Where We Ate in Hawaii: Honest Restaurant Reviews
During our 13-day adventure through Oahu, Kauaʻi, and Maui, we made it a point to experience a variety of restaurants—from world-famous fine dining and beachfront bars to local favorites, breweries, and even shave ice.
One of the questions we're asked most after returning home is, "Where should we eat?" Rather than simply listing restaurant names, we wanted to share our honest experiences at each one. Some became highlights of our trip, while others were simply good places to grab a meal between adventures.
As always, these are our personal opinions based on our experience. We hope they help you decide where to spend your vacation dining budget.
🏝️ Oahu
Royal Hawaiian Bakery
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: The Royal Hawaiian Resort – Waikīkī
Why We Went
Staying at The Royal Hawaiian meant the bakery was just steps from our room, making it an easy choice each morning before heading out to explore Oahu.
Our Experience
Every morning, there was a line.
After trying it ourselves, we completely understood why.
The coffee was excellent, the pastries were fresh, and everything we tried was delicious. It became our favorite breakfast stop during our stay at The Royal Hawaiian.
Sometimes the best vacation breakfasts are also the simplest. Grabbing coffee and a pastry before walking onto Waikīkī Beach was the perfect way to begin each day.
Would We Return?
Absolutely. We'd happily start every morning here on a future visit.
Mai Tai Bar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: The Royal Hawaiian Resort – Waikīkī
Why We Went
After checking into the hotel, we wanted lunch without leaving the resort, and had researched the hotel options ahead of time, so we knew we wanted to experience the Mai Tai Bar at some point on the trip.
Our Experience
The Mai Tai Bar offers everything you'd hope for in an oceanfront Hawaiian restaurant.
The cocktails were excellent, the food was delicious, and the setting couldn't be much better. Sitting just steps from Waikīkī Beach while enjoying lunch and tropical drinks immediately put us into vacation mode.
The portions were a little smaller than expected, but the quality of the food and the unbeatable atmosphere more than made up for it.
Whether you're staying at The Royal Hawaiian or simply visiting Waikīkī, it's well worth stopping by.
Would We Return?
Without hesitation.
Cheeseburger in Paradise
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
📍 Location: Waikīkī, Oahu
Why We Went
After spending our first afternoon relaxing on Waikīkī Beach, we wanted a casual dinner within walking distance of our hotel.
Our Experience
We ate at Cheeseburger in Paradise on our first night in Oahu, and it was the perfect way to kick off our Hawaii vacation.
Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal, and the portions were generous. The open-air dining area offered beautiful views of the water, creating a relaxed atmosphere while we ate.
The restaurant has a fun, laid-back tiki diner vibe that fits right in with Waikīkī. Since it's open-air, there were birds flying in and out looking for crumbs. It wasn't a big deal for us, but it's something to be aware of if that might bother you.
Would We Return?
Definitely. It was a great casual meal with good food, beautiful views, and a fun island atmosphere.
Cuckoo Coconuts
⭐⭐☆☆☆
📍 Location: Waikīkī, Oahu
Why We Went
We were looking for a lively dinner with live music after spending the day at Pearl Harbor.
Our Experience
Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to our expectations.
The food was okay, but nothing memorable. Out of our group of five, two people didn't enjoy their meals, and the rest of us thought everything was fairly average. The drinks were decent, but again, nothing really stood out.
We were excited about the live music, but if I'm being honest, the band just wasn't our style, and it was so loud that we couldn't carry on a conversation without raising our voices.
The biggest positive was the staff.
There were only two servers and one bartender working, and they were absolutely hustling. By the time we finished dinner, the restaurant was packed, and it was obvious the staff was doing everything they could to keep up.
Unfortunately, being so short-staffed also affected the experience. After finishing our meal, we waited nearly twenty minutes just to receive our check.
Would We Return?
Probably not.
The hardworking staff deserved more support, but between the average food, loud atmosphere, and long wait to pay, this wasn't one of our favorite dining experiences in Hawaii.
🌴 Kauaʻi
Lava Lava Beach Club
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi
Why We Went
Since our vacation rental wasn't ready for check-in yet, we researched lunch spots ahead of time and decided Lava Lava Beach Club would be the perfect place to begin our Kauaʻi adventure.
Our Experience
It absolutely lived up to our expectations.
We sat outside in the shade overlooking the ocean while enjoying one of the best lunches of our trip.
One of our favorite parts was watching Kauaʻi's famous wild roosters wandering around the tables. It definitely added to the fun, laid-back island atmosphere.
The food was a 10/10.
Everything we ordered was delicious, and the service was friendly and attentive throughout our meal.
Would We Return?
Without hesitation.
If you're looking for the perfect first meal after arriving on Kauaʻi, we highly recommend Lava Lava Beach Club.
