I was on Lānaʻi recently, chasing down a few stories when that old familiar feeling struck. I was hungry. Actually, I was starving. Travel can do that to you—you’re so busy running around, not missing your flight, getting your rental car and voila, you’re starving. However, I had no clue where to even look for food on Lānaʻi. After asking a handful of local residents—who always know best—I kept hearing the same answer to my question on where to eat. Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine.

From what I was able to gather from the town’s residents, Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine has been around for decades, however the low-key food establishment only offered catering services until just recently. After Ganotisi’s opened its doors to dine-in and takeout customers a few years back, it became an instant local fave on Lānaʻi.

Good food, good mood.
Photo: Kevin Allen

Going into Ganotisi’s with an open mind and empty stomach, I immediately felt at home at the establishment’s relaxing, minimalistic seating area. It reminded me of the old-school plate lunch plate spots I’d go to as a kid on the North Shore, where emphasis and effort was placed more on the food than on the decor. However, there are outdoor seats at Ganotisi’s patio area that were complimented by the natural foliage of the area.

And the food? Let me just put it this way. If Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine were on Oʻahu or Maui, where more people could experience the it, it would be commonly accepted as one of the best plate lunch spots in the state. With a menu dedicated to local-kine grinds, from kalbi short ribs to meat jun and butter garlic shrimp, fans of Hawaiʻi-style fare will have a hard time choosing which of these filling plates to go with. As an avid fan of Korean fried chicken, I went with what I know best and was not disappointed in the slightest.

The Korean fried chicken plate.
Photo: Kevin Allen

An explosion of flavor with every bite, I was pleasantly surprised with not only how juicy the chicken was, and how it was the perfect ratio of chicken skin to meat. A heaping of perfectly made white rice followed every bite and before long I was more than half way through my plate. Turning my attention to the mac salad, I’m shocked at how different it is compared to the stock-standard mac salad I’d get at home. A bit more textured, a touch courser and with peas interspersed, Ganotisi’s mac salad proved to me that different can be good.

It’s not everyday you find a plate lunch spot this good. And while you may not find yourself on Lānaʻi anytime soon, if you do happen to visit the little island, be absolutely sure to visit Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine while you’re there. You won’t be disappointed—and try the mac salad.

Ganotisi’s Pacific Rim Cuisine, open 8 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, 408 Eighth St., Lānaʻi City, (808) 565-7120.

There are some restaurants that, for whatever reason, you keep coming back to.

Sometimes it’s nostalgia. Sometimes it’s convenience. And almost always it’s because there’s something there that you love: atmosphere, service, sizzling steak bites with onions.

That’s how it’s been for me with Tiffany’s Bar & Grill in Wailuku, a family-run neighborhood sports bar that’s been around for nearly two decades. Its cavernous dining room packed in the mostly local clientele, here for the local classics this restaurant was known for.

But the Orite family who owned Tiffany’s decided to call it quits. That’s when a loyal customer—who just so happens to be a “Top Chef” alum and James Beard-nominated chef—stepped in.

Sheldon Simeon and his wife, Janice, who have owned other restaurants on Maui, took over this one—now called Tiffany’s Maui—last year. The couple refreshed the 3,600-square-foot space, which includes a 12-seat bar with murals and lyrics from some of their favorite songs on the walls.

Inside the 3,600-square-foot restaurant in Wailuku.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

What people may remember about Tiffany’s is its extensive menu, with more than 150 items. Simeon pared that down to about 50, keeping some of the most popular dishes, like honey-walnut shrimp, sizzling steak bites with onion, and kim chee fried rice. But he’s added his own touch, with more Filipino-inspired fare and an upscale approach to local comfort food.

(Left) Hamachi sashimi and Ovaltine champorado from Tiffany’s Maui.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

One of the most popular dishes right now is the hamachi (Japanese amberjack) sashimi, served with a ponzu finadene sauce and Maui onions. The fish is fresh and firm, and the sauce is puckery good. (Order a side of white rice with it. Trust us.)

The desserts are just as creative, with a rotating lineup that includes a kiawe bean blondie, black sesame mousse cake, and vanilla bean ice cream topped with hurricane popcorn and furikake. We tried the warm Ovaltine champorado, an innovative take on a Filipino dessert consisting of a chocolate-flavored rice porridge made with sticky rice and tablea. Simeon swapped chocolate with malt-y Ovaltine and added mochi, puffed rice, evaporated milk and Nutella ice cream.

