The Best Places to Eat on Each Hawaiian Island

Updated March 11, 2022.

Each Hawaiian island is absolute paradise, but at the same time, each one is unique to itself. It’s no secret that Steve and I have loved our anniversary trips to Hawai’i over the years, and we’ve eaten some delicious things along the way! Here’s your ultimate guide to where to eat on each Hawaiian Island!

Island of Hawai’i

We made our way all the way around the Island of Hawai’i on our third anniversary, and we found it to be the most diverse of the Hawaiian islands! From lush jungle to dry desert, from sparse lava fields to uniquely-colored beaches, the Island of Hawai’i has a little bit of everything for everyone. This is also where we experienced our first ever luau, and we recommend that you go to one, too!

Island Breeze Luau at the “King Kam” (Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach)

We loved the Island Breeze Luau at the King Kam! A luau is a cultural experience, a performance, and of course, a very special meal. You’ll get to see them take the roasted pigs out of the ground and get a tutorial on how to eat poi.

For the whole experience, check out What to Eat at the Luau!

The Coffee Shack, in Captain Cook

We stumbled upon this place after a hike to Kealakekua Bay, and we really earned our breakfast there! This place had the best omelets, the best (and largest) cinnamon rolls, and the most stunning views. It’s in a little town called Captain Cook, and if you decide to stop in, make sure you bring your appetite.

Pineapples, Hilo

Don’t miss a chance to have some of the freshest Hawaiian food in the islands while you’re in Hilo. We got dinner here on our anniversary, so it was a very special occasion! The food was incredibly fresh and tasty—as promised!

Read on: What to Eat on the Island of Hawai’i

Kaua’i

Kaua’i is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been—ever! From the stunning hikes to the epic landscapes to the crystal clear water, you can’t look in any direction without seeing bright colors and natural beauty. It’s also a stunning place to relax and have some really incredible food!

Duke’s Restaurant, Lihue

Okay, okay, original Duke’s Restaurant is on Waikiki Beach on Oahu, but it can get a little crowded! I recommend eating at the one on Kauai instead, right on the beach at the Kauai Marriott Resort, and it’s the same menu as the one on Waikiki. Don’t save room forget to save room for their legendary Hula Pie dessert!

Kauai Coffee Plantation, Poipu

If you’re a coffee lover, you cannot miss the Kauai Coffee Plantation! Take a tour, try every type of coffee they have available, and pick up a some to take home with you, too! I can personally recommend a frosted or iced coffee for a sweet treat before your tour, too!

Java Kai Kaua’i, Kapa’a

This was a fun stop after a hike to Ho’opi’i Falls! Kapa’a town is a cute, surf town, and their laid back vibe is infectious. I specifically sought out a place with acai bowls, and this one popped up in my search. They also have a killer Kaua’i Cubano! Steve’s came with purple potato salad (chips or salad were also available for those feeling less adventurous!), which was absolutely delicious.

Read on: What to Eat on Kauai

Lana’i

Lana’i was a surprise and delight around every turn. The only challenge, however, was planning for food! The Four Seasons properties, including their restaurants, were not open to non-guests due to COVID, so our only options were the restaurants in Lana’i City. While there are plenty of options and variety, many of the restaurants closed at 2:00pm or had otherwise modified hours, adding to the challenge. But we did it! We ate at almost every restaurant, and these were our favorites:

Coffee Works, Lana’i City

Yes, this tiny little island has its own coffee shop! Even better, it has been voted one of the best coffee shops in Hawaii, too. They have several flavor shots to choose from, and their coffee really is delicious! Get it hot or iced, and grab a pastry, breakfast burrito, or sandwich while you’re here, too.

Blue Ginger, Lana’i City

Blue Ginger has some of the best loco moco in Hawaii. It’s true! We’ve eaten a lot of loco moco in our trips. It’s big enough to share, so be warned! The service was fast and friendly. They’re open for breakfast and lunch, but due to COVID, they were closed for dinner when we visited.

Richard’s Market, Lana’i City

Richard’s was a life saver! When other restaurants were closed, Richard’s was always open. It’s a grocery store, but they also have ready-to-eat options all day long. Locals and visitors alike rave about their poke, which is Hawaiian-style sushi.