Happy Talk Lounge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Princeville, Kauaʻi
Why We Went
Since we were staying in Princeville, Happy Talk Lounge was an easy choice for our first dinner on Kauaʻi.
Our Experience
We unfortunately got there when it was dark outside, so we couldn't see the beautiful views. However, the live music created the perfect Hawaiian atmosphere, and the food was excellent.
After a day of traveling and exploring Turtle Cave, it was exactly the relaxing evening we were hoping for.
Everything about the restaurant felt welcoming, and it was a wonderful introduction to Kauaʻi's North Shore.
Would We Return?
Absolutely.
We'd happily return on our next visit for the food and atmosphere, and hopefully, then we will get to see the beautiful scenery.
Kauaʻi Beer Company
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
📍 Location: Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
Why We Went
We stopped here before our Nā Pali Coast Sunset Cruise since it's conveniently located directly across the street from the harbor.
Our Experience
Because we knew dinner would be served on our cruise, we kept things simple by sharing an appetizer and enjoying a couple of drinks.
Both were very good, and the service was friendly and efficient, which we appreciated since we were on a schedule.
One thing worth noting is that indoor seating is somewhat limited. There is plenty of outdoor seating, but it was fairly windy during our visit. Since we were only there for a quick bite, it wasn't an issue for us.
Would We Return?
Absolutely.
Its convenient location alone makes it an excellent stop before heading out on a Nā Pali Coast boat tour.
Tahiti Nui
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
📍 Location: Hanalei, Kauaʻi
Why We Went
After our Wailua River kayaking adventure, we wanted a relaxing dinner with live music.
Our Experience
This restaurant came very close to being one of our favorites.
The live band was fantastic and created a fun, laid-back atmosphere that made for a memorable evening. The food and drinks were both excellent, and we were genuinely impressed with everything we ordered.
Unfortunately, the service didn't match the rest of the experience.
Our server came across as though she was having a terrible day and taking it out on our table. Several interactions felt unnecessarily abrupt, and my stepmom's meal arrived 10–15 minutes after everyone else's. After finally leaving the kitchen with her plate, our server stopped to chat with another guest before bringing it to our table.
It was disappointing because everything else about the evening was outstanding.
Would We Return?
Yes.
The food, drinks, and live music were excellent. We'd simply hope for a better service experience next time.
Bubba Burgers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
📍 Location: Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi
Why We Went
Before catching our flight to Maui, we wanted one last casual lunch to wrap up our time on Kauaʻi.
Our Experience
Sometimes the simplest meals become some of the most memorable.
Bubba Burgers was exactly what we were looking for—great burgers, quick service, and an easy stop before heading to the airport.
It wasn't fancy, but it didn't need to be.
It was simply a satisfying meal that ended our Kauaʻi adventure on a high note.
Would We Return?
Definitely.
It's a great choice if you're looking for a quick, delicious burger while exploring the island.
🌺 Maui
Manoli's Pizza Company
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
📍 Location: Wailea, Maui
Why We Went
After settling into our condo, we wanted an easy dinner close by.
Our Experience
Overall, Manoli's Pizza was a good meal, but it didn't quite stand out compared to many of the other restaurants we visited throughout Hawaii.
The service was friendly, our food arrived quickly, and everything tasted good.
We had made reservations ahead of time, although during our visit, the restaurant was fairly empty, so they weren't necessary.
Because we visited after sunset, we unfortunately missed what I'm sure are beautiful daytime views.
Would We Return?
Probably not.
The pizza was good, but with so many excellent restaurants on Maui, we'd likely try somewhere new next time.
Mama's Fish House ⭐ Windows of Travel Favorite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Paia, Maui
Why We Went
Mama's Fish House was at the top of our restaurant list before we ever boarded the plane to Hawaii.
Scott actually made our reservation nearly six months in advance because he knew how difficult it can be to get a table. We scheduled our reservation for 7:15 p.m., which ended up being the perfect time to enjoy both the sunset and the cool evening ocean breeze.
Our Experience
From the moment we arrived, it was obvious why Mama's Fish House has earned such an incredible reputation.
Everything about the evening felt special.
The atmosphere was breathtaking, the service was impeccable, and every course exceeded our expectations. The seafood was unbelievably fresh, the drinks were excellent, and the Polynesian Black Pearl dessert was one of the best desserts we've ever had.
The service deserves special recognition.
Our water glasses were never empty, plates were cleared promptly between courses, and the staff found the perfect balance between being attentive while still allowing us to enjoy the evening at our own pace.
A special thank you goes to our server, Dominic, who was friendly, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He answered our questions, offered recommendations, and shared information about the menu that made the entire experience even more memorable.
This wasn't simply dinner.
It was an experience.
Would We Return?
Without hesitation.
Mama's Fish House absolutely lived up to every bit of the hype and is a restaurant we'll make a point to visit every time we return to Maui.
