Restaurants in the islands offer an appetizing variety of local foods and ethnic cuisine. The fancier restaurants that cater to tourists are expensive, especially on the neighbor islands. However, several national restaurant chains like IHOP, Sizzler, Tony Roma, and Denny's offer meals in the $10 to $15 range.

In addition you will find the same golden arches and red-roofed pizza places found on the mainland abound
on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Lanai and
Molokai remain franchise-free. Prices will probably be a little higher than on the mainland because of the cost
of shipping to Hawaii.

If you like picnics, you will find places that will pack a picnic lunch for you. There are many parks and beaches where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and the beautiful scenery at the same time. You may have plenty of company on weekends because resident families love to get together at parks when they are off work.

The code in parentheses following
the restaurant name is:
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, and D=Dinner)

Oahu Restaurants

Waikiki Area

• Davey Jones Ribs (D) Seafood, pizza, and other entrees with a salad bar. Dinner entrees range from $10 to $15.

• Wailana Coffee House (BLD) Diner style restaurant with local and mainland items on the menu. This is a good restaurant for families. Dinner prices from $7 to $15. 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.

• Perry's Smorgy (BLD) All you can eat buffet containing a few local specialties. Breakfast - $5, Lunch - $6, Dinner - $9, Sunday brunch - $9.

• Ocenarium (LD) A three-story, 280,000 gallon sea-water aquarium along one wall makes this restaurant unique. A diver feeds the fish periodically which is a real hit with kids. Dinner entrees range from $13 to $30.

• The Hanohano Room (BD) Take a glass elevator 30 stories above Waikiki giving a panoramic view of the city and Koolau mountains. Diners always find the service impeccable and the food excellent. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $45 per person.

• Sarento's Top of the I (D) A great place to enjoy a sunset meal if you can get a window table, and there are many of them. An elegant restaurant with good service and Italian food. Nice dress is recommended. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $40.

• Benihana (LD) Very good "Americanized" Japanese food prepared at your table. If you haven't eaten at a Benihana's before, you are seated at a table for eight with other diners. Located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Dinner entrees range from $15 to $25.

• Kobe Japanese Steak House (D) Similar in menu and decor to the Benihana chain, this too is a good choice if you like the "cook it at your table" hibachi style restaurants.

• Tanaka of Tokyo (BLD) Hibachi style restaurant similar to Benihana and Kobe's with three locations in Waikiki. Open for traditional Japanese breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. Dinner entrees range from $13 to $25.

Honolulu

• Hard Rock Cafe (LD) World famous chain of 50's diners with music from the 50's and Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia lining the walls. Great burgers and much more. Lunch and dinner range from $8 to $20.

• Big Island Steakhouse (LD) Casual oceanfront dining featuring steak and seafood. Dinner entree prices range from $20 to $50.

• Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (LD) A brewpub with an open air dining room and good food. Dinner entree prices range from $20 to $50.

Haleiwa Area

• Jameson's by the Sea (BLD) Specializing in seafood, this restaurant offers great sunset views on the north shore. Dinner entrees range from $13 to $25.

• Crouching Lion Inn (LD) Seafood, steak, and local favorites served in an open air setting. You have an ocean view across Kamehameha Highway.

• Palm Terrace (BLD) Casual atmosphere for meals at the Turtle Bay Resort. Buffet available as well as a full menu.

Maui Restaurants

Kahana/Napili Area

• Jameson's Grill & Bar (BLD) Some tables have excellent views of the golf course. A few tables provide distant views of the ocean giving sunset views toward the island of Lanai. Lunch prices range from $10 to $15 and dinner entrees range from $20 to $40.

• The Bay Club (LD) This is an upscale seafood restaurant. There are unsurpassed ocean views of Molokai and Lanai and the sunset view from the restaurant cannot be beat. Fresh seasonal ingredients are emphasized and the Bay Club is considered a bastion of fine-dining by the rich and famous who frequent the Kapalua Resort. Dinner entrees range from $30 to $50. Resort wear is required.

• Sea House Restaurant (LD) Window tables here overlook Napili Bay and have great sunset views. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Parking is limited and will require you to walk through the resort. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $40.

• Roy's Kahana Bar and Grill (D) 4405 Honoapiilani Highway in Kahana. Rated best overall restaurant on Maui in 1999 by readers of the Maui News. Average cost is $30-$40 per person.

