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
Fusion Cafe has a limited-time burger and beer deal
The cafe — located next to Dada Spa and Salon in Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra — is offering a $20 burger and beer deal during happy hour, which is daily from 3 to 5 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 26, 2026
BirdyGo! offers fried chicken sandwiches in Downtown Honolulu
The new concept from the Bar Leather Apron and MĀZE is located downstairs from Bar Leather Apron in Topa Financial Center. The business is in its soft opening and features fried chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, seasoned fries and cauliflower nuggets.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 26, 2026
Haveli Da Tandoor food truck serves authentic North Indian flavors
The food truck features Punjabi cuisine, including tandoori chicken, wagyu beef samosas and tandoori lamb lollipops. Customers can find the truck at events across Oʻahu, including Ono Grindz & Makeke at Wai Kai, What the Truck?! and at the Village Night Market.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 25, 2026
UBAE opens second location in Pearlridge Center
The business — which stands for “ube before anything else” — just opened in ‘Aiea. Its Pearlridge Center store has several exclusive treats, including ube slushies and ubaegato, or soft serve topped with a shot of hot espresso.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 25, 2026
New from Maui Gold Pineapple Co.: Maui Pineapple Farm
The new brand launched this week, offering value-added products made from Maui Gold pineapples.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2026
Hau Tree launches a refreshed brunch menu
Executive chef Chaz Wilmore and chef de cuisine Denecio Urias recently revamped The Kaimana Beach Hotel restaurant’s brunch menu. Diners can look forward to dishes like shakshuka and naan, an updated avocado toast, fish sandwich and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 24, 2026
Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is now open on Kauaʻi
The new eatery, which celebrated its grand opening on June 22, is located at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e. The restaurant is currently open for breakfast and dinner and features a locally sourced menu that highlights Kauaʻi’s farms and fishing communities.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 24, 2026
Haleiwa Joe’s wins 2026 Kauaʻi Poke Fest
The sixth annual Kauaʻi Poke Fest took place on June 20 at Koloa Landing Resort. Poke entries from more than 20 competing teams were judged by a panel of celebrity chefs. The event featured poke tastings, live hula, and a poke demonstration by chefs Sam Choy and Emeril Lagasse.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 24, 2026
Festivals, a hui hou to Kam Bowl, and cinema: What to do on O’ahu this weekend
Ready to make plans for the weekend? Aloha State Daily can help. From saying a hui hou to Kam Bowl Restaurant, which closes Sunday, to checking out the Pacific Rim Festival or Hawai’i Beer Fest, there are lots of events happening on O’ahu this weekend. Looking to stay cool inside? Sign up for the Hawai’i State Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Katie HellandJune 23, 2026
Red Lobster closes Waikīkī location
The restaurant permanently closed on June 21, a company spokesperson confirmed.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 23, 2026
Brug Bakery is celebrating its 13th anniversary with $3 pastries
The Japanese-style bakery’s popular annual pastry sale is back on Friday, July 3, at all six Brug locations. All pastries will be $3 each on a first-come, first-served basis; limit 12 pastries per customer. Six winners will also win a $130 Brug gift card.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 23, 2026
Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center
The business, which originated in Washington, specializes in handmade xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. Dumplings are folded by hand and are steamed fresh to order; customers can choose from fillings like pork, wagyu beef, truffle and chicken and more. Customers can currently make reservations via Yelp.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 23, 2026
A hui hou, Kalihi's Kam Bowl Restaurant
The Kalihi-based restaurant is closing this Sunday, June 28, at 3 p.m. It’s reopening on July 1 at 10:30 a.m. under new management and a new name — Aliʻi Diner. Kam Bowl Pearl City is set to open in mid-July at Times Square Shopping Center.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 22, 2026
Hala Tree Café is opening in Waikīkī
The business closed its original Kaʻaʻawa store and is soft opening today in Waikīkī. It’s known for serving 100% Kona coffee, and this new location also features an in-house bakery. Hala Tree Café’s grand opening will be on July 1.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 19, 2026
Taormina Sicilian Cuisine launches its summer happy hour
The eatery, known for its authentic Sicilian cuisine, is launching its limited-time summer happy hour on June 19. Happy hour is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily, and features discounted drinks and pūpū — including 50% off the restaurant’s popular truffle carbonara.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 18, 2026
Aloha State Daily joins 94.7 KUMU on new segment, 'Local Flavor Fridays'
Start your Friday off by listening to 94.7 KUMU’s newest segment, "Local Flavor Fridays," featuring ASD’s Food & Dining reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta.
