Kaimukī sandwich shop named best in Hawai‘i on new 50 Best list

The newest 50 Best list from Only in Your State — devoted to the 50 Best Sandwich Shops Across the U.S. — has declared its winner.

SS
Stephanie Salmons

February 07, 20261 min read

The Kaimukī neighborhood is pictured here in 2023.
The Kaimukī neighborhood is pictured here in 2023. (iStock | wingedwolf)

What’s the best sandwich shop in Hawai‘i?

That, of course, depends on who you ask, but the newest 50 Best list from Only in Your State — devoted to the 50 Best Sandwich Shops Across the U.S. — has declared its winner: Sprout Sandwich Shop in Kaimukī.

According to Only in Your State, Sprout “focuses on fresh, vibrant sandwiches that feel lighter but never boring. Known for creative veggie-forward options alongside meatier builds, the shop emphasizes texture, crunch and bold sauces.”

A number of factors were evaluated when selecting the list, including accessibility, inclusivity, affordability, hours, overall value and more.

The locally owned shop at 1154 Koko Head Ave. has been serving up “fresh, handcrafted sandwiches” using locally sourced ingredients since 2014, according to its website.

“With more than 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, co-owners and longtime friends Stephanie Leonard and Steven Ashcraft created Sprout with a clear mission: to build a neighborhood sandwich shop that supports a variety of dietary needs while serving delicious food the whole family can enjoy,” its website notes.

Only in Your State is a “local travel and discovery resource” that highlights “off-the-beaten-path attractions and unique natural wonders” of each state. 50 Best is a monthly series that spotlights the best dishes, restaurants and food traditions across the U.S.

In November, it named 50 Iconic Foods that Define Each State. Hawai‘i’s best dish? Spam musubi.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.

Authors

SS

Stephanie Salmons

Senior Reporter

Stephanie Salmons is Senior Reporter for Aloha State Daily covering business, tourism, the economy, real estate and development and general news.