Best Restaurants in Hana: Top 7 Hidden Gems You Can’t Miss!

Welcome to Heavenly Hana, my fellow food enthusiasts!

My boyfriend and I recently went on a culinary adventure in this picturesque paradise, determined not to let the lack of dining options dampen our spirits or appetites. We were on a mission: track down the best restaurants offering scrumptious local flavors for your taste buds to savor.

You see, over the years I’ve become quite the food connoisseur – always seeking new dishes and exquisite tastes everywhere I go. When we landed in Hana, we knew it wouldn’t be easy given its untouched nature and resistance to commercialization. However, through perseverance (and pure hunger), we managed to uncover some of Hana’s hidden gems with menus so diverse that you’ll never want to leave!

Our experience ranged from relaxing in romantic fine-dining establishments by candlelight to devouring hearty plate lunches at bustling food stands. All that work paid off because now I get the pleasure of sharing these gastronomical delights with all of you fantastic folks.

Warning: Reading further may result in extreme cravings and an obsessive desire to purchase plane tickets ASAP!

So grab your favorite snacking companion and join me on this mouthwatering journey through a few of Hana’s top-rated eateries – bon appétit!

Hana Ranch Restaurant – Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Hana

Nestled between Lahaina and Hana, the Hana Ranch Restaurant serves as a delightful culinary oasis on your road trip. This charming eatery presents a unique fusion of authentic Hawaiian flavors and classic American dishes.

What makes Hana Ranch stand out is its commitment to the farm-to-table concept. The menu guarantees freshness by featuring seasonal produce sourced directly from local farms, transforming them into mouthwatering creations crafted by skilled chefs.

My go-to dish here is the fish sandwich topped with curry aioli, which I typically pair with a side of Caesar salad for a wholesome meal. Complement it with their refreshing passion fruit lemonade to leave you smiling and satisfied.

Here’s what you can look forward to at Hana Ranch Restaurant:

• Breathtaking ocean views from the dining area
• A diverse menu offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
• Guaranteed fresh and delicious meals
• Attentive wait staff despite being busy
• Support for local farming communities

One downside to consider is that prices at Hana Ranch can be slightly higher than average. However, keep in mind that they provide flavorful farm-fresh seafood meals accompanied by stunning ocean vistas.

The Preserve Kitchen and Bar – Top Fine Dining Experience in Hana

Looking for a memorable fine dining experience in Hana? The Preserve Kitchen and Bar is your answer. This upscale restaurant, open seven days a week, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner amidst an elegant atmosphere accompanied by soothing live music.

The secret to their delectable dishes lies in sourcing ingredients from local farmers, ensuring top-tier quality in every bite. Enjoy outdoor seating as you savor Hawaiian flavors with a touch of finesse.

Some must-try offerings at The Preserve include:

• A unique baby beet salad unlike any other
• Freshly prepared Poke—a Hawaiian staple
• Salted and dried Hawaiian beef

While this fine dining establishment does come with higher prices than average eateries around Hana, the exceptional culinary experience it presents makes it worth the visit. Indulge your taste buds with luxurious meals that showcase Hawaii’s finest ingredients while enjoying the sophisticated ambiance at The Preserve Kitchen and Bar.

Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread – A Must-Try Treat on the Road to Hana

Situated on Keanae Peninsula, not far from Hana, Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is a culinary gem you won’t want to miss. This legendary eatery is known for its heavenly banana bread, which even caught the attention of Gordon Ramsay’s show “Uncharted” on National Geographic.

Open daily from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, it’s best to arrive early as their famous banana bread tends to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to indulge in this delectable treat that has visitors raving.

Besides their famed banana bread, Aunty Sandy offers:

• Ice cream and shave ice for dessert lovers
• Classic fast-food lunch options like hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches
• Freshly sliced fruit for a healthier alternative

Make sure you add Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread to your list of stops on your journey through the stunning landscapes surrounding Hana. This iconic spot guarantees unforgettable flavors and warm memories with every bite.

Island Chef – The Best Seafood Food Truck in Hana

Don’t be deceived by its unassuming appearance; Island Chef, a celebrated food truck, offers incredible seafood dishes that can hold their own against even the finest restaurants.

Their mouthwatering coconut shrimp is a must-try for any seafood lover. Fried to perfection and boasting subtle hints of coconut, this dish was an instant favorite for my boyfriend and me during our Hawaiian adventure.

