USA TODAY 10Best
Indulge in a culinary escape at the 10 best restaurants in Hawaii
Best Restaurant in Hawaii (2024)
Restaurants in Hawaii offer dining experiences and flavors as diverse and vibrant as the islands' landscapes. 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.
To find the best places to eat on the islands, we asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks, then our readers voted for their favorites. These are the 10 best restaurants in Hawaii.
- The Pig and The Lady - Honolulu, Hawaii
- Keoki's Paradise - Koloa, Hawaii
- Kohala Burger and Taco - Kawaihae, Hawaii
- Cipriano's Kitchen - Kamuela, Hawaii
- Moon & Turtle - Hilo, Hawaii
- FORC Restaurant - Kamuela, Hawaii
- Leilani's on the Beach - Lahaina, Hawaii
- Pueo's Osteria - Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Margotto - Honolulu, Hawaii
- Adela's Country Eatery - Kaneohe, Hawaii
Photo courtesy of Lianne Rozzelle
No. 10:
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).
Photo courtesy of iStock / Maridav
No. 9:
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.
Photo courtesy of Kohala Burger and Taco
No. 8:
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.
Photo courtesy of Candace Tucciarone
No. 7:
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.
Photo courtesy of Soni Pomaski
No. 6:
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.
Photo courtesy of izusek / E+
No. 5:
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 Raindrop Branding & Advertising
No. 4:
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.
Photo courtesy of Divine Designs
No. 3:
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 kazutomo robert hori
No. 2:
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.
Photo courtesy of Adela's Country Eatery
No. 1:
Adela's Country Eatery is known for their homemade Hawaiian noodles using locally grown produce to support Hawaii's food security "one noodle at a time." Noodles are handmade daily and used in build-your-own noodle plates. Incorporating a blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors, this popular spot in Kaneohe offers a wide selection of seafood, braised meats, fried rice, local stir-fries, and much more.
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.
