Will Restaurants Ever Be the Same?
Reduced hours, higher prices, QR codes and a shift toward small, casual concepts: Our dining scene is in flux. Ten longtime restaurateurs tell us what’s happening.
From the Magazine
The Local Queen that Dethroned a Kouign Amann from France
I only indulged in the kouign amann while in Brittany, France, where it originated—until I tasted a local version that kicked it to the curb.
Here Are the Local Businesses & Restaurants Participating in Today’s National Strike
O‘ahu businesses and restaurants are closing or doing something special for the community to support the call for an end to ICE violence.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Parties, Fireworks and More Events
Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou! Ring in 2026 with fireworks, ball drops, parties and dazzling events across O‘ahu.
Your Insider Guide to ’Twas the Light Before Christmas on Ice
Skate on an 8,000-square-foot ice rink and explore an immersive winter wonderland at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
8 Food Spots Outside Honolulu Worth the Drive
Eateries that townies should visit—for reasons they may not realize.
Not a Foodie
Despite our similarities, my dad and I had very different tastes.
Everything’s Coming Up ‘Ulu: 4 Dishes to Try
Once mostly a potato substitute, the starchy fruit now stars in desserts, pastas and more.
Your Insider Guide to Keep It Kaimukī Saturday
Shop the neighborhood’s small businesses via trolley and score exclusive holiday deals on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Japan’s New Wave of Eateries in Honolulu
Driven by craft and quirk, they’re expanding the boundaries of Japanese food in Honolulu.
Pursuits: Brian Bigornia Pours A Shot of Joy With Panday Coffee
A former nurse finds his true calling running his own Filipino-themed coffee cart.
Our Favorite Local LGBTQIA+-Owned Stores and Eateries
Where to shop and dine local during Hawai‘i’s Pride Month.
A New Generation of Mixologists Is Raising the Bar for Craft Cocktails
Craft cocktails have gone mainstream in Honolulu. Meet some of the mixologists leading the charge.
With New Hawaiian Style Seafood Co., Waikīkī Becomes a Lobster Roll Destination
Feast Mānoa’s Jon Matsubara opens a new lobster roll and seafood spot—a block from Waikīkī’s two lobster roll specialists.
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.
“I Want Them to Dream,” Says President of Izakaya Naru, 2025 Hale ‘Aina Award Winner of Best Izakaya
With the tiny izakaya on King Street winning Hale ‘Aina gold, we talk to president Hiroyuki Akiyama about the eatery’s 15-year history.
Three Standout Drinks From Hale ‘Aina Award-Winning Cocktail Bars
Raise a glass at these cocktail bars recognized by our readers as providing the Best Cocktail Programs.
The Owners of Giovedì, the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Awards’ Best New Restaurant, Are Unapologetically Themselves
The folks at Giovedì spent years working for others before branching out on their own—and now they’re bringing home gold.
The Pig & the Lady: From Farmers Market Pop-Up to the City’s Hottest Restaurant
Revisiting the backstory of this six-time James Beard Award semifinalist a day before the Chinatown restaurant closes to move to a new home.
Best of HONOLULU 2025: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu
Our editors picked 11 top categories plus 21 readers’ choices to establish the best food and drinks on O‘ahu this year.
Finally, a Portuguese Restaurant: Faria Brings Hawai‘i-Style Portuguese Food to O‘ahu
For 40 years, there were none on O‘ahu. Now, there’s Faria, helmed by Hawaiian Portuguese chef Kawehi Haug.
Sun Noodle and Adela’s Country Eatery Have Rolled Out Noodles Made From Locally Grown Ingredients
Sun Noodle’s kalo noodles and Adela’s Country Eatery’s ‘ulu and avocado noodles are paving the way for food independence in Hawai‘i.
