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
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth
The chain opened 14 new locations 2025 and was recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 12, 2026
Bakudan Poke is now open in Kalihi
The business, which used to be in Mapunapua, is known for its poke flavors and Bakubombs, which are cone sushi stuffed with a torched crab filling or poke. Bakudan Poke has teamed up with Laʻakea Fish Company and operates out of the business’s store in Kalihi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 12, 2026
Lil T Cup Café is now open in ‘Aiea
The new café is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday, Feb. 14. The community is invited to check out the café for free samples and prizes.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 11, 2026
New Adult Happy Meals available in Honolulu
Located within the AC Hotel Honolulu, The Dotted Line’s new Adult Happy Meals are available from 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. They cost $25 and include an entrée of your choice, fries, a cocktail and candy bar.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 10, 2026
New sandwich shop opening in Kapolei
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is opening its new Kapolei location on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The business is known for its loaded hot and cold subs; bestsellers include Cap’s BLT, classic cheesesteak and The Bobbie.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 09, 2026
Where to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026
Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with these limited-time specials.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 07, 2026
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.
Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 07, 2026
Where to eat on Valentine’s Day – part 3
From prix fixe menus and specials to limited-time desserts, we’ve got your Feb. 14 covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 06, 2026
Alan Wong’s Kāhala restaurant is opening March 25
Hoku’s at The Kāhala’s last dinner service is Feb. 20. Alan Wong’s Kāhala Hotel & Resort will open to the general public on April 8; guests who book The Kāhala Hotel & Resort’s Legacy of Aloha package can secure early access to experience the new restaurant.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 06, 2026
This Japanese-style hamburger steak spot now has curry
Located in Kaimukī, Marujuu Hawaiʻi opened last November with its sizzling hamburger steaks. The eatery just added new dishes to its menu — customers can look forward to curry lunch specials, and new meaty entrees like rib-eye steak and a meat lovers set.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 05, 2026
Inari Factory brings back $1.50 deals
The business, located at Don Quijote Kāheka, is celebrating its two-year anniversary. Customers can take advantage of $1.50 inari bombs and hand rolls from Feb. 5 to 10.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 05, 2026
Grill N’ Eats specializes in smashburgers with ube buns
The family-owned and -operated business officially launched last December. It specializes in smashburgers, which feature double patties and the business’s signature ube brioche buns.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 04, 2026
Budget Bites: Up Roll Café’s $10 poke bowls
The Pearl Highlands Center location offers a weekday happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Customers can enjoy $10 poke bowls, along with $11 ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 04, 2026
Café Miro Kaimukī has a new a la carte menu
The Kaimukī eatery recently changed its format to offer both, a prix fixe menu and an a la carte dining option. New a la carte dishes include a café burger, wagyu beef tartare, roasted garlic bone marrow and an indulgent soft serve dessert.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 03, 2026
604 Clubhouse has a new breakfast buffet
The eatery, located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, recently started a new Saturday breakfast buffet. The all-you-can-eat experience costs $60 per adult and includes a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, an omelet station and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 02, 2026
Munch ʻN Brunch opens new Waikīkī café
Munch ʻN Brunch opened as a food truck in Waikīkī almost three years ago. Now, the biz has expanded and opened its first brick-and-mortar café location at Eaton Square.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 02, 2026
New café specializes in matcha and musubi
Located in Hotel Renew, As You Like Waikīkī offers a variety of matcha-based drinks and musubi in a variety of flavors. If you want to try multiple flavors, go for the musubi bento.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 31, 2026
Where to eat on Super Bowl Sunday 2026
No matter what team you’re cheering for, we’ve got dining options for the big game.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 30, 2026
Pizza Mamo updates its interior and menu
Last October, the Chinatown eatery announced via social media that it was temporarily closing to “give its place a facelift.” The restaurant reopened around mid November with a refurbished bar area — and a few new dishes on the menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 29, 2026
Babadi Sushi brings Brazilian sushi to Oʻahu’s North Shore
The biz offers a variety of uramaki and nigiri, along with Brazilian sushi, which is known for its deep-fried exterior and use of cream cheese, salmon and tropical fruits.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 29, 2026
Genki Sushi launched its new grand menu
