Where to eat in Honolulu, from Kalihi and Downtown to Waikiki, Kapahulu and Hawaii Kai: local favorites, longtime family businesses and new openings. We add places as we report on them, so this guide grows over time.
Last updated: Oct. 31, 2026
Local favorites
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food, 1240 N. School St. (Kalihi). It has served Hawaiian food since 1946 (Helena’s). It won gold for Best Hawaiian in the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards.
- Rainbow Drive-In, 3308 Kanaina Ave. (Kapahulu). It is a plate lunch landmark that turned 65 this year; read our profile.
- Café Kaila, Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd. (Café Kaila). Readers voted it gold for Best Breakfast in the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards.
Newer spots
- Chao Hawaiʻi, 1613 Nuuanu Ave. #A12 (Chao Hawaiʻi). It won gold for Best New Restaurant in the 2026 Hale ʻAina Awards, and its owners, Chancelor Kim and Dong Dang, were named Restaurateurs of the Year.
- October openings we covered: Pīkake Cafe in the Prince Kūhiō Federal Building downtown, Hinahina on the Beach at Sheraton Waikiki and the Sushi Sky omakase counter on Kalakaua Avenue. Details are in our October roundup.
Honolulu restaurant stories
- Rainbow Drive-In turns 65 in Kapahulu
- October’s new Oahu restaurants, from Kailua to Waikiki
- Things to do on Oahu this week, Nov. 1–8
Latest from Honolulu
No published Honolulu stories yet. Check back soon.
New restaurants in Honolulu
Recent openings are tracked on new businesses in Honolulu and Oahu restaurants.