The daily specials take advantage of seasonal, locally grown ingredients, like these ʻahi cakes.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The menu may be elevated, but there are still a lot of homey, local-style dishes that lure the regulars: loco moco, miso butterfish, garlicky mochiko chicken. But this is where Simeon is a master—creating a new experience eating something so familiar. Take, for example, the Wailuku saimin. It has everything you would expect from a deluxe bowl of saimin—pork belly, won ton, egg, kamaboko, choy sum—but the noodles, specially made for him by Honolulu-based Sun Noodles, is a mix of dry mein and chewy saimin noodles. It’s subtle, but I got it.

Or his version of the beloved oxtail soup. Instead of oxtail, he uses slow-roasted brisket, served with shiitake mushrooms, peanuts, onions and cilantro.

The vibe is relaxed and lively, the cocktails on point, and the menu one you’ll want to come back for again and again.

We know we do.

1424 Lower Main St., Wailuku, tiffanysmaui.com; @tiffanysmaui 

It’s that time of the year when elite athletes from across the globe test their mettle in the annual IRONMAN competition. Recent changes to the race format have seen the competition split between Kailua-Kona for the women’s competition and Nice, France for the men’s. But even as the competition sizes down, plenty of people from around the world will be visiting Kona for the event, and they’re going to need to eat. And while local-style food can be rich and indulgent, for those who are training or otherwise trying to eat healthy, there are some great options for healthy eating in Kona.

While there are tons of great options if you’re venturing further south toward Captain Cook or north toward the big resorts, these options can all be found near downtown Kona for your convenience. While most of these places don’t typically need reservations (except for a few of them), expect lots of places to be packed this weekend. Check in advance to see if you can make a reservation, but be sure to keep multiple options in mind in case everyone has the same idea.

Note: One big change to the downtown Kailua-Kona area is that Coconut Grove Marketplace, a popular spot for dining, nightlife, and beach volleyball, now charges for parking.

Island Lava Java

Roasted Veggie Omelette with fresh fruit.
Photo: Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku

While it may not be known for healthy food per se, Island Lava Java creates some stunning and tasty dishes using fresh, island ingredients. Paired with great views and creative cocktails, it’s an excellent choice for brunch on the lānai (veranda).

What to try: Island Lava Java has partnered with Canyon Bicycles for a special “House of Champions” menu featuring pancakes, breakfast burritos and scrambles, and a Crowley-Sunshine Oatmeal Brulee that looks very intriguing. This special menu is also available for take-out.

Note: Due to the race, no reservations are available on Saturday – seating is available on a walk-in basis only.

75-5801 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, (808)327-2161, islandlavajava.com

Pau Hana Poke

Brown rice and edamame are some of the options to create healthy poke bowls.
Photo: Courtesy Pau Hana Poke

If you’re planning a beach picnic, you’ll need to make a stop at Pau Hana Poke (also the perfect place to stop after the airport). Offering up some of the best, freshest poke in Kona, Pau Hana creates beautiful bowls full of vibrant colors and ocean-fresh flavors. The parking can be a little challenging, so leave a little extra time to find a spot.

What to try: Diners can find brown rice on the menu when building their poke bowls, along with an array of sides including kimchee and kimchee cucumber. Take advantage of some of the more unique items like abalone and octopus.

73-5617 Maiau St., Kailua-Kona, (808)315-7952, pauhanapokehi.com

Journey Cafe + Sweet Journey Soft Serve

“The Journey” flatbread featuring a variety of vibrant vegetables.
Photo: Courtesy Journey Café

Journey Café is all about giving you the hearty, plant-based foods that you’re looking for. The café offers take out and delivery options, as well, but dining in is your best bet if you need something a little sweet after your meal. Next door is their sister café, Sweet Journey, that dishes up vegan soft serve.

What to try: There’s a lot to like about this menu, including a lof exciting choices for those who are vegan and/or gluten free. Don’t miss the opportunity to try something made with ‘ulu (breadfruit) flour like their garlic knots or go for the full experience with “The Journey”—‘ulu sourdough topped with zucchini, eggplant, kale and cherry peppers.

75-5729 Ali‘i Dr., Kailua-Kona, (808)731-7194, journeycafebigisland.com

Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill

A large menu and diverse drink selections makes Umeke’s great for groups.
Photo: Courtesy Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill

Get your poke and seafood fix at Umeke’s at their new(ish) brick and mortar location. You can find lots of fresh, local ingredients at Umeke’s with fish sourced from local fishermen, as well as local-kine faves like kalbi ribs and loco moco. This is a great spot to start a night out with a tasty meal, a pint of local beer and some live music most Sundays through Thursdays.

