A cocktail omakase experience featuring a five-course pairing. A unique and memorable evening for anyone who enjoys craft cocktails.
Located inside Dukes Lane Market in Waikiki, Basalt is known for its specialty charcoal-based items and creative takes on local flavors.
A local institution famous for manapua — Hawaiian-style steamed or baked pork buns. A great snack or casual meal with deep roots in the island's food culture.
Known for their bite-sized chocolate chip cookies — simple, addictive, and a beloved local treat. Pick up a bag to take home.
A cozy Waikiki breakfast spot best known for their soufflé pancakes — light, airy, and worth the wait. Arrive early as lines form quickly.
The local grocery chain, but worth a visit specifically for the poke counter. Fresh, varied, and often better than dedicated poke spots. A great affordable option for a beach picnic. Our favorite location is at Ala Moana.
Korean-style BBQ featuring A5 Wagyu beef. A premium experience for those looking to splurge on one of the finest grades of beef available.
An authentic Hawaiian food institution that has been serving traditional plate lunches for decades. A James Beard Award winner and a must-try for anyone wanting real local Hawaiian cuisine.
Kahuku Farms is a result of two farming families spanning back over 100 years and four generations in Hawai'i. Descendants of the Matsuda and Fukuyama families migrated to Hawaii from Japan to work in the sugar plantations back in the early 1900's. Along the way, they began farming bell peppers, papayas, watermelon, bananas, sweet potato, pineapple and other crops.
An island fusion restaurant located in the Kahala neighborhood. A more refined dining experience away from the Waikiki tourist strip.
A community favorite specializing in locally sourced, creative breakfast and brunch fare. Don't miss the Koco Moco — a mini skillet loco moco with fried kimchi. No reservations are taken, so arrive early to avoid a long wait.
Famous for malasadas — Portuguese-style donuts that are a local staple. Order a mixed dozen to try a variety of flavors. Available at the main location and at food trucks around the island.
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Waikiki outpost. An upscale restaurant blending Japanese and Western cuisine in a sleek setting. Great for a special dinner.
Farm-to-table Hawaii Regional Cuisine from chefs Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka. A refined dining experience that highlights the best of local ingredients.
A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown with a creative and locally-inspired menu. Excellent for lunch or dinner, and a great reason to explore the Chinatown neighborhood.
An iconic plate lunch spot that has been a local staple since 1961. Classic Hawaiian comfort food at great prices — a genuine local experience.
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, Sushi Sho is one of the best sushi restaurants on the island — and arguably in the country. Seating is extremely limited to around 10–12 guests per sitting, with only two seatings per evening. Reservations have historically been very difficult to secure, so book as far in advance as possible.
A local favorite serving island-style food with a focus on kalua pork. Casual atmosphere with generous portions and a solid local menu.
A fresh seafood market with an excellent poke counter. A local institution for fresh fish and a great option for picking up quality poke without restaurant prices.
A specialty restaurant focused on premium pork cutlets (tonkatsu). For fans of Japanese-style fried pork, this is among the best options on the island.
A small family-owned shave ice shop that is a genuine local favorite. Try the rainbow bowl with ice cream, or the custard base with lychee and watermelon flavors. Located in town — a convenient alternative to the more touristy Matsumoto's on the North Shore.
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