New and Relocated Cafés & Restaurants in Hawaii – December 2024

January 15, 2025

As we rounded out 2024, Honolulu witnessed the reopening of a few cherished restaurants, along with a few exciting new dining spots. Among the highlights are the reopening of Tim Ho Wan in a different space in the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the grand opening of a popular seafood bowl spot in Kaimuki that is already witnessing long lines. Here are six new places to check out.

[Reopening] Tim Ho Wan

The dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, whose original Hong Kong location was once reputed to be the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world, reopened within the Royal Hawaiian Center. After temporarily closing in the spring of 2024 to relocate from the third floor of Building B to Building A, this popular Chinese eatery made its highly anticipated return.

Featuring a bright, modern interior of white and wooden accents, the new space now accommodates up to 92 guests.

Along with its reopening, several new dishes were added to the menu:

Hot & Spicy Sesame Chicken (Chilled): A chicken dressed with chili oil, giving it a spicy kick that begs for a glass of beer.
Chicken, Mushroom, and Chinese Sausage Rice: Comforting and flavorful, this rice bowl topped with chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and lup cheong sausage explodes with savory and sweet flavors perfectly dressed with a soy-based sauce.
Crab & Shrimp Fried Dumplings with Wasabi Sauce: Crispy deep-fried dumplings are generously filled with crab and shrimp and drizzled with a slightly pungent, creamy wasabi sauce.

Store Information >> more detail
Tim Ho Wan
Royal Hawaiian Center Building A, Level 3, A307
2233 Kalakaua Ave.
11:00am – 9:00pm daily
Phone: (808)888-6088

[Reopening] Chart House

The iconic restaurant Chart House, which had been closed for renovations since spring 2024, reopened on Christmas Eve, December 24. A time-honored favorite among many locals and visitors, the newly renovated Chart House features a revamped look with an expanded bar area, refurbished open kitchen, and enhanced lanai seating boasting ocean views of the yacht harbor. Donning a refreshed contemporary appeal, the restaurant is ready to serve its established loyal customers and new patrons.

Store Information
Chart House
1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815
3:30 PM – 0:00 AM daily
Phone: (808) 941-6669

[New Opening] Han no Daidokoro Waikiki

The beloved yakiniku restaurant Han no Daidokoro, known for its premium Miyazaki wagyu and Washugyu beef, opened a second location in Hawaii, this time right in the heart of Waikiki. The new restaurant on the ground floor of the Lilia Waikiki condominium, is located on the site of the former Food Pantry.

Savor beautiful cuts of marbled beef that just needs a flash grilling to activate the lavish oils in the meat. The exceptional quality of the melt-in-your-mouth Washugyu and wagyu will please any carnivore, makes it a must-visit spot for high-quality grilled meats in Honolulu.

Han no Daidokoro Waikiki
2380 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI
Happy Hour: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bar: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Phone: 808-200-2729
Visit their website >>

[New Opening] Totoya

A new seafood bowl restaurant, Totoya, opened in Kaimuki at the former Otto Cake space. Immediately after opening, the restaurant finds queues of hungry patrons patiently waiting for their chance to savor the signature Negitoro Bowl, served with an optional soy egg yolk sauce. Reservations are currently not accepted, and with lines forming before opening hours, we suggest getting there early to secure a spot.

Totoya
1127 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Phone: 808-600-5017
Visit their Instagram >>

[New Opening] Mian & Bao

A new Chinese noodle and dumpling spot, Mian & Bao, opened in Ward Village, assuming the space former occupied by predecessors Peso and Piggy Smalls.

As the sister restaurant to Mian in 808 Sheridan behind Honolulu’s Walmart, Mian & Bao offers a fusion of Sichuan, Thai, and Shanghai home-style cuisines. Created by Taste Corporation, led by Sean Xie and James Beard Award semifinalist Tony Xu, which also operates Chengdu Taste, this new concept is a must-visit for fans of xiao long bao, sheng jian bao, and Sichuan noodle dishes.

Mian & Bao
1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Phone: 808-888-0880

[New Opening] Taco Invader

Taco Invader, located within Howzit Brewing in Kakaako, brings Tijuana-style tacos to Honolulu. The eatery features 5” corn tortilla, 5” flour tortilla, and 12” flour tortilla tacos with savory fillings such as carne asada (seasoned beef), adobada (marinated pork), pollo (seasoned chicken), and a vegan chorizo ‘shroom with sides, including frijoles, arroz, guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips. Augmenting the base taco menu are burritos, nachos, and fries, along with beef barbacoa (slow-cooked beef brisket), grilled seasoned chicken, and pork carnitas, back by popular demand. Select from a variety of hot sauces, and assuage your palates with Mexican colas, different flavors of Jarritos, or some agua fresca.