What to try: Grilled fish tacos give you a healthy option that feels a little indulgent, while six different choices of poke can top a tasty bowl. Umeke’s also offers platters that make great options for larger groups. If anything can tempt you to indulge for the weekend, the Hawaiian Rockefeller lūʻau oysters offer a quick bite of decadence with oysters broiled with taro leaves, garlic butter and coconut milk.

74-5599 Pawai Pl., Kailua-Kona, (808) 238-0571, umekesrestaurants.com

Island Naturals

Island Naturals offers an array of fresh food and produce.
Photo: Courtesy Island Naturals

If you have any dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc) or if you’re just looking for healthy foods, fresh produce and other grocery items, Island Naturals is the go-to spot on Big Island. If you’re staying at a place with a kitchen, you’ll definitely want to stop here to get provisions for making a few of your own meals. For a quick lunch, stop by the sushi bar or peruse the grab and go deli items—they’re all filling and tasty.

What to try: The deli case offers some great grab and go options including tofu-based dishes, sandwiches and more. Don’t miss out on the fresh-made muffins featuring island flavors.

74-544 Makala Blvd., Suite 1, Kailua-Kona, (808)326-1122, islandnaturals.com

Herbivores

Vegan jackfruit nachos are indulgent and healthy at the same time.
Photo: Courtesy of Herbivores

Herbivores is owned and operated by a mother-daughter team who are vegan. They offer up plant based comfort foods, bowls, pizzas and breakfast. The restaurant is a little unusual—a kiosk in the middle of a parking lot with a few tables and chairs scattered around that makes it a good option for take out, but don’t let the surroundings fool you, you’ll find plenty of tasty dishes here.

What to try: For an island twist on classic dishes, try the taro burger made with a patty from Kauaʻi or the jackfruit burrito topped off with cashew cheese.

75-5722 Hanama Pl., Kailua-Kona, (808)331-4372, herbivoresvegancafe.com

Loko Wraps

Açaí bowls are big and tasty—and the Mauka Bowl is a great option.
Photo: Courtesy of Loko Wraps

The portions are known for being large at this tasty wrap spot featuring island style Mexican food. It’s a build-your-own style place where you pick your protein (including kalua pork and jackfruit BBQ), format (wrap, bento box, quesadilla, etc),and add-ons including sauces and other toppings.

What to try: Though “wraps” are part of their name, don’t miss out on the açaí bowls that are both delicious and filling. The Dragon Bowl is both gorgeous and full of all those fantastic antioxidants that you find in pitaya.

75-5595 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, (808)895-7872

Hungry Honu Smoothie Bar & Cafe

A variety of smoothies and sandwiches make for a great, quick lunch.
Photo: Courtesy Hungry Honu Smoothie Bar & Cafe

Brand new to the downtown Kona food scene, Hungry Honu serves up quick, light meals in a comfy setting. The prices are great, and the menu is diverse enough that everyone can find something to eat. In addition to pick-up options, they also deliver in some areas. Note that Hungry Honus is closed on Sundays.

What to order: Melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches, tropical smoothies, and Kona coffee drinks have thrilled customers so far. The Mud Pie Latte made with Kona coffee is definitely worth a try on your cheat day.

75-5719 Aliʻi Dr Ste 1D Kailua-Kona, (808)830-9682, hungryhonu.com

Fani Leilua drove all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah—more than 400 miles!—to eat at Zippy’s on the day it opened in Las Vegas.

“When you fly into Hawaiʻi that’s the first stop you make and always the last stop because it‘s always something you wanna take back home,” she said in a video provided by the restaurant chain. “Knowing that it’s not only in Hawaiʻi, it’s going to be out here in Vegas, so it’s not too far from us now. It’s only a drive away. We can always drive down and get some ʻono food. It’s cool. It’s exciting.”

The grand opening of the restaurant at 7095 Badura Ave. on Oct. 10—and 10:10 a.m.—was filled with Hawaiʻi-style fanfare, from a traditional Hawaiian blessing and untying of a maile lei to Hawaiian chants and hula.

Halau performed hula outside the new Zippy’s Restaurant in Las Vegas on Oct. 10.
Photo: Courtesy of Zippy’s Restaurants

Thousands of people from all over—many with ties to the Islands—lined up outside the restaurant, located 15 minutes from The Strip. Many had been waiting four years for the restaurant chain to open here, after it announced its plans to expand to the Ninth Island (what locals call Las Vegas) in 2019. The opening was delayed due to the pandemic.