Explore Island Chef’s menu further with these scrumptious options:

• Choose your preferred fish from the daily catch and enjoy it freshly fried
• Savor the ginger-seasoned swordfish served with tangy lilikoi sauce
• Delight in their popular garlic butter Mahi Mahi

What makes eating at Island Chef truly enjoyable:

• Picnic tables outside the food truck encourage open-air dining and interaction with fellow travelers
• Fresh and flavor-packed meals prepared on-site
• Generously sized shrimp portions

One factor to consider when visiting is that Island Chef operates as a one-person team. Be prepared for possible wait times during busy periods. However, given the exceptional quality of their offerings, this minor inconvenience shouldn’t deter you from experiencing some of Hana’s best seafood.

Troy’s Plate Lunch – Best Hearty Home-Cooked Meals in Hana

When you’re yearning for comfort food while vacationing in Hana, Troy’s Plate Lunch is the ideal destination. This cozy eatery specializes in mouthwatering plate lunches—a Hawaiian staple—offering generous servings of home-cooked goodness.

However, note that Troy’s is open only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you’re in Hana on these days, seize the opportunity to indulge in their delightful fare.

During our visit on a Thursday, we enjoyed a sumptuous meal consisting of protein, white or brown rice, freshly made veggie salad, and cold mac salad—all traditional components of a Hawaiian plate lunch.

For something unique, try their fish and chips featuring ulu fries instead of regular potato fries.

What makes dining at Troy’s Plate Lunch memorable:

• Satisfyingly hearty meals
• Fresh local produce prepared using time-honored Hawaiian recipes

Insider Tip: Most establishments in Hana—including Troy’s—prefer cash payments. Ensure you carry adequate cash before placing an order here.

Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream – Best Vegan Ice Cream in Hana

Erasing any misconception that vegan food lacks flavor, Coconut Glen’s ice cream serves as a perfect testament to the potential of plant-based treats. Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler in 2014 as one of the best ice cream shops, this scrumptious coconut milk-based ice cream is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.

The creamy yet light texture paired with delectable flavors will leave you craving more. Savor this decadent treat served in coconut shells without being overwhelmed by the taste of coconut.

Indulge in an array of delightful flavors such as:

• Lilikoi
• Coffee Toffee
• Original Coconut with chunks of real coconut

For an extra dose of coconut goodness, opt for fresh coconuts—either for drinking or eating their flesh.

Highlights of visiting Coconut Glen’s include:

• The owner personally selects coconuts based on customer preferences
• A warm and friendly atmosphere created by pleasant interactions with the owners
• Learning about how this unique shop was established through shared stories

Don’t hesitate to visit Coconut Glen’s while exploring Hana for a memorable and delicious vegan ice cream experience!

Ae’s Thai Kitchen – Top Thai Restaurant in Hana

Navigating the culinary landscape of Hana can be challenging, but when you stumble upon Ae’s Thai Kitchen, seize the opportunity to relish their mouthwatering Thai cuisine.

Catering to all tastes, they offer more than just traditional dishes. Enjoy a milkshake or an old-fashioned float alongside your meal and make sure to save some room for their delectable banana lumpia dessert.

Here are some popular dishes you shouldn’t miss:

• Drunken noodles: Prepared with pomelo leaves for a subtle, irresistible fragrance
• Chicken pad Thai: Crafted using an authentic recipe passed down through generations
• Mama Ae’s Burger: A beefy, bacon-stuffed delight oozing with cheese

Ae’s Thai Kitchen sets itself apart by offering:

• Reasonably sized portions that satisfy without leaving you feeling stuffed
• Freshly prepared food available for dine-in or takeout (their foil-lined containers ensure your meal stays hot)

Pro tip: If you’re unsure about your tolerance for spicy food, opt for milder options. You’ll still enjoy the flavors without overwhelming heat.

Stop by Ae’s Thai Kitchen while exploring Hana and savor delicious Thai fare that will delight both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike!

Conclusion

After reading my blog, let’s hope your time in Hana will be spent enjoying nature instead of worrying about where your next meal will come from or which restaurant is worth spending your money in.

Here’s to happy and tummy-filling travels. After all, we all know you can’t enjoy yourself on an empty stomach.

Last Updated on May 14, 2023 by Brigitte