Choosing the right family-friendly restaurants in Hawaii can take a while, especially when you’re on the go. Plan ahead with these restaurants where the food is filling, delicious and the bill won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Hamuras Saimin Stand (Lihu’e, Kaua’i)
Here’s your chance to try saimin, a local dish of eggs and wheat noodles in a spicy soup seasoned with dashi and garnished with eggs, scallions and kamaboko. This little mom and pop restaurant is famous for its authentic saimin and you can’t leave without trying it liliko’i (passion fruit) tart.
Zippy’s (O’ahu, Maui, Island of Hawaii)
A few local dishes at Zippy’s. Photo: Courtesy of Zippy’s
Zippy’s is an iconic diner chain with 22 locations throughout Hawaii. It serves local classics like chili, beef curry, mochiko chicken, oxtail soup and more. The breakfast menu is also ‘ono’ and is served daily from 6am to 10:30am with dishes such as omelettes, Portuguese sausage and French toast. e.gippys.com.
Liliha Bakery (Honolulu and Pearl City, O’ahu)
A classic breakfast and bakery Liliha.
Photo: Getty Images
You can’t go wrong with Liliha Bakery: your kids will love the coco puffs, poi mochi donuts and the famous butter buns with sweet raspberry jelly. This diner chain offers a wide variety of local favorites like hamburger steak, loco moco with fried rice, and miso butterfish. lilihabakery.com.
Ken’s House of Pancakes (Hilo, Island of Hawaii)
When you’re a parent, fast and friendly service at family-friendly restaurants can make all the difference, especially if your keiki are young and restless. The aunts at Ken’s House are professionals and the food comes quickly. You have to try the Mac Nut or Coconut Pancakes – if you’re in the mood for something sweet, add a dollop of ice cream. For a more filling meal, try the omelet or egg platter with rice or hash browns and pancakes or toast. kenshouseofpancakes.com.
Kahuku Farms (Kahuku, O’ahu)
The farmer’s pizza.
Photo: David Croxford
It can be difficult for parents to find healthy meals for the kids that they will enjoy eating, but Kahuku Farms on O’ahu’s North Shore is a fantastic option. With an outdoor bistro serving dishes like iced mango tea and the farmer’s pizza — tomato and eggplant bruschetta with mozzarella and basil mac nut pesto that’s fresher than fresh — kids have plenty of room to run around and burn out after their meal. www.kahukufarms.com.