The Great Debate: Hawaii’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
On the island of Oahu, just a short drive from Honolulu, lies Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a venerable institution tucked into the historic district of Kalihi. Though not a traditional “BBQ” joint in the mainland sense, Helena’s serves up kalua pig and other smoked meats that showcase Hawaii’s deep-rooted luau culture with a smoky, tender punch. Dining here is like stepping back into the islands’ past, where native Hawaiian culinary traditions are preserved with care. The slow roasting of the pig in an underground imu pit lends a distinct smoky aroma and flavor that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere. Visiting during midday ensures the freshest offerings, as the kitchen fills early and favorites like pipikaula (dried beef) vanish fast.
Down the road in Haleiwa on the North Shore, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck has become legendary for its garlicky shrimp plates, a must-stop for seafood fans exploring this surfing haven about 45 minutes north of Honolulu. While the spot is famed for its garlic shrimp, the real reason it stands apart is its setting beside the sprawling Waimea Bay Beach Park, where visitors can watch towering waves and surfers carving the swells before or after digging into their meal. The open-air, casual vibe blends perfectly with the Sea and Shore atmosphere, offering a true taste of island life. Best enjoyed on a sunny winter morning when the surf is at its prime, Giovanni’s embodies the North Shore’s perfect mix of natural beauty and local flavor.
On the Big Island, in Hilo a 30-minute drive from the volcanic parks, Café Pesto has carved out a reputation for its inventive take on Italian cuisine with a Hawaiian twist. The pizza here is a standout, from the wood-fired crust to toppings that often draw on fresh island produce and seafood. Their signature “Hilo Pie” is a marriage of tart pineapple, smoked mozzarella, and sweet teriyaki chicken, reflecting the unique cultural hybridity of the island. Café Pesto’s location near downtown Hilo allows visitors to explore nearby Liliuokalani Gardens, a serene Japanese-style garden, before indulging in a slice. Evening visits reveal the pizza oven’s glow, perfect for cooler, breezy nights along the Hilo coast.
On Maui, Paia’s Flatbread Company sits just minutes from the iconic Ho’okipa Beach Park, a hotspot for windsurfing and sea turtle sightings. Flatbread’s pizzas stand out for their commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients and a crust cooked in a wood-fired oven that yields a beautifully charred, chewy base. The seaside town’s laid-back, bohemian vibe infuses the dining experience with aloha spirit, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike. After a morning of hiking the nearby Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park—where the trail passes towering bamboo forests and the impressive 400-foot Waimoku Falls—returning here to share a pizza feels like the perfect island reward.
In Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Big Island, Umekes Fishmarket Bar & Grill offers some of the freshest poke bowls and seafood plates available just a 15-minute drive from Kona International Airport. While not a BBQ or pizza spot, its seafood is unrivaled for those looking to sample the ocean’s bounty, featuring ahi tuna caught that day and marinated in a variety of Hawaiian-style sauces. The open-air setting on Alii Drive lets diners watch the sun dip into the Pacific, a moment made even better by the vibrant flavors and the cool island breeze. Early evening visits during the dry season bring ideal weather conditions to enjoy a sunset meal here.
Back on Oahu, the Honolulu neighborhood of Kaimuki boasts Furaibo, a Japanese-Hawaiian fusion spot known for its unique take on BBQ yakitori skewers that pay homage to Hawaii’s diverse immigrant history. A short drive from Waikiki, Furaibo’s offerings are grilled over binchotan charcoal, giving an intense smoky flavor that elevates simple chicken thighs and pork belly to new heights. The intimate interior, accented with Japanese decor, invites diners to savor each bite slowly. Nighttime visits capture the bustling energy of Kaimuki’s dining scene, which buzzes with locals and visitors alike as the sun sets over Diamond Head.
Finally, on the island of Kauai, the town of Hanalei on the lush north shore offers Bar Acuda, a cozy restaurant that specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood and wood-fired pizza. Just 30 minutes from Lihue Airport, this spot embodies Kauai’s farm-to-table ethos, with menus that rotate based on what fishermen and farmers bring in daily. The outdoor patio overlooks Hanalei Bay, where emerald waters meet the shore against a backdrop of verdant mountains. The experience here is enhanced in the late afternoon when the sun softens, and the trade winds pick up, creating an unforgettable dinner ambiance infused with the island’s natural beauty.
Each of these places reflects a different facet of Hawaii’s culinary and cultural richness, tied to the landscapes and communities that define the islands. Whether it’s the smoky depth of a traditional kalua pig in Honolulu, the garlicky shrimp beside North Shore surf breaks, or a wood-fired pizza after hiking Maui’s waterfalls, these are experiences that invite visitors not just to eat, but to connect with Hawaii’s spirit through its most beloved foods.