Locals Seek Out The Ribeye At These 8 Steakhouses

Hawaii might be famous for poke bowls and shave ice, but the islands are also home to some seriously good steakhouses. Ribeye lovers know that a great cut of beef can hold its own against any beach view, and locals have their favorite spots for exactly that.

From casual Western-themed rooms on Kauai to fine dining perched over golf greens on the Big Island, this list covers the places where the ribeye keeps people coming back. Some are relaxed and family-friendly, others are dressy and special-occasion worthy.

Here are eight steakhouses across the islands where the ribeye is the reason to book a table.

1. Wrangler’s Steakhouse & Saddle Room Bar, Waimea, HI

Cattle country meets the Kauai coast at this Western-themed spot in the historic town of Waimea. The decor leans into ranch style, and the vibe stays casual and family-friendly.

Steaks here come from local Kauai farms, which gives the beef a fresh, honest quality. The keawe-smoked cuts pick up a nice smokiness, and many are finished with a garlic butter sauce.

Beyond ribeye, the menu runs through Pulehu steak, pepper steak, ribs, seafood, and a salad bar. Sides like French fries keep things simple, and the desserts, including bread pudding and lava cake, are worth saving room for.

Kids get their own menu and high chairs are available, so families fit right in. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 PM, with reservations accepted and free parking on hand.

2. Paniolos Steak & Seafood Bar & Grill, Kihei, HI

Named after the Hawaiian cowboys who worked the island ranches, Paniolos sits along South Kihei Road on Maui and welcomes local families and visitors alike. Fresh Maui ingredients get top billing here.

The chimichurri ribeye pupu is a standout, pairing a quality cut with bright herb sauce. Ribs, shrimp, and a well-liked fettuccini Alfredo round out the plates.

Prices sit on the higher side, but the steaks earn it with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth reputation. The atmosphere fits the surf-and-turf theme without feeling stuffy.

Open most days from noon to 9 PM and closed Tuesdays, it works for both an early bite and a full dinner. Reservations are accepted, and parking is usually easy to find.

3. Buzz’s Original Steak House, Kailua, HI

A tree growing right through the building is enough to make Buzz’s memorable before the food even arrives. The tiki hut style space on Oahu’s Windward coast has a genuine old Hawaii feel.

The ribeye and 10-ounce top sirloin are the headliners, backed by fresh fish, ribs, calamari, and crab legs. A salad bar with items like seaweed salad and the vegan Lanikai Salad rounds out the meal.

Location is a big part of the draw. The restaurant sits across the street from Kailua Beach parking and within walking distance of Lanikai, making it an easy stop after a beach day.

Brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served, and there’s a kids’ menu. Reservations are recommended since there is usually a wait, and parking nearby can be tricky.

4. WSW Steakhouse Restaurant | Whiskey Steak Wine, Hilo, HI

Bay views come standard at WSW, which sits along Banyan Drive overlooking Hilo Bay on the Big Island. The setting is cozy and a little upscale, with panoramic water views from the tables.

The Sizzling 16-ounce Ribeye anchors the menu, alongside slow-roasted prime rib, lobster tail, and a Wednesday steak and lobster special. Truffle parmesan fries and a salad bar handle the sides.

A tableside whiskey cart ceremony adds a bit of theater, with smoked glasses prepared at your table. The wine list is broad enough to make choosing tricky in the best way.

WSW serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner, so the views work morning or evening. Dinner reservations are recommended, and parking is usually plentiful.

5. Miller and Lux Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, HI

Celebrity chef Tyler Florence put his name on this fine dining steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kailua-Kona. The room has an intimate, club-like feel with views of the golf course’s 18th green.

Steaks come from some of the best ranches in the country, and the cuts run big. The bone-in ribeye, cowboy, and tomahawk are the ones to know, and they arrive with a choice of dipping sauces.

A robust raw bar, fresh sustainable seafood like Dover sole, and farm-direct vegetables fill out the menu. A hand-selected wine list and seasonal cocktails complete the experience.

This is a special-occasion pick, with entrees in the higher price range and dinner served nightly from 5 to 8:30 PM. Reservations are recommended, and valet parking is available.

6. Little Joe’s Steakhouse Pearl City, Pearl City, HI

Just outside Honolulu, Little Joe’s brings a rustic-chic steakhouse experience to Pearl City. The decor is elegant but still cozy, and the service leans attentive.

The ribeye is a favorite here, whether the standard cut or the bone-in version with a strong sear. New York strip is also on offer at a reasonable price for the quality.

Beyond steaks, the kitchen turns out rack of lamb, French onion soup, and a steak and lobster special. Sides like potato gratin and sautéed mushrooms make good company.

Happy hour brings smaller plates like ahi poke, bruschetta, and mac and cheese into the mix. Open nightly from 4:30 to 10 PM, with dinner reservations recommended and plenty of parking.

7. DUO Steak & Seafood, Kihei, HI

Sunset from a poolside cabana is part of the pitch at DUO, the high-end steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. The open-air seating puts the Wailea coast front and center.

Steak fans appreciate the range of cuts, which can be genuinely hard to find in Hawaii. The ribeye pairs well with Maui onion soup, whole Kona lobster, and a lineup of shareable sides.

Truffle mac and cheese, goat cheese Brussels sprouts, and parmesan asparagus keep the table busy. Desserts like creme brulee and sticky toffee pudding close things out.

Service here is polished, and the space is dressy and romantic. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, dinner reservations are recommended, and valet parking is available.

8. The Saddle Room, Waimea, HI

Grilling happens right outside the building at The Saddle Room, a casual American kitchen with a porch in the rural Kauai town of Waimea. Watching the meat cook over open flame is part of the fun.

The ribeye is the standout, grilled outdoors and cooked to order for a juicy result. Burgers, comfort eats, and small plates fill out a menu that stays approachable.

Portions run generous, and some guests even take a steak home to grill later. Live music and a full bar keep the local crowd relaxed and social.

The vibe is friendly and low-key, with a welcoming feel that suits the small-town setting. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 PM, with reservations accepted and free street parking.