These are the hardest reservations to make in Hawai'i for Hawai'i Regional Cuisine.
Dining at the Ka'ana Kitchen at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Arden
Acclaimed chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng invite guests to discover contemporary Hawai‘i cuisine at Arden, a brand-new restaurant at the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head Hotel, where flavors, culture and genuine culinary artistry intertwine. 2885 Kalākaua Ave., 2nd Floor, Honolulu, ardenwaikiki.com
Eating House 1849
After conquering the Garden Isle, Roy Yamaguchi’s homage to Hawai‘i’s plantation-era cuisine has come to O‘ahu with two outposts. The first is in Waikiki—right within the International Market Place—while the second is in Kapolei, catering to the resort crowd at Ko Olina. The Shops at Kukui‘ula, 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Road, #A-201, Koloa, royyamaguchi.com
Kani Ka Pila Grille
A refreshed menu with Hawaiian fare from chef Rey Baysa and original cocktails await at this hot spot for kama‘āina and visitors alike to hear live Hawaiian music nightly. Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, 2169 Kālia Road, Honolulu, outrigger.com
MW Restaurant
Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka, who met and married while proteges in Alan Wong’s kitchen, have gained high praise since opening their own eatery at Velocity Honolulu. 888 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Honolulu, mwrestaurant.com
Merriman’s Honolulu
Peter Merriman’s O‘ahu location at the sleek Anaha high-rise, brings the Hawai‘i regional cuisine that he is personally credited with helping to create and define to the Honolulu dining scene. Lunch in the breezy sun-drenched dining room is glorious, and while the menu features many standouts, it is the humble buttermilk biscuits that steal the show. 1108 Auahi St., Honolulu, merrimanshawaii.com
CanoeHouse
Helmed by Executive Chef Mark Libunao, enjoy thoughtful, seasonal dishes that celebrate Hawai‘i’s landscape as well as its farmers and purveyors. 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Waimea, aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dining
Merriman’s Big Island
Lauded chef Peter Merriman’s vision of a sustainable Hawai‘i food culture led him to work with local farmers more than 25 years ago. His vision of regional cuisine has come to fruition, culminating in his Merriman’s, Monkeypod Kitchen and Moku Kitchen concepts across the islands. 65-1227 Opelo Road, Waimea, merrimanshawaii.com
Cane & Canoe
Styled after a traditional Hawaiian canoe house, this resto’s dark wood and architectural details pair beautifully with stunning views of Kapalua Bay. The menu impresses with locally caught seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. 1 Bay Drive, Lāhainā, montagehotels.com
Humble Market Kitchin
At his Valley Isle resto, chef Roy Yamaguchi pays homage to the humble roots and the sweet and savory flavors of his childhood, using his own eclectic approach to local favorites like dumplings and poke. 3700 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kīhei, hmkmaui.com
Ka‘ana Kitchen
At the Andaz Maui, chef de cuisine Ritchard Cariaga combines the flavors of Hawai‘i’s multicultural heritage with a variety of culinary techniques. Andaz Maui at Wailea, 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, maui.andaz.hyatt.com
Kō
Fairmont Kea Lani continues to treat diners to top Hawaiian cultural cuisine. Executive chef Aris Aurelio’s expansive menu features island family recipes that have been passed down for generations—including Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese favorites. 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kīhei, fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui
The Plantation House
Situated on the picturesque Kapalua golf course and with chef Jojo Vasquez at the helm, this fine dining destination hits all the marks. Gaze on the emerald green while sampling panko-crusted calamari with kimchi cocktail sauce. 2000 Plantation Club Drive, Lāhainā, theplantationhouse.com
The Restaurant
With a seasonal island-inspired menu and the finest local ingredients, Hawai‘i’s first and only Relais & Châteaux restaurant leaves little to be desired. Guests may select from a three-course prix fixe menu. Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea, hotelwailea.com/rhw
Photography by: Photo courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
