This year I took a three week trip to the Hawaiian Islands, visiting Maui, Kauai and Oahu. On the trip we ate at over 28 different restaurants, cafes, juice stands, supermarkets and ice cream bars. I can't give a detailed review of all of them so I decided to compile a list of my top 10 favorites that stood out among the rest!
1) Charley's Restaurant and Saloon, Maui $$-$$$
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Charley's is a fairly inexpensive hotspot for a heart-warming breakfast. It is located in the pretty, little town of Paia on Maui which is always worth a visit and you must never leave without trying their pancakes and french toast! (The regular haunt of various famous celebrities as well...)
2) Donderos, Kauai $$$
The resident Italian restaurant of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, this gem of a place serves the most delicious Italian food outside of Italy. With warming pasta and chocolaty deserts, you can't get better Italian!
3) Dukes, Oahu $$-$$$ Moving onto Oahu now, let's talk about Dukes in Waikiki. Named after the legendary long boarder and Olympic swimmer this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. I particularly enjoyed chowing down on calamari and lobster tails while listening to the music of the evening singers.
4) The Cheesecake Factory, Oahu $$$
Finding good desserts these days is pretty hard. It's rare to stumble upon a new and unique dessert that hasn't been done before so, "when in doubt cheesecake it out" As "cheesy" as it may seem The Cheesecake Factory is actually a pretty good place to go for dessert. You may have to queue for a full on 5 hours before getting in if you want to eat a full course meal but if you just stop off for dessert, expect 5 minutes of pure happiness, gazing at the many slices of cheesecake! Be aware, however, the cheesecake is EXPENSIVE; so consider how many times you really need to get cheesecake before you start buying it every night.
5) Keoki's Paradise, Kauai $$-$$$
Keoki's Paradise served suite similar food to Dukes and it was equally delicious! They have a few music acts playing each night giving the place a really chilled Hawaiian atmosphere. Definitely, worth a visit for a meal or drinks and music.
6) Hanalei Bread Company, Kauai $
A traditional bakery in the famed Hanalei town near Hanalei Bay this place has a real community atmosphere and sells the most delicious bakery products and bread! If you're looking for a fairly cheap lunch option go for a small local bakery over a tourist restaurant.
7) Morimoto, Oahu $$-$$$
Recommended by the concierge at the Royal Hawaiian, this place was epic. From starters to dessert it was INCREDIBLE! There were four of us dining as so we decided to share a variety of different dishes listed below:
Assorted Dim Sum Sampler
Popcorn Shrimp Tempura
Sticky Ribs
Special Roast Duck
Lobster Spring Rolls
Wok Sauteed Chinese Vegetables with Tofu
House Fried Rice
Chocolate Sphere
Doughnuts
The highlights were probably the popcorn shrimp tempura, special roast duck and the doughnuts!
8) The Beach House, Kauai $$$$
Definitely one of the more popular restaurants in the area, but none the less a fantastic place to eat! When eating here try and get a table on the lower deck facing the ocean and do make a reservation as there is rarely a spare table in sight! Overall, my favorite restaurant we went to in Kauai because of the table, service and the food. (Pro Tip: Try the crab crusted island catch, it was the best!)
9) Social Market and Eatery, Los Angeles $$-$$$
After arriving earlier that morning back into LAX after a 5 hour flight from Honolulu we stayed at the LAX Airport Marriott for a couple of hours before heading back to the UK. The pool and room were both great, but what really got Juliana and I excited was the food! One hundred percent the best airport hotel breakfast I have ever eaten. Fresh fruit, cheese-stuffed omelettes and crispy and crumbling pastries. You can't miss it!
10) Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Oahu $
You can't leave the island without grabbing a bite at one of the hundreds of shrimp trucks and roadside stalls on Oahu. We chose Giovanni's after seeing so many great reviews on it. To be honest the shrimp was so good, and the price, very cheap but the line...
...not so much.
There were at least 40+ people crowded around the area trying to get shrimp despite the fact that there were about 7 other food trucks in the same area plus a few down the road. If I was to go again, I would try somewhere else quieter and less touristy.
Okay, travelers that is it for today, but I hope that helped any of you guys who are traveling or wanting to travel to Hawaii. Remember to message me here or on Instagram if you want any specific travel advice. Aloha. A hui hou!