Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Aram Vardanyan
Aloha! If you’re anything like me, finding excellent pizza in Honolulu isn’t just a mission; it’s a necessity. I love pizza, but often, not for the same reasons.
Maybe you’re “crust-conscious,” or maybe you fixate on the toppings or the sauce.
Luckily, the island city has secured a solid rotation of favorites, proving that Honolulu truly delivers incredible pizza, whether you crave a classic New York fold or a Neapolitan char.
I’m here to share all of our personal favorites and give you the local recommendations you need to match your specific craving to the perfect spot!
Contents
The Core Rotation: Honolulu’s Heavyweight Pizzerias
When locals talk about the best pizza in Honolulu, these four spots are guaranteed to come up. If you’re looking for where to start your pizza journey, these are the essential pizzerias that must be in your rotation.
1. Pizza Mamo: The Detroit and Brooklyn Specialist
If the sight of a square pizza brings back questionable high school lunch memories, push past that! Pizza Mamo is the spot in Chinatown that handles both worlds.
They serve up fluffy, saucy, Detroit-style deep-dish pies that are famous for their caramelized cheese edges.
You can’t go wrong with their Detroit-style Pepperoni Pizza; it’s the specific pie that I crave most in Honolulu. While they offer thin-crust, Brooklyn-style pies, if I’m ordering, it’s always the Detroit.
2. ‘Ili‘ili Cash & Carry: Mō‘ili‘ili’s Deli Favorite
I find myself repeatedly returning to this Mō‘ili‘ili neighborhood joint and bodega. They specialize in delicious, deli-fresh pizza, offering massive 18-inch New York-style rounds.
The dough here has an “amazing texture,” making it a personal favorite.
Whether you go for the Funghi (topped with king oyster and cremini mushrooms and pancetta) or the Margherita, the combination of cheese, sauce, and dough is super delicious.
Insider Tip: Even though it’s not pizza, the Choke Garlic Balls here are “downright addictive” and should be part of every single order.
3. Kaimukī’s Boston Pizza: Old-School Value
You simply can’t have a roundup of favorite pizzas in Honolulu and not include Boston’s. If you’re not looking for the latest gourmet trend, no truffle oil or honey drizzles here, this is your spot for “old-school pizza goodness”.
They serve gigantic, great-value pies. The thin crust has crispy edges but still offers a good chew, and they are generous with the toppings. Ordering a “slice” here actually amounts to two HUGE slices, which definitely adds to the excitement!
4. J. Dolan’s: Sentimental New York and Irish Charm
For years, J. Dolan’s has been my go-to for satisfying and sentimental New York-style pizza, complemented by Irish pub hospitality.
Their crust is thin but supportive, being equally chewy and crunchy. It’s the perfect base for their mouthwatering medley of salty goodness.
My perennial favorite is the Giacomo combo of sausage, pepperoni, salami, and black olives.
Pairing Tip: When you order the Giacomo, be sure to wash it down with an icy cold Smithwick’s red ale.
Variety Showcase: Matching Your Pizza Craving to the Venue
Honolulu’s pizza scene boasts an incredible variety, making it easy to satisfy specific stylistic cravings:
Neapolitan and Artisan Quality (The Craftsmanship Focus)
- Brick Fire Tavern: If you’re serious about char and blistered crusts, head here. Their pizza has been certified as Vera Pizza Napoletana, making them the only certified spot on O‘ahu.
- Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar: Waikīkī’s top spot for Neapolitan-style pizza. They use a kiawe wood-fired pizza oven, which gives each bite a sweet, smoky taste.
Pizzas with a Local Hawaiian Spin
- Monkeypod Kitchen: This is the brainchild of renowned chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine. Their selection of hand-tossed pizzas uses a scratch-made crust with 100% organic Tipo 00 flour and highlights local ingredients like Big Island Hamakua mushrooms and Kamuela tomatoes. You must try the Kalua Pork & Pineapple pizza.
- Big Kahuna’s Pizza: When a craving strikes for a deep-dish pizza with a “crazy combination of toppings,” the Sumo Special is your answer. It stands out because the combination of kalua pork and Portuguese sausage adds a “savory sweetness” that results in a “truly unique slice”. They also offer 7-inch personal pan pizzas to satisfy everyone in the family.
Value and Volume (The Massive Pies)
- Slice of Waikiki: They supply Waikīkī with huge, satisfying slices. These are Waikīkī’s largest pizzas, with massive 21-inch pies sliced into sixths—perfect for refueling after a day at the beach.
- Giovanni Pastrami: Located in Waikīkī, this deli and sports bar serves Round Table Pizza. They offer pies in four convenient sizes and use a special three-cheese blend: 80% whole milk mozzarella, 10% aged cheddar, and 10% provolone.
The Artisan Difference: Understanding Quality and History
What truly separates good pizza in Honolulu from great pizza often comes down to dedication to the craft and a little history:
- The Dough Matters: Look for places emphasizing dough preparation, like the airy and chewy crust at Fatto a Mano or those using flavorful long fermentation dough (San Paolo). Monkeypod Kitchen uses a scratch-made crