When you call an archipelago surrounded by the Pacific Ocean home, you inevitably become spoiled by the incredible, fresh seafood options available to you. Nowhere else in the country will you find fresher seafood or authentic sushi offerings than right here in the Aloha State and while we love all of the seafood spots we’ve visited, these 12 are some of our all-time favorites — from fancy restaurants nestled along the coast to casual hole-in-the-wall eateries. Though some of these restaurants might be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, they're all worth an add to your island bucket list.
1. Ono Seafood, Honolulu
Though Ono Seafood doesn’t look like much, it is a popular spot among locals and rumor has it that it serves the best poke in Honolulu — and it better be in order to live up to its name! The seafood is fresh and the poke is made-to-order instead of sitting all afternoon in a big container.
2. Mama's Fish House, Paia
With a 4.5 stars on Yelp and more than 3,500 reviews, Mama’s Fish House is definitely doing something right. Maybe it’s the picturesque oceanfront location? Or the incredibly fresh and delicious seafood? It's likely a combination of both — among other factors like the friendly service — that make this spot so popular among tourists and locals alike.
3. Da Poke Shack, Kailua-Kona
According to Yelp, Da Poke Shack is the top-rated restaurant in America. That’s a pretty high honor for a seaside seafood joint nestled in a condominium complex known for their takeout poke, as well as local specialties and salads. But don't take our word for it — try it for yourself!
4. Azure Restaurant, Honolulu
This upscale oceanfront restaurant located in the Royal Hawaiian is known for its fresh seafood that is hand-selected daily from the Honolulu Fish Auction and a luxurious atmosphere perfet for a fancy date night or special occasion.
5. Koloa Fish Market, Koloa
This family-owned counter-service joint serves up the best Hawaiian and American plate lunches, perfect for enjoying on a nearby beach (there are no seats here). Could you ask for anything more than an extensive seafood selection at an affordable price?
6. Lahaina Grill, Lahaina
This contemporary bistro serves up a variety of new American cuisine — including seafood — using only the freshest ingredients from Maui farms, dairies, and surrounding oceans. Lahaina Grill has been recognized by Honolulu Magazine as Maui’s best restaurant for more than 20 years.
7. Banzai Sushi Bar, Haleiwa
With traditional floor seating, a cool vibe, fresh fish, stellar specialty drinks, and an impressive selection, Banzai Sushi Bar is the best spot on Oahu’s North Shore for sushi.
8. Sun Dried Specialties, Kealakekua
Admittedly, this spot is both a seafood market/wholesaler and restaurant, though that doesn’t mean you can’t get a killer meal here. From standard Hawaiian fare to gourmet dishes, Sun Dried Specialties is a must-visit while on the Big Island.
9. Roy's Waikiki, Honolulu
This high-end chain serves up the best of Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion cuisine in a contemporary setting. Dishes like Hibachi Salmon, macadamia nut crusted mekajiki, and misoyaki butterfish are sure to have your mouth watering.
10. Coconut's Fish Cafe, Kihei
This seafood joint serves up Hawaiian fish tacos, sandwiches, pastas and plate lunches at affordable prices in a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere with great service and even better seafood.
11. Pono Market, Kapaa
Family owned and operated since 1968, Pono Market serves up a variety of seafood plate lunches, as well as manju, musubi, poke, and sushi. There's no better spot for a casual lunch.
12. Sushi Sasabune, Honolulu
For some of the best sushi in Honolulu, head to Sasabune, where you should order the omakase, which consists of approximately a dozen courses of chef-selected fare. Though this forces you to trust the chef, you will not be disappointed.
With so many great seafood spots scattered across the Hawaiian Islands, we can’t name them all here, but maybe you can! Tell us about your favorite seafood restaurants in Hawaii in the comments below, then click here to discover some of our all-time favorite sushi restaurants.
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