Maguro Brothers Hawaii Chinatown is a two-brother poke counter inside Kekaulike Market; the Tsuchiya brothers source from the Honolulu Fish Auction at dawn.
Editorially verified May 21, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: The two-brother poke counter inside Kekaulike Market sells out by 13:00 and never opens past lunch, so Waikiki visitors miss it.
Tip: Monday to Saturday 09:00-14:00. The Tsuchiya brothers source from the Honolulu Fish Auction at dawn.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Savor the local Hawaiian island flavors and international treats on a guided food tour of Waikiki with a local guide. Try a malasada, a Japanese treat with a Hawaiian ...
Guided tour · 9 hours
Experience the top sightseeing bus tour on Oahu with this island day trip. Explore Oahu's natural wonders, cultural sites, surfing spots, and shopping meccas on this f...
Day trip · 7 hours
Begin at the Dole Plantation for sweet pineapple treats, visit Kō Hana Distillers to taste authentic Hawaiian rum, then finish at the Mauka Warriors Luau where the fla...
Address: 1120 Maunakea Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
Ono Seafood in Honolulu: Tourists go to Foodland for poke; locals come to this Kapahulu storefront for the sashimi-grade shoyu ahi at half the price.
Why locals goTourists go to Foodland for poke; locals come to this Kapahulu storefront for the sashimi-grade shoyu ahi at half the price.
TipClosed Sunday and Monday. No inside seating; sells out by 16:00 weekends.
Andys Sandwiches and Smoothies has fed UH students and Manoa Valley families from Manoa Marketplace since 1977; the papaya smoothie is the standard order.
Why locals goThe Manoa Marketplace sandwich shop is a hike from Waikiki, but UH students and Manoa Valley families have eaten here since 1977.
TipMonday to Friday 07:00-16:00, Sunday to 14:30. Closed Saturday. The papaya smoothie is the must-order.
Helena's Hawaiian Food is locals queue for this 1946 kalihi institution but most visitors never venture past chinatown to north school street.
Why locals goLocals queue for this 1946 Kalihi institution but most visitors never venture past Chinatown to North School Street.
TipTuesday to Friday 10:00-19:30. Pipikaula short ribs are the must-order; the kalua pig is also canonical.
Why locals goMost Honolulu visitors buy Mauna Loa macadamia chocolates at the airport, missing this tree-to-bar chocolate maker in SALT Kakaako.
TipDaily 10:00-18:00. The 90-minute factory tour runs at 10:00 most mornings; book ahead.
Mud Hen Water in Honolulu: Hidden up Waialae in Kaimuki, Ed Kenney's aina-based room cooks with farms tourists never see and rotates the menu weekly.
Why locals goHidden up Waialae in Kaimuki, Ed Kenney's aina-based room cooks with farms tourists never see and rotates the menu weekly.
TipSunday brunch is the locals' move. The shishito pepper romesco runs as a small plate most weeks.
Palace Saimin is tourists rarely make it past chinatown to kalihi for this 1946 saimin counter, but locals have eaten here for three generations.
Why locals goTourists rarely make it past Chinatown to Kalihi for this 1946 saimin counter, but locals have eaten here for three generations.
TipTuesday to Friday only. The custom-order Sun Noodles thicker than the city standard; broth is the secret shrimp-pork dashi.
