13 places our scouts eat
Kailua
Buzz's Original Steak House (Kailua, across from the beach) — a legendary Kailua institution since 1962. Dark wood, aloha shirts, enormous portions of steak, fresh fish, and the best salad bar on Oahu. No pretension, full of locals. Lunch is better value than dinner. Arrive when it opens to avoid a wait.
Waikīkī
Duke's Waikiki (Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach) — the most famous restaurant on the strip, named for surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. Directly on the beach; the hula pie dessert is required. Expect a 30–60 minute wait for dinner — put your name in, grab a drink at the downstairs bar, and watch the surfers.
Haleʻiwa
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck (Haleiwa, North Shore) — the original scampi shrimp plate that launched a thousand imitators. Cash only. Get garlic butter. Eat in the truck bed under shade. Adjacent fruit stand for cold refreshments on the drive back.
Haleʻiwa
Haleiwa Joe's (Haleiwa, North Shore) — the most reliable full-service restaurant on the North Shore. Generous portions of fresh fish, burgers, and local-style plates in a large, casual open-air setting. Great for families after a beach day — no reservations, just show up.
Honolulu
Helena's Hawaiian Food (1240 N School St, Honolulu) — the best local plate lunch on the island, off the tourist path. James Beard America's Classic winner. Pipikaula short ribs, kalua pig, lomi salmon. Cash only; closed Saturday to Monday.
Waikīkī
Marugame Udon (Waikiki, on Kuhio Ave) — handmade Japanese udon noodles and tempura at astonishing value: a full meal with noodles and two pieces of tempura for under $15. Cafeteria-style service, fast, excellent quality. Best quick lunch option in Waikiki — counter-programs the overpriced resort dining perfectly.
Haleʻiwa
Matsumoto Shave Ice (Haleiwa, North Shore) — the original and most famous shave ice shop in Hawaii since 1951. Paper-thin shaved ice with locally made syrups in a rainbow of flavors. Order with mochi balls inside and azuki beans at the bottom. The line looks daunting but moves in 10–15 minutes. Get the rainbow.
Kailua
Nalu Health Bar & Cafe (Kailua town) — the best healthy breakfast or lunch on the windward side. Smoothies, fresh juices, açaí bowls, wraps, and grain bowls using local ingredients. Casual patio seating. Perfect fuel stop before or after Kailua or Lanikai beach.
Haleʻiwa
Waialua Bakery (Haleiwa, North Shore) — a locals' secret tucked behind the main drag. Açaí bowls, house-made sandwiches, smoothies, and baked goods using local fruit. Closed Sundays. Everything is delicious and the portions are generous at fair prices. A much better meal than any of the tourist-facing spots on the main street.
Kahuku
Romy's (Kahuku, North Shore) — the shrimp and prawn plate to get on the North Shore. Same scampi as the famous trucks up the road but rarely the 45-minute line. Pond-raised on site, cooked to order, so expect a short wait for a fresh plate rather than a long one to order.
Kapahulu
Leonard's Bakery (933 Kapahulu Ave) — hot Portuguese malasadas dusted in cinnamon sugar, open since 1952. Get them fresh from the fryer; they deflate within 20 minutes. Try the haupia (coconut cream) filled version. Cash preferred, line moves fast.
Kapahulu
Rainbow Drive-In (Kapahulu Ave, near Diamond Head) — the real locals' plate lunch since 1961. Two scoops rice, macaroni salad, and your protein. The loco moco (rice, burger, egg, gravy) is the dish. Cash preferred.
East Honolulu
Closed permanently in November 2020 (alanwongs.com) — do not recommend. It stood at 1857 S King St, where Chef Alan Wong pioneered Hawaii Regional Cuisine.