Honolulu hangs onto its meals and tradition fiercely. It’s why decades-old mom-and-pop eating places nonetheless dominate sure neighborhoods and why you see dishes that may have been acquainted to a few of the islands’ earliest settlers. Whereas the world strikes at its frenetic tempo, town reminds us of who we now have been and who we’re.
In fact, it’s not immune to vary. Over the practically 20 years that I’ve been writing about meals in Honolulu, many beloved establishments have closed, whereas newer eating places have introduced in flavors from locations as numerous as Detroit and Laos. And the post-pandemic years have seen a flurry of restaurant openings, although some are extra targeted on flash than substance.
It’s fall, not summer time, that’s truly the most well liked season in Hawai‘i. Which suggests you’ll need to get to the farmers markets early to beat the warmth, and for the perfect choice of mango, dragonfruit, and mangosteen on the tail finish of the season. Fall additionally kicks off the considerable ‘ulu harvest — the starchy inexperienced orbs which appear like dinosaur eggs are seeing a renaissance on restaurant menus, whether or not it’s the ‘ulu aloo at Fete, crispy wedges at Mud Hen Water, or a s’mores pie with ‘ulu chocolate mousse at Cranium and Crown. Use this information to study extra about these particular spots and to search out loads of different nice meals — in a food-obsessed metropolis, there may be all the time one thing thrilling to eat close by, if you recognize the place to search out it.
We replace this record quarterly to verify it displays the ever-changing Honolulu eating scene. Our write-ups embody insider suggestions from our skilled writers and editors, in addition to a tough vary of pricing for every vacation spot — starting from $ for fast, cheap meals with dishes largely underneath $10, to $$$$ for locations the place entrees exceed $30.
New to the map in October 2025: Arden Waikiki, on the quiet facet of Waikīkī with a quietly wonderful menu; Cranium & Crown, a creepy tiki bar removed from Waikīkī; and Tadka Indian Delicacies, the most effective new Indian eating places in Honolulu in a long time.
