The 2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards, announced June 9 at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, recognized over 100 restaurants across the islands, with more than 6,000 ballots cast by readers.
Over 6,000 ballots were cast by readers for the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards, now in their 42nd year.
The best dining in Hawaii isn’t just about the view—it’s about knowing where residents actually eat. This list combines the 2026 award winners with the local dives that define real island flavor, from a Michelin-trained tempura master to a family-run poke counter that sells out by early afternoon.
Foodies
Families
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Whether you’re planning a week on O’ahu, island-hopping across Maui and the Big Island, or sticking to Kaua’i, this guide breaks down the gold winners, the local standbys, and the specialty categories that matter—breakfast, late-night eats, and the best poke on the island.
| Restaurant | Island | Category | Price Range | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giovedì | O’ahu | Best O’ahu Restaurant | $$$$ | Italian in Downtown/Chinatown |
| Mala Ocean Tavern | Maui | Best Maui Restaurant | $$$ | Oceanfront with strong local sourcing |
| Merriman’s Waimea | Big Island | Best Hawai’i Island Restaurant | $$$–$$$$ | Pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine |
| ‘Āina Kaua’i Restaurant | Kaua’i | Best Kaua’i Restaurant | $$$ | Farm-to-table in Līhu’e |
| Chao Hawai’i | O’ahu | Best New Restaurant | $$$ | Playfully Viet-inspired |
| Café Kaila | O’ahu | Best Breakfast | $–$$ | Pancakes and eggs done right |
| Khan Skewer Restaurant | O’ahu | Best Late-Night Eats | $–$$ | Skewers until late |
| Yohei Sushi | O’ahu | Best Sushi | $$$$ | Traditional Edomae omakase |
O’ahu’s Award-Winning Dining Scene
Giovedì, an Italian spot in Downtown/Chinatown, took the gold for Best O’ahu Restaurant. It’s a small, reservation-only space that leans into house-made pasta and a focused wine list—a deliberate contrast to the island’s more casual dining culture.
The Best New Restaurant gold went to Chao Hawai’i, a playfully Viet-inspired spot that also took gold for Best Vietnamese. Silver went to Botanico Waikīkī, which also appeared as a Finalist in Best Mediterranean, and bronze to Earls Waikīkī, a Canadian import that has found its footing on Kalākaua Avenue.
For sushi lovers, Yohei Sushi won gold for both Best Sushi and Best Overall Japanese. Chef Kazuto Obara brings a traditional Edomae style, sourcing fish from both Japan and local waters. It’s a splurge, but the omakase course is one of the most refined experiences on the island.
Maui’s Best Bites
On Maui, the gold went to Mala Ocean Tavern, a waterfront spot in Lahaina that balances ocean views with a menu rooted in local seafood and produce. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in flip-flops and still feel like you’re having a proper meal.
Silver went to Mama’s Fish House, a Maui institution that books out weeks in advance for its sunset seatings. The menu changes daily based on what the fishing boats bring in, and the prices reflect the demand—expect to spend $60–80 per person. Bronze went to Merriman’s Kapalua, a reliable upcountry option with a strong farm-to-table ethos.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Finalist spot Monkeypod Kitchen in Kā’anapali is a solid bet. The wood-fired pizzas and live ukulele music make it a family-friendly win.
The Big Island’s Farm-to-Table Powerhouse
The Big Island’s gold winner is Merriman’s Waimea, a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine since 1988. Located in upcountry Waimea, it’s a short drive from the Kona coast and well worth the trip. The menu features original wok-charred ahi and grass-fed beef from Kahua Ranch.
Silver went to Moon and Turtle in Hilo, a small plates spot that earned its reputation through creative use of local ingredients. Bronze went to Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery, which pairs sake with small-batch dishes in a relaxed setting.