“This day just felt like it took forever to get to, so we are really excited,” said Jay Kaneshiro, vice president of operations at FCH Enterprises, the parent company of the restaurant chain. “I know the team here is doing an awesome job of preparing and getting ready.”

The company hired more than 200 employees to work at its Las Vegas location.

The restaurant, which has 22 locations on three islands in Hawaiʻi, features a menu of local favorites, including chili, Korean fried chicken and the popular Zip Pac. Napoleon’s Bakery—with dobash cakes, cornbread and malasadas—opened, too.

The roughly 8,000-square-foot restaurant is about the same size and layout as the company’s Waipiʻo, ʻEwa and Mililani locations, with take-out, dine-in and a bakery. The company also built a central kitchen—there’s one on Oʻahu, too—that will produce food and bakery items for future Zippy’s locations.

A mural by curated by Hawaiʻi artists Jeff Gress and Kamea Hadar from the collective World Wide Walls outside Zippy’s new location in Las Vegas.
Photo: Courtesy of Zippy’s Restaurants

Zippy’s also made donations to four community partners in celebration of its opening. Three Square, Opportunity Village, The Just One Project and the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club each received a donation of $10,000 in recognition of the services that they provide to those in need in the local Las Vegas community.

“In Hawaiʻi, as in many other places, tradition dictates that when you are invited to someone else’s house, you never arrive empty-handed,” said Kevin Yim, vice president of marketing for the restaurant chain. “So, as we enter Las Vegas, a place that isn’t our homeland, we come bearing gifts to those already of this place. We hope that these gifts market the start of a relationship between the people of Las Vegas, its community leaders and our own Zippy’s staff.”

Zippy’s Restaurant, 7095 Badura Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, zippys.com.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at these famous bakeries that make decadent treats on Hawaiʻi Island. From soft mochi to piping hot malasada, here’s how HAWAIʻI Magazine’s readers ranked the best bakeries they’ve enjoyed in 2023. 

Punaluʻu Bake Shop

Punaluʻu Bake Shop’s exterior.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Located in Nā‘ālehu, this bakery was once located inside a restaurant where it became famous for its heavenly sweet bread that hails from a secret family recipe. Today, you can enjoy goodies such as taro sweet bread, dinner rolls, pineapple fruit cake and macadamia nut shortbread cookies. 

Highway 11, Nā‘ālehu, (808) 929-7343, bakeshophawaii.com

Two Ladies Kitchen

A smattering of soft mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen.
Photo: Courtesy of Two Ladies Kitchen

It’s practically an unspoken rule: locals know if they visit Hawaiʻi Island, they gotta bring home mochi from Two Ladies as omiyage (gifts)! This tiny shop in the heart of downtown Hilo is famous for its handmade mochi. Their most popular order is the strawberry mochi—a whole strawberry tucked into soft handmade mochi together with decadent sweet azuki bean. They are in popular demand, so be sure to pre-order online or via phone. Along with mochi, they also offer manju, which are sweet Japanese pastry. 

274 Kīlauea Ave., Hilo, (808) 961-4766, @twoladieskitchen 

Tex Drive-In

Tex Drive-In in Honoka‘a makes fresh malasada (Portuguese fried doughnuts) every day. Folks can come by and watch staff making these malasadas by hand. Fillings include guava, mango, pineapple, chocolate and Bavarian cream. Besides malasada, this eatery also offers bowls of saimin, loco moco and a mean grilled mahi mahi plate. 

45-690 Pakalana St., Honoka‘a, (808) 775-0598, texdriveinhawaii.com

Short N Sweet Bakery & Café

 

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Family-owned business Short N Sweet Bakery & Café in downtown Hilo made waves for its fresh pastries, custom cakes and unique desserts. You may recognize Maria Short, owner and pastry chef, as a former contestant on season six of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” Short’s handcrafted macarons, Kohala crunch bars and liliko‘i (passionfruit) cheesecake are exquisitely made and worth a return visit to Hawai‘i Island.

374 Kinoʻole St., Hilo, (808) 935-4446, shortnsweet.biz

Island Lava Java

The exterior of Island Lava Java.
Photo: Courtesy of Island Lava Java

Inside the restaurant Island Lava Java, there’s an on-site bakery famous for making giant cinnamon rolls fresh daily. They also make muffins, pastries, bread and even pizza dough. The restaurant’s breakfast menu doesn’t miss—try their eggs benedict, French toast or the waffles. The luau scramble with eggs, Kalua pork and pineapple is another popular meal. 

