Buzz said to go here

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I'd love to give everyone a private tour of the islands taking you to all the places I have to visit when I'm home visiting family. Obviously this isn't possible, but I will try to document where I go. I must advise you some of the places are holes in the wall that only locals would know about. These are exactly the type spots tourist miss out on. That's the point of this piece, is to provide suggestions of places you should visit to get a better feel for local grindz. I often hear how others visit Hawai'i and don't experience the food scene I serve or speak of. Which is okay if you're okay with that experience, but for those wanting to experience Hawai'i in the eyes of an adventure consider some of the places I'll discuss below.

Check each location hours before heading there. You've warned! Hawaiian Time is no joke.


Town

When you live in the country we refer to Honolulu and Waikiki as "town." Many of the suggestions below have several locations. Look them up to see which location is best for your plans for the day. Some locations will be more local style, and some lean more retail/touristy. Select a location based on your preference. The food is ono either way, just a matter of what location is most convenient for you.

Waikiki

  • Musubi Cafe
    If you want to try more than the basic Musubi this is the place to go. There's a location in Ala Moana Center, which is a good place to shop. If you find yourself at Ala Moana Center then the Musubi Cafe is a must.
  • Leonard's Bakery
    Known for their Malasadas, this is a must! A Malasada is a Portuguese fried donut that has become a local delite. It seems I have little to say here, but that's because there isn't much to say other than you MUST go to Leonard's and get a dozen Malasada. I'm a fan of the plain sugar, but the filled ones are good too. My warning is that the fillings can over power the flavor of the Malasada itself. SO at least for a reference get a few plain white sugar. That is the original style before people went crazy with fillings.
  • Helena's
    One of my favorite Hawaiian style cafes right up there with Highway Inn. I suggest the Kalua Pig, Beef stew, Chicken long rice, Squid Luau and Lau Lau. Oh wait, Ribs, Butterfish collars, and Lomi lomi. Ha Ha, so many ono dishes. If you're getting several meals, get one with Poi so you can try it.
  • Majic Island
    If you purchase a bunch of food and need a place to sit down and enjoy it, I suggest Majic Island. This is an extention of Ala Moana Beach Park with a parking lot and plenty of picnic tables to enjoy your food. Warning! Don't go here on the weekend. It's a mad house and you'll drive in circles for hours with the false hope a parking spot will open up.

Honolulu

  • Zippy's
    Zippy's is a local chain offering a wide range of plate lunch options. Most Zippy locations have a sit down side, and a takeout side. The takeout side has seating as well, offering a less formal dining. Chose which is for you based on time and what you're looking for. Suggested dishes are the Teri Bun, Saimin (Wonton Min), Fried chicken (the best), and Chili. The Zip pack in a winner. Many of the locatons are connected to a Napoleon's Bakery. Get the Napple, which is a apple turnover.
  • Liliha Bakery
    Known for their baked goods and jelly. Liliha also offers a local style sitdown dining with many delicious dishes. Pick up a jar of their jelly to take home. You'll thank me later.
  • Poke by the Pound
    Located in Kalihi this is a good place to pick up a variety of Poke to go.
  • Guava Smoked
    An extremely local hole in the wall that specializes in smoked meats. OMG the smoked Butterfish collars are to die for. Also located in Kalihi pretty much across Nimitz highway from Poke by the Pound.
  • Chun Wah Kam
    Well, now that Libby's has cloased Chun Wah Kam is the place to get Manapua. I wish their Pork Hash and Halfmoon were better, but they are still yummy. I like their noodle dishes a lot though. A location is in Kalihi close to Poke by the Pound.
  • Highway Inn
    The Highway Inn has been serving delicious meals since 1947. It's a nice place to take the family for a good lunch or dinner. There is a large variety of dishes to select from, all of them yummy. This is a good place to try Lau Lau and Squid Luau.
  • Tanaka's Saimin
    Saimin is one of the dishes I miss on the mainland. Saimin is Hawaiian noodle dish so popular it's even served at McDonalds. If you're looking for a sit down restaurant with a large variety of Saimin options, this is the place to go. They offer many other dishes as well, but Saimin is in their name.