Kady PascualJune 18, 2026
Kamaʻāina can enjoy a 20% dining discount at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
To kick off the summer, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is offering a 20% kamaʻāina discount at Plumeria Beach House and Seaside Grill. The discount can be applied to Plumeria Beach House’s a la carte and buffet menus.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 18, 2026
Linaka’s Catering offers twisted potatoes
The biz is known for its Puerto Rican and Hawaiian food, but the vendor started selling twisted potatoes — or spiral-shaped potatoes — earlier this year. So far, the business’s Ovah Load potato — topped with a secret sauce, sour cream, cheese and bacon bits — has been the most popular one.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 18, 2026
Mercado de la Raza opens second location in Waipahu
This Latin American market is celebrating the grand opening of its second store this Saturday, June 20, in Waipio’s Koa Ridge. The block party will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This second location is bigger than the business’s original store on South Beretania Street.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 17, 2026
Chef Chai is featuring a prime rib special
The Kakaʻako eatery’s prime rib special ran from June 10 to 14, and it was so popular that it’s extended. Customers can take advantage of the four-course meal — which features prime rib as the entrée — from June 17 to 19. A prime rib carving station will also be added to the restaurant’s all-you-can-eat Father’s Day weekend buffet (June 20 and 21).
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 17, 2026
Kouign Amann Day is coming June 20
Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. Patisserie are offering boba-inspired Kouign Amann flavors on this day only from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The specialty flavors include ube cream, black sesame coffee, brown sugar milk tea, peach oolong and more. Preorders are available.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 16, 2026
A staple in the Lahaina community: Māla Ocean Tavern
The restaurant, located on Front Street, officially reopened in February 2024 after closing due to the August 2023 Lahaina fire. Māla Ocean Tavern was the first restaurant to reopen on Front Street following the fires, and continues to serve as a popular spot for brunch and dinner in West Maui.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 16, 2026
James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards happening today
Neale Asato, owner of Asato Family Shop, is the only finalist from Hawai‘i.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 15, 2026
Poke business K. Bay Bros. now has a food truck
K Bay Bros On the Go started about two weeks ago. The business is popping up around Oʻahu; its schedule for the week will be posted on Instagram.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 15, 2026
Where to celebrate Father’s Day 2026 – part 2
Whether you’re looking to dine-in or celebrate Father’s Day at home, we’ve got you covered. This guide also contains some local fare on Maui.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 13, 2026
Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening its third store in ‘Āina Haina
The new store — located in ‘Āina Haina Shopping Center, in the former space of Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha — will be celebrating its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 12, 2026
Coffee Cruiser offers lattes and stuffed croissants in West Oʻahu
The business sells coffees and matchas out of its 1973 VW bus. The business usually pops up at Laulani Community Park in ‘Ewa Beach, and partners with other local businesses, like Lyman Lattes, to offer baked goods with its beverages.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 11, 2026
Biryani King serves Punjabi-style soul food
The eatery, which recently opened on Sheridan Street, offers a casual cafeteria-style dining experience in which customers can create their own one- or two-choice plates with options like butter chicken, meat biryani, samosas and more.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
Choco leʻa launches summer specials
The Mānoa dessert shop is offering its Hokkaido-style soft serve and popular iced chocolate drink with cold brew coffee on a regular basis for the next few months. The latter is a collaboration with Morning Glass Coffee.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
The Corndog Company of Hawaiʻi offers savory, hand-dipped treats
The Kahuku-based business now pops up at events across Oʻahu. It’s most known for its Epic dog — a one-fourth pound all-beef corndog — that’s coated in sweet and savory, golden-brown batter. The business will be popping up at the Haleʻiwa Arts Festival on June 13 and 14.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
The Well Kailua just launched a new summer menu
The Kailua coffee shop — which opened last September — just started seasonal specials like mango sticky rice matcha lattes and tiramisu lattes. Its summer menu will be available until August.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 10, 2026
Uncles and Aunties: The Logan ʻohana serve up sweet treats
Paul Logan, who grew up in Wahiawā, is having the time of his life as the “Uncle” of Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches, which wholesales its sweet treats to 150 retailers on the Mainland and close to 200 statewide, including Foodland, Whole Foods and ABC stores. His wife, Barbara, helps manage the finances for the business and enjoys sharing about his post-Merchant Marine ventures such as surviving a super typhoon in Saipan with their two-month-old son, renovating a 200-year-old chateau near Verviers, Belgium, and more.