75-5801 Aliʻi Drive, Bldg 1, Kailua Kona, (808) 327-2161

68-1845 Waikoloa Rd., Waikoloa, (808) 329-4668, @islandlavajava

See all of the winners of our 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.

Is there a more perfect meal than brunch?

It combines the sweet offerings of breakfast—think crispy-edged pancakes and stuffed French toast—with the savory bites of lunch. And everything is topped with an egg!

Oʻahu has no shortage of breakfast and brunch spots, from staples like Zippy’s Restaurants (where you can order breakfast all day in the restaurant) to new spots like the upscale Podmore in Chinatown, one of the only places on the island that serves a classic English breakfast. In fact, we wrote about 13 brunch spots—some have closed, though—that we love on Oʻahu.

Here are eight more brunch spots to check out the next time you’re on Oʻahu.

1. Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waikīkī

New brunch dishes at Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Waikīkī.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Tucked away on Seaside Avenue in Waikīkī, Heavenly Island Lifestyle prides itself on using local ingredients—organic whenever possible. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with local twists on brunch classics, like kālua pig eggs Benedict and French toast made with Big Island honey.

What to Order: Heavenly’s signature dish—and its most popular—is the loco moco with organic beans and veggies. Yes, veggies! The beef is sourced locally, too. Another must-try is the new Coco Bowl, an açaí bowl with pineapple, papaya, corn flakes (for crunch) and coconut granola, all topped with a honey-coconut whip and shredded coconut lime. It’s a fun twist on an açaí bowl.

2. Hau Tree, Waikīkī

Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel revamped its brunch menu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The Hau Tree restaurant at the recently refreshed Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī has long been a favorite among residents and visitors. Its location—right on Kaimana Beach with perfect sunset views—is unmatched. Chef John Taube IV has revamped the menu at this oceanfront restaurant, adding dishes like hamachi (amberjack or yellowtail) lomi lomi with cured lemongrass and local tomatoes, and squid ink campanelle with black truffle fonduta. Hau Tree’s brunch menu combines the restaurant’s old signatures—eggs Benedicts and lemon ricotta pancakes—with new items, including shakshuka with sourdough toast, a sesame-crusted fish sandwich, a local ʻahi niçoise Brunch is super popular and reservations are strongly recommended.

What to Order: New to the menu is a delicious (and healthy!) frittata with bits of Portuguese sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, cheddar and a salsa verde. The avocado toast is always a sure bet, with tomato jam, tomato relish and a soft-boiled egg. Also new is the ube cinnamon roll, a gorgeous—and huge—gooey cinnamon roll topped with bright purple ube cream cheese frosting and candied mac nuts.

3. Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop, Mānoa

Fresh scones are made daily at Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop in Mānoa.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

This Mānoa restaurant has a mission: to provide real-life vocational training for recovering substance abusers. Though the menu is small—when compared to other brunch spots—the dishes are delicious. The pastry offerings—fresh breads, scones and pies—are must-trys. Note: The restaurant adds a 3% training surcharge to every order, which helps offset some of the costs associated with vocational training. It’s also closed on Sundays and Mondays.

What to Order: If you want something hearty, try the short rib loco moco, which comes with hapa (white and brown) rice and two eggs. The açaí bowls is served in a fun coconut shell with fresh, seasonal fruits. And the banana-macadamia nut pancakes are topped with toasted mac nuts, shredded coconut and a housemade coconut syrup.

2950 Mānoa Road, Mānoa, (808) 744-1619, waiolikitchen.com

4. Smith & Kings, Downtown Honolulu

Chicken and waffles from Smith & Kings in Downtown Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Smith & Kings, a gastropub in Downtown Honolulu, offers a weekend brunch with everything you could ever want: lobster deviled eggs, pork belly Benedicts, a brunch burger. There’s even poutine fries! (That’s hand-cut fries topped with cheddar cheese, brown gravy and bacon.)

What to Order: If you love mac ’n’ cheese, you’ll dig the one here, made with a five-cheese béchamel sauce. (There’s also a version with lobster and another with bits of fried chicken.) We’re addicted to the buttermilk chicken and Belgian waffles combo, with whipped butter and maple syrup. Splurge for the mimosas, too.

