1. Wash Awesome Food Down With The Best Beer Around
Monkeypod Kitchen
10 Wailea Gateway Pl
Ste B-201
Kihel, HI 96753
(808) 891-2322
Yelp: 4 Stars, 1031 Reviews.
Monkeypod Kitchen is one of the coolest places to hang out in Kihel, with tons of fresh options from the kitchen, like hand tossed pizzas, raviolis, and truffle fries. They’ve also got several dozen craft beers available, meaning there’s always something for everyone.
2. There’s Always A Feeding Frenzy In This Shark Pit
Shark Pit, Maui
78 Ulupono St.
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 298-7776
Yelp: 5 Stars, 334 Reviews.
It’s impossible to beat lunch at the Shark Pit food truck. With fresh, organic ingredients and a menu that brings the best of many worlds, it’s a “must-try” while on Maui. Locals flock here for lunch from 11-4 (or until they run out) Monday-Saturday, where the smell of fish tacos and charred corn on the cob fills the air.
3. Alicia’s Market Is Hawaii’s One Stop, Meat Shop
Alicia’s Market
267 Mokauea St.
Honolulu, Hi 96819
(808) 841-1921
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 276 Reviews.
With tons of cooked meats from prime rib to turkey tails and freshly made poke to match, it’s no surprise that Alicia’s has been a staple of the carnivore community of Hawaii for over half a decade. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite or find something to take home to the family, impossible to go wrong with anything on the menu.
4. Everyone Knows The Best Catch Is the Freshest Catch
Fresh Catch
3109 Waialae Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-7653
Yelp: 4 Stars, 315 Reviews
For a taste of Hawaiian seafood, head straight to Fresh Catch, where menu items like the furikake salmon and the firecracker poke are sure to please any foodie. With fresh meat and great prices, it’s a great place to head for lunch.
5. Welcome To The Fancier Side Of Hawaii
Alan Wong’s Restaurant
1857 S King St.
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 949-2526
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 1274 Reviews
It’s a bit pricy, but patrons definitely get what they pay for and more. With a beautiful ambiance, unique creations from the kitchen are sure to get your taste buds riled up. The ginger crusted onaga, Alan Wong’s signature dish, simply can’t be beat.
6. You Don’t Have To Go To The Lone Star State To Chow Down Like A Texan
Iron Imu BBQ Company
5315 Lower Honoapiilani Rd.
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 442-3700
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 213 Reviews.
Somehow Texas style barbecue made it all the way to Hawaii. Iron Imu specializes in an entire range of smoked meats and sides reminiscent to what can be found in the Lone Star State. It’s a little taste of Texas, with a Hawaiian twist.
7. Nico Really Knows Fish
Nico’s Pier 38
1131 N Nimitz Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 540-1377
Yelp: 4 Stars, 1469 Reviews
Located next to a seafood auction, Nico’s is able to get first pick on their product, something that’s apparent with each and every dish. Located pierside, Nico’s offers plate meals, as well as larger quantities of seafood to go. It’s a great place to head for a date, with frequent live bands and front row seats to a beautiful sunset.
8. Agostino’s Is A Slice Of Heaven In Paradise
Agostino’s Pizza
2463 Kuhio Ave.
Honolulu HI 96815
(808) 469-7053
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 217 Reviews.
With every pie cooked perfectly inside of a brick oven, Agostino’s is one pizza truck that brings authentic Italian flavors to the middle of the Pacific. Menu items are typically sold by the slice or as a whole pie. Anyone that visits is sure to be back for more.
9. Hawaiian Dogs Simply Can’t Be Beat
Puka Dog
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr.
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-6044
Yelp: 4 Stars, 928 Reviews
Puka Dog is one-of-a-kind, offering up what they call “Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs.” Taking sweet Hawaiian bread and toasting it on a rod to form a tube-shaped pocket, the toppings and meat slide right in. They have tons of topping options, making no two dogs the same. It’s delicious, easy-to-eat, and a must-try if you’re on the Islands.
10. Camille’s Is Worth Hunting Down
Camille’s On Wheels
Kailua, Hi 96734
(808) 282-1740
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 65 Reviews.
Camille’s On Wheels is one of the best places to find some grub in the Aloha State. Most of their business consists of catering now, meaning it can be pretty difficult to hunt them down for a quick bite. However, if you find them curbside selling food, it’s your lucky day. Patrons swear by the “mango pie” and the Thai pork tacos, two items that everyone should try at least once.
11. There’s A Good Reason Why Helena’s Has Been Around For So Long
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
1240 N. School St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 845-8044
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 1035 Reviews.
Helena’s has perfected the art of serving amazing Hawaiian cuisine, first opening its doors in 1946. After walking through the door, the amazing smell that hit your nostrils will instantly make your mouth water. The Kalua pig and the pipikaula are two of the many addictive dishes at Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Try everything, you won’t be disappointed.
12. Ice Cream Isn’t The Only Thing That Comes In Cones Here
Aloha Cones
725 Kinau St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 861-0888
Yelp: 5 Stars, 50 Reviews.
Aloha has reimagined the way that traditional sushi and poke items should be eaten, serving up many of their dishes in colorful shaved ice cones. With super fresh ingredients and a huge variety of options, many locals swear that Aloha Cones is the best place to head for poke and sashimi sushi bowls on the island.
13. A New Twist On An American Classic
Hank’s Haute Dogs
324 Coral St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 532-4265
Yelp: 3.5 Stars, 580 Reviews.
Another hot dog joint that shouldn’t be skipped over, Hank’s Haute Dogs offers American classics such as the Chicago dog and the chili dog, as well as new creations of their own. Two of the more interesting options are the “Fat Boy,” a bacon wrapped, mayo topped, deep fried dog, and the “Wild Boar” dog that they serve up on Tuesdays. With delicious meats and tons of tasty dipping sauces, Hank’s puts a great new twist on an American classic.
14. Sometimes Life Needs A Little Extra Spice
Jawaiian Irie Jerk Restaurant
1137 11th Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 388-2917
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 256 Reviews.
Jawaiian Irie Jerk brings authentic Jamaican taste thousands of miles from home to Hawaii. With delicious Jamaican jerk wings, consisting of meat tender enough to fall off the bones, it’s the homemade hot sauce that really steals the cake. Every trip to Jawaiian Irie Jerk is a fun experience and every dish on the menu is memorable.
15. Food Just Tastes Better In Paradise
Keoki’s Paradise
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr.
Koloa, HI 96756
(808) 742-7534
Yelp: 4 Stars, 688 Reviews.
In a setting filled with waterfalls, streams, and tons of plant life, Keoki’s Paradise is one of the most beautiful places to dine on the Islands. It’s an open-air establishment, usually featuring live music to complement the exotic food and drink options. It can seem a bit touristy at times, but with such delicious food, it’s impossible to keep people away.
Feature Image Source: hank’s haute dogs via Facebook
What’s your go-to for great grub in Hawaii? Tell us in the comments below!