Windward Side

The eastern side of the island is referred to as the "Windward Side." The Windward Side is lush because it rains plenty on that side of the mountains. 

North Shore

Ka'a'awa

  • The Crouching Lion
    If you're staying on the North Shore and looking for an upscale dinner consider The Crouching Lion. This historic restaurant used to be PACKED, and then for reasons I don't know closed. Maybe around the Covid period??? It had been closed for several years, and reopened under new management in 2024. They have a beautiful indoor dining and a breath taking view of the ocean. The menu can appear confusing, but everything is delicious and worth your time and money. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION DAYS IN ADVANCE.
    • Wagyu Sliders
    • Prime Brisket Tacos
    • Uni Pasta
    • The Crouching Lion Pasta
    • BBQ Chicken
    • Pork Belly
    • I could go on and on

Punaluu

  • Ching's
    A historic plantation era store with a red store front.
    • Korean Chicken
    • Lots of goodies
  • Kaya's Kitchen
    It's a small plantation era style roadside store. Locals call it Kaya's. You cannot miss the bright blue store front.
    • Smoked and dried fish. If you can't find it, just ask. They are supa friendly.
    • Musubi - OMG!!! Try the different kinds.
    • Lunchplates great for breakfast or lunch.

Hau'ula

  • Tamura's Market
    • POKE !!!!
    • Snacks!!
    • Alcohol
  • Papa Ole's
    Typical plate lunch spot with yummy breakfast.

La'ie

  • Angel's Ice Cream
    Shave ice & ice cream. I good place to sit and enjoy the island air.
    • Shave ice with Lilikoi and Melona.
    • Whateva flava you get, be sure to get ice cream in the bottom bra
  • Ken's Fresh Fish
    • Get the Ahi Katsu sandwich or plate.
  • Hukilau Cafe
    One of my favorite hideaway spots. It is walking distance to anywhere in La'ie and my go to for breackfast after all night fishing.
    • Breakfast
    • Loco Moco
    • Teri beef
    • Portuguese sausage
    • Fried SPAM
  • Pounders
    Located in the PCC's Hukilau Marketplace. Pounders is an affordable place for a nice sit down dinner with full service waiters. Local influenced meals along with burger and pizza options.
    • Ahi Poke Nachos
    • Seared Ahi Salad
    • Korean Fried Chicken
    • Boneless Kalbi Ribs - Not a fan. As a chef who serves Kalbi daily I was disappointed. If you want goof Kalbi go to Kalbi on Fire in Kahuku.
    • Plenty of good dessets, but honestly we'd go to Angel's for shave ice.
  • Foodland
    The best gocery store on the North Shore. Be warned they do not sell alcohol, and are CLOSED on Sundays. For alcohol in this area go to Tamara's market, Long's drugs, or 7 Eleven in Hau'ula.
    • POKE!!!
    • Butter mochi
    • Peanutbutter Mochi
    • Boiled peanuts
    • Snacks
  • La'ie Point
  • Hukilau Beach Park
  • Maleakahana State Recreation Area

Kahuku
The North Shore food truck scene is rockin in Kahuku, home of the "North shore Garlic Shrimp" with many places to dine at the Sugar Mill. Go Big Red!!!

  • The Bald Guy
    • Breakfast OMG!
  • Kalbi on Fire
    • Get the Kalbi. It's my go to for Kalbi done ight.
  • Giovani's
    • Garlic shrimp
    • A nice pavillion to dine in the shade.
  • Romy's
    • Garlic Shrimp

Sunset
Known for the surfing, but let's talk food...

  • Ted's Bakery
    • Great for breakfast or lunch
    • Cornedbeef with rice and egg
    • Loco Moco - Huge!!
    • Any of the pies
  • Bonzai Bowls
    • When it's hot go to Bonzai Bowls for a cold Acai bowl.

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