5 Fresh Fish Dishes to Try

1. Mahina & Sun’s
The monchong ($28) is locally sourced, of course, as chef Ed Kenney is a leading local advocate for sustainable food practices. Our Modern Luxury Hawai‘i dining reviewer, Mari Taketa, described the fish as served with “bursts of lightly cooked cherry tomatoes, a sweet crunch of green beans and breadfruit so pillowy it’s like gnocchi, all with background notes of fennel and plated in an unpretentious heap, the way you might throw together a dish for friends at an impromptu weeknight dinner.” 412 Lewers St., Waikiki, O'ahu, 924.5810

2. Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay Resort
Newly opened and literally right on the beach, this restaurant is an instant excuse to drive to the North Shore. Executive chef Gordon Hopkins is the sure hand at the wheel of celebrichef Roy Yamaguchi’s new place at Turtle Bay Resort on Kuilima Cove, and he doesn’t disappoint with dishes such as misoyaki butterfish ($45), served over Kolea spiced Asian greens and sizzled Ho Farms tomato sauce. 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, O‘ahu, 293.7697

3. Cane & Canoe at Montage Kapalua Bay
It’s hard to choose here—had to pull my eyes away from that lobster “mac” and cheese and tempura ‘ahu to decide—but go local with the Hawaiian snapper ($46). It’s served with a zingy carrot-ginger puree, Maui onion soubise, sautéed cabbage Hamakua mushrooms and miso sake. 1 Bay Drive, Lahaina, Maui, 662.6681

4. Fish House at the Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina
Newly opened, Fish House is set on the resort’s white sand beach and offers a more casual approach to the hotel’s luxe Noe restaurant, which is also excellent. The focus at Fish House is, naturally, fresh island catches. Try the pan seared onaga with corn salad ($35), which is served here with burnt butter and shredded nori. 92-1001 Olani St., Kapolei, O‘ahu, 679.0079

5. Mama’s Fish House
Long popular among Maui restaurants, Mama’s serves very fresh fish. How fresh? It has its own fishermen, who bring it in directly. The menu changes daily; look for the names of the angler and boat the fish was caught on. But here’s an example: Uku, caught by Layne Nakagawa in deep sea reefs near Lānaʻi, with caramelized Maui onion, Hawaiian chili pepper and avocado ($55). 799 Poho Place, Pāʻia, Maui, 579.8488