2026 Hale ‘Aina Winners
Hale ‘Aina Awards
ICYMI: The 2026 Hale ‘Aina Gala Takes Guests on a Culinary Escape to Fantasy Island
HONOLULU Magazine’s annual Hale ‘Aina Celebration transformed The Kāhala Hotel & Resort into a tropical Fantasy Island filled with award-winning bites, creative cocktails and plenty of island-inspired adventure.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i
Congratulations to this year’s Hale ‘Aina Award winners announced on June 9, 2026.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Chao Restaurant Group Wins Restaurateur of the Year
Behind the unconventional rise of Chao Restaurant Group, helmed by Chancelor Kim and Dong Dang.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Thai Issan Cuisine Finally Wins Gold for Best Thai
A previous finalist, the cozy gem next to Foodland at Market City has won over Hale ‘Aina voters at last.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Best New Restaurant Chao Hawai‘i Is Playfully Viet-Inspired
Chao’s roots are traditional, though its approach is a different story. Get the scoop on some of the restaurant’s popular dishes.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Da Seafood Cartel Is Recognized as the Seafood Specialist
Da Seafood Cartel, winner of Best Mexican and Best Seafood, brings vibrant coastal flavors to a converted gas station.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: It’s a Tasty Late Night in Mō‘ili‘ili at Khan Skewer Restaurant
Grilled skewers and DIY drink towers light up Khan Skewer Restaurant.
2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Anna Miller’s Is a ’70s-Era Time Stamp
Not much has changed in 53 years at Anna Miller’s—exactly why we love it and name it this year’s Old-School Restaurant We Love.
Feast at Fantasy Island: What You’ll Eat at the Hale ‘Aina Gala on Sept. 5
Indulge in bites from award-winning chefs and hunt for a golden pineapple in an immersive Fantasy Island setting under the stars.
What to Expect at the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration Plus Everything Else You Need to Know
Get ready to escape to Paradise Island. On Saturday, Sept. 5, Hawai‘i’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers will gather at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort for the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank…
Your Invitation to Hawai‘i's Most Celebrated Night in Dining
Escape to Fantasy Island at the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard. Hawaiʻi's top chefs come together for an unforgettable evening inspired by the beauty, adventure…
2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards’ Best Buffet Goes to Plumeria Beach House
Seafood and Hawaiian food are a winning combo at the Kāhala Hotel & Resort’s beachside buffet destination.
2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Restaurateur of the Year Peter Kim Built a Local Empire of Fast Food, Fine Dining and Coco Puffs
Kim’s motto: Expect the unexpected.
It’s All in the Family at Kim Chee II, Our 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards’ Old-School Restaurant We Love
That’s how members of the Chun family’s third generation feel about customers at their Kaimukī eatery.
Trending In Dining
We revisit a classic about places that are woven into our collective childhoods, where regulars grew up with owners’ families and you can still find old-school comfort foods.
Eleven opens inside Foodland Farms Ala Moana today, Dec. 9 with compelling cocktails and small plates that will make you forget you’re in a supermarket.
No matter how you eat it, there’s something comforting about cubes of fish mixed with sea salt, limu, ‘inamona or green onions.
Every 7-Eleven Hawai‘i store carries about 100 to 120 items in the fresh food department alone, on top of an assortment of packaged chips, snacks and candies.
At the end of his doctor-ordered vegan experiment, our carnivore concludes he’s a failure. But is he?
We’re all about deals, and after months of takeout, if it comes with elevated ambience and unexpected finesse, even better.