Cheryl Chee TsutsumiJune 10, 2026
House Without a Key launches new Sunday dinner buffet
The Halekulani eatery’s Aha ‘Aina Plantation Pā‘ina is a new Sunday dinner buffet that will run until Sept. 6. It celebrates Hawaiʻi’s diverse cultures, and guests will also have the chance to try the legendary KONG burger, created in partnership with radio icon Kamasami Kong.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 08, 2026
Coco’s Cravings 808 offers sweet and savory Japanese milk breads
While the business is known for its Cocobonz — cinnamon rolls made from Japanese-style milk bread dough — and savory pastries, connection through food continues to be essential for business owner Colleen Bui.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 08, 2026
Big Island Candies and 88 Tees launch second brand collaboration
The limited-edition collaboration features and exclusive gift box, tote bag, T-shirt and stickers. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Big Island Candies x 88 Tees collaboration box from June 5 to 30 will benefit 808 Cleanups.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 05, 2026
Bean on the Green is launching viral dot cake-inspired lattes
The coffee shop and matcha bar, located at Bayview Golf Course in Kāneʻohe, is open Fridays to Sundays. The business — which is open to the public, not only to golfers — is launching its trendy dot cake-inspired lattes and desserts this weekend; they will be available while supplies last.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 05, 2026
Guaiqueri Empanadas offers authentic Venezuelan cuisine
The business, which opened in 2020, can now be found regularly at Plenty of Aloha’s market at the Varsity Building. Customers can look forward to arepas, empanadas, and featured specials that aren’t available at Guaiqueri Empanadas’ pop-up events.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 05, 2026
Where to celebrate Father’s Day 2026 - part 1
Whether you’re looking to dine-in or celebrate at home, we’ve got you covered.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 04, 2026
Tempura Man offers udon and tempura bowls in Kakaʻako
The new business is located at Aloha Mamacita’s takeout window at Waterfront Plaza. The menu features made-to-order tempura bowls and udon; tempura is also available a la carte.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 03, 2026
Corpse flower, Festa Italiana and more: Your guide to the weekend on Oʻahu
Check the status of Foster Botanical Garden’s corpse flower, which is known for its powerful death-like smell that might bloom this week. Think that idea stinks? Then, eat food at a street festival or enjoy live Reggae music. There is also an outdoors expo happening this weekend.
