2 Best Restaurants in Hawaii Kai, Oahu

This open-air, upscale taproom puts a local spin on classic American dishes and has an excellent waterfront view from its otherwise nondescript strip-mall location. A long beer, wine, and cocktail menu includes locally sourced drinks. The food portions are large, and TVs around the restaurant make for good game-day viewing or distraction for the kids. Stop here for lunch in between south and windward shore activities.

Located in a strip mall in the residential neighborhood of Aina Haina, Uncle Clay’s is a happy place. This shave-ice stand specializes in homemade all-natural syrups made from cane sugar and locally sourced fruits, including “kalespin”—a combination of kale and spinach. And the bowl is biodegradable, of course! Uncle Clay himself might show up with a warm welcome—and a lot of conversation.