The menu has 140 dishes and 40 brand-new options, including crispy rice with spicy tuna, aburi char siu bowl, clam chowder croquettes, Hokkaido scallops and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 29, 2026
Sausage Fest Hawaiʻi offers gourmet Glizzys
The food business — which can be found at events across Oʻahu — specializes in “Glizzys,” which is slang for hot dogs. These gourmet dogs feature toppings like bacon bits, kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon and more. Plus, the biz also now offers birria tacos.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 28, 2026
Where to find Japan-style shrimp crackers on Oʻahu
Owner Shingo Katsura recently opened Yamitsuki Gyotaku Senbei, which can be found at various markets around Oʻahu. The business — whose name means “addictive” in Japanese — specializes in crispy senbei, but plans to expand its menu to include other popular street foods.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 27, 2026
Budget Bites: K & K Kitchen’s breakfast plates
This grab-and-go spot offers hearty options ranging from $4.25 to $12.50.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 26, 2026
Arise Kona Bakery & Café continues to focus on community
The Kona-based bakery and café — known for its sourdough, sandwiches and European-style pastries — recently celebrated its third anniversary. According to business owners Irena and TJ Bogoslavets, the heart behind the café is to be a blessing to others.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 26, 2026
Where to eat on Valentine’s Day – part 2
From prix fixe menus and specials to limited-time desserts, we’ve got your Feb. 14 covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 23, 2026
Hawaiʻi restaurateur, chefs among James Beard semifinalists
There are nine semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards who hail from the Islands, including Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop, Peter Merriman of Merriman’s, and more.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 23, 2026
Little Sparrow showcases spaetzle in Kaimukī
The business, which started in 2021, can be found at farmers markets across Oʻahu and opened its brick-and-mortar in a Kaimukī alley last fall. Customers can enjoy spaetzle in half- or full-sized portions — along with exclusive flavors — at Little Sparrow’s shop on Waiʻalae Avenue.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 23, 2026
New takoyaki trailer opens in Kakaʻako
Coco Balls specializes in traditional, Osaka-style takoyaki. You can find the recently opened trailer by Up Roll Café Kakaʻako.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 22, 2026
Zippy's newest Las Vegas location opens Jan. 27
Zippy's at Summerlin is the restaurant's fourth location in Southern Nevada.
Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 22, 2026
New spot for lobster rolls in Honolulu
Mānoa-based FEAST by Jon Matsubara — popular for its signature lobster rolls — recently opened in Midtown Eats food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku. This location has several exclusive dishes, including prime rib, poke bowls and a bestselling loco moco.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 22, 2026
UBAE now has new soft serve fruit bowls
Fruit bowls include a soft serve flavor — including ube and pandan — drizzles and a variety of toppings.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 21, 2026
Poke Stand by Shokudo is open in Kakaʻako
The shop features reasonably priced poke with Japanese-inspired flavors, including mentai mayo, miso cheese, Hawaiian salt, cold ginger and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 21, 2026
Nomadic’s honey slushes are available in Kailua
The business — formerly named Wicked HI — still has a food truck in Haleʻiwa, but now customers can enjoy its signature sourdough pizzas and waffles, and popular honey slushes, at its new Windward Oʻahu location.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 20, 2026
Honolulu Bistro’s new grilled sandwich truck is now open
The Ala Moana café recently launched a gourmet sandwich truck, which can be found in Waikīkī. The business specializes in savory and sweet grilled sandwiches, and recently added new beverages to its menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 19, 2026
Where to eat on Valentine’s Day 2026: part 1
From prix fixe menus to specialty desserts, check out these options for Feb. 14.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 16, 2026
The Kāhala Hotel & Resort has a new coffee shop
Kaffe Kāhala is open daily and offers self-serve Illy coffee, along with freshly baked pastries from Dean & Deluca Hawaiʻi.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 16, 2026
Budget Bites: Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill’s $9 happy hour
The sizzling omurice — fried rice topped with an omelet and demi-glaze sauce, served on a hot skillet — is one of the most popular dishes. Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 15, 2026
Egghead Café is featuring $10 plates for a limited time
The popular brunch spot is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with $10 plates from Jan. 18 to 31. The discount features customer favorites like peanut butter French toast, Boom Boom chicken and porky bao.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 15, 2026
SinIceStir Shave Ice opens in Honolulu
This new spot features chef-curated combos — complete with savory flavors — and a rotating line-up of specialty shave ice desserts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 14, 2026
Aloha Beer Co. celebrates nine-year anniversary
