Vote for your favorite restaurant in Hawaii!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Those traveling to Hawaii are sure to eat well. Local chefs begin with some of the world's freshest seafood, tie in a variety of locally grown ingredients, and pull inspiration from a number of cultures to create mouthwatering dishes.
An expert panel has nominated their top 20 picks for the best restaurants in Hawaii. Which restaurant would you most like to dine at?
Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, July 15 at noon ET. The winning restaurants, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, July 24.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Those traveling to Hawaii are sure to eat well. Local chefs begin with some of the world's freshest seafood, tie in a variety of locally grown ingredients, and pull inspiration from a number of cultures to create mouthwatering dishes.
An expert panel has nominated their top 20 picks for the best restaurants in Hawaii. Which restaurant would you most like to dine at?
Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, July 15 at noon ET. The winning restaurants, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, July 24.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
Those traveling to Hawaii are sure to eat well. Local chefs begin with some of the world's freshest seafood, tie in a variety of locally grown ingredients, and pull inspiration from a number of cultures to create... Read More
Best Restaurant in Hawaii Nominees
Adela's Country Eatery
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Adela's Country Eatery is known for their homemade noodles, made fresh in six varieties and used in build-your-own noodle plates. Incorporating fresh, local produce and a blend of traditional flavors, this popular spot offers a wide selection of seafood, fried rice, traditional saimin and stir-fries, and much more.
Avalon Gastropub
Kilauea, Hawaii
With a menu that showcases classic pub-style favorites, Avalon Gastropub serves up hearty plates of comfort food with bold flavors and delectable spices. Their whiskey bar is also a fan favorite, as it specializes in a robust selection of premium spirits and handcrafted cocktails.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Lisovskaya
Bar Acuda
Hanalei, Hawaii
Sustainability is a central tenet at Hanalei's Bar Acuda, with locally sourced ingredients woven into each of the restaurant's flavorful small plates. Grilled lamb riblettes, North Shore honeycomb, and blackened Hawaiian fish are just a few menu items to sample, and the spot also doubles as a haven for wine lovers, serving up hard-to-find vintages alongside cocktails and beer.
Basalt
Honolulu, Hawaii
Located in Duke's Lane Market & Eatery in the center of busy Waikiki, Basalt offers an extensive menu for brunch, happy hour, and dinner every day except Wednesday. You'll find an abundance of delicious choices — from salads and sandwiches to substantial entrees and homemade desserts.
Photo courtesy of Candace Tucciarone
Cipriano's Kitchen
Kamuela, Hawaii
Blending Italian and Peruvian flavors, Cipriano's Kitchen is owned by a culinary couple, Gino and Claudia, who created this Big Island destination for those who wish to enjoy a memorable meal of classic and modern options. The menu features housemade pastas and paninis, as well as specialties from Peru to tantalize your taste buds.
Fête
Honolulu, Hawaii
In Honolulu's Chinatown neighborhood, Fête features an eclectic yet complementary combination of Brooklyn and Hawaii specialties. Situated in a historic structure, a friendly ambience enhances seasonal, locally sourced fare accompanied by an elevated cocktail menu.
Photo courtesy of izusek / E+
FORC Restaurant
Kamuela, Hawaii
On the northern end of the Big Island, in Waimea Town, FORC Restaurant is a destination for culinary excellence. An acronym of "Farmer, Ocean, Rancher, Cook," FORC is owned by chef Allen Hess, who created this eatery to celebrate the local food community with a variety of seasonal specialties.
Photo courtesy of Elana Tough Photography
JO2 Restaurant
Kapaa, Hawaii
This unassuming restaurant is located in a tiny shopping mall in Kauai's Kappa, not far from the island's airport. Featuring incredibly creative dishes that combine flavors from France, Japan, and Hawaii, JO2 uses locally sourced ingredients and always attracts attention from global food enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Maridav
Keoki's Paradise
Koloa, Hawaii
Decked out in tiki torches and verdant vegetation, this open-air eatery specializes in Hawaiian classics with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. On the savory side of the menu, the ahi sashimi and poke stack are certified crowd pleasers, but the hula pie is a top seller for those with a sweet tooth, loaded with a hearty dose of macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream.