Da Kine Shave Ice
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kihei, Maui
Why We Went
After trying Hawaiian shave ice on Oahu, we knew we wanted to find another great spot while visiting Maui.
Da Kine had excellent Google reviews, so we decided to give it a try.
Our Experience
It turned out to be the perfect rainy-day stop.
Having indoor seating was a huge bonus while waiting for the weather to pass.
Our group of five all ordered different flavor combinations, and every single one of us loved what we ordered.
If we can offer one recommendation...
Always add the ice cream and snow cap!
The macadamia nut ice cream was especially delicious and took an already amazing dessert to another level.
Would We Return?
Absolutely.
It's a must-stop whenever we're back in Maui.
Maui Brewing Company
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kihei, Maui
Why We Went
Maui Brewing Company had been on our must-visit list long before our trip.
Our Experience
It completely lived up to our expectations.
Although we sat inside, the atmosphere was lively with live music and an impressive keg wall that immediately caught our attention.
The food was excellent, and the beer flight was a great way to sample several of Maui Brewing Company's most popular brews.
One unexpected guest made the evening even more memorable...
The resident cat!
It wandered through the restaurant checking out everyone's food and quickly became part of the entertainment. Thankfully, it was friendly and easy to shoo away once our meals arrived.
Would We Return?
Without question.
Great food, excellent beer, live music, and a fun atmosphere made this one of our favorite casual dinners in Maui.
South Shore Tiki Lounge
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kihei, Maui
Why We Went
We actually discovered South Shore Tiki Lounge while shopping for souvenirs and decided to stop in on a whim.
We're so glad we did.
Our Experience
The live music immediately created a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and despite the kitchen being out of several menu items, our server handled everything professionally and helped us find great alternatives.
It ended up becoming one of our favorite unexpected discoveries in Maui.
Would We Return?
Absolutely.
This is exactly the kind of local place we love finding while traveling.
Moose McGillycuddy's
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kihei, Maui
Why We Went
Moose McGillycuddy's was already on our list before arriving in Hawaii thanks to several great reviews we'd read online.
Our Experience
It definitely didn't disappoint.
The restaurant overlooks the beach, giving us beautiful ocean views during dinner. We even stepped outside for a few sunset photos before returning to finish our meal.
The food and drinks were both excellent, and arriving during Happy Hour made everything even better.
The highlight of the evening, though?
BINGO!
We specifically planned our visit around bingo night, thinking it would add something fun to dinner.
It absolutely did.
I even managed to win a game!
Would We Return?
Definitely.
Between the beach views, Happy Hour, great food, and bingo, this ended up being one of the most entertaining dinners of our trip.
Fred's Mexican Cafe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Location: Kihei, Maui
Why We Went
We first noticed Fred's while eating upstairs at Moose McGillycuddy's and decided it would be the perfect place for lunch before heading to the airport.
Our Experience
As luck would have it...
We visited on Taco Tuesday!
Most of our group ordered tacos, and they were excellent. The chips and salsa were also delicious.
One thing worth mentioning is that additional baskets of chips and salsa cost extra. Considering the prime beachfront location, we completely understand why the restaurant has that policy.
The service was friendly and efficient, and combined with the beautiful views, it made for a relaxing final meal before flying home.
Would We Return?
Absolutely.
It was the perfect way to end our Hawaii vacation.
Windows of Travel Favorites
🏆 Favorite Restaurant: Mama's Fish House
🌅 Best Oceanfront Dining: Mama's Fish House
🍹 Best Drinks: Lava Lava Beach Club
🎶 Best Live Music: Maui Brewing Company
🌴 Best Atmosphere: Lava Lava Beach Club
🍧 Best Sweet Treat: Da Kine Shave Ice (Get the macadamia nut ice cream and snow cap!)
🍔 Best Casual Meal: Moose McGuillycuddy's
💡 Windows of Travel Tips
- Reserve popular restaurants as early as possible. We booked Mama's Fish House nearly six months in advance, and we're glad we did.
- Plan your meals around your excursions. Restaurants like Kauaʻi Beer Company were perfect before our Nā Pali Coast cruise.
- If you're trying Hawaiian shave ice for the first time, trust us—add the ice cream and snow cap.
- Don't be afraid to try somewhere you stumble upon while exploring. South Shore Tiki Lounge ended up becoming one of our favorite discoveries of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, we were genuinely impressed by the variety of dining experiences Hawaii had to offer.
Some meals were memorable because of the food, others because of the atmosphere, and a few because of the incredible people who made the experience special.
If we had to choose just one restaurant to recommend, Mama's Fish House would easily take the top spot. But honestly, some of our favorite memories came from the more casual places—sharing burgers after a day at the beach, enjoying live music in a local bar, or cooling off with shave ice after exploring the island.
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering places you never knew existed, and Hawaii gave us plenty of those moments.
We hope these reviews help you find a few favorites of your own.
Continue Planning Your Hawaii Trip
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