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.
News
Where to get Japanese sandos in Honolulu
Waikīkī-based Coco Sand Café opened a few months ago in Eaton Square. The takeout spot is popular for its hot and cold Japanese-style sandwiches and pastas.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 08, 2025
Sizzling news: Pepper Lunch is opening its first Honolulu location
The fast-casual eatery — known for its teppanyaki dishes — is opening in Moanalua Shopping Center on Dec. 12. On that day only, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free entree deal.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 07, 2025
Christmas pop-ups to check out this holiday season
No matter what vibe you’re going for, one of these Christmas bars is sure to satisfy.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 05, 2025
Where to eat on Christmas 2025 and seasonal holiday treats – part 2
Whether you’re looking for dine-in or takeout experiences — or seasonal snacks — we’ve got you covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 05, 2025
Kāhala’s Olive Tree Café has a new wine shop
Oliver Wine & Goods — located next door to the café — offers a variety of imported wines, canned and dried goods, and mini charcuterie boxes. Customers can look forward to in-store tastings and — coming soon — desserts from Asato Family Shop.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 04, 2025
Chinatown’s Skull and Crown is more than a tiki-themed bar
You’ll not only find creative cocktails, but also innovative dishes like tocino salmon (inspired by this year’s Filipino Food Week), Palabok ravioli filled with minced shrimp and water chestnuts, and a Japanese curry-style Bolognese.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 03, 2025
A new steakhouse and lounge recently opened in Kapahulu
ADEZ Steakhouse & Lounge just celebrated its grand opening. Pronounced “at ease,” the steakhouse offers a three-course tasting menu for $50.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 03, 2025
Sing Sing Thai Street Food is celebrating its first anniversary with a deal
The Chinatown eatery is offering 50% off on its signature chicken rice dishes during lunch on Dec. 5 only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 02, 2025
This European steakhouse has a new happy hour
Kakaʻako-based Flair European Steakhouse recently launched a new happy hour menu. Exclusive dishes include truffle fries, steak frites, and a must-have wagyu burger.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 01, 2025
The Christmas Bar Hawaiʻi is now open
Tucked away within Tiki’s Grill & Bar, The Christmas Bar Hawaiʻi pop-up is open from today until Dec. 30. This year, you can look forward to more decorations, new festive drinks and — of course — lots of holiday cheer.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 29, 2025
This Kaimukī eatery is offering a free entrée deal for a limited time
From now through Dec. 14, when customers buy three entrees at Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant, they can get a fourth entree for free.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 29, 2025
Where to eat on Christmas 2025 and seasonal holiday treats – part 1
Whether you’re looking for dine-in or takeout experiences — or seasonal holiday treats — we’ve got you covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 28, 2025
Musubi Café Iyasume has a second location in Ala Moana Center
The business — which is also located in The Lanai — recently opened in Ala Moana Center’s Makai Market Food Court area in the former Curry House space.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 27, 2025
Surfers Coffee opened a second location in Kakaʻako
The Wahiawa-based coffee shop recently opened a second location at Kakaʻako Business Center. While the menu is limited for now, you can expect the business’s food menu and seasonal specials to come soon.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 26, 2025
SERA has a new Mediterranean-inspired happy hour
The eatery, now with Jeremy Shigekane as its executive chef, recently launched a brand-new happy hour menu and made adjustments to its dinner menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 25, 2025
Niu Soft Serve Parlour now has warm cookie sundaes
The dessert shop, known for its dairy-free ice cream, now includes warm cookie sundaes on its permanent menu. Take your dessert to the next level by adding the business’s popular kūlolo.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 25, 2025
Catch Aloha State Daily on “Kitchen Scraps”
“Kitchen Scraps” by Hawaiʻi News Now features a cooking competition between chefs as they “scrap it out” for culinary glory. The next episode airs on Thanksgiving Day, featuring host Kainoa Carlson, chefs from Sumida Farm, and judges chef Ippy Aiona and food and dining reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 25, 2025
Budget Bites: Kamitoku Japanese Hot Pot’s $19.99 AYCE lunch deal
This all-you-can-eat lunch special includes a choice of wagyu beef bone broth, a side of veggies, and 90 minutes of unlimited wagyu eye-round and pork belly.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 24, 2025
Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī
Marujuu Hawaiʻi — sister restaurant of Totoya, Tori Ton and Izakaya Tenkichi — is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in the former Chubbies Hawaiʻi space in Kaimukī. The biz specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks that are delivered on sizzling platters to your table.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 23, 2025
New collab between Zippy's and NOHO HOME Hawai‘i available Nov. 28
The two local businesses will release a capsule collection of four items, “aimed to capture the deep-rooted tradition of pilina — connection,” Zippy's said Friday.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 22, 2025