Smith & Kings, 69 N King St., Honolulu, thesmithandkings.com, @smithandkings

5. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Waikīkī

The Waikīkī location of Monkeypod Kitchen is the only one that serves breakfast.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

There’s only one Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman that serves breakfast—and it just opened in Waikīkī. Located right on the beach at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, this restaurant also serves lunch and dinner—and its happy hour is great, too. But the breakfast menu is new and exciting, with a blend of classics and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

What to Order: Try the Monkeypod mai tai flapjacks, topped with Kula rum butter syrup and the same honey-lilikoʻi foam that’s on the restaurant’s signature mai tai. Or the Hawaiian chilaquiles, with shredded kālua pork, housemade ancho chile salsa, jalapeño, white cheddar, avocado and more on tortilla chips. My favorite dish, though, was the The Cure, a hearty ramen dish with kālua pork, bok choy, mushrooms, poached egg, red onion, carrots and bean sprouts in a red chili chicken broth.

Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, 2169 Kālia Road, Waikīkī, (808) 900-4226, monkeypodkitchen.com

6. Liliha Bakery, Various

Kimchi fried rice from Liliha Bakery.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Liliha Bakery—and now it boasts five locations on Oʻahu, including one at the International Market Place in Waikīkī and another at Ala Moana Center. (The latest opened at the Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City.) The menu is full of comfort-food staples like country-style omelets, loco mocos and fried rice.

What to Order: The hot cakes are one of the bakery’s best-sellers, and you can a chocolate chip version or one topped with berries and nuts. The Waffard—yes, weird name, we know—combines a waffle with custard, blueberries, strawberries, mixed nuts and whipped cream. Hungry? Order the smoked pork belly loco moco with strips of pork belly smoked in-house, eggs and gravy over fried rice.

7. Empty Elle Bagels, Kailua

The Lemon, with Big Island lemon butter and Maui Black Kula raspberry jam.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Two years ago Empty Elle Bagels opened in Kailua, bringing Montreal-style bagels to the island. (From what I understand, Montreal bagels, which tend to be denser and sweeter than New York ones, are boiled in water that has been sweetened with honey.) The menu here features a range of toppings, from the classic cream cheese with a dollop of Big Island lilikoʻi (passion fruit) jam to Oʻahu-grown beets and goat cheese. It even has a Dog Bagel with grain-free peanut butte, honey and organic, free-range eggs—for your dog!

What to Order: The Lemon features lemon butter from Hawaiʻi Island and black raspberry jam from Kula on Maui. If you like spicy, try the Spicy, with freshly made hummus and slices of spicy pickles on a toasted Everything bagel. For a hearty breakfast, get the Eggel, an egg bagel sandwich with cream cheese, two eggs, diced bacon and sharp cheddar cheese.

143 Hekili St. (inside Grace in Growlers), Kailua, Oʻahu, emptyellebagels.com, @emptyellebagels

8. Scratch Kitchen, Hawaiʻi Kai

 

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Scratch Kitchen has long been known for its brunch, but it recently opened a second location in Hawaiʻi Kai—on the way to Hanauma Bay!—with a slew of dishes that we haven’t seen on any other brunch menu. Like the teppan gandule rice with roasted cherry tomatoes, or the creole shrimp ’n’ sausage grits with white hominy and red-eye gravy.

What to Order: Popular dishes include the milk ’n’ cereal pancakes topped with fresh fruit and the spicy southern-fried chicken and waffles with jalapeños and pickled onions. It also serves a brûlée’d French toast with shredded coconut and maple syrup and a fried pork chop pasta with a garlic-lemon sauce. The chilaquiles—shredded chicken, chipotle tomato salsa, sunny eggs, queso, crema, cilantro, avocado—hits the spot.

You’ll want to come hungry to the Hale ‘Aina Gala on Sept. 9, put on by our sister-publication HONOLULU Magazine.

A feast for the eyes and stomach, the event celebrates the Hale ‘Aina Awards’ 40th year, and no expense has been spared to make sure this year’s gala is a truly memorable one for awardees and guests. Eight exclusive dishes will be presented to attendees, who can experience the one-of-a-kind menu at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, where the event will be hosted. These entrees and appetizers will be put together by Hale ʻAina Award-wining restaurants, so you know you’re in for a treat.

Rigatoni alla gricia by Arancino.
Photo: Courtesy of Arancino at the Kahala

So what can you expect with a general admissions ticket ($150)?

Aside from entry into the event—where you can sip wine under the night sky, chat with foodies and award-winners and just enjoy the Hawai’i State Art Museum at night—general admission attendees will also get to experience a unique culinary treat, put on by 100 Sails Restaurant and Bar, Arancino at the Kahala, Kapa Hale and other award winners.

