Dishes That Define O‘ahu
From chichi dango to lau lau stew to char siu croissants, our food reflects our stories.
From the Magazine
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: 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: 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.
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.
Restaurants We Love: Resonant Stories From the Best Restaurants in Honolulu
Restaurants with superlative food are one thing. Those with a place in our hearts are another. Our writers explore the restaurants they love.
“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.
8 Food Spots Outside Honolulu Worth the Drive
Eateries that townies should visit—for reasons they may not realize.
Breakfast Scenes Around O‘ahu
From old-school comforts in ‘Āina Haina to bulletproof coffee in Pūpūkea, our writers fanned out to different neighborhoods for this snapshot of five eclectic breakfast scenes.
Japan’s New Wave of Eateries in Honolulu
Driven by craft and quirk, they’re expanding the boundaries of Japanese food in Honolulu.
Best of HONOLULU and Best of HONOLULU Family 2026
It’s time for our annual list of the best things our city has to offer, chosen by our readers and editorial staff. Here’s your guide to katsu, pastries, swimwear, personal trainers, clubs, classes and so much more.
Best of HONOLULU 2026: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu
Brownies, bagels, burgers, banchan and more reader-voted winners and editor picks make up this year’s best food and drinks.
In His Words: How Alan Wong Got His Second Chance
Five years after closing Alan Wong’s, the legendary chef reopened at The Kāhala Hotel. Here’s his story.
ReBran Uses a Locally Discarded Superfood to Make Granola Bran New
Nutrient-dense bran from rice polished in Kalihi stars in a new local granola.
Eating Well in a Healthy Game Plan
It’s not about salads and veganism: Four wellness gurus tell us their best tips and personal approaches.
Kealoha Domingo Is Opening a Different Kind of Hawaiian Food Eatery Downtown
The Native Hawaiian chef is blending traditional and healthier Hawaiian dishes at a café coming to the Capitol Modern.
Korean Dishes You Probably Don’t Know (But Should)
How well do you know Korean food? These traditional dishes go well beyond the familiarity of mandoo and kim chee.
How to Help People Impacted by the Kona Low Storm Flooding
Where to donate, volunteer and contribute to fundraisers as well as resources for those affected by the floods.
A New Coffee Culture
As coffee trends more scientific and sustainable worldwide, new cafés and carts in Honolulu are turning the drink fun and personal. Here’s a taste of our coffee world today.
What Jason Peel Is Bringing to Diamond Head Market & Grill
The former chef-owner of Nami Kaze is rolling out ambitious projects at the longtime neighborhood eatery.
