Search Results for: mari taketa
Melissa & Mari — our new food critiquing duo
This past Tuesday, Mari Taketa and Melissa Chang did what they typically do together — eat. This time, the occasion was opening night at Morimoto Waikiki, the new restaurant by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.Their assignment was to review the restaurant…
Best Restaurants in Honolulu
HONOLULU Magazine’s picks for the top eateries on O‘ahu by Mari Taketa, Thomas Obungen and Melissa Chang.
5 Questions with Lahaina Tacos’ New Viral Influencer
The world is, like, ob-[pause]-sessed with Pedro Haro. So are we.
While We Weren’t Looking, a New Bakeshop and Deli Appeared in Mō‘ili‘ili
Hō‘ili‘ili Market, Farm Link’s locally sourced grocery store, has brought in veteran chefs to craft fresh dessert and deli items on site.
In His Words: Why Jon Matsubara Closed Feast Last Week (But You Can Still Get Lobster Rolls)
Feast still has its KCC Farmers Market booth, but the rest is up in the air. Here’s the story.
Coffee Meets Chocolate at Mānoa Chocolate’s Café
Mānoa Chocolate’s new venture puts chocolatey coffee drinks front and center.
The Power of People
This issue reminds me of the endless stories of our city.
Lahaina Is Still Healing Three Years After the Wildfires
A Buddhist priest, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and husband-and-wife restaurateurs reflect on what has happened since the Maui fires.
Foodie Films at Hawai‘i International Film Festival Serve Up Different Degrees of Satisfaction
Driven by different quests, “Purehearted” and “The Dating Menu” are worlds apart.
New York Times Lists Maze Honolulu Among Its 50 Favorite Restaurants in the Country
The Kaka‘ako prix-fixe destination is getting a lot more recognition lately.
Side Street Inn Just Opened in the Old Westman Café/Bills Waikīkī Spot
With the full Side Street Inn menu, a 10% kama‘āina discount and validated parking.
Dishes That Define O‘ahu
From chichi dango to lau lau stew to char siu croissants, our food reflects our stories.
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: 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: 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.
Goodbye to Ward Centre and Kilohana Square
We lament the generations-old buildings, the latest closures in an unending cycle.
Recently Shuttered Tchin Tchin Bar Is Reopening—This Time With Cigars
A new owner is breathing new life into Chinatown’s pioneering rooftop bar.
Where They Are Now: 90-Plus Lahaina Restaurants, Bars, Snack Shops & Food Trucks
More than a third have reopened or are working to reopen, mostly along the Kihei-Lahaina-Ka‘anapali stretch.
Kama‘āina Deals: Restaurants and Eateries
40-plus places where it pays to show your Hawai‘i ID—just remember to ask before the check comes.
HONOLULU Magazine Wins 10 Local Journalism Awards for 2025
Revisit the stories that garnered us first, second and third place prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawai‘i Chapter.
50-Plus New Restaurants Have Opened on O‘ahu This Year
Last week, we published a running list of 50-plus restaurants that have closed so far this year. Here’s the flip side.
Your 2026 Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food: Part 2
Where to find takoyaki, pastele stew, root beer floats, homemade baked goods and more while you dance under the summer skies.