Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Hawaii

OpenTable

Updated 05 June 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Hawaii? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.9

4.9 (945)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Step into island-inspired relaxation at Beach Tree, located just steps from the ocean at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This Kona beach restaurant, bar and lounge offers freshly crafted cocktails like Captain Ed's Mai Tai or Pause for Sunset, paired with flavorful bar bites such as ceviche, mahi mahi tacos and artisanal pizzas. Enjoy stunning sunset views and the soothing sound of the waves. With all-day pupus and a casual oceanfront setting, it's the perfect spot to unwind with a Kona cocktail and soak up the Big Island's laid-back vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or a leisurely afternoon, Beach Tree embodies the essence of beachfront relaxation in Hawaii.

Top review

Leena

Dined 7 days ago

It was our best dining experience in Hawaii so far!

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Popular dish

Doppio Ravioli (V)

Experience

REGIONAL ROUTES: A CULINARY TOUR OF ITALY

Hide Sushi

4.9

4.9 (9)

$50 and over

Sushi

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Nestled behind a concealed door in Waikiki’s favorite Rooftop Bar, this hidden speakeasy offers a one-of-a-kind Omakase experience. Step inside to discover an intimate Omakase Sushi Bar, where each dish is a masterpiece crafted by Chef Tsukasa Okino using the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced locally and from Japan.

Guests are transported into a world of flavor and craftsmanship, where every bite is a moment of indulgence. Perfect for those seeking a refined, exclusive sushi adventure, this speakeasy offers more than just sushi—it’s an escape into a hidden world, where you can discover Modern Umami.

Hours of Operation: Sundays - Thursdays
Seating Times: 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Price: $120 per person
Parking: Validated parking is available in the Waikiki Business Plaza.

Reservations & Cancellation Policy:
Reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Cancellations within 48 hours of your reservation will incur a full charge of $120 per person.

Top review

LawrenceVIP

Dined on 2 June 2025

Exceptional Omakase experience. Highly reconmended

Mahina and Sun's - Surfjack Hotel

4.7

4.7 (1330)

$31 to $50

Home cooking

Waikiki

About the restaurant

WALK INS WELCOME & OPEN EVERYDAY from 12pm to 10pm! Elevated home cooking that you will enjoy located in the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. Happy Hour 12pm - 5:30pm; Lanai menu 12pm - 5:30pm; Dinner 5:30pm to 10pm. Whether you’re indulging in a filling dinner before heading up to your room or stopping in for a refreshing beverage after spending the day in the sun, Mahina & Sun’s is ready to serve you! Executive Chef Erik Leong’s menu features favorites such as Naked Pig Pizza starters, Clams, Fresh Catch & Off the Hook entrees, in addition to the popular Mahina Family Feast, which offers a delicious whole fried fish with five sides. Ask for outdoor seating and dine under the stars and enjoy local, live music line up every night! Checkout Executive Bar Czar, Chris Taibi for the very best in cocktails & libations! $8.00 4 hour validated off site Parking at Hyatt Centric Garage. Pull ticket and Mahina & Sun's server will give you validation stamp.

Top review

Andrea

Dined 7 days ago

There was live music, we were waited on right away, the food came quickly- and was delicious. The local flavors and vibes makes it a must return.

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4.7

4.7 (1516)

$31 to $50

Pacific Rim

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Hidden in plain sight, and nestled above vibrant Kuhio Avenue is Hideout at The Laylow Autograph Collection Hotel. The Lush greenery, mid-century inspired woodwork, and vibrant vibe instantly sets the tone for this progressive Modern Hapa Hawaiian cuisine and beverage venue. All that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer take center stage morning and night for hotel guest and locals to enjoy for any occasion. The moment you ascend from street level the Hideout and it’s relaxed vibe, allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and enjoy small plates, curated cocktails, great live music, and a perfect place to catch your breath any time of day.

Top review

Kim

Dined 5 days ago

Great vibe! Excellent menu and cocktails! Live music and a variety of outdoor seating to choose from. Definitely one of the best restaurants on our whole trip. Can’t wait to go back!

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Kani Ka Pila Grille at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

4.7

4.7 (556)

$30 and under

American

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Honolulu’s top restaurant venue for Hawaiian music located at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is one of the island’s favorite gathering places for casual drinks and tasty pupu appetizers, from kalua pork nachos to ahi poke. Kani Ka Pila means “a gathering around music,” and you’ll find Hawaii’s most beloved musicians performing contemporary and traditional Hawaiian music nightly from 6pm to 9pm.

Top review

Danny

Dined 5 days ago

Live music was great. French onion soup, cheesy garlic bread, New York strip were all excellent. Try the crème brûlée in a carmalized pineapple. Terrific.

Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Whalers Village

4.6

4.6 (3520)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kaanapali

About the restaurant

WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME!
Our chef driven concept is lead by the classically trained, award winning chef, Peter Merriman. Peter is a culinary pioneer and one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. He has always been inspired by the people and products around him and this spirit has lead the movement to look at food in Hawaii in a new light. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman embraces this passion! Each item on the menu demonstrates our commitment to craft and showcases high quality, socially conscious ingredients, creative preparations, and perfect execution. Our dedication to craft also extends to our beverage program. Our 36 beers on tap are the coldest on Maui. You can also enjoy one of our culinary cocktails, made with fresh ingredients and lots of Aloha. At Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, you can enjoy Peter's Hawaii Regional Cuisine in a fun, casual environment and come to know what it means to be "Lucky Live Hawaii"! We can't wait to see you at Monkeypod Kitchen.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on 10 June 2025

It was my first vacation with my 3 teenagers by myself and they loved it so I loved it too! We had a great friendly waiter and amazing music as always. Thank you!!

The Veranda at the Kahala Resort

4.4

4.4 (673)

$31 to $50

Lounge

Honolulu

About the restaurant

Overlooking the beach, with a stunning contemporary alfresco area, The Veranda is Honolulu’s living room of the stars with live music, handcrafted cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. Enjoy caviar service for two, a light bite menu curated by Executive Chef Jonathan Mizukami, and wines by the glass from top vintners while you unwind beneath the iconic chandelier or amid the twilight ocean view on the lanai.

Live Music Friday - Saturdays 6:00pm-9:00pm

Top review

Chris

Dined on 31 May 2025

Beautiful venue with great service and incredible music. Prices are quite high though.

Mulligans on the Blue

4.3

4.3 (901)

$30 and under

American

Wailea

About the restaurant

We are a lively Irish Pub and music venue in the Wailea area of Maui serving Irish and American influenced fare with Live Entertainment Nightly! PLEASE NOTE: There is a Cover/Ticket Fee for our Shows and Events Thursday-Friday. Read more below to learn about our weekly programming.

Thursdays - Open 2-9pm with Magic Show Dinner Seating Starting at 5:30pm
Mulligan's Magic Show with Brenton Keith & his Bag O' Tricks
Showtime 6:30
$10 per person, 5 and under are free

Fridays & Saturdays - Open 2-9pm with Live Music 6/7pm-8/9pm.
There are cover charges and tickets for our evening shows that range from $5-$25.
Check for this weeks line-up and get more information at MulligansOnTheBlue.com/Shows-Events/

Sundays - Open 2-9pm with Live Music 5pm-8pm
Maui's Own Dance Band "Island Soul"
$5 cover at door (kids 12 years and under are free)

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 9 June 2025

Absolutely amazing. Ado was the best server! Fish and Chips best I’ve ever had.

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Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Popular dish

Harp Battered Fish and Chips

Experience

Mulligan's Magic Show with Brenton Keith

Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar

4.2

4.2 (491)

$31 to $50

Pacific Rim

Waikiki

About the restaurant

Our ohana had a vision to share our love for ono food, live music and hospitality with the world. In 2019, this dream became a reality when we opened Moani Island Bistro and Bar on the west side of O’ahu. With the overwhelming support from our customers, Moani’s success has exceeded our expectations. Our family is thriving, our vision is growing, and Moani is expanding. Come and be a part of the family, enjoy our genuine aloha, heart-filled cooking and island music. Join us at our second location, in the heart of Waikiki!
With love,

The Keolanui ‘Ohana

Top review

Noelle

Dined on 10 June 2025

Went during live music on a Monday from 6 pm live music. Loved the vibes everyone really makes you feel like you’re a part of their family. Genuine and awesome service. Great food and drinks! Loved the Pele prawns and my kids loved the fried chicken kids meal

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Bangkok Happy Bowl Bistro and Bar + Poipu Rock 'n Roll Sushi

4.1

4.1 (280)

$30 and under

Thai

Poipu

About the restaurant

Authentic, fresh and flavorful Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar in a casual, fun and festive environment. Restaurant and full sushi bar available at this location. A full bar also complements the patron"s dining experience with the island's best cocktails and a fine selection of twelve local and international draft beers. Wonderful live island entertainment is provided from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm nightly including complementary Hula shows on Monday’s and Saturday evenings. We have indoor and outdoor walk up dining immediately available from 11am-5pm daily we also have walk up availability for tables of 3 or less from open to close every day

Top review

Kim

Dined on 3 June 2025

Very good food and ambiance was nice with live music. Prices were high - drinks about $18.

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