A beautiful, pale room, accented with gleaming wood and sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests to this exceptional place. The exhibition kitchen makes the most of fresh,... Read more »
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Lu`aus are the classic Hawaiian vacation experience, and lucky for you, 10 Best has you covered for the best lu`aus and Hawaiian food on Oahu and in Honolulu. Traditionally called pa`ina, the feast and party combo was dubbed lu`au (pronounced loo-ow) in the post-contact period. Today the lu`au is still a widely practiced tradition, both on the local level and for visitors. Locals throw lu`aus for anything worth celebrating - birthdays, graduations, weddings, you get the idea. For visitors who want to experience the ultimate Polynesian feast and entertainment, lu`aus can be found all over the place.
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10Best List: Ono (delcious) Hawaiian food is sure to satisfy your soul and complete the vacation
Enjoying good food with friends and family is a part of Hawaiian tradition and culture as much as hula and surfing is. Traditional Hawaiian food, luaus, and Hawaiian/Pacific fusion food is readily available all over Oahu. Often times the best way to experience a destination and culture is through the food from the area, and Hawaii is definitely one of those places. Whether you're in search of Hawaiian food in the heart of Honolulu, or on the opposite end of the island in the country side, 10 Best has you covered for the best local food on the island.
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Us vegetarians know that it can be tough to seek out substantial veggie meals when you're in a new place, but 10 Best has you covered for the best places to grab a meat free meal in Honolulu. There actually isn't a large amount of strictly vegetarian eateries, but there's a huge selection of places to dine that offer a well rounded array of vegetarian dishes as well as meals with meat for that date or friend who isn't meat free.
New & Notable Honolulu Restaurants
Hot, new Honolulu restaurants & notable dining experiences you shouldn't miss.
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Shave Ice is Rather Nice on a Hot Hawaiian Day
An icy cold mound of shave ice is the perfect answer to any hot Hawaiian day. The Hawaiian version of the traditional “snow cone,” shave ice (not to be mistaken with shaved ice) is the go-to treat for just about any time of the day. Shave ice is a quite simple concoction—a small paper cone possibly set inside of a larger flower cup with a big mound of, you guessed it, shaved ice, piled high inside and then drenched in flavored syrup. Read more »
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Pupukea Grill Takes Meals on Wheels to a New Level
Pupukea Grill isn't your average meals on wheels. This unique lunch wagon (a local style eatery in a bus) is located across the street from the ocean, which is in full view from the tent covered casual picnic tables arrayed around the wagon. The grill is located in the heart of the North Shore, the surfing and ocean activity mecca of Hawaii. Read more »
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About Honolulu, HI Restaurants
Hawaii, as a whole, exhibits a dual nature when it comes to dining, and Oahu's restaurant scene – although larger than that of the other islands – demonstrates a similar pattern. On one hand, as a US city, Honolulu delivers standards like steakhouses, Italian eateries, and American restaurants, which embrace everything from meat-and-potato basics to innovative amalgams of various cuisines. On the casual end, for example, you can hang out at Side Street Inn and rub shoulders with local chefs as you sample the signature fried pork chops. Or, if you're interested in top-rated cuisine with views to match, make it a point to visit Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where you can gaze out over the Pacific as you treat yourself to wok-fried whole island fish for two or salt-crusted Colorado rack of lamb carved tableside. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii boasts wonderful traditions of island food, and any visitor would be remiss not to sample the fantastic local fare. Seafood is a natural indulgence, and John Dominis is a splurgeworthy destination, famous for both its in-restaurant stream and its exceptional food. Nick's Fishmarket is also well-regarded for fin fish and shellfish, not to mention classy but unpretentious environs. For decidedly casual occasions, Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab is a family-friendly delight, complete with handcrafted brews and island hospitality. Beyond the sea's bounty, authentic Hawaiian cuisine incorporates Asian influences and a working-class sensibility. Ono Hawaiian Foods is a prime example of the no-frills eateries that satisfy local taste buds with roast pork, coconut pudding, raw seafood salad, and a host of more unusual dishes. Homegrown fast-food place Zippy's also specializes in laid-back Hawaiian fare, notably the plate lunch, which features items like steamed fish or pork and the usual scoops of rice and macaroni salad. It's a quick-to-satisfy standard for folks from all walks of life. Visitors are also perennially sold on luaus, those extravaganzas of food and entertainment that provide an immersive introduction to Hawaiian culture and cuisine. With so many culinary options, both within Honolulu and throughout the island, it's a safe bet that you'll find yourself exclaiming "ono!" repeatedly each time you sample some place new.
- Honolulu Expert Jade Eckhart