Dishes include a rigatoni alla gricia from the locally famous Italian bistro Arancino at the Kahala, which combines rigatoni, guanciale, toasted black pepper, parmigiano reggiano and imported pecorino romano cheese for a truly stupendous pasta plate. Kapa Hale, known for its mission to push local produce and Hawaiʻi-specific ingredients, has concocted a Southeast Asian curry dish that utlizes ʻulu (breadfruit) and rice noodles. Local dim sum eatery Tim Ho Wan will be supplying a bounty of fresh siu mai—often pronounced as shumai—, steamed pork and shrimp wrapped in a bite-sized dumpling delivery parcel.

The Electric Cheshire cocktail.
Photo: Courtesy of HONOLULU

If you’re a foodie visiting Hawaiʻi, then you’ll love this culinary showcase. While the menu was built around the event, it is truly indicative of Hawaiʻi’s local fare and cuisine. Not only that, but the plates and dishes are coming from restaurants and eateries many would consider as the best of the best in their specific fields. Come hungry, and leave happy.

Get your ticket to the Hale ‘Aina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank Priority Destinations® World Elite Mastercard here. 

SPAM musubi are synonymous with the local Hawaiʻi diet. A simple combination of white rice, SPAM, nori (seaweed), there’s really nothing better than a freshly made SPAM musubi—except for a free one.

On Aug. 8 (that’s today!) you can get a free SPAM musubi from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to celebrate National SPAM Musubi Day. And no, you don’t have to do anything crazy to get your free local delicacy of rice and SPAM. All you have to do is grab your phone, download the L&L Hawaiʻi app, download the complimentary SPAM musubi coupon and hit up the closest L&L to claim your free snack. And with dozens of locations throughout Hawaiʻi, you can easily find a participating store near you.

Free SPAM musubi anyone?
Photo: Courtesy of L&L Hawaiʻi

“I am incredibly proud to see the recognition and love for L&L’s National SPAM® Musubi Day not just here in Hawai’i, but across the entire nation,” said Elisia Flores, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue chief executive officer. “When we first introduced National SPAM Musubi Day in 2021, we never could have imagined the overwhelming response and the way it has captured the hearts and taste buds of people from coast to coast. It’s truly a testament to the unique and irresistible flavors that a SPAM musubi offers, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this celebration, showcasing the culinary heritage of Hawai’i.”

Also on offer at local L&L locations will be limited-edition SPAM musubi shirts and apparel, designed by renowned Hawai‘i-based artist 7Sketches. And while a SPAM musubi can be filling, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue also has a variety of plates lunches and menu items that will perfectly compliment your free musubi.

For more information on how to download the app and get your free SPAM musubi, visit hawaiianbarbecue.com. 

Zippy’s Restaurants, the beloved restaurant chain with 22 locations on three islands, is scheduled to open its first location outside Hawaiʻi in October.

And where else but Las Vegas?

The roughly 7,000-square-foot restaurant and bakery will open at 10:10 a.m. on Oct. 10 at 7095 Badura Ave. It’s about a 15-minute drive from The Strip.

The restaurant will be about the same size and layout as the company’s Waipiʻo, ʻEwa and Mililani locations, with take-out, dine-in and a bakery.

“Zippy’s is excited to begin serving the people of Las Vegas on Oct. 10. We know that many of our fans have been waiting patiently,” says CEO Jason Higa. “My father, Francis, and my uncle, Charlie, started Zippy’s nearly 57 years ago. As a long-time family business, generations of families in Hawaiʻi have dined and worked in our restaurants. Now, we are proud to bring that same sense of ‘ohana (family) to the people of Las Vegas.”

The company, which started in 1966, has been working on opening a Las Vegas location since 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted construction and slowed the timeline.

So what’s on the menu?

While the company plans to eventually serve everything you can order in the Islands, it will open with a limited menu of the chain’s greatest hits. So expect Korean fried chicken, Zip Pacs and the bakery’s popular Apple Napples—all made in its central kitchen.

Don’t judge a book by its cover, and don’t judge The Lei Stand by its front door. 