The business is celebrating nine years in Kakaʻako with an anniversary party, complete with $9 plates, surprise “golden ticket” giveaways, live music and the debut of its Red Zeppelin cans.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 13, 2026
New Chinese-Mongolian skewers spot in Kapahulu
Dahan Skewer opened recently in the former spot of Honu’s Kalbi & Sushi. The eatery is offering 10% off during its soft opening.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 13, 2026
The Wrecking Crew Pac is now available at Zippy’s
The limited-time menu item, inspired by Prime Video’s “The Wrecking Crew,” will be available at all Zippy’s locations in Hawaiʻi and Southern Nevada starting today until March 1.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 12, 2026
This ramen restaurant revamped its happy hour
Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar updated its weekday happy hour menu to include discounts on both, ramen and tsukemen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 12, 2026
Hanabi Cheesecake is the newest dessert from Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches
These basque cheesecakes can be found in flavors like ube, guava and Cookie Butter. They can be ordered online for pick-up at various retailers across Oʻahu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 09, 2026
Sip Café opens with coffee, matcha lattes and banh mi sandwiches
You can find everything from egg cream lattes and banana cream matcha lattes to pastrami banh mi sandwiches at the new shop in City Square Shopping Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 09, 2026
New Honolulu food hall is now open
Midtown Eats, the new food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku, is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 17. The food hall is soft opening during limited hours from Jan. 9 to 16. Aloha State Daily got a tour of the new space.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 09, 2026
Dipped by Dee x La Tour Café’s special macaron set to launch
Customers can get the new Cookie Butter-dipped strawberry macarons at all La Tour Café locations starting this Saturday, Jan. 10.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 08, 2026
Asian snack shop 1-2 Buy Hawaiʻi finds new spot in Honolulu
The business’s Cooke Street store has relocated to Ala Moana Boulevard, in the former space of Valyou Hawaiʻi. It opens to the public on Jan. 8.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 08, 2026
Artizen by MW launches limited-time January prix fixe menu
The special three-course menu costs $48 per person and is available for dine-in or takeout until Jan. 31.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026
This iconic soft cream dessert is back
Choco le‘a’s Japan-inspired soft cream treat is available once again in-store. The dessert was on a short hiatus during the holiday season, but customers can now get it on Saturdays in Mānoa.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026
Shave ice is coming soon to Asatos Waikīkī
Reservations are now open for a new dessert omakase experience, which is debuting on Jan. 14 at the business’s new Waikīkī shop.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026
Jamba Hawaiʻi opens second drive-thru location
Jamba Hawaiʻi’s new store in Waiau Shopping Center is the only location to feature both, a drive-thru and full in-store lobby. The location is celebrating its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 10. The first 150 guests who come to the grand opening celebration will receive a limited-edition Hawaiʻi gift.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 07, 2026
The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour
Feast on exclusive dishes — including Parmesan truffle fries, sliced dry-aged New York strip and filet sandwiches — and enjoy discounted cocktails during the new “Capital Hours.”
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 06, 2026
Rainbow Drive-In has new bentos
Known for its hearty plate lunches, Rainbow Drive-In’s Kapahulu location recently added garlic chicken to its menu. For now, it’s a Kapahulu exclusive, but will soon be available at the Drive-In’s Pearlridge Center and Kalihi locations.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 05, 2026
Popular New York City cocktail bar now open in Honolulu
ROKC — which stands for ramen, oyster, kitchen and cocktail — opened recently in Waikīkī. The eatery is known for its signature cocktails, izakaya-style bites and unique ramen.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 02, 2026
New Japanese curry spot in Honolulu
Kana Curry, which specializes in sweet-and-spicy Osaka-style curry, recently opened in Waikīkī.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 01, 2026
New Makanai café opens in Makiki
Makanai — which translates to “family meal” in Japanese — recently opened in the former space of Sure Shot Café in Makiki. The café offers everything from earl grey matcha lattes and cold brews topped with honey cream to yuzu egg sandos, cinnamon rolls and smoked ‘ahi bagels.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025
Tonkatsu Kuro added new dishes to its menu
The new combo sets — which include perilla soba, spicy tsuyu soba and tenderloin and shrimp katsu — are inspired by Korean flavors. Customers can also now enjoy Suntory premium malts and Kirin Ichiban, which are poured using the eatery’s new Hoshizaki draft beer machine.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 31, 2025
Behind the scenes at Fresh Island Fish and Pier 38 Fish Market
Aloha State Daily was recently invited for a tour at Fresh Island Fish. We learned more about the business’s “boat-to-table” process, watched whole ‘ahis being broken down, and got tips for sashimi-cutting.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaDecember 30, 2025