The Hawaiian islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, nearly 2,500 miles from the California coast, so there’s an abundance of freshly caught fish. Plus, the year-round mild weather provides a steady stream of tasty tropical fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced meat. Combine those excellent ingredients with Hawaii’s finest chefs and you’ve got several great choices for fine dining on Oahu.
Featured Photo: M by Jeremy Shigekane
M by Jeremy Shigekane
1969 S. King St., Honolulu
808.944.4714
M by Jeremy Shigekane is his creation for a “chef-driven” Hawaii French Bistro experience where he designs all of the items on the restaurant’s menu based on his personal style using locally-sourced ingredients. In Hawaii, Shigekane worked at Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Chef Chai, for Chef Mavro, and the Royal Hawaiian Resort Waikiki — M’s concept offers unique and fun affordable gourmet food and drink, it’s an experience like no other. Open Wednesday through Saturday 5:30pm to 8pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. mbyjeremyshigekane.com
Hoku’s at the Kahala
5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu
808.739.8760
Something of an open secret as a celebrity hideaway, due to its location in the discrete Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hoku’s also claims legions of local fans. They come for Oʻahu-born chef Eric Oto’s elegantly plated, Pacific Rim-inspired dishes and well-curated wine list as much as the romantic setting overlooking the Pacific. The tasting and prix fixe menus are smart bets. Open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Brunch is offered Sunday 9am to 1pm. Closed Monday. hokuskahala.com
Miro Kaimuki
3446 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki
808.379.0124
Chef Chris Kajioka of Senia recently took over the space at Miro, a fixture in Kaimuki for more than 23 years. The restaurant is currently serving prix fixe menus, and the cuisine is French-inspired combined with Japanese flavors and techniques. Open Wednesday to Sunday 5pm to 9pm. Brunch is available Sunday 10am to 1:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. mirokaimuki.com
PAI HONOLULU
55 Merchant St., Suite 110, Honolulu
808.744.2531
PAI opened its doors in downtown Honolulu in 2017. Chef Kevin Lee has a background of working at Michelin star restaurants as well as being a former food scientist, so his cuisine is as innovative as it is delicious. PAI offers tasting menus, prix fixe, a la carte and a happy hour menu. Open Wednesday to Sunday 4pm to 10pm. paihonolulu.com
‘Ama‘ama
92 Ali‘inui Dr., Kapolei
866.443.4763
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Take a break from the kid stuff at Aulani, Disney’s compound in the Ko Olina Resort on the west side, at this casual yet upscale open-air beach house. Enormous seafood platters, grilled fresh fish and day-boat scallops are go-to choices but beef eaters will savor the steak menu with traditional sides. disneyaulani.com
Mina’s Fish House
San Francisco celebrity chef Michael Mina always dreamed of having a fishing boat in Hawaiʻi, and this informal dining room overlooking the beach at the Four Seasons in Ko Olina has helped him realize that. Naturally, catch of the day is the main event — you can even chat with the fish sommelier on the best way to have it prepared. Open daily 4pm to 9pm with a 4pm to 5pm happy hour. michaelmina.net
Orchids at Halekulani Hotel
2199 Kalia Rd., Waikiki
808.923.2311
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
While the Mediterranean cuisine and island-sourced seafood are standouts at dinner, Orchids is most famed for its elegant lunch, afternoon tea and Sunday brunch with dazzling views of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific. Service is also superb. halekulani.com
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
