Hale ‘Aina Awards
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.
Vote for Your Favorite Restaurant in the 2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards
Now through March 31, support your favorite restaurants by nominating them for Hawai‘i’s most prestigious dining awards.
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 Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i
Congratulations to this year’s Hale ‘Aina Award winners announced on June 2, 2025.
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.
What You’ll Eat at the 2025 Hale ‘Aina Gala Plus Everything Else You Need to Know
Indulge in dishes from Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants from past and present, and immerse yourself in an evening of Moroccan-themed entertainment, henna stations, psychic readings and dancing under the stars.
The Hospitalitarian: Dusty Grable Is the 2024 Restaurateur of the Year
A Chinatown pioneer resurfaces with a new vision for Mānoa.
Empanadas, Grilled Octopus, Tender Iberico: Why El Cielo Is the Hale ‘Aina Best New Restaurant
HONOLULU editors’ pick for the top restaurant award of 2024 goes to a Spanish nook on Lewers Street.
Hale ‘Aina Voters Declare Cino the Best New Restaurant of 2024
Readers say Cino is molto bene. We agree.
The 2024 Hale ‘Aina Most Innovative Farm-to-Counter Is Now Rolling
Kalihi’s Roots Café has sold affordable farm-fresh lunches and produce for years. Now, it’s bringing that freshness to the valley’s kūpuna.
The Top 5 Things to Know About the 2024 Hale ‘Aina Celebration on Sept. 7
HONOLULU’s greatest foodie event will be a show of spectacular food, bottomless drinks and a colorful lineup of entertainment all night long.
The Secret Ingredient to Being Restaurateurs of the Year
It’s not just the food—Restaurateurs of the Year Robynne Maii and Chuck Bussler are committed to supporting the local industry and workers.
Kampai at the Pier: Nami Kaze Is the Best New Restaurant of 2023
HONOLULU editors unanimously agree—Jason Peel’s Nami Kaze is Hawai‘i’s Best New Restaurant.
Hale ‘Aina Award Winners 2023: Seven That Slay
Out of 42 categories and almost 130 Hale ‘Aina award winners, these seven of your favorites stand out.
What You’ll Feast on at the 40th Annual Hale ‘Aina Celebration
Koji marinated short ribs, decadent desserts and more from a variety of Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants.
Hale ‘Aina Award Winner: Nature Waikīkī Goes Beyond Farm to Table
Nae Ogawa, chef of the gold-winning restaurant, shares her deep love for the natural world in her cuisine.
2021 Hale ‘Aina Award Winner: How to Build the Perfect Hawaiian Plate
For the ultimate comfort food, we turn to our Hale ‘Aina winners for Hawaiian dishes passed down through generations as well as some sweet spins on a classic favorite.
2021 Hale ‘Aina Award Winner: Istanbul Hawai‘i Wins Best Mediterranean Restaurant
Istanbul Hawai‘i’s homegrown Turkish recipes heal mind, body and soul.