But the Big Island’s real strength is in its local dives. Umeke’s, a family-run poke counter with multiple Kona locations, serves some of the freshest poke on the island. The spicy ahi and shoyu ahi combo is a standout. Arrive before 1 p.m.—popular varieties sell out quickly. Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea and Hilo serves massive portions of loco moco and pancakes that are popular with ranch hands and construction workers. Weekend waits can exceed an hour, but a weekday 7 a.m. visit means you walk right in.
Tex Drive-In in Honokaa is a perfect pit stop on the drive between Hilo and Waimea. Their malasadas—Portuguese donuts crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—are best eaten warm. The lilikoi cream filling is outstanding, and at around $1.50 each, they’re one of the best deals on the island.
Kaua’i’s Gold Standard
‘Āina Kaua’i Restaurant in Līhu’e took the gold for Best Kaua’i Restaurant. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with a rotating selection of fresh fish and island produce. It’s a small space, so reservations are recommended.
Silver went to The Beach House, a long-running spot in Po’ipū with a reputation for sunset views and reliable seafood. Bronze went to Merriman’s Kaua’i, which brings the same farm-to-table philosophy that made the Waimea original famous. The Finalist, RumFire Po’ipū Beach, offers a strong cocktail program alongside the ocean view—worth a stop for drinks even if you’re not staying for dinner.
Beyond the Main Awards: Breakfast, Late-Night, and More
The Hale ‘Aina Awards also name the best in specific categories, and these are where you’ll find some of the most memorable meals.
Best Breakfast gold went to Café Kaila, a beloved spot in Honolulu that serves pancakes, eggs, and coffee in a no-frills setting. They also took gold for Best Brunch, making them a reliable choice for any morning meal. Silver for breakfast went to Over Easy, with bronze to Eggs ‘n Things.
For late-night eats, Khan Skewer Restaurant in Honolulu took gold. It’s a casual spot serving grilled skewers, noodles, and rice dishes until the early hours. Silver went to Zigu, a Japanese bar with a strong sake list and small plates.
Best Dessert gold went to MW Restaurant, a Honolulu spot that also earned a Silver for Best Seafood. Their rotating dessert menu is built around local fruits and flavors. Best Cocktail Program gold went to Splash Bar, with Silver to Bar Leather Apron—a 2023 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bar.
Before You Go: Dining in Hawaii
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links—costs you nothing extra. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Reservations are the biggest friction point. Merriman’s Waimea, CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, and Mama’s Fish House require bookings weeks in advance, especially for sunset. Most casual spots don’t accept reservations, so expect waits at popular breakfast and brunch spots on weekends. The best strategy is to eat lunch at a local counter and reserve dinner at a fine dining spot.
For a deep dive into the islands’ food culture, consider a guided food tour. This Viator food tour covers multiple stops and includes tastings you might miss on your own.
Budget $40–50 per person per day if you cook some meals and eat casually at poke counters or food trucks. For a mid-range approach with all meals out, plan on $80–100 per person. Fine dining dinners at places like Merriman’s or CanoeHouse can run $75–125 per person.
What to order? Don’t leave without trying a loco moco from Hawaiian Style Cafe, a poke bowl from Umeke’s, and a malasada from Tex Drive-In. For a deeper dive into the classics, check out our beginner’s guide to Hawaiian staple foods.
Closing
The 2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards highlight the islands’ incredible depth, from a Michelin-trained tempura master to a family-run poke counter that sells out by early afternoon. The best meal you’ll have in Hawaii might be the one you find by following the locals—and this list is a solid place to start. For a sweet finish, don’t miss our guide to haupia pie, a dessert that deserves its own spotlight.
References
Honolulu Magazine. “2026 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawaii.” Honolulu Magazine, 2026. ↗
How to Live in Hawaii. “Best Restaurants on the Big Island 2026.” How to Live in Hawaii, 2026. ↗
OpenTable. “Top Hawaii Restaurants on OpenTable.” OpenTable, 2026. ↗
For more island dining inspiration, browse our guides to the best loco moco in Hawaii and aloha hour appetizers you shouldn’t miss.
Explore Places to Stay
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.