We all know you should never judge a book by its cover, but the same rule applies when it comes to judging a restaurant’s food by simply looking at the building’s appearance. Whether an eatery features cramped seating, a hard-to-find location, cheap food, a dated storefront, or prefers to serve their food out of a truck, these 10 hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Hawaii are well-known for their incredible food – and perhaps less than luxurious settings. If these 10 eateries aren’t enough, check out the additional list we wrote.
- Ethel’s Grill, Honolulu
Ryan O./Yelp
Jennifer Y./Yelp This cash-only Kalihi eatery may not look impressive, but the constant lines out the door will entice you, and homestyle Asian cuisine will keep you coming back for more. To learn more about Ethel’s, head to this post.
- 808 Grindz Café, Lahaina and Kona
808 Grindz Café/Facebook
808 Grindz Café/Facebook Serving up everything from local fried rice just like your momma makes to loco moco, steaks and simple breakfast food, 808 Grindz Café is a local favorite. Read more about why locals love 808 Grindz Café here.
- Koloa Fish Market, Koloa
Tyson G./Yelp
Alle Z./Yelp This family owned counter-service eatery serves up the best Hawaiian and American plate lunches – to be enjoyed on a nearby beach, since there are no seats here. Learn more about Koloa Fish Market in this article.
- Honokowai Okazuya & Deli, Honokowai
Honokowai Okazuya Deli/Facebook
Honokowai Okazuya Deli/Facebook This lunch and dinner spot may be located in a strip mall, but it is considered to be one of the best local restaurants in Hawaii and certainly Maui’s greatest eatery for take-out. For more information on this hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Hawaii, visit the Facebook page.
- Kaaloa’s Super J’s, Captain Cook
Julina O./Yelp
Joy L./Yelp Often recognized as being as local as you can get, this Captain Cook eatery serves up delicious, authentic Hawaiian food in a no-frills atmosphere. Visit the Kaaloa’s Super J’s Facebook page for more information.
- Ono Seafood, Honolulu
Ann S./Yelp
Mike R./Yelp Rumor has it that the best poke in Honolulu comes from Ono Seafood, but don’t take our word for it. The seafood is fresh, and the poke is made-to-order instead of sitting all afternoon in a big container. To learn more about Ono Seafood, read this post.
- Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona
Meghan M./Yelp
Kent D./Yelp This seaside eatery is nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads - and was once considered the best restaurant in America, according to Yelp. Click here to learn more about Da Poke Shack.
- 808 Deli, Kihei
Arlene S./Yelp
Cheryl C./Yelp Offering local and fresh sandwiches with some creative pairings, this shop was voted the “Best Sandwiches in Maui” by Maui Time Weekly four years in a row. Head to the 808 Deli website for more menu and location.
- Palace Saimin, Honolulu
Malia H./Yelp
Malia H./Yelp Who doesn’t love a good Japanese noodle dish with a Hawaiian twist? This Honolulu eatery may look inconspicuous, but their amazing food will have you hooked. Visit the Palace Saimin Facebook page for more information.
- Tiki Tacos, Kapa’a
Carissa J./Yelp
Welying K./Yelp This casual taqueria serves up some incredible organic + vegan Mexican cuisine, with a Hawaiian flare, of course. Visit the Tiki Tacos webpage for hours of operation.
What are your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Hawaii? Please share in the comments on our Only In Hawaii Facebook page.
Ryan O./Yelp
Jennifer Y./Yelp
This cash-only Kalihi eatery may not look impressive, but the constant lines out the door will entice you, and homestyle Asian cuisine will keep you coming back for more. To learn more about Ethel’s, head to this post.
808 Grindz Café/Facebook
Serving up everything from local fried rice just like your momma makes to loco moco, steaks and simple breakfast food, 808 Grindz Café is a local favorite. Read more about why locals love 808 Grindz Café here.
Tyson G./Yelp
Alle Z./Yelp
This family owned counter-service eatery serves up the best Hawaiian and American plate lunches – to be enjoyed on a nearby beach, since there are no seats here. Learn more about Koloa Fish Market in this article.
Honokowai Okazuya Deli/Facebook
This lunch and dinner spot may be located in a strip mall, but it is considered to be one of the best local restaurants in Hawaii and certainly Maui’s greatest eatery for take-out. For more information on this hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Hawaii, visit the Facebook page.
Julina O./Yelp
Joy L./Yelp
Often recognized as being as local as you can get, this Captain Cook eatery serves up delicious, authentic Hawaiian food in a no-frills atmosphere. Visit the Kaaloa’s Super J’s Facebook page for more information.
Ann S./Yelp
Mike R./Yelp
Rumor has it that the best poke in Honolulu comes from Ono Seafood, but don’t take our word for it. The seafood is fresh, and the poke is made-to-order instead of sitting all afternoon in a big container. To learn more about Ono Seafood, read this post.
Meghan M./Yelp
Kent D./Yelp
This seaside eatery is nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads - and was once considered the best restaurant in America, according to Yelp. Click here to learn more about Da Poke Shack.
Arlene S./Yelp
Cheryl C./Yelp
Offering local and fresh sandwiches with some creative pairings, this shop was voted the “Best Sandwiches in Maui” by Maui Time Weekly four years in a row. Head to the 808 Deli website for more menu and location.
Malia H./Yelp
Malia H./Yelp
Who doesn’t love a good Japanese noodle dish with a Hawaiian twist? This Honolulu eatery may look inconspicuous, but their amazing food will have you hooked. Visit the Palace Saimin Facebook page for more information.
Carissa J./Yelp
Welying K./Yelp
This casual taqueria serves up some incredible organic + vegan Mexican cuisine, with a Hawaiian flare, of course. Visit the Tiki Tacos webpage for hours of operation.
