Food & Dining

Hawai‘i Cuisine: Food, Flavors, and Local Favorites

Exploring all your favorite Island dining, from cheap eats to high-end. Craving omakase? We’ve got you covered. Shave ice? Sure thing! Loco moco? Like we’d forget! We’ve got heaping bowls of poke, and acai. You’ll find pau hana deals, foodie cocktails and delicious mocktails. Of course, none of that would be possible without the chefs, bakers, and mixologists you’ll meet here. We also take you to the Hawai‘i farms that fuel our farm-to-table movement.

Festa Italiana 2026 is coming this June

The ticketed Passaporto Italiano VIP experience is June 5, while the street festival — which is free to attend — is June 6. The festival highlights a selection of authentic Italian and Italian-American restaurants and chefs from both Italy and Hawaiʻi.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 15, 2026

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue aims for record year

April was a record month for the Hawai‘i-based chain which has opened 13 new locations this year, including six in April alone. CEO Elisia Flores says the chain expects to open even more before 2026 ends.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 15, 2026

PizzAlba is a new pizza pop-up in Kakaʻako

PizzAlba pops up on Thursdays in the space next to Bevy in Kakaʻako. You can also find the pizza biz at the Kakaʻako and Kailua farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 14, 2026

First look at Sonic’s new Oʻahu location

Sonic Kapolei, located at 5001 Kapolei Parkway, is opening May 16. This is the brand’s first drive-in restaurant on the island and Hawaiʻi’s second Sonic location. Customers can look forward to Sonic’s signature burgers, drinks and a Hawaiʻi-exclusive menu item.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 14, 2026

'Top Gun' and 'Top Gun: Maverick' return to theaters

These Tom Cruise movies are back on the big screen after the original film premiered 40 years ago and “Top Gun: Maverick” hit theaters in 2022. Watch the action movies at Consolidated Theatres in four locations through next week.

Katie HellandMay 14, 2026

Kukane Street Stand is a new bake stand in Kāneʻohe

The neighborhood bake stand offers a rotating selection of desserts and specialty lattes. Baked goods are available on a first-come, first-served basis; the bake stand is usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 13, 2026

Jack Johnson, farmers markets and more: Your guide to the weekend

Ready to make plans for Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Oʻahu? Whether you are looking for some live music or a farmers market, Aloha State Daily put together this list of ideas, which includes how to round up ingredients for banana pancakes … or listen to Jack Johnson sing about them.

Katie HellandMay 13, 2026

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is opening in Windward Mall

The business’s newest location is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, May 13. This is Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s seventh Hawaiʻi location. Customers can enjoy a discounted ramen offer on May 13, along with specials during the restaurant’s first week of operation.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 13, 2026

Chef Jason Yamaguchi is the new consulting chef at Ki Club

Yamaguchi — who also owns Konpa, located in Southern California — is bringing Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to the Honolulu eatery. The new menu highlights Nikkei-style dishes ranging from ‘ahi nigiri and lomo saltado to mushroom ceviche.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 12, 2026

Zippy's, Hawaiian Island Creations collab launches this month

The new collection that celebrates the Surf Pac, surfing and the "long-standing relationship between the two." It includes a T-shirt, towel and decals.

Stephanie SalmonsMay 12, 2026

AYCE wagyu shabu shabu spot opens in Kapahulu

Mikiya Honolulu just opened its second location in Kapahulu Shopping Center. The eatery is currently open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers can look forward to meats ranging from Japanese A5 wagyu brisket to Australian wagyu, a self-serve veggie bar, and soft serve for dessert.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 11, 2026

53 By The Sea has a new chef and tasting menu

Internationally acclaimed chef Takayoshi Kawai is now at the oceanfront restaurant; he is known for his 1995 appearance on Fuji TV’s “Iron Chef.” Diners can choose from five-course and six-course tasting menus. The eatery plans to replace its former Sunday brunch with weekend lunch service in the upcoming months.