Lahaina Area

• Hecocks (BLD) Located at 505 Front Street which is at the south end of Lahaina. TWindow tables give you a view across the harbor toward Lanai and Molokai. Lunch runs from $6 to $10 and dinner ranges from $15 to $25.

• Canoe House in Lahaina Located in a Polynesian longhouse style architecture building, this landmark was the Lahaina Chart House from 1972 until 2000. Wooden canoes hang high in the ceiling of this open air restaurant. The restaurant is located across the street from the beach so the view of the ocean from most tables is somewhat limited by trees, but from the lanai outside the bar you have an excellent view of sundown over the ocean. Dinner entrees range from $16 to $35.

• Kimo's (LD) Located on Front Street directly on the water. They serve good hamburgers but there is also steak and seafood for dinner. Lunch runs $7 to $15 and dinner ranges from $20 to $30.

• Cheeseburger in Paradise (BLD) With a name like this and great ocean views from a location right on the water, you will want to try this place. The food is good and lunch or dinner will cost from $7 to $15.

• Old Lahaina Luau (D) In 1999, this often honored business was rated as the best luau by readers of the Maui News. The dinner buffet features traditional Hawaiian food and a program presenting the culture and history of the Hawaii in song and dance. Price is $70 for adults and $40 for kids 2-12.

Ma'alaea Area

• Ma'alaea Waterfront (D) Rated as having the best service in 1999 by readers of the Maui News. It was ranked as the eighth best restaurant in all of Hawaii and the second best on Maui by the Zagat Survey 2000. Offers nine different methods of preparing fresh fish including Cajun spice and Southwestern flair. It also received honorable mention in the best seafood category in the Maui News survey. Restaurant parking is limited so you may have to park on the street and walk to the restaurant. Dinner entree prices range from $20 to $50.

• Buzz's Wharf (LD) This restaurant is visible as you drive by on Highway 30 heading toward Lahaina. Features a view of the boats coming in and out of the harbor. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $40.

Kihei & Wailea Area

• Jacque's on The Beach (D) Rated as best value restaurant in 1999 by readers of the Maui News. Reasonable prices with very good ocean views looking toward west Maui at the Kihei location. You will appreciate the good service and generous servings. Dinner entrees range from $13 to $30.

• Hula Moons (BLD) Located in the Outrigger Wailea Resort. Eat in an open air setting with panoramic views of the Wailea coast. Dinner entrees range from $17 to $28.

Paia Area

• Mama's Fish House (LD) Continue past Paia on Highway 36 to find this beachfront restaurant. Rated as having the best seafood in 1999 by readers of the Maui News. It was also rated by the Zagat Survey 2000 as the Maui's most popular restaurant. Dinner entrees range from $30 to $50.

• Jacque's Bistro Paia (D) Rated as best value restaurant in 1999 by readers of the Maui News. You will appreciate the good service and generous servings. Dinner entrees range from $12 to $25.

Kula Area

• Kula Lodge (BLD) Views from many tables are spectacular and show you both east and west Maui. Dinner entrees range from $20 to $35.

Kauai Restaurants

South Shore Area

• Beach House Restaurant (D) Steak and seafood with great ocean views. Dinner entrees range from $25 to $40.

• Brennecke's (LD) A landmark on the south shore that has a great view overlooking Poipu Beach Park. Located across from Poipu Beach Park. Dinner entrees range from $12 to $35.

East Shore Area

• A Pacific Cafe (D) A varied menu with excellent food and great service. Located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Dinner entrees range from $25 to $50. It is normally very busy so reservations are suggested.

• Kintaro Restaurant (D) A large teppan yaki section of the restaurant for those who like the food prepared by a chef at their tables. The restaurant has a very good sushi bar. Dinner entrees range from $15 to $30.

• Bull Shed (D) A popular restaurant with locals and tourists. Ocean front window seats are so close to the water that waves can splash against the glass. Dinner entrees range from $15 to $25.

• Gaylord's (LD) The menu here is varied and the food is very good. Dinner entree prices range from $20 to $38.

Do You Know?

According to Spanish folklore, keeping an
OLIVE BRANCH in the house will ensure that a husband remains loyal to his wife.