Aloha Mamacita’s festive Grinchmas Bar is open to the public
Enjoy seasonal cocktails like Jack Frost, Christmas Punch, gingerbread martinis and more — along with the restaurant’s holiday décor.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 21, 2025
Liliha Bakery recently added new dishes to its menu
New dishes include eggs Benedict, a savory loco moco, and the bakery’s own version of Kouign Amann. The new dishes are available at all Liliha Bakery locations.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 21, 2025
Inside scoop: Asatos Waikīkī shop is opening this Sunday
The popular sherbet shop is located on Kalākaua Avenue, within Kings & Queens in Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa. You’ll find scoops of Asato Family Shop’s classic flavors, along with seasonal specials and — coming soon — Japanese-style shave ice.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 21, 2025
This Honolulu sushi spot just launched a new happy hour
Kanoya Sushi Grill & Bar’s new happy hour menu is available daily. Score discounts on popular appetizers like sashimi, house gyoza, furikake chicken and more — along with beverage deals like three beers for $9.99.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 20, 2025
DOMODOMO Hawaiʻi is open in ‘Ewa Beach
The contemporary Japanese restaurant from New York — known for its hand roll bar — is open in 360° Ewa Beach Country Club. DOMODOMO New York was featured on the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand list from 2017 through 2023. Here’s what you’ll find at its new Hawaiʻi location.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 20, 2025
Ono-Ya Ramen is offering a buy one, get one free ramen deal
The eatery’s South King Street location is celebrating its one-year anniversary with this limited-timed offer. The BOGO ramen deal is only available for dine-in at this location until Nov. 22.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 19, 2025
Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 3
More dine-in and takeout experiences for a stress-free holiday.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 19, 2025
Here’s what you’ll find at the new CU convenience store
CU, one of Asia’s largest convenience store chains, recently celebrated the grand opening of its downtown Honolulu store. Here’s everything you’ll find, from a ramyun wall and Korean street food to exclusive snacks and Sig Zane x CU Hawaiʻi merchandise.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 18, 2025
You can now find this deep-fried manapua in Honolulu
Honolulu Kitchen Little Corner Cafe opened earlier this year in Mōʻiliʻili. The café offers steamed and deep-fried manapua, along with dim sum and smoothies.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 17, 2025
Zippy's to open two new locations in Las Vegas
The restaurant chain currently has 25 locations, including three Las Vegas — its only locations on the Mainland.
Stephanie SalmonsNovember 15, 2025
The third annual Kimchi Day Festival Hawaiʻi is coming Nov. 22
The festival, held at Makiki District Park, will celebrate Korean culture and, of course, kimchi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 14, 2025
This is Jason Momoa’s second food stop on Oʻahu (after Zippy’s)
In a recent interview with Aloha State Daily, the “Chief of War” actor mentioned the Hawaiian plate from Hannara Restaurant. We drove out to Waiʻanae to find it.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 13, 2025
ʻAlohilani’s new breakfast menu is ‘swell’
The Waikīkī resort’s SWELL Restaurant and Pool Bar launched a new breakfast menu in September. It’s available daily from 7 to 10 a.m. and includes options ranging from banana bread French toast and acai bowls to breakfast burritos.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 13, 2025
New izakaya now open in Māpunapuna
Izakaya Mitch’s — located right next door to Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar — specializes in cooked dishes designed to share. You’ll find everything from Hokkaido crab tempura, dashimaki tamago and assorted sashimi to A5 wagyu steak, menchi katsu and nabe.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 13, 2025
This iconic Maui bakery is opening a second location
Located in Wailuku, Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe has been serving its freshly baked pastries to the Maui community since 1994. The bakery and cafe recently announced it’s opening a second location in early 2026.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 12, 2025
Aloha Alfajores opened a new kitchen space
The business, which started in 2020, officially has its own commercial kitchen space in Wahiawa. Besides its signature alfajores, the biz offers dulce de leche brownies, crème brulee and frescas con cremas.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 11, 2025
Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 2
Celebrate turkey day with these dine-in and takeout experiences.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 11, 2025
This Japanese restaurant offers a weekday curry menu
Kailua-based Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant’s “Curry Shack” menu is only available during weekdays for lunch. Curry entrees include chicken katsu with cheese, ebi fry, chicken karaage, eggplant and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 10, 2025
This Kalihi boba tea spot has a brand-new name
Dragon Tea recently re-branded and is now named Leilani Taiwanese Kitchen. The shop changed its name to reflect its offerings, which go beyond boba.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 10, 2025
Uncle’s Fish Market Bar & Grill has a new chef and revamped menu
The ‘Aiea eatery, headed by chef Chad Yang, features more daily specials, an early bird prix fixe menu, and seasonal desserts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 07, 2025
