The Best Places to Eat in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are home to world-class dining – perfect for after your elopement, during your honeymoon, or any time in between as you visit Hawaii for your elopement or wedding!
I’ve broken down some of my favorite spots I love to recommend to couples. You will find something for everyone here: from restaurants where you can hold a reception for your intimate Hawaii wedding, to little hole-in-the-wall breakfast joints.
Let’s dive in to the best places to grab a bite in Hawaii – island by island!
BEST PLACES TO EAT ON THE BIG ISLAND/HAWAI’I
If you’re hosting a larger group, perhaps after your intimate wedding in Hawaii, Papa Kona in Kona is a great choice. Fun fact: this spot also doubles as a wedding venue!
A smaller wedding group can be accommodated at Brown’s Beach House in Waimea for farm to table food in a beautiful place.
Also in Waimea is Forc, which stands for Farmer, Ocean, Rancher, Cook. Elope in Hawaii and then have a yummy meal at Forc, because this restaurant can also be used as a reception venue.
Merriman’s is the go-to place for sustainability and yummy island flavors. You’ll want to make a reservation in advance, and soak up the beauty of Waimea from this picturesque restaurant.
If you’re eloping near Hilo, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of classic Hawaiian poke from Bite The Eye food truck. Fresh catch Hawaiian style food…what could be better to snack on after your Hawaiian elopement?!
Staying in Kona or Waikoloa? Ulu Ocean Grill is located about halfway between these two towns, inside the Four Seasons Resort. This is a great choice for an intimate dinner for you and your partner after your elopement or wedding.
Waikoloa is also home to Canoe House, another restaurant within a resort. Resort restaurants make planning your Hawaii trip so much easier – have a delicious meal right where you’ll be staying!
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MAUI
There are so many choices when it comes to amazing food on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Nuka is an elegant izakaya style sushi restaurant in the quaint town of Haiku. Insider tip: you’ll want to head to this Japanese restaurant early on the weekends.
If you’re craving Italian food in Maui, Sale Pepe in Lahaina has you covered. Pastas and pizza…after-elopement pizza party?! Yes please!
Nutcharee’s Thai Food has some of the most authentic Thai food on the south shore of Maui: in Kihei, to be exact.
Maybe you’re thinking: “we are eloping in Hawaii to experience all of what Hawaii has to offer!”, and to that, my friends, I would recommend Paia Fish Market in Paia (and other locations!) for some of the freshest fish in the Hawaiian Islands.
Still seeking seafood? Mama’s Fish House is also in Paia. It’s right by the water and has great ambience – this is a really popular place in Maui!
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU
Oahu has the biggest food truck culture out of all the Hawaiian Islands. The north shore of Oahu has a ton of food trucks, a lot of which are really good!
Panda’s Thai Food Truck is one of my favorite food trucks on the north shore in Haleiwa. You can order ahead and have your food ready to go once you’re finished exchanging your vows.
Seven Brothers is a laidback burger joint that you can head to after your Hawaiian wedding. This classic American restaurant is located in Kahuku.
Honolulu is Oahu’s biggest city, and boasts the best Asian fusion restaurant in the form of Lucky Belly.
The Pig and The Lady delivers in terms of delectable Vietnamese flavors in Honolulu! You can dine-in, or do takeout or delivery.
Yummy poke can be found on every Hawaiian Island, and Oahu is no exception – thanks to The Hibachi in the town of Kailua. Elope near Kualoa Ranch and then have a poke lunch!
For more formal dining, and a beautiful dinner after your sunset ceremony, I would recommend Merriman’s Honolulu or The Original Roys – Hawaii Kai, a high-end chain serving chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting. Michel’s is also a wonderful option, providing elegant, classic French cuisine with beach or city views.
For dessert, grabbing some malasadas at Leonard’s Bakery is a MUST while you are in Oahu. A malasada is a Portuguese doughnut without a hole and they are to die for! My favorite is the haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding) filled malasada, but they are all delicious, and my favorite malasadas across all of the islands. They have two locations, their flagship store in town, and a food truck near Hawaii Kai.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KAUAI
Kauai is such a charming place, but it will require more planning ahead because it’s the sleepiest of the islands – definitely on “island time”!
Bar Acuda has such a cute name, and amazing food to match. Located in Hanalei, they serve tapas and cocktails. Be aware that this spot is closed on both Sundays and Mondays.
Another place in Hanalei is the charming Postcards restaurant. They have a lot of vegan and vegetarian options as well!
For wine connoisseurs, let me introduce you to Palate Wine Bar in Kilauea. Happy hour, flatbread pizza, and charcuterie boards are on the menu for your post-elopement meal!
In Kapa’a, I recommend Fish Bar Deli for delectable sea food, and Lava Lava Beach Club if you want oceanside vibes with live music and lawn games.
For something more upscale, Beach House Restaurant in Koloa takes the cake in the best way. Reservations are strongly recommended here!
Plant based food and drink in Koloa can be yours with a stop at Leahi Health.
What about breakfast choices; either pre-elopement or the day after your Hawaii elopement? Kauai has its fair share of delicious restaurants that are some of the best places to eat in the Hawaiian Islands.
Kauai Juice Co. has multiple locations scattered about the island. Be sure to check out Java Kai in Kapa’a and Trilogy Coffee in Kilauea!
There is no shortage of incredible restaurants, bars, and food trucks on the Hawaiian Islands to satisfy your foodie hearts during your Hawaiian elopement, wedding, or honeymoon! Bon Appetit!
