Hawaii
I would be surprised if you were coming to Hawaii looking for food. But while you are enjoying Hawaii, you will need to eat. And that's what I am here for, providing you with some local hole-in-the-walls, and maybe a few different options as well. Things get pricy in Hawaii, but the hole-in-the-wall spots I have are cheap, so do not fret about that. But prepare yourself for amazing seafood, noodles, and Asian delicacies.
Japanese/Fish Cakes/Fish
Rank: 38
Japanese leading the way for Hawaiin spots should come as no surprise. And this delicacy in the heart of Chinatown will give you your fill of deliciousness. Nu’uanu Okazuya boasts the best food I had in Hawaii during my time there, and I would be very impressed (and want to be contacted) if you found a more delicious meal. I met the chef, and he just gave me all the fish he thought I would like, so I am unsure what dish I would recommend over the rest, besides knowing that the fish cake is a must. The other fish I had was damn phenomenal, and I recommend acquiring this fish as soon as you can upon getting to Honolulu.
Cafe/Kalua Pork Benny
Rank: 43
So, upon looking at the name of the Egg’s Benedict, I am recommending to you here, I can only assume you are chomping at the bit to devour it. Immediately upon seeing that on the menu, the Benny was ordered. Without hesitation, you can see this is THE signature to devour here. I tried many of their other dishes, but the Kalua Benedict takes the cake. The pork is absolutely to die for, and the egg is perfected on top. My mouth is watering right now just imagining this pork, and I truly hope you can experience this breakfast during your time on Kauai because it will be the best breakfast you can get.
Japanese Noodle Shop/Special Saimin
Rank: 51
As I once again hope you are not surprised to find the second spot in Hawaii being Japanese yet again—this time with a new island (Kauai), and a new type of Japanese food. Here the noodles are insane! We are talking the best noodles I have had in my life. A few older Japanese women are always running the grill, and when I just see them sifting my noodles my food heart starts to cry. I can just visualize them now making me some delicious noodles, and you must treat yourself to their creations ASAP. Everything here is good, I cannot argue that in anyway. But I would need to make a note of the Special Saimin. That shit is so damn good, it will make you jump up and down, like it did me. I also must say they are cash only, so go to an ATM, get some cash, and be prepared to spend ALL of it at Hamuru.
Burgers
Rank: 124
A burger in Chinatown is becoming a tradition for me, and it is because I keep getting proven right. Here we strike gold yet again. The Daley is a burger joint in Chinatown in Honolulu and it is so tasty. The burger is very juicy and has a little crisp from the smash burger aspect. The Daley also boasts some great sauce that covers this burger; it could have used even more! The Daley is the only noteworthy burger in Hawaii so far, so come to the Daley if you are craving a burger and fries.
Fine Dining/Hawaiin/Pork Potstickers
Rank: 176
So here we have an interesting entry to the list, an overpriced restaurant that is entirely whitewashed. While this is usually not something I recommend, one dish here was superb compared to the rest. The Pork Potstickers are one of the cheapest dining options here, and they are significantly better than anything else you could get here. The habanero pineapple marmalade accompanying these potstickers will want you to order that marmalade as a side. It is that good, but I would say you could skip everything else here easily.
Cafe/Acai Bowl
Rank: 179
The only noteworthy acai bowl I have had in my life, and goddamn, it is necessary to talk about. This acai bowl is so good.I only had the signature acai bowl while I was here, but I am sure that every bowl offered here is the bomb! This place is just a small little joint serving up some iconic bowls of heaven. And I recommend it to anyone making their way up to the North Shore of Kauai.
Hawaiian
Rank: 203
Our first traditional Hawaiin place took long enough. While it may have taken me some time to get to a hole-in-the-wall Hawaiin joint, I know Smiley’s will be able to suffice your needs. Their chicken is what they are most famous for here. However, I would advise branching out and trying whatever you would like. I mean the chicken was my favorite, but not by enough that I feel you should be boxed in, come and see what strikes your fancy, I am confident it will be delicious.
Asian Fusion/Crispy Manju
228
Hangry Mamma’s is one of the hardest places to find on my list. It is in the bottom and back of a strip mall, which makes it incredibly difficult to find. But a food scavenger hunt is the best kind of scavenger hunt, if you ask me. While the menu here boasts a diverse selection of fantastic Asian food, and I recommend experimenting with everything on the menu, the crispy manju was the superior item to me. You will not regret finding a beautiful hole-in-the-wall like Hangry Mamma’s!
Fine Dining
Rank: 255
Well, another fancy restaurant has been added to the list, and for now, I believe this is the most expensive place on my list. And I just want to point out it’s overall ranking, while they have incredible food and views here. That does not equate to excellence, in terms of deliciousness that is. The food here is very delicious, though; if I were looking for a nice fancy meal, I would 100% return to 53 by the sea. A great variety of options, mainly encircling seafood and poke. I devoured the fish and poke here and would recommend you do the same if it is within your budget.
Hawaiin/Poke and Heaven Balls
Rank: 269
This tiny little seafood joint serves some of my best food on Kauai. The poke here is fantastic, and their balls with various seafood are delicacies. My personal favorite poke was the spicy ahi, and my favorite ball was the heaven ball. I would recommend getting whatever you would like here, but definitely at least try one heaven ball. Upon devouring it, you will feel as if you have the wings of an angel.
Bakery/Malasada
Rank: 310
The most famous spot on this list is Leonard’s. It is very popular for great reason, I tried many bakeries around Hawaii and was unable to find a noteworthy Malasada besides here at Leonard’s. These Portuguese-filled donuts are damn delicious, but Leonard’s has it done just right. The pineapple flavor was great, the guava flavor was also great, I mean all of the flavors are delicious. So just come by, early if you want to beat the line, and prepare to devour some malasadas.