Eat Where the Locals Eat in Hawaii
Posted on Wed, Jun 27, 2007 by Sheila
Big Island Restaurants, Culture & History, Kauai Restaurants, Maui Restaurants, Oahu Restaurants, Saving Money
Hukilau Cafe in Laie
Whenever I go into a restaurant and I can tell that local folks are there, I know I’ve found a great place. Travelocity has just released their list of “Local Secrets, Big Finds: Hawaii“. Though it is not a big list, it is worth taking note of as you make your list of restaurants to try in Hawaii.
On Travelocity’s list of local eateries are:
- Oahu’s Cafe Haleiwa
- Oahu’s Wailoa Shave Ice
- Big Islands’ Waimea Music Exchange
- Big Island’s Makuu Farmers Market (open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Kauai’s Puka Dog Hawaiian-Style Hot Dogs
I’d like to add a few of my own local gems:
- Oahu has dozens of local favorites that I’ve summarized in this article: Where to find local favorite restaurants in Oahu.
- Maui’s Kula Lodge Restaurant – this place is especially great for breakfast after watching sunrise on top of Haleakala. The views here are breathtaking.
- Maui’s Da Kitchen - There are two locations – one in Kihei and one in Kahului.
- Maui’s Aloha Mixed Plate – Lahaina
- Maui’s Kihei Caffe – Kihei
- From my Maui friend, Liza, here’s a list of places locals eat in Kihei Maui
- Kauai’s Best Cheap Eats - list of various restaurants that locals frequent in Kauai as written by a local couple.
- Kauai’s Kalapaki Beach Hut - Lihue
- Kauai’s Joe’s on the Green – Poipu
- Big Island’s Cafe 100- very cheap local eats with generous portions. You won’t go hungry here.
- Big Island’s Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea
- Big Island’s Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae (Kohala Coast) and Hilo
What local favorite Hawaii restaurants have you found and liked?
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I’m sure it’s not really a secret, but I was absolutely smitten with Keo’s Thai Cuisine (2028 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu) for fantastic Thai food, great atmosphere, wonderful service. We were told the owner has his own organic farm on Oahu, where he grows a lot of the ingredients.
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Thanks, Jeanne, for adding your input. I love restaurants that seem to incorporate locally grown organic foods. Sounds fantastic!
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I recently ate at a place called Maui Mike’s in Wahiawa on Oahu and it was pretty good. Seemed to be a popular local spot.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Sheri!
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Kula Lodge is always great – love the views. You can eat breakfast lunch or dinner there, and take a walk in their wonderful herb gardens if it’s still light out when you’re there.
We found a great Thai restaurant in Wailuku last time we were on Maui. I hope it’s still there when we go back in March. If so I’ll post on your blog – I forget the name of it!
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