Tango Empanadas brings authentic Argentinian flavors to Oʻahu
Owned by siblings Julieta and Lucas Garnil, Tango Empanadas offers made-from-scratch empanadas with a variety of meat and veggie fillings. The business’s Kahuku trailer is open daily, and you can also find the empanada biz at the Kakaʻako farmers market.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 07, 2025
Budget Bites: Yakiniku Like’s $9.95 yakiniku set
November’s special include kalbi short plate and Misuji top blade, along with miso soup, salad, kimchi and rice.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 06, 2025
Easy ‘Que brings a revamped weekend brunch to Kailua
The eatery, which is the sister restaurant of Over Easy, offers savory barbecue-themed options like brisket patty Benedict, brisket loco moco and shrimp and grits.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 06, 2025
Waikīkī’s newest Italian restaurant just opened
Located in Waikīkī Shopping Plaza, BOTANICO Waikīkī features Italian fare with a touch of island- and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 06, 2025
Travie’s Patties pop-up offers fun, flavorful smashburgers
The biz celebrated its grand opening in August, and can be found at a variety of night markets and seasonal craft fairs across Oʻahu. The biz also recently added non-alcoholic dirty sodas to its menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 05, 2025
Fairmont Kea Lani’s Kō reopens with a reimagined menu
After being closed for six months, Kō — which means “sugarcane” in Hawaiian — reopened in late October, featuring a full renovation and new menu. The eatery is inspired by the spirit of “kau kau time,” during which sugarcane workers talked story and shared home-cooked meals over lunch.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 04, 2025
Budget Bites: Choi’s Garden’s $5.99 cold noodle lunch special
The Korean eatery brought back its $5.99 cold noodle lunch special for all of November.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 04, 2025
Here's what you'll find at Earls Kitchen + Bar
While the eatery officially opened in early October, its menu is so expansive that it took us several visits to work our way through it. The Waikīkī location offers a weekend brunch, bi-daily happy hour, and dinner.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 03, 2025
Sun Noodle’s new kalo noodle kit celebrates 40 years of Sig Zane
To commemorate Sig Zane’s 40th anniversary, Sun Noodle partnered with the business to launch a limited-edition kalo (taro) noodle kit.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaNovember 03, 2025
Chao features a modern Vietnamese fusion dining experience
The restaurant first opened for takeout in July, but is now open for dine-in for brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Dinner highlights range from hamachi crudo and seafood ceviche to spring rolls and the eatery’s signature chicken pho.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 31, 2025
All That Cake Co. features modern cakes in local flavors
All That Cake Co., which launched this past July, features layered cakes that feature Hawaiʻi-grown flavors like pandan, lilikoʻi, Kona Coffee and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 31, 2025
HI Shack is celebrating its grand opening on Nov. 1
The eatery, located on Kalākaua Avenue, features a mix of Hawaiian, American and Filipino flavors. During HI Shack’s grand opening, customers can enjoy live entertainment and a 20% discount on food.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 30, 2025
Budget Bites: Limited-time deals at Zippy’s
Take advantage of discounted Kōkua Pacs from Nov. 3 to 19, and discounted chili frank plates from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 30, 2025
This popular Asian snack shop just opened its third location
1-2 Buy Hawaiʻi is known for its imported snacks from Japan, Thailand, Korea and China. The business just opened its third location — and this one features claw machines from Claw Kingdom.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 29, 2025
This ice cream shop’s got “soul”
Soulberry Ice Cream, which specializes in New Zealand-style, real fruit ice cream, opened recently in Makawao. The Maui-based business offers customizable treats made with locally sourced fruits and creative toppings.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 29, 2025
Halloween, Día de los Muertos and more: Friday, Oct. 31 through Sunday, Nov. 2
Ready to plan your Halloween fun? Aloha State Daily has compiled a guide for Halloween that includes snacks, trick or treat plans and a haunted mansion, in addition to at least one way to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Katie HellandOctober 29, 2025
‘Pho’-nomenal: Vietnamese eatery Pho Heaven just opened in Pearl City
The restaurant, located in Pearl Highlands Center, is the sister restaurant of Hot Pot Heaven in McCully Shopping Center. Customers can get 15% off during soft opening week, which is now until Oct. 31.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 28, 2025
The Dotted Line has a new executive chef and revamped new menu
The downtown Honolulu eatery, led by new executive chef Christopher Murakami — previously at Hilton Hawaiian Village and SKY Waikīkī — boasts a refreshed menu. During dinner, enjoy dishes like chicken pot pie, New York strip, and a mouthwatering Taste of Aloha sampler platter.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 28, 2025
Kapa Hale recently launched its fall menu
The Kāhala eatery’s seasonal menu includes fall ingredients like kabocha and pumpkin seeds. Customers can also look forward to more pho dishes starting next month.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 27, 2025
Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1
Celebrate turkey day with these dine-in and takeout experiences.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaOctober 24, 2025