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.
Hale ‘Aina Awards
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: 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: 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.
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.
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 Award Winners: The Best Restaurants in Hawai‘i
Congratulations to this year’s Hale ‘Aina Award winners announced on June 2, 2025.
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.