Kohala Burger and Taco
Kawaihae, Hawaii
On the Big Island, Kohala Burger and Taco is a popular casual spot for delectable island beach fare. Featuring fresh, line-caught fish, grass-fed beef, and bread and tortillas baked daily, Kohala Burger and Taco is a top spot for locals and visitors seeking high-quality, great-tasting favorites.
Leilani's on the Beach
Lahaina, Hawaii
Leilani's on the Beach is renowned for its stunning ocean views and a menu that celebrates local flavors. The restaurant utilizes natural cuts of meat and long-line-caught fish, delivered fresh each day, while produce comes from some 40 family-owned Maui farms. Enjoy fresh fish, seafood, prime rib, steaks, burgers, and Hawaiian local plates. And for dessert, Kimo’s Original Hula Pie is a must-try.
Lineage
Wailea, Hawaii
Maui's Lineage restaurant focuses on Asian-American specialties that include fresh seafood, Wagyu ribeye, Cantonese lobster noodles, and more. Guests can choose from a selection of small bites, larger "share" plates, and an array of homemade desserts. A creative cocktail menu offers some outstanding libations as well.
Photo courtesy of Eldon Christenson
Mama's Fish House
Paia, Hawaii
Founded back in 1973, Mama's Fish House has become a staple dining destination for tourists cruising along the Hana Highway. While this picturesque seaside spot has earned abundant acclaim for its boozy tiki cocktails, there's no shortage of seafood up for grabs as well, with blue prawns, bouillabaisse, and Hawaiian kanpachi all gracing the menu.
Photo courtesy of kazutomo robert hori
Margotto
Honolulu, Hawaii
The complex flavors of Japan and Italy come together at this fine dining spot, both united by the power of the truffle. To kick off the meal, diners can order a la carte or choose the tasting menu, then pick out a particular truffle to accent each plate, with an optional wine pairing available as well.
Moon & Turtle
Hilo, Hawaii
In the small town of Hilo, on the Big Island, the Moon & Turtle restaurant serves a selection of fresh sushi, seafood, and other flavorful fare. The menu changes often, depending on what's available that day. Guests are always treated to a wonderful meal that shines a spotlight on local Hawaii cuisine.
Morimoto Asia Waikiki
Honolulu, Hawaii
Across the street from the famous Kuhio Beach (and the Duke Kahanamoku statue), Morimoto Asia Waikiki is a beautifully appointed restaurant with stellar ocean views and delectable offerings. Iron Chef Morimoto's Oahu eatery offers an extensive menu of Pan-Asian cuisine inspired by his global adventures.
Nami Kaze
Honolulu, Hawaii
Situated on the marina, not too far from Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Nami Kaze is an upscale izakaya-style restaurant with sleek minimalist decor and exceptional food offerings. A James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2023, Nami Kaze is must-dine destination for food lovers visiting Honolulu.
The Pig and The Lady
Honolulu, Hawaii
In downtown Honolulu, The Pig and the Lady is a highly acclaimed restaurant featuring modern, creative Vietnamese cuisine. Famous for their zesty noodle dishes and soups, this busy eatery also offers hot and cold appetizers and charcoal-grilled meat and seafood specialties (and their homemade desserts are not to be missed).
Pueo's Osteria
Waikoloa, Hawaii
This noteworthy Italian restaurant is located in the Big Island's Waikoloa area, and it's known for authentic ingredients imported from Italy. With a welcoming ambience, fresh pasta, and classics from the Old Country, Pueo's Osteria offers friendly, attentive service alongside breathtaking tropical views.
Photo courtesy of David-Prado / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Red Water Cafe
Waimea, Hawaii
The Red Water Cafe is a Big Island destination known for its multi-cultural fare. Serving a diverse selection of dishes, the menu truly has something to please all palates, from sushi to spaghetti and meatballs. Locals love their catch of the day, and the restaurant also offers an extensive wine, beer, and sake list.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San... Read More
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer's guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer's guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
JQ Louise
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based... Read More
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based in Boston. Her website, JQLouise.com, offers personal travel stories, curated itineraries, and tips for the globetrotting foodie. Follow JQ on Instagram @jqlouise not only her beautiful images, but also her insightful travel tips and tricks.
