The 5 Best New Restaurants in Hawai‘i in 2025
These are the hottest new restaurants to hit Hawaiʻi's dining scene.
Hawai‘i boasts an incredible and vibrant culinary scene. And with exciting restaurants opening every year, it’s hard to narrow down which new eateries are the best. Thanks to our savvy HAWAIʻI Magazine readers, here are the best five new restaurants in Hawaiʻi that rose to the top of our 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
1. Makawao Public House, Maui
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Set in what used to be a steakhouse in the heart of Makawao, this pub-style restaurant pays tribute to historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) heritage. Try the kalbi braised boneless short ribs, smash burger with Wagyu beef and don’t skip the mud pie as a delicious dessert.
3612 Baldwin Ave., Makawao, makawaopublichouse.com
2. JP’s Pizza, Kauaʻi
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Kaumakani might be one of the last places you think of to get authentic New York-style pizza, but owner Xavier Machado of JP’s Pizza has made it possible. Here, he serves hand-stretched, wood-fired pies that have garnered a devout fan base. The menu ranges from the classic cheese, a white pie with two cheeses and basil sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage and massive calzones.
1-2500 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., @jpspizzakauai
3. Spoon & Key Market, Maui
Spoon & Key recently opened on Maui.
Photo: Courtesy of Spoon and Key Market
Equal parts café, market and community gathering space, this new restaurant is in an extra fancy sandwich shop, boasting an all-day breakfast and a beautiful lānai with ocean views. Grab a cup of gourmet coffee, pick up a smoothie and enjoy house-made meatballs, imported cheeses and New York steak.
108 Wailea ʻIke Dr., spoonandkey.com
4. Little Plum, Oʻahu
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Little Plum opened in Mānoa Marketplace last year, drawing inspiration from comfort foods that locals grew up loving. Chef Casey Kusaka’s chicken jook reimagines his mom’s comforting rice porridge with ali‘i (king oyster) mushrooms and soy-marinated egg, while the fried chicken adobo packs bold, crispy flavor.
2752 Woodlawn Dr. #5-101
5. Onkee Korean Grill House, Oʻahu
Onkee Korean Grill House opened last year, with a menu boasting modern South Korean cuisine prepared by Michelin restaurant-trained chefs from Korea.
Photo: Courtesy of Onkee Korean Grill House
This lively Korean barbecue spot brings delicious grilled meats and high-end dishes to the table, including traditional yukhoe (Korean-style beef tartare), beef shank salad and japchae. Don’t miss the seafood platter with uni or caviar upgrades. Other delicious options include the galbi hamburger steak and braised short ribs. Pair with soju, whiskeys, beer and cocktails.
1000 Auahi St., @onkeehawaii