Katie HellandJune 03, 2026
Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop is open in Kailua
The sister business of Cinnamon’s Restaurant offers housemade cookies, specialty drinks like cream sodas, and a rotating selection of soft serve desserts.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 02, 2026
Blanc Nook Café opens in Honolulu
The cozy café recently opened on Waimanu Street; it’s located above Ry’s Poke Shack’s Honolulu location. The space is home to an apparel line and a café, and business owner Momo Sakauye plans to expand the café menu to include more drinks.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 02, 2026
Akira Japanese Restaurant has a new happy hour
The Japanese eatery recently launched a new happy hour menu, available daily from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Popular dishes include sashimi and sushi of the day, yuzu jalapeno hamachi and oysters with ponzu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 02, 2026
CU Hawaiʻi opens third store on Oʻahu
The popular Korean convenience store brand recently opened in Kapahulu. Customers can enjoy popular features like the smoothie machine and Ramyun Library, in addition to slushy machines that are exclusive to this store. To celebrate its Kapahulu opening, CU Hawaiʻi is giving away tickets to BTS World Tour Arirang until June 4.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 02, 2026
What to expect at Kaua‘i Poke Fest
The sixth annual culinary event is set for June 19 and 20 at Kōloa Landing Resort at Poʻipū, Autograph Collection.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 02, 2026
Budget Bites: $4 hand roll deal in Honolulu
Osoyami Bar & Grill features sports bar fare like burgers, fries and mozzarella sticks, but it’s also a hidden gem for sushi. The eatery launched a new deal, which features $4 hand rolls available every night except on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJune 01, 2026
Okome Ten-don & Poke now offers Korean fried chicken
The Kakaʻako eatery, known for its tempura and poke bowls, opened last December. The business recently expanded its menu to include Korean-style fried chicken, kalbi and tteokbokki.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 29, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines moving to pre-paid meals in main cabin for most Mainland flights
Travelers will be able to pre-order from a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon starting July 1.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 29, 2026
Goofy Café & Dine opens second location
This popular brunch spot — whose original location is near Hilton Hawaiian Village — opened a second location at The Twin Fin Hotel. This new location features brunch, lunch, happy hour and an expanded dinner menu. The café’s grand opening is Friday, May 29.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 28, 2026
Hawaiʻi Food and Wine Festival announces line-up
The festival features renowned chefs across three Islands this year. Learn about the 11 events the festival announced on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.
Katie HellandMay 27, 2026
Everest Grill offers Indian and Nepali cuisine in Windward Oʻahu
The eatery, located in the former space of Kogi Aina in Kāneʻohe, opened earlier this year. Customers can enjoy a variety of popular Indian dishes, ranging from chicken momo and vegetable samosas to biryani and tandoor specialties.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 27, 2026
The Sweet Stand is a new bake stand in Kapolei
Business owner Ivy-Ann Fernandez, who originally opened home café Midori Matcha last year, decided to pivot and start a walk-up bake stand. Customers can enjoy a rotating selection of baked goods — ranging from cinnamon rolls and banana bread loaves to focaccia bread — and look forward to matcha and coffee bottled lattes in the future.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 27, 2026
Luna’s Tex-Mex Cantina is open in Ward Village
The restaurant opened about a week ago and is still in its soft opening phase. Customers can expect dishes like ceviche, housemade tortilla chips and guac, elotes, steak and chicken fajitas, and Baja fish tacos. The eatery is planning to extend its hours to include lunch service.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 27, 2026
Laughs, science and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Already dreaming of the weekend after three days off? Aloha State Daily can help you make plans for Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31. From a women in rap party in Waikīkī to stand-up comedy in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening this weekend on Oʻahu.
Katie HellandMay 27, 2026
Chart House Waikīkī has a new late-night menu
The eatery’s new late-night menu is served nightly from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the bar for dine-in only. Customers can enjoy plate lunch-style entrees like Hawaiian chopped steak and boneless prime barbecue short ribs.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 26, 2026
The Surfing Pig has a hidden speakeasy
The Kaimukī eatery is also home to an “if you know, you know” speakeasy, which opened last fall. Customers must call the restaurant to make reservations for the speakeasy.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 26, 2026
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues Mainland expansion
The Hawai‘i-based restaurant chain has recently opened new locations in Washington and California.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 25, 2026
KCC’s summer culinary cohorts to get cooking
Kapiʻolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific, in partnership with Culinary Institute of America, is offering two culinary training programs at no cost for high school students and culinary professionals in June. The deadline to apply is through Friday, May 29.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMay 23, 2026
This Italian eatery has a new ‘land and sea’ themed menu
Botanico Waikīkī, which opened last fall, recently launched a new dinner menu. It highlights premium ingredients from the earth and ocean. Customers can enjoy dishes ranging from an anchovy and mentaiko potato salad and crab cream linguine to a crispy swordfish cutlet.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 22, 2026
Budget Bites: $13 poke bowls at Noods Ramen Bar Hawaiʻi Kai
These poke bowls are only available at the ramen business’s East Oʻahu store. Choose from spicy ‘ahi, hurricane, ginger scallion and spicy garlic crunch.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMay 22, 2026