This Honolulu speakeasy pays homage to its Chinatown roots with its authentic-looking storefront and sign on Bethel Street. But once you shimmy through the plastic drapes separating the storefront from the bar, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Neon lights illuminate a hyper-chic bar that balances on the edge of vintage and modern. The space is a love letter to retro-Honolulu while also paying homage to the Chinatown of the past few decades. A magnificent wooden bar counter separates guests from hip bartenders and their displays of spirits, which are complemented by boisterous palms and other flora. The dimly lit outdoor seating area features an actual lei stand, Dorothy’s, and looks just as stylish as the interior. It is quite the scene. 

“We wanted to pay homage to Chinatown and this area, to be a part of this community and the vibe they had down here, and to pay homage to what Chinatown was back in the day,” says Ryan Kalei Tsuji, co-owner of The Lei Stand. Tsuji knows exactly what Chinatown was like in years past, even frequenting Bethel Union, which was the bar and restaurant that existed here before The Lei Stand. “Chinatown has that perfect balance of old-school and new-school, and you can be fun and take risks with your design because Chinatown is so urban and gritty,” adds Tara Shimooka, fellow co-owner of The Lei Stand.  

The Lei Stand co-owners Ryan Kalei Tsuji (left) and Tara Shimooka (right). Photo: Olivier Koning

The planning process for The Lei Stand was started by the two Honolulu locals over two years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the get-go, Shimooka and Tsuji said they wanted to create a space that would fill a void in O‘ahu’s current nightlife scene. Their mission: to put together a place where people could go for drinks and music, but not have to deal with rowdy drunken crowds or overly packed bars. They wanted to lounge, in a lounge. 

“There are bars and clubs everywhere in Chinatown, but there was no real lounge vibe here,” says Tsuji. “When you go to Los Angeles and New York, they’re everywhere, but I feel like that was missing the most here.” To accomplish their mission, The Lei Stand operates a little differently compared to most bars and clubs in Hawai‘i. First, you can’t get in without a reservation—unless you get really lucky. “It’s reservation only but we do accept walk-ins if we have space, but you know you’re getting a couch area or high-top if you reserve,” says Shimooka, a former bartender. And free space is hard to come by—even reservations must be made days in advance to ensure a spot. 

41 Fires cocktail.
Photo: Courtesy of The Lei Stand

“I don’t want to say we’re high-end; we want everyone to come here and enjoy. But we have set a certain standard on what it means to be at a cool place to hang out and sit down, to have a cocktail and listen to good music,” says Shimooka. “We just want there to be something for everybody in Chinatown. You can get the club and the restaurants, but we didn’t feel, for us, that there was an upscale lounge that we’d want to hang out at, where you can get a really cool vibe and understand what Chinatown has to offer.” 

With an upscale lounge also comes an upscale menu and elevated bites. And with Kenny Lum, ex-bar manager of Nobu Waikīkī, as general manager and mixologist Art Deakins managing the drinks, the culinary side of The Lei Stand is in good hands. Cocktails are equipped with cheeky names to appeal to visitors and locals alike—like the Coconut Wireless ($19), an intriguing mixture of Bulleit Bourbon, house vermouth, bitters and washed coconut fat. The food items are just as charming. The Lei Stand’s small plates are perfect for sharing: Pūpū (appetizers) range from classic Chinese dim sum fare like shrimp shumai ($13) to chorizo hash browns ($9) and a lū‘au stew with chile pepper water ($11). There are a few larger plates as well, like the uni waffle ($19), which comes with a yuzu maple glaze and umami butter. You’ll want to keep that plate for yourself.  

The Uni Waffle.
Photo: Courtesy of The Lei Stand

It’s not just the names that are local. James Beard Award-nominated chef Ricky Goings sources as much as he can locally, even doing a walk of Chinatown’s vibrant markets every morning to get the best ingredients he can and to put actual produce from Chinatown itself into his dishes. “We can’t pay homage to Chinatown just in decor and design,” says Shimooka. “We have to do it with the people we work with and what we’re putting into our menu.”  

A sum of its parts, The Lei Stand is clear with its aesthetic and culinary choices. It takes inspiration from Tsuji and Shimooka’s world travels—the idea for the floral bar came from a watering hole in Miami and the inspiration for the palm-adorned back wall of The Lei Stand came from a space in London. The intentionality of The Lei Stand’s overall design is a refreshing pairing of old Chinatown and new. “The tie-in with the lei stand just seemed like a really easy fit,” says Tsuji, “to bring in a vintage historical sense of Chinatown while also incorporating a newer look to the renaissance that is
happening today.”  

 The Lei Stand, 1115 Bethel St., Honolulu, (808) 773-7022, getleid.co.  

This story was originally published in our 2023 Spring issue. Buy a copy here.