Hole-in-the-Wall Seafood Spots Along Hawaii’s Coastlines

Hawaii’s coastlines hide some of the most incredible seafood treasures you’ll ever taste, tucked away from the typical tourist traps.

These hole-in-the-wall spots serve up the freshest catches with authentic island flavors that locals have cherished for years.

From poke bowls bursting with flavor to grilled fish that melts in your mouth, these hidden gems offer genuine Hawaiian dining experiences without the fancy prices or crowds.

Whether you’re exploring Oahu’s bustling streets or cruising through Maui’s scenic roads, these seven seafood spots deserve a place on your island adventure itinerary.

Each location brings its own special charm, serving dishes that showcase Hawaii’s rich ocean bounty in the most delicious ways imaginable.

Get ready to discover where the real islanders go when they’re craving exceptional seafood that won’t empty your wallet.

These unpretentious eateries prove that the best meals often come from the most unexpected places along Hawaii’s beautiful shores.

1. Ono Seafood: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

Walking past this tiny storefront, you might miss it completely if you’re not paying attention, but that would be a serious mistake.

Ono Seafood has earned its reputation as one of Honolulu’s best-kept secrets for poke, serving incredibly fresh fish that gets delivered daily from local fishermen and auction houses.

The shop itself is barely bigger than a large closet, with just enough room for a counter and a small display case showcasing their colorful poke selections.

What makes this place truly special is the quality of their fish and the traditional Hawaiian seasonings they use, creating poke that tastes exactly like what island families have been making for generations.

Their shoyu ahi poke features perfectly cubed yellowfin tuna mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and just the right amount of limu seaweed for that authentic ocean flavor.

The spicy ahi version brings a pleasant kick without overwhelming the natural taste of the fish, while their tako poke offers tender octopus for those wanting something different.

Prices remain surprisingly affordable considering the premium quality, with generous portions that make for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Most customers order their poke over rice as a bowl, creating a simple yet incredibly delicious meal that highlights the fish rather than hiding it under fancy sauces.

The staff knows their products inside and out, happily offering samples and explaining the differences between each variety to help first-timers make their choice.

There’s no seating available, so plan to take your food to go, perhaps enjoying it at nearby Kapiolani Park or on Waikiki Beach.

Lines can get long during lunch hours, especially on weekdays when locals stop by, but the wait moves quickly and proves absolutely worth it once you taste that first bite of perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth ahi.

2. Nico’s Pier 38: 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817

Tucked along Honolulu Harbor in an industrial area most tourists never venture to, this working waterfront restaurant sits right where the fishing boats unload their catches.

The location might seem odd at first, surrounded by warehouses and marine supply shops, but that’s exactly what makes Nico’s so authentic and special.

You’re literally eating fish that was swimming in the ocean just hours earlier, prepared by people who understand seafood at its freshest and most flavorful.

The casual, no-frills atmosphere features both indoor and outdoor seating with views of the harbor, where you can watch fishing vessels coming and going while you eat.

Their furikake pan-seared ahi has become legendary among locals, featuring a perfectly seared exterior crusted with the savory Japanese seasoning while staying rare and tender inside.

The fish and chips uses fresh catch instead of frozen fillets, resulting in a dish that’s crispy, light, and miles better than the typical version.

Breakfast at Nico’s offers something truly unique: loco moco topped with fresh fish instead of hamburger patty, creating a hearty island-style morning meal that fuels you for hours.

Their poke selection rivals any specialty shop, with multiple varieties available daily depending on what the boats brought in that morning.

Prices stay reasonable despite the premium quality, making this a spot where you can enjoy upscale seafood without the upscale price tag or pretentious atmosphere.

The staff consists mainly of people who’ve worked in Hawaii’s fishing industry for years, bringing genuine knowledge and passion to their recommendations and preparations.

Parking can be tricky during peak hours since the lot fills quickly, but street parking along Nimitz Highway usually offers alternatives within a short walk.

3. EbiNomi: 2310 K?hi? Ave. #140, Honolulu, HI 96815

Hidden inside a small shopping complex on Kuhio Avenue, EbiNomi brings authentic Japanese-style seafood preparation to Waikiki with a focus on quality over quantity.

The name combines the Japanese words for shrimp and drinking, hinting at their specialty: incredible seafood small plates perfect for sharing alongside cold beverages.

This cozy spot feels more like a neighborhood izakaya you’d find in Tokyo than a typical Hawaiian restaurant, creating an intimate dining experience that stands apart from nearby tourist traps.

Their garlic shrimp has achieved near-cult status among those who’ve discovered it, featuring plump, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a buttery garlic sauce that begs to be soaked up with rice.

The poke nachos create an inventive fusion, layering crispy wonton chips with fresh ahi, avocado, and spicy mayo for a dish that somehow respects both Hawaiian and Japanese culinary traditions.

Grilled fish collars, often overlooked by Western diners, showcase the most flavorful and tender part of larger fish like yellowtail or salmon, prepared simply with salt and served with ponzu sauce.

Beer selection focuses on Japanese imports and local Hawaiian craft brews, both pairing beautifully with the seafood-forward menu.

The space itself stays small and unpretentious, with limited seating that creates a sense of discovery when you find an available table.

Service comes from staff who genuinely enjoy talking about the menu and helping diners explore dishes they might not have tried before.

Prices reflect the quality ingredients and careful preparation, remaining fair without being cheap, making this a great spot for a special casual meal.

Located just a block from the beach, it’s perfect for dropping in after a day of swimming when you’re craving something more interesting than standard hotel restaurant fare.

4. Side Street Inn: 614 Kapahulu Ave #100, Honolulu, HI 96815

Don’t let the name fool you—while Side Street Inn serves plenty of meat dishes, their seafood offerings have made them a favorite among chefs and food industry workers who know where to find the good stuff.