JQ Louise
JQ Louise is a travel writer and influencer based in Boston. Her website, JQLouise.com, offers personal travel stories, curated itineraries, and tips for the globetrotting foodie. Follow JQ on Instagram @jqlouise not only her beautiful images, but also her insightful travel tips and tricks.
Juliet Izon
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson... Read More
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson Valley-based food, travel, and design writer. She studied English Literature at Trinity College before holding staff positions at Bauer Publishing, Niche Media, and Modern Luxury. You can catch her bylines in places like Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest. You can also find her on Instagram.
Juliet Izon
Juliet Izon is a New York City and Hudson Valley-based food, travel, and design writer. She studied English Literature at Trinity College before holding staff positions at Bauer Publishing, Niche Media, and Modern Luxury. You can catch her bylines in places like Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest. You can also find her on Instagram.
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based... Read More
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based freelance journalist and travel writer. She has had the privilege to visit all six of the major islands in Hawai‘i and has written about them for such publications as Fodor's Travel, Matador Network, Hawai‘i Magazine, SF Gate, Trip Advisor, Local Getaways, and others. Her writing carries with it the kuleana (responsibility) of helping to produce more educated, conscientious visitors to this culturally and ecologically sensitive place, advocating for tourism that is sustainable and ethical. Laurie’s areas of expertise include Hawai‘i hotels, family travel, luxury travel, food & beverage, Indigenous excellence, animals, sustainability, voluntourism, and nonprofits. You can read her work on her website, or follow along with her on social @hawaiitravelwriter.
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku
Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku is a Hawai‘i Island-based freelance journalist and travel writer. She has had the privilege to visit all six of the major islands in Hawai‘i and has written about them for such publications as Fodor's Travel, Matador Network, Hawai‘i Magazine, SF Gate, Trip Advisor, Local Getaways, and others. Her writing carries with it the kuleana (responsibility) of helping to produce more educated, conscientious visitors to this culturally and ecologically sensitive place, advocating for tourism that is sustainable and ethical. Laurie’s areas of expertise include Hawai‘i hotels, family travel, luxury travel, food & beverage, Indigenous excellence, animals, sustainability, voluntourism, and nonprofits. You can read her work on her website, or follow along with her on social @hawaiitravelwriter.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Natasha Bourlin
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance... Read More
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance food, travel, and environmental writer based on the island of Hawaii. As a first generation American, her fervor for travel and culture has sent her around the globe exploring myriad countries and continents, while her favorite times are spent at home in Waimea with her dog Lucy. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, AFAR Media, and USAToday.com, among others. Follow her on Instagram @Natashawandersoff or visit Passportandplume.com.
Natasha Bourlin
Natasha Bourlin is an award-winning freelance food, travel, and environmental writer based on the island of Hawaii. As a first generation American, her fervor for travel and culture has sent her around the globe exploring myriad countries and continents, while her favorite times are spent at home in Waimea with her dog Lucy. Her work has been published in the San Francisco Chronicle, SFGate.com, AFAR Media, and USAToday.com, among others. Follow her on Instagram @Natashawandersoff or visit Passportandplume.com.
Rachel Ng
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel... Read More
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel writer living on the island of Hawai'i. She is a frequent contributor to National Geographic and various AAA publications, and her stories have been published in AFAR, Tripadvisor, Outside, Bon Appétit, Men’s Journal, Fodors, Robb Report, TheKitchn.com, and Rachael Ray Every Day. She is also the co-author of National Geographic’s Great Outdoors U.S.A.: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States.
Over the past two decades, Ng has held positions at the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, FitPregnancy, and AAA's Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. Her website is www.rachelng.net.
Rachel Ng
Rachel Ng is an award-winning food and travel writer living on the island of Hawai'i. She is a frequent contributor to National Geographic and various AAA publications, and her stories have been published in AFAR, Tripadvisor, Outside, Bon Appétit, Men’s Journal, Fodors, Robb Report, TheKitchn.com, and Rachael Ray Every Day. She is also the co-author of National Geographic’s Great Outdoors U.S.A.: 1,000 Adventures Across All 50 States.
Over the past two decades, Ng has held positions at the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit, FitPregnancy, and AAA's Westways and AAA Explorer magazines. Her website is www.rachelng.net.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.