$ | Best for Cultural immersion/Families | Dress code: Casual (cash preferred)

Location: 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744 | Phone: (808) 239-2222 | Website: waiaholepoifactory.com

Innovative Chef-Driven Concepts

MW Restaurant

Husband-and-wife chef team Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka (both Alan Wong’s alumni) have created a restaurant that honors Hawaiian classics while elevating them with modern techniques. The space is contemporary and elegant without being stuffy.

Their mochi-crusted kampachi arrives with a beautiful textural contrast – crispy rice exterior giving way to perfectly moist fish. The accompanying colorful vegetables create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Must-try dishes: Mochi-crusted Kampachi, Unagi Butterfish Arancini, and save room for Michelle’s famous desserts, especially the Tropical Fruit Creamsicle Brûlée.

Pro tip: If you can’t get dinner reservations, try lunch which offers many of the same dishes at slightly lower prices. The Artizen by MW at Hawaii State Art Museum offers some of their dishes in a more casual setting.

Price range: $$$ | Best for Foodies/Creative dining | Dress code: Smart casual

Location: 888 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 201, Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: (808) 955-6505 | Website: mwrestaurant.com

The Pig and the Lady

Located in Honolulu’s vibrant Chinatown, The Pig and the Lady is consistently ranked among Hawaii’s most innovative and celebrated restaurants. Founded by Chef Andrew Le and his family, this Vietnamese-fusion restaurant has earned national recognition from James Beard Foundation nominations and features in major food publications.

The restaurant began as a farmers market stand before exploding in popularity. Their signature LFC (Laotian Fried Chicken) delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat complemented by a tangy nam jim jaew dipping sauce. The pho French dip banh mi-a brilliant cross-cultural creation-pairs thinly sliced beef with pho broth for dipping.

Must-try dishes: Laotian Fried Chicken (LFC), Pho French Dip Banh Mi, and their seasonal Farmer’s Market vegetable dishes.

Pro tip: Visit on Wednesdays when they feature special dishes that don’t appear on their regular menu. Their sister restaurant Piggy Smalls in Ward Village is excellent if you can’t get a reservation at the original location.

Price range: $$ | Best for Foodies/Groups | Dress code: Casual

Location: 83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817 | Phone: (808) 585-8255 | Website: thepigandthelady.com

Senia

Senia has revolutionized Hawaii’s fine dining scene since opening in 2016, earning national acclaim including James Beard Award nominations for Best New Restaurant and multiple nods for its chefs. Founded by Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush (both with experience at London’s legendary restaurant The Fat Duck and Per Se in New York), Senia delivers sophisticated, technique-driven cuisine in a surprisingly approachable setting.

The restaurant balances refined presentation with deeply satisfying flavors. Their charred cabbage has become an Instagram-famous dish-a humble vegetable transformed through multiple techniques into something extraordinary. The beef chop with bone marrow showcases their commitment to highlighting quality ingredients through perfect execution.

Must-try dishes: Charred Cabbage, Beef Tongue Moco, and whatever version of local fish is currently on the menu.

Location: 75 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817 | Phone: (808) 200-5412 | Website: restaurantsenia.com

Pro tip: The Chef’s Counter tasting menu offers the full experience of what makes this restaurant special-worth the splurge. Book far in advance as there are only a few seats available each night for this experience.

Local Favorites with Mainland Fame

Tin Roof Maui

Top Chef fan-favorite Sheldon Simeon created this casual lunch spot serving elevated local comfort food. The tiny restaurant has limited seating, but that doesn’t stop lines from forming daily.

The mochiko chicken – marinated in sweet rice flour, ginger, and garlic before frying – achieves that perfect crispy-juicy balance with meat that falls off the bone. Served over rice with their house-made “krak” sauce (a garlicky, spicy mayo), it’s the ultimate plate lunch elevated to chef-quality status.

Must-try dishes: Mochiko Chicken, Pork Belly, and the Garlic Shrimp plate.

Pro tip: Order online before arriving to skip the line. This spot is just 5 minutes from the Kahului Airport, making it perfect for your first or last meal on Maui.

Price range: $ | Best for Quick eats/Takeout | Dress code: Super casual

Location: 360 Papa Pl, Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732 | Phone: (808) 868-0753 | Website: tinroofmaui.com

Side Street Inn

This unpretentious spot gained international fame after Anthony Bourdain featured it on “No Reservations,” but locals had been packing it for years before that. Side Street Inn represents the perfect blend of local comfort food in generous portions – this is where Hawaii’s top chefs come to eat on their nights off.

The pan-fried island pork chops are legendary – crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and served in portions that could feed a small village. Their fried rice, loaded with Portuguese sausage and char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), is the perfect accompaniment to beer with friends.

I’ve celebrated countless birthdays and special occasions here, where the boisterous atmosphere and family-style platters create the perfect setting for making memories.

Must-try dishes: Pan-fried pork chops, fried rice with Portuguese sausage, and garlic chicken.

Pro tip: They have two locations – the original on Hopaka Street and another in Kapahulu. Both get packed, so make reservations or be prepared to wait (with a drink at the bar). Portions are huge, so order fewer dishes than you think you need.

Price range: $$ | Best for Late-night/Groups | Dress code: Come-as-you-are

Location: 1225 Hopaka St, Honolulu, HI 96814 | Phone: (808) 591-0253 | Website: sidestreetinn.com

Insider Tips for Hawaii Dining Success

• Make reservations early: For fine dining spots like Mama’s Fish House and Merriman’s, book 2-3 months in advance.
• Embrace “Hawaiian time”: Service may be more relaxed than on the mainland. Slow down and enjoy the pace.
• Try lunch at dinner spots: Many upscale restaurants offer similar menus at lunch for lower prices.
• Go beyond Waikiki: Some of Hawaii’s best restaurants are in neighborhoods tourists rarely visit.
• Learn these phrases: “Ono” means delicious, “broke da mouth” means extremely good food, and “Da kine” refers to something specific when you can’t remember its name.
• Best time to avoid crowds: Hit popular spots between 2-4pm or after 8pm.

From traditional Hawaiian soul food to innovative fusion cuisine, these 16 restaurants showcase the incredible diversity and quality of Hawaii’s food scene. Each bite tells a story of the islands’ multicultural heritage and commitment to local ingredients. Far beyond just fuel for beach days, these meals will become some of your most treasured Hawaii memories.

What’s your favorite food experience from Hawaii? Or which of these restaurants would you try first? The islands are waiting to welcome your taste buds!