In addition to its stunning landscapes, incredible ocean scenery and warm, welcoming people, Hawaii is also a fantastic destination for incredible food. Tradition and modernity collide on the Hawaiian culinary scene where vibrant dishes dazzle the tastebuds with locally-sourced ingredients and island-inspired flavors.
Below you’ll find eight restaurants that you won’t want to miss during your next escape to the Aloha State.
Merriman’s
Believe it or not, Hawaii’s agricultural scene wasn’t always vibrant. Chalk it up to being a chain of tiny islands situated in the Pacific, but just decades ago some of the only crops native to the area included sugar cane and pineapple plantations, with other fresh foods being shipped to the region from the U.S. mainland. That was until a group of prominent chefs, including Merriman’s Peter Merriman, set out to grow their own produce and raise local meats as part of their vision for a healthier and more sustainable Hawaii.
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In 1988, Merriman opened his first Merriman restaurant in Waimea. Since then, the chef has added Merriman’s Kapalua, Merriman’s Fish House, Merriman’s Gourmet Pizza & Burgers and Monkeypod Kitchen to his roster. Each Merriman restaurant is committed to supporting the farmers who grow Hawaii’s now wide variety of local crops with flavorful dishes and a long-standing commitment to regional cuisine.
MW Honolulu
Fine dining island-style? Yes, please. Owned by a husband-wife team, Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka have been dishing up elevated Hawaiian cuisine at MW Honolulu since 2013. A popular spot for lunch and dinner, visitors can’t get enough of MW’s pre-fixe and five-course tasting menus which feature expected favorites like lobster and beef tenderloin amongst unique offerings such as the restaurant’s famous tropical fruit creamsicle BRULÉE.
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While dishes can change on a daily basis, travelers can expect the freshest of ingredients paired with Instagram-worthy platings. Diners who don’t have enough room for a multi-course meal can choose from MW’s hearty offerings of starters, farm-fresh salads and fabulous entrees.
Hana Koa Brewing Co.
Established in 2019, Hana Koa Brewing Co. has one goal, to create a safe and inclusive space for people to enjoy great food, beer and company. In addition to its mission, the brewery also operates according to four core values—adventure, fun, community and authenticity—perhaps it’s these same attributes that have allowed the new business to thrive in the midst of a global pandemic.
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With daily specials, curated bites and a fantastic selection of beer, wine, cocktails and spirits, there’s something for everyone at Hana Koa Brewing Co. P.S., if you can’t get enough of their Hawaiian brews, check out the brewery’s selection of to-go beer for a tasty beverage to accompany you on your journey back home.
Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn
With raving reviews on Tripadvisor (seriously, one reviewer called it ‘paradise’), waterfront views and ridiculously fresh island-inspired cuisine, Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn is not to be missed.
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Dating back to 1973, this colorful establishment is located in Kuau Cove on Maui’s North shore. The origin of the restaurant was, ‘the product of a grand sailing adventure,’ according to the restaurant’s website as the founding family, the Christensons, opened the little hole in the wall several months into a seafaring escapade throughout French Polynesia. Today, Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn stays true to its roots exclusively serving fresh-caught fish straight from the shores of Maui. What’s more, the menu changes seasonally to highlight the ingredients that the ‘āina (love of the land) provides.
Note: Due to COVID-19, reservations at Mama’s Fish House Restaurant & Inn are required several months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead if you wish to experience this Hawaiian icon.
Monkeypod Kitchen
At Monkeypod Kitchen the grass is always greener, literally. Unique to the Hawaiian islands, the monkeypod tree consists of a single stalk and wide branches that spread into a majestic canopy. However, what makes the monkeypod tree truly one-of-a-kind is that, unlike other trees which sometimes kill the grass beneath them, the grass is always greener under the monkeypod tree thanks to a fresh supply of nitrogen stored in the plant’s leaves.
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The folks at the Monkeypod Kitchen aim to embody the same nurturing spirit as the monkeypod tree as they specialize in, ‘the craft of food, drink and merrymaking.’ Each dish is made using ingredients from local farmers, brewers and artisans to create food of the highest quality.
Monkeypod Kitchen has three locations throughout the Hawaiian islands and is a great place for foodies, beer lovers and families to kick back and relax. The menu does change seasonally but you can expect to find fan-favorites such as salads, pizza and dessert amongst uniquely-Hawaiian fares like makai, upcountry and Keiki.
Cream Pot
If the rise of social media has shown us anything it’s that brunch is the holy grail of foodie culture. If you’re looking for the best breakfast and brunch in Honolulu, look no further than Cream Pot, a charming spot that specializes in all of your brunch-y favorites.
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The dishes at Cream Pot are made using both local and global ingredients and the establishment takes pride in its creative offerings. A shining example of this is the Souffle Pancake, a fluffy concoction that inspired a worldwide craze. That’s right, those air-like confections you’ve seen all over social media actually originated in Hawaii, not Japan. In fact, the Japanese are well known for their love of American-style breakfast, including Cream Pot’s Souffle Pancake.
Redfish Poke Bar
No visit to the Aloha State is complete without sampling fresh poke, luckily, Redfish is the perfect place to sample a modern version of this Hawaiian classic. If you’re unfamiliar, poke is a refreshing dish consisting of diced raw fish typically paired with a base of white rice, brown rice or salad dotted with a variety of toppings—think fresh fruit, veggies and garnishes.
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Not a fan of raw fish? No worries, Redfish has something for you, too. Start your meal at the ‘Small Bites’ portion of the menu for scrumptious selections like chips & salsa, Kung Pao cauliflower tots, crab and artichoke dip and more. Then, hop over to the ‘Medium Bites’ section for heartier choices like garlic noodles, Miso Shiso wings, garlic ribeye and more.
Duke’s
Named after a Hawaiian legend, Duke’s Restaurants celebrate the spirit of Aloha by honoring Duke Kahanamoku, a six-time Olympic swimming and water polo medalist and the father of modern-day surfing. Just as Kahanamoku traveled the world to share the Hawaiian lifestyle and the sport of surfing, the six Duke’s Restaurants locations have a passion for Aloha which is showcased through enthusiastic service and a fun and friendly atmosphere.
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Whether you’re dining on Kauai, Maui or Waikiki, visitors can expect vibrant dishes bursting with Pacific-inspired flavors. A few fan-favorite menu items include Duke’s Breakfast Buffet, Poke Tacos, slow-roasted prime rib, Duke’s signature Mai Tai and Hula Pie—a hefty serving of macadamia nut ice cream topped with fudge, whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of macadamia nut for an added touch of crunch.
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