Different people do different things while in Hawaii. Some love to snorkel. Others prefer to just lie on the beach all day. A day spent hiking is heaven for some, while a shopping spree in Waikiki sets others free.
However, there is one thing that everyone does while they're in Hawaii... they eat. Your dining experience while on the Islands can make or break your evening, your day or even your entire trip. We've sampled just about every restaurant out there and wanted to tell you about a few that really stand out. |
Orchids- Waikiki, Oahu |
|
 |
This romantic seafood restaurant located in the fabulous Halekulani is known for their views as much as for their food and service. The open oceanfront dining room offers great views of the ocean and Diamond Head (request tables 5,6,7 or 20 for the best views). Entrées are on the pricey side (between $25-35 each) but certainly not among the most expensive in the city. Aside from their signature seafood dishes, there are lamb, chicken and beef options as well. Reservations are recommended and they accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard & Diner's Club.
|
Casa di Amici- Poipu, Kauai |
|
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Hawaii. In fact, we dine here each time we’re on Kauai. Their marsala chicken is divine, but we’ve yet to be disappointed with anything on the menu. There’s also live classical music Friday and Saturday between 6:30-9:30 on the baby grand piano. Be sure to say “hi” to Joanna, the chef and owner’s wife, from Janet and Joel over at Great Hawaii Vacations. Reservations are recommended and the accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard & Diner's Club. |
Spago- Wailea, Maui |
|
 |
Spago, set in the Four Seasons Resort Maui, is always a great place for any kind of celebration. Their décor is a contemporary approach to traditional Asian design, featuring unique stone and woods, custom lighting and glass, exotic textures and art pieces. A stunning bar and intimate lounge area allows guests to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Wailea Beach. Dinner is from 6-9, attire is casual and they accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover & Diner's Club. |
Spago- Wailea, Maui |
|
 |
Duke’s is fun, plain and simple. Their open-air oceanfront dining room is a great place for lunch or to catch the sunset at dinner. The atmosphere is perfect for Waikiki: busy, hip and very Hawaiian. There’s live entertainment nightly from 4pm-midnight and their $9.95 breakfast buffet is really a great value. Duke’s accepts American Express, Visa, Mastercard & Diner's Club. |
Duke’s Canoe Club- Waikiki, Oahu |
|
 |
CanoeHouse is the signature restaurant of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and one of the most romantic restaurants in all of Hawaii. Its stunning oceanfront setting showcases legendary Kohala Coast sunsets along with the East-West marriage of Pacific Rim cuisine. The menu is one of the most creative in Hawaii, with dishes such as the special CanoeHouse appetizer - China Town Duck with Tequila Sauce. Dinner is from 5:30-9 in the summer and 6-9:30 in the winter, attire is casual and they accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover & Diner's Club. |
Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant- Hanaeli, Kauai |
|
 |
Situated on the banks of the Hanalei River, this casual steak-and-seafood restaurant is great for families. Their food is as good as their views of the river. This is a great spot for lunch served under an umbrella at the river’s edge. They accept Visa and Mastercard. |
La Mer- Waikiki, Oahu |
|
 |
Another gem in the Halekulani, La Mer is Oahu's only five-diamond restaurant. The internationally-acclaimed menu features Neoclassic French cuisine expertly crafted and served amid majestic oceanfront views. One of the most elegant restaurants in the world, La Mer provides you with a dining experience you won't soon forget. Dinner is from 6-10pm, jackets are required and they accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard & Diner's Club. |
Poipu Bay Bar & Grill- Poipu, Kauai |
|
Nestled into the Grand Hyatt Kauai, the casual Poipu Bay Bar & Grill offers beautiful, peaceful views of the Poipu Golf Course with Kauai's mountains in the background. Great for both breakfast and lunch, dining here is a gentle way to start your day. You'll feel like part of the family in this uncrowded oasis. They accept American Express, Visa & Mastercard. |
Tidepools- Poipi, Kauai |
|
 |
Located in the Hyatt Regency Kauai, Tidepools has been voted Kauai's most romantic restaurant several years running. With their open-air thatched bungalows set amidst waterfalls and koi-filled lagoons, it's easy to see why. The food is amazing as well. Reservations are required. Dinner is from 6-10pm, attire is casual and they accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover & Diner's Club. |
The Gazebo- Napili, Maui |
|
 |
One of the best places for breakfast on Maui. Their oceanfront views make getting up for breakfast more than worth it. And you'll need to come early, too; seating is limited and fills up quickly. However, the views and macadamia nut pancakes are worth the wait. The Gazebo accepts Visa and Mastercard.
|
|
