13th December 2016
Hawaiians love their ‘Kau Kau’ (food), and there is an abundance of choice throughout Oahu and the islands. Fresh, local and creative is the order of the day, every day, regardless of whether you are seeking classy fine dining or authentic aloha street food.
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Photo: Roy's Waikiki
Roy's Waikiki
Inspired by his Japanese mother and Maui-born father, founding chef Roy Yamaguchi now presides over a chain of 31 restaurants around the globe. Roy's Euro-Asian feature establishment in Honolulu draws heavily on local ingredients, European sauces and bold Asian spices with a focus on fresh seafood. Roy's Waikiki opened in 2007, but the mothership is the original Hawaii Kai restaurant, where it all began 25 years ago.
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Photo: Top of Waikiki
Top of Waikiki
Welcome to Hawaii's only revolving restaurant, where Executive Chef Lance Kosaka brings you the best in contemporary Hawaii Regional Cuisine dished up against the best views in town. Try their Blue Crab Cakes, Over the Top Surf and Turf for Two or Molten Chocolate Butter Cake. The Happy Hour Menu boasts sunset specials between 5 - 9:30 pm at the bar, where you can enjoy your Kalbi Beef Tacos with an incredible cocktail, such as the veggie/berry/vodka sensation Beyond Paradise.
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Photo: Morimoto Waikiki
Morimoto Waikiki
You can’t leave Hawaii without sampling some of the famous sushi created by the island’s long-established Japanese community. Experts and regular foodies alike rate the American Iron Chef’s restaurant, Morimoto Waikiki, as one of the best Japanese fusion eateries in Hawaii, with the outstanding sushi selection high in quality and presentation. For those after stunning sashimi with a good dose of glamour, this is the place.
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Photo: Eat the Street Hawaii
Eat The Street
Celebrate Hawaii's street food with over 40 food trucks and vendors pulling out all the stops on the last Friday of every month. Betwen 5:00pm to 10:00pm at Makers & Tasters Honolulu (the old Fisherman's Wharf) you can sample a fabulous range of authentic dishes in a casual setting. The event attracts thousands of people, who are eager to sample the best street food Hawaii has to offer.
There are also a variety of food trucks at Makers & Tasters every day, a rotating appetiser for the big, monthly event.
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Photo: Duke's Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Duke’s at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Also in Waikiki, where the legend Duke Kahanamoku grew up swimming, surfing, canoeing and bodysurfing, you’ll find Duke’s Waikiki, set right on the beach at the Outrigger Resort. Duke’s is a Waikiki institution, with a trending atmosphere and an endearingly cheesy menu. It’s a comfort food extravaganza with grilled meats, burgers, fresh fish and outrageous dessert cocktails - think Blueberry Cheesecake in a martini glass.
Say Aloha to More Travel Inspiration:
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Photo: Kaka'ako Kitchen
Kaka’ako Kitchen
In Honolulu’s Ward Center, you’ll find Chef Russell Siu’s Kaka’ako Kitchen, where the daily 'Plate Lunch' gives this traditional plate of meat, rice and macaroni salad a gourmet makeover. Look forward to home-style concoctions of local produce served up in generous portions. Sure, it has a simplistic feel, yet this fresh ‘n’ clean eatery serves a wicked fried rice breakfast, and a 5-star bread and vanilla pudding for dessert.
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Photo: Shirokiya Japan Village Walk
Shirokiya Food Hall
If you’re out and about, the Shirokaya Food Hall in the Ala Moana Center is worth a flying visit if purely for its breadth of selection and the overall visitor experience. The Shirokiya Department store located in the big shopping centre offers two levels of food halls, each with an abundance of sushi, bento boxes and the full gamut of delectable Japanese treats at affordable prices. This is one serious Japanese food emporium.
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Photo: Getty Images
KCC Farmers' Market
Tip: Don’t miss Honolulu’s premiere farmers’ market each Tuesday and Saturday at Kapiolani Community College, the only market featuring all Hawaii grown and produced foods. Get in early to enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast from a different vendor every week. You’ll also find delicious fresh scones and other baked items to have with a cup of Hawaiin grown coffee.
