11 Most In-Demand Restaurant Reservations In Hawaii That Book Out Months In Advance

Hawaii is paradise in more ways than one, and its dining proves it every night. Across the islands, reservations disappear faster than ocean light at dusk, with diners planning months ahead to secure a spot.

The state’s mix of local talent and world-class chefs has created restaurants so sought after that some travelers build their itineraries around them.

Each island offers its own flavor of anticipation, where the promise of fresh catch, island produce, and sunset tables keeps Hawaii’s dining calendars packed year-round.

1. Mama’s Fish House, Maui

Reservations open far ahead at this legendary beachfront restaurant, and the best times vanish almost instantly. Locals and visitors alike plan trips around securing a table here.

The location alone is stunning. You sit just feet from the waves, surrounded by tropical gardens. Fresh fish is caught daily by local fishermen whose names appear right on the menu.

Sunset slots disappear first. If you want prime evening dining, book the moment the window opens or risk missing out entirely.

2. Sushi Sho, Waikīkī Oʻahu

Only a handful of seats line the counter at this intimate omakase spot. Every seat fills quickly because the experience is rare and Chef Kenji Takahashi’s reputation spreads fast.

You watch each piece of sushi prepared right in front of you. The fish is flown in from Japan multiple times weekly. Everything is meticulously sourced and handled with precision.

Reservations require persistence. Spots vanish within minutes of release, so set reminders and be ready to act fast when booking opens.

3. Takenoko Sushi, Hilo Hawaiʻi Island

This tiny operation seats fewer than a dozen people at a time. Chef Takeshi runs the place with his family, keeping everything small and personal.

Waitlists stretch for weeks because word travels among those who know great sushi. The fish is incredibly fresh, often caught that same day by Big Island fishermen. Each piece reflects decades of training and care.

Patience is essential here. Call ahead as early as possible and expect to wait. The experience is worth every bit of effort it takes to get in.

4. The Beach House, Kōloa Kauaʻi

Sunset tables at this oceanfront gem are among the most coveted on Kauaʻi. Diners watch the sun melt into the Pacific while waves crash just below the dining room.

The restaurant opens reservations weeks out, and prime evening slots fill almost immediately. Fresh island ingredients and creative preparations make the menu memorable. The setting amplifies everything.

Book early morning when reservations release. Even weekday evenings go fast during peak travel seasons, so plan ahead or settle for earlier or later times.

5. Bar Māze, Honolulu Oʻahu

An intimate tasting format keeps this restaurant exclusive and in high demand. Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s protégé runs the kitchen, blending Japanese technique with local Hawaiian flavors.

Only a few tables are available each night. Every course is carefully timed and plated with artistry. The experience feels personal, almost like dining in someone’s home.

Reservations fill well in advance. Check availability as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Walk-ins are nearly impossible, so planning ahead is your only real option.

6. Senia, Honolulu Oʻahu

A 60-day booking window opens reservations here, and the chef’s counter sells out almost instantly. Award-winning chefs Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush create inventive dishes that reflect both their training and Hawaii’s ingredients.

The dining room buzzes with energy. Plates arrive beautifully composed, balancing bold flavors with delicate touches. Regulars return often, making competition for tables even tougher.

Set calendar reminders for exactly 60 days before your desired date. Be online right when reservations open or you’ll likely miss your chance at the counter.

7. Sushi Ginza Onodera, Honolulu Oʻahu

Set seatings and limited spots mean you need to plan well ahead for this high-end sushi experience. The restaurant is part of a renowned Tokyo group, bringing authentic Edomae-style sushi to Honolulu.

Each seating is timed precisely. Fish arrives daily from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, ensuring quality rivals what you’d find in Japan. The omakase menu changes with the seasons and the catch.

Reservations require commitment. Book as far out as allowed and confirm promptly. Last-minute availability is extremely rare given the restaurant’s reputation and limited capacity.

8. Star Noodle, Lāhainā Maui

Preferred dining times at this beloved spot disappear quickly despite its casual vibe. The noodle dishes and small plates draw crowds from all over the island and beyond.

Portions are generous and flavors punch hard. The open kitchen fills the space with enticing aromas. Everyone from families to food critics shows up hungry and leaves happy.

Early reservations are smart. Weekend evenings and holiday periods book especially fast. Arrive without a reservation and expect a substantial wait, even on slower nights.

9. CanoeHouse, Mauna Lani Hawaiʻi Island

Oceanfront dining here means watching waves roll in while you eat. Prime evening times vanish early because the setting is unbeatable and the food matches the view.

The menu highlights local seafood and island-grown produce. Presentation is elegant without feeling stuffy. Service strikes the right balance between attentive and relaxed.

Book well before your trip. Sunset reservations are the most competitive, so flexibility with timing helps. Even lunch slots can fill during busy seasons at this resort favorite.

10. Nobu Lānaʻi, Lānaʻi City Lānaʻi

Reservations are essential at this destination restaurant on a remote island. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature dishes meet the tranquil luxury of Lānaʻi’s Four Seasons resort.

Getting to the island itself takes planning. Once there, the restaurant delivers the same quality found at Nobu locations worldwide. Black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño remain favorites.

Book when you arrange your Lānaʻi stay. Walk-ins are risky given limited seating and the island’s small size. Securing a table ahead ensures your special evening goes smoothly.

11. Bar Acuda, Hanalei Kauaʻi

A 30-day release means evening slots disappear quickly at this Mediterranean-inspired tapas spot. The small dining room fills nightly with guests eager for chef Jim Moffat’s creative plates.

Shared dishes encourage conversation and sampling. Ingredients come from nearby farms and fishermen. The drink list is thoughtfully curated, pairing beautifully with the food.

Mark your calendar for 30 days out. Evening reservations go fastest, especially during summer and holidays. Lunch and late afternoon offer better availability if dinner times are gone.