Italian Restaurants in Hawaii

If you’re craving Italian while in Hawaii, you might be surprised by how serious some of the local joints get about pasta and wood-fired pizza. Honolulu, especially around Kaimuki and Chinatown, has some spots that locals swear by. And it’s not all heavy red sauce,expect fresh seafood options and even some island-inspired twists, like mango in your bruschetta or ahi tuna carpaccio alongside your antipasto.

Out on Maui, pizza tends to steal the show, but don’t overlook the homemade pastas you’ll find tucked away in places like Paia. Plus, in the cooler months, the cozy vibe of a spot by the beach really makes that bowl of gnocchi taste even better. Heads up: many Italian places on the island are small and don’t take reservations, so heading out early can save you an hour-long wait.

One local tip? Try a glass of local wine or a craft beer alongside your meal,it’s a nice way to mix island flavors with your Italian favorites. And if you’re after real-deal tiramisu, ask around; some of the best are made by the family-owned diners that keep it old school yet fresh.