Top Restaurant Picks for Foodies Visiting Hawaii

Tired of spending an arm and a leg at a supposedly highly reviewed restaurant, only to discover new low depths to the term "meh"? Sure, you'll eventually find some hidden gems that become your go-to joints, but why spend all that energy going through Yelp reviews and risk spending your hard earned money on some duds, when someone else has already done that for you? Okay I'll admit, it wasn't exactly the of the world eating out a bunch of times in Hawaii, and my "tuition" was spent over a decade of time, but hopefully I can help you spend your time and money more efficiently than poor old me.

So without further ado, here are some restaurants I think you should check out while in Aloha nation, organized by category.

Local foodie joints, food trucks, plate lunches

Tin Roof (Maui)

This seems to be a local favorite and should be a go-to checkpoint for anyone visiting Maui. All your classic plate choices such as loco moco, hamburger steak, mochiko chicken, and poke are done extremely well and portions are generous. There will probably be a 15 minute or so wait for this place but trust me it is worth it!

Sueoka's Snack Shop (Kauai)

This little shack takes cheeseburgers in paradise to the next level! This is literally a little hut connected to a grocery store, but their cheeseburgers are incredible. Better yet, these huge bad boys are only like $3 a piece (this is as of December '21) so pretty recent.

Musubi Cafe Iyasume (Oahu)

Oh dear, if you like Spam like me, then this place is like a kid walking into a candy store. Every type of musubi ever invented by mankind is found here. Located right off Waikiki beach makes it an easy stop to grab a few packs to enjoy picnic style while enjoying the scenery.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck (Oahu)

Don't get me wrong; there are a lot of food trucks in Hawaii that have amazing food, but I feel it's only right to highlight the original Giovanni's this time. Make a trip out of it to check out the North shore and swing by this classic spot. Juicy local jumbo shrimp drenched in garlic and butter sauce, rice, and be sure to get extra of that zesty hot sauce to take things to the next level. The garlic butter fried hot dogs are surprisingly overlooked, so don't miss out and get at least one order to share- you won't be disappointed!

Local fish

Take's Fish Market (Oahu)

Holy moly this little hole in the wall, in an obscure indoor food court, on the way from the airport... is lights out amazing! The same or better quality, super fresh chu/o-toro selections at a fraction of the price you would find at any high end sushi bar. Their generously portioned kani-don (crab over rice bowl) used to only be $11 which is insanely cheap, but prices may have risen recently given this everything inflation we're experiencing. The trick is you need to stop by early (they open at 10am) else they will surely run out of crab and the other good cuts of fish.

Lawai'a Fish Co (Kauai)

I've had my fare share of poke over the past couple decades- yup, I've gone through the whole Foodland poke is great phase, tried out all the fish markets- but I believe we finally have a hands down winner. Super, consistently fresh fish combined with their special sauce and crispy savory toppings is really unrivaled by anything that I've tried. Generous portions and affordable pricing are added bonuses.

Paia Fish Market South (Maui)

Super fresh, local catch of the day prepared exactly how you want (I love it blackened with Cajun rice!) it at a reasonable price. Yes, the South location isn't in central Lahaina where all the other tourists are, but I would argue that's a good thing. You don't even need to bring a bottle of wine as pricing is surprisingly very reasonable.

Touristy (Can be a bit pricey, but worth it!)

Mitch's Fish Market (Oahu)

This is my sushi sanctuary whenever I visit Oahu. It's near the airport area and away the bustling Waikiki scene, so it's nice and peaceful. Extremely fresh, Tsukiji market quality omakases (chef's special) at a very reasonable $100-120 price point makes this one of the best bang for the buck establishments, if you enjoy your sushi. Fresh fish and seafood are flown in from Japan, Australia, and the West Coast regularly. If you're lucky, the big man himself (Mitch) sometimes makes an appearance and is super friendly!

Sushi Sasabune (Oahu)

This place has all the swankiness and atmosphere you would expect at your high end sushi bar (and unfortunately the price too!). When you order their omakase, the chef asks you to choose between two different sushi options. Depending on your first choice, your entire menu follows its own, independent course. Also, he keeps making you sushi until you're about to burst and can't take another bite- that's where your meal ends. Take charge of your gastro-destiny!

Tonkatsu Tamafuji (Oahu)

This place makes their tonkatsu pork cutlets using high end, dry aged meat! The flavor, tenderness, and quality of ingredients truly sets this restaurant on another level compared to other tonkatsu establishments. I'm not going to lie, it is not easy to get a reservation here, so plan a couple weeks ahead and get booked before making your trip to Oahu.

Honorable mentions

Dive bars: Rob's Good Times Grill (Oahu), A&G Bar & Grill (Oahu)

Insanely good burritos: Trucking Delicious (Kauai), Da Crack Mexican Grinds (Kauai)

Surprisingly awesome Thai food in Hawaii: My Thai (Maui)

So there you have it. Hawaii, whichever island you are on, has some of the most amazing eateries that hold their own compared to any top foodie destination. However, it's not all that great and there are a ton of duds out there. Especially what's offered at the main resorts or in the central vicinity. The moral of the story? Eat wisely and enjoy!