This unassuming restaurant started as a late-night hangout spot where local chefs would gather after their shifts, sharing hearty portions of comfort food and cold drinks.

That after-hours vibe still permeates the place, creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone from construction workers to business executives sits elbow-to-elbow at the bar.

Their pan-fried pork chops might be the signature dish, but the pan-seared ahi delivers equally impressive flavors with a beautiful crust and rare center that showcases the fish’s quality.

The garlic fried rice comes loaded with chunks of fresh seafood, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for soaking up flavors from other plates.

Portions arrive enormous by any standard, designed for sharing family-style, which encourages ordering multiple dishes to sample across the menu.

The fried calamari stays tender inside its crispy coating, served with a tangy dipping sauce that brightens each bite without overwhelming the delicate seafood.

Prices remain surprisingly modest given the portion sizes, making this one of Honolulu’s best values for quality food in generous amounts.

The casual, dive-bar atmosphere might not impress anyone looking for Instagram-worthy decor, but the food speaks loudly enough that aesthetics become completely irrelevant.

Service moves efficiently despite the constant crowds, with servers who’ve often worked there for years and know exactly what regulars want before they order.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner, as both locals and savvy visitors pack this place nightly, creating waits that can stretch past an hour during peak times.

5. South Maui Fish Company: 1215 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Driving along South Kihei Road, this small seafood counter sits in a modest building that you could easily pass without noticing, which is exactly what makes it a true hidden gem.

The owners have deep connections with Maui’s fishing community, ensuring they get first pick of the daily catch before it even hits the regular markets.

That direct relationship with fishermen means the fish you’re eating is incredibly fresh, often caught that same morning in the waters visible from Kihei’s beaches.

Their fish tacos have earned a devoted following, featuring grilled mahi-mahi or ono tucked into soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and a tangy sauce that lets the fish flavor shine through.

The poke bowls come customizable with your choice of fresh fish, mixed with traditional Hawaiian seasonings or more adventurous flavor combinations for those wanting something different.

Grilled fish plates offer a simple, healthy option where the quality of the seafood takes center stage, accompanied by rice and a fresh salad.

The outdoor seating area provides a casual, breezy spot to enjoy your meal, with picnic tables shaded by umbrellas and views of the ocean just across the street.

Kids love the fish and chips here because the fish actually tastes like fish rather than just fried batter, introducing young palates to quality seafood in a familiar format.

Prices stay reasonable for Maui, where dining costs can quickly escalate, making this spot popular with both visitors and residents watching their budgets.

The staff treats everyone like regulars, offering friendly recommendations and honest opinions about which fish is running particularly well that day.

Lines form during lunch hours, especially when cruise ships are in port, but the wait rarely exceeds fifteen minutes and gives you time to study the menu board.

6. The Fish Market Maui: 3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Nestled along the scenic road between Lahaina and Kaanapali, this combination fish market and eatery lets you buy fresh catch to cook yourself or have them prepare it on the spot.

The dual nature of the business means they maintain the highest standards for freshness since local residents come here to buy fish for their home cooking, not just tourists grabbing a quick meal.

Walking in, you’re greeted by a display case full of whole fish, fillets, and other seafood that looks like it just came off the boat, because it basically did.

Their grilled fish sandwich has become something of a local legend, featuring thick fillets of mahi-mahi or ono grilled to perfection and served on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and a light mayo-based sauce.

The fish and chips uses the same quality fish you could buy from their market case, resulting in a dish that’s fresher and more flavorful than anywhere else on the island.

Poke options rotate based on availability, with varieties you won’t find at mainland grocery stores, showcasing traditional Hawaiian preparations passed down through generations.

The outdoor seating area overlooks the ocean, providing stunning sunset views that turn a simple seafood meal into a memorable dining experience.

Prices for prepared food remain lower than sit-down restaurants while quality stays equally high, offering excellent value for budget-conscious travelers.

The staff includes people who’ve worked in Maui’s fishing industry their entire lives, bringing authentic knowledge about local fish species and the best preparation methods for each type.

Parking can get tight during peak tourist season, but there’s usually space if you’re willing to walk a short distance along the scenic roadway.

This spot represents the perfect blend of market and restaurant, giving you options whether you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen or just want a delicious meal right now.

7. Koloa Fish Market: 5482 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

In the charming historic town of Koloa on Kauai’s south shore, this old-school fish market has been serving the local community for decades, long before the island became a major tourist destination.

The building itself looks like it hasn’t changed much since the plantation era, with a weathered exterior that tells you this place cares more about what’s inside than fancy appearances.

Stepping through the door feels like traveling back in time to a simpler Hawaii, where businesses focused on serving their neighbors rather than chasing tourist dollars.

Their poke stands among the best in the entire state, prepared using family recipes that emphasize the natural flavors of ultra-fresh fish rather than drowning it in excessive seasonings.

The plate lunch special changes daily based on available catch, offering grilled or fried fish with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad in true Hawaiian style.

Fried poke, a local specialty that might sound strange to mainlanders, transforms cubed raw fish into crispy, savory bites that make an addictive lunch or snack.

The market also sells fresh whole fish and fillets if you’re staying somewhere with cooking facilities and want to prepare your own island-style meal.

Prices remain remarkably low compared to resort area restaurants, reflecting the market’s roots as a local business rather than a tourist attraction.

Seating consists of a few tables outside under the shade of old trees, creating a peaceful spot to enjoy your meal while watching small-town Kauai life unfold around you.

The staff has likely known most customers for years, greeting regulars by name and remembering their favorite orders, though they welcome visitors with equal warmth.

Getting here requires venturing away from the main resort areas, but that journey rewards you with authentic Hawaiian food and a glimpse of island life that most tourists never experience.