Eat Where the Locals Eat in Hawaii

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 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?