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Local Favorites You’ll Crave in O‘ahu
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items If I could eat my way through O‘ahu all over again, these are the spots I’d go back to in a heartbeat. From melt-in-your-mouth poke bowls to shave ice that hits perfectly on a hot beach day, this list is full of local favorites and hidden gems that m...
Map
The pho broth is delicious. The owner is always nice and it’s small family business.
Yum Yum Pho
The soul-healing seaweed soup here is my absolute favorite—warm, comforting, and full of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. Almost everything on the menu hits the spot with authentic Korean goodness. The only miss for me was the whole fried chic...
Newtown Dining Korean Restaurant
Guieb Café in Aiea is my go-to brunch spot—especially for their ube mascarpone pancakes. The stack is perfectly fluffy, subtly sweet with that creamy purple mascarpone, and topped with tart berries for the perfect balance. It’s as delicious as it is ...
Guieb Cafe
Fooki in Aiea is my go-to when I’m craving comforting Taiwanese flavors. The portions are decent, the flavors are rich, and everything feels freshly made. I especially recommend the Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese Pork Rice Bowl)—savory, tender, and so satisfy...
Fooki
Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Hawaii Kai is one of my go-to brunch spot after hiking Kokohead. It’s cute, beachy, and chic, like stepping into a tropical daydream. The food is fresh and flavorful, with local ingredients and creative twists on brunch c...
Heavenly Island Lifestyle Hawaii Kai
Honolulu Seafood Restaurant is our go-to dim sum spot, probably the best on the island. The har gow (shrimp dumplings) are loaded with big, juicy shrimp and wrapped in perfectly steamed skin. It’s the kind of place I’d proudly bring my Taiwanese/Chin...
Honolulu Seafood Restaurant - Dim Sum
Totoya in Kaimuki is a hidden gem spot for generous, fresh kaisen and negitori bowls loaded with quality sashimi over perfectly seasoned rice. There’s usually a long wait, but it’s so worth it for the freshness and flavor. Prices are a bit steep, but...
Totoya とと家
Mio Pastalogy is a wonderful spot where quality cuisine meets love and experience. What makes it truly special is the freedom to build your own fresh pasta dish, choosing from homemade pasta, house-made sauces, and fresh daily ingredients. The whole ...
Mio Pastalogy
Little Joe’s Steakhouse in Pearl City is a fantastic spot for steak lovers. Although they ran out of the tomahawk when we visited, the ribeye more than made up for it—juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. We also tried the seared Scallops Dynamite...
Little Joe's Steakhouse Pearl City
Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku Gardens is the perfect spot for a special anniversary date with its beautiful, relaxing ambience. We enjoyed their Prime Rib, steamed fish, and a few pupus—all delicious and well-prepared. The service was excellent, making the exp...
Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens
As an Asian, I never thought I’d recommend P.F. Chang’s—but their seasonal menu in Waikiki genuinely surprised me. While it’s definitely Americanized Asian food, it’s delicious when you appreciate it on its own terms rather than chasing authenticity....
P.F. Chang's
Shabuya in Ala Moana is my favorite spot for an affordable, delicious lunch hot pot buffet. They have a great selection of meats, broths, and fresh veggies to customize your meal just the way you like it. The price is really reasonable for all you ge...
SHABUYA
Foodland is one of my favorite stops when I want fresh, satisfying poke without the fuss. Their poke counter is stocked with a great variety—like California Roll, Spicy Ahi, and even trendy flavors like K‑pop Salmon—and the staff pride themselves on ...
Foodland Farms Ala Moana