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Address: 232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819, USAAddress: 843 Waine’e St, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAAddress: 75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USAAddress: 5482 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USAAddress: 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761, USAAddress: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USAAddress: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USAAddress: 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USAAddress: 2511 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753, USAAddress: 1256 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USAAddress: 4-971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Hawaii March 29, 2021 Melissa Mahoney What are the most popular foods in Hawaii? Several dishes make the Hawaiian food scene what it is and they are the items visitors love ordering when they come to the islands. Manapuai, a handheld bun filled with sweet pork, is a tasty takeaway-style snack, available at most Chinese restaurants here in Hawaii. Poke, a raw fish salad featuring cubed marinated ahi, is so popular you can find it now throughout the U.S. just like shave ice. Speaking of shave ice, there’s simply nothing better than ice mixed with fruity syrup to cool off on a hot and humid day. Another Hawaiian specialty, Spam musubi, is a perfect combination of spam and sushi and can be found just about everywhere you go in the state. And if you’ve ever wondered how Spam became so popular in Hawaii, you can click here to read all about it! Where can I find the best local food in Hawaii? One of the best places you can find poke in Hawaii is on Honolulu at Kahiau Poke & Provisions. This eatery also sells beef jerky and is popular with the locals, so you know it’s good! If you enjoy shave ice, there’s a place in Hanalei called Wishing Well Shave Ice that makes its own syrups out of fresh, locally sourced fruit. Any of the four locations of Musubi Cafe Iyasume is where you’ll find some of the tastiest musubi around. Here you can choose from the classic spam or go for a more exotic combination like egg, cucumber, and spam or shrimp, avocado, and spam. Delicious! Where are the most unique restaurants in Hawaii? Located in downtown Honolulu is the Floating Pagoda restaurant complete with panoramic views of the koi pond that surrounds it. The lush landscape can be explored with a series of pathways, but the scenery isn’t the only reason why people flock to this eatery. It’s also known for its delicious buffet. Another unique locale is Rays on the Bay located in the Sheraton Resort in Kona where you can watch manta rays swimming around as you dine on fresh island-caught seafood.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hole In The Wall Restaurants In Hawaii
March 29, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are the most popular foods in Hawaii? Several dishes make the Hawaiian food scene what it is and they are the items visitors love ordering when they come to the islands. Manapuai, a handheld bun filled with sweet pork, is a tasty takeaway-style snack, available at most Chinese restaurants here in Hawaii. Poke, a raw fish salad featuring cubed marinated ahi, is so popular you can find it now throughout the U.S. just like shave ice. Speaking of shave ice, there’s simply nothing better than ice mixed with fruity syrup to cool off on a hot and humid day. Another Hawaiian specialty, Spam musubi, is a perfect combination of spam and sushi and can be found just about everywhere you go in the state. And if you’ve ever wondered how Spam became so popular in Hawaii, you can click here to read all about it! Where can I find the best local food in Hawaii? One of the best places you can find poke in Hawaii is on Honolulu at Kahiau Poke & Provisions. This eatery also sells beef jerky and is popular with the locals, so you know it’s good! If you enjoy shave ice, there’s a place in Hanalei called Wishing Well Shave Ice that makes its own syrups out of fresh, locally sourced fruit. Any of the four locations of Musubi Cafe Iyasume is where you’ll find some of the tastiest musubi around. Here you can choose from the classic spam or go for a more exotic combination like egg, cucumber, and spam or shrimp, avocado, and spam. Delicious! Where are the most unique restaurants in Hawaii? Located in downtown Honolulu is the Floating Pagoda restaurant complete with panoramic views of the koi pond that surrounds it. The lush landscape can be explored with a series of pathways, but the scenery isn’t the only reason why people flock to this eatery. It’s also known for its delicious buffet. Another unique locale is Rays on the Bay located in the Sheraton Resort in Kona where you can watch manta rays swimming around as you dine on fresh island-caught seafood.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Several dishes make the Hawaiian food scene what it is and they are the items visitors love ordering when they come to the islands. Manapuai, a handheld bun filled with sweet pork, is a tasty takeaway-style snack, available at most Chinese restaurants here in Hawaii. Poke, a raw fish salad featuring cubed marinated ahi, is so popular you can find it now throughout the U.S. just like shave ice. Speaking of shave ice, there’s simply nothing better than ice mixed with fruity syrup to cool off on a hot and humid day. Another Hawaiian specialty, Spam musubi, is a perfect combination of spam and sushi and can be found just about everywhere you go in the state. And if you’ve ever wondered how Spam became so popular in Hawaii, you can click here to read all about it!
Where can I find the best local food in Hawaii?
One of the best places you can find poke in Hawaii is on Honolulu at Kahiau Poke & Provisions. This eatery also sells beef jerky and is popular with the locals, so you know it’s good! If you enjoy shave ice, there’s a place in Hanalei called Wishing Well Shave Ice that makes its own syrups out of fresh, locally sourced fruit. Any of the four locations of Musubi Cafe Iyasume is where you’ll find some of the tastiest musubi around. Here you can choose from the classic spam or go for a more exotic combination like egg, cucumber, and spam or shrimp, avocado, and spam. Delicious!
Where are the most unique restaurants in Hawaii?
Located in downtown Honolulu is the Floating Pagoda restaurant complete with panoramic views of the koi pond that surrounds it. The lush landscape can be explored with a series of pathways, but the scenery isn’t the only reason why people flock to this eatery. It’s also known for its delicious buffet. Another unique locale is Rays on the Bay located in the Sheraton Resort in Kona where you can watch manta rays swimming around as you dine on fresh island-caught seafood.