Come hungry: The Best Places to Eat on Lana’i

Mau’i

Maui is an adventurer’s paradise, and that includes food adventurers! Here you’ll find helicopter tours, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, hiking, and more! And all that activity means you’ll be working up an appetite. You can choose from laid-back local restaurants, “tourist” spots you’ll be glad to see when you’re hungry, and even fine dining on the beach!

Mama’s Fish House, Paia

This is fine dining as only Hawaii can do. Mama’s Fish House is a place to celebrate special occasions, like an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon! They really made us feel special for our fourth anniversary, and for us it was 100% worthwhile. We had amazing fish here, but the real crowning jewel was the black pearl dessert!

For all the sweet and savory details, check out What to Eat at Mama’s Fish House!

Halfway to Hana, Road to Hana Mile Marker 17

The Road to Hana is majorly popular on Maui, and with good reason! It’s absolutely beautiful, and because you have to drive so slowly, you can’t help but slow down your whole mindset—it’s wonderful! At Mile Marker 17, you’ll find a great little stand called Halfway to Hana, and you will definitely want to stop here! They’re famous for their banana bread, but I could have eaten their King’s Dream Bar with macadamia nuts every day of our trip! And if the twists and turns are proving to be a bit much for you, try their Hana Tonic, which is a tummy-settling ginger shot.

Keep reading! 10 Reasons to Stay Overnight in Hana

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina

Don’t miss this road-side restaurant just outside Lahaina Town! It’s popular with both locals and visitors, and each is just as welcome as the other. Get ready for monkey bread topped with a ton of cream cheese icing, frittata as tall as your coffee mug, and don’t forget the pie!

Read on: What to Eat on Maui

Molokai

We were blown away by the incredible food on Molokai! To be honest, we weren’t expecting much. I mean, there are only a few options, and you’re literally on an island in the middle of the ocean… you’re a captive audience! The food didn’t have to be good; but it was amazing! We didn’t have a bad meal the whole five days we were there. I can’t say enough good things about it. It was hard to pick the top three!

Kanemitsu’s Bakery, Kaunakakai

Known for their taro donuts and hot breads, they also have a full restaurant that sells breakfast, lunch, and supper! We got breakfast here twice, and left full and satisfied each time. Get a pastry and then go back for fresh “hot bread” after dark at their window out back!

Mana’e Goods ‘n Grindz, Road to Halawa

There is exactly one grocery store and food counter on the east side of Molokai, and you will definitely want to make a stop here! The food counter is open for breakfast and lunch, and we hear the Hurricane Fries are incredible. we can personally vouch for the bacon, egg, and cheese on a Hawaiian Bun. I’m from the South and have eaten a lot of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches in my life, but this one was by far the best!

Definitely stop in on your way to or from the
Halawa Valley Cultural Hike!

Taste of Molokai, Food Truck in Kaunakakai

Another local favorite is the Taste of Molokai Food Truck. We had poke and an acai bowl, both of which were tasty! The service was fast, the people were friendly, and it came highly recommended by more than one local—that’s how you know it’ll be good!

Read on: What to Eat on Molokai

O’ahu

Oahu is the most visited of the Hawaiian Islands, so the odds are you will be passing through Oahu at some point! Whether you’re here for Waikiki and Pearl Harbor or just passing through on your way to another island, you’ll have to eat!

Furusato Sushi, Waikiki

Want fresh, authentic sushi and a view of Waikiki? Furusato is the best! We ate here on our first anniversary and on our fifth anniversary, and it was memorable both times! My sweet husband indulges me and my sushi obsession often in our travels, but this was extra special because it comes with ocean views!

Island Vintage Coffee, Waikiki

This is my #1 favorite breakfast and coffee spot on O’ahu! We discovered it back on our first trip to, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it for more during our fifth anniversary trip! I recommend the frozen Banana Kona Mocha and the peanut butter and mango sandwich!

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, North Shore

A local woman told us we had to try Giovanni’s Shrimp truck when we rented a car to explore the island, and she insisted that it was worth a drive up to the North Shore to find his food truck! Your peel-and-eat shrimp will come with two generous scoops of rice, roasted and delicious garlic, and lemon, and it might just be the best shrimp you ever ate!

Read on: What to Eat on O’ahu
and What to Eat in Waikiki

Hungry for more Hawaii? Check out What to Know Before You Visit the Hawaiian Islands and my Hawaiian Islands Page! Need more food? Take a look at my World Foods Page!

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