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.
Restaurants
New in Town
Places and activities that have opened recently, featured in HONOLULU Magazine.
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.
Basalt’s New Chef Overhauls the Menu—and There’s a 20% Kama‘āina Discount
Veteran chef Lance Kosaka brings homegrown flavors to the heart of Waikīkī.
Kevin’s Kitchen Is a Hit for Hong Kong-Style Roast Meats and Other Dishes
If you go, best to reserve those roast meats in advance.
Why Your Plate Lunch Is Becoming a Luxury
Restaurateurs break down the rising cost of dining out.
New & Coming Restaurants on O‘ahu
Notable openings around the island plus upcoming Michelin-grade yakitori, a Korean convenience store and lobster rolls.
Michelin-Recognized Okdongsik Returns With Location Near Ala Moana Center
A Seoul-based bastion of restrained Korean cuisine offers more than gomtang soup at its new Sky Honolulu outpost.
Kama‘āina Deals: Restaurants and Eateries
50-plus places where it pays to show your Hawai‘i ID—just remember to ask before the check comes.
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.
Foodflash: After 12 Years in Chinatown, The Pig & the Lady Is Closing to Move to Kaimukī
The scrappy, brick-walled icon is moving to a bigger, brighter place.
8 Things You’ll Only Find at Don Don Donki in Kapolei
Beyond groceries and goods, the discount superstore has exclusives like freshly grilled eel, poke nachos and Portuguese sausage pizza.
Where Time Stands Still: Buzz’s Original Steak House
Cocktails and calamari still reign at this beachy Kailua classic.
Why I Like Ke‘eaumoku’s New Yakiniku Like
It’s tasty! Quick! And a good value! Here’s what you can expect at the new budget KBBQ spot.
A New Conveyor Belt Sushi Spot Just Opened in Kapolei
Waka Sakura opened inside Don Don Donki’s food court, and we made the drive to see how it compares to Genki.
Where Time Stands Still: Stadium Giant Malts & Bar-B-Que
The family-owned eatery has remained true to its roots, still serving up solid plate lunch options.
$45 Pau Hana for 2: Yohei Sushi Kāhala
The happy hour menu, served Thursday through Sunday, offers 20 different dishes between $4–$12 to mix and match.
Where Time Stands Still: Kim Chee II
Open for 48 years, this legendary Kaimukī eatery still serves up big-bone kalbi, meat jun and fried mandoo the way lots of us know and love it.
6 Questions You’re Too Shy to Ask When Dining Out
When to send food back? What’s a kitchen service fee? We ask restaurateurs for answers about awkward aspects of dining out.
Say It Ain’t So-rabol: Mahalo to a Longtime Eatery That’s Closing After March 7
A longtime customer pays tribute to an icon among Honolulu restaurants.
3 More Questions You’re Too Shy to Ask When Dining Out
Is it OK to split an entrée? Why are restaurants so loud? And tips for making solo dining less uncomfortable.
Where Time Stands Still: Bravo Italian Restaurant
Iconic for garlic knots since the ’80s, Bravo’s red sauce aesthetic remains unchanged.
Where Time Stands Still: Maguro-Ya
After 25 years in Kaimukī, this beloved neighborhood restaurant is still my go-to for delicious Japanese food, served with a side of warm memories.
Faria Is O‘ahu’s Soulful, New and Only Portuguese Restaurant
If you live outside Kailua, Faria’s traditional and updated takes on classic comfort food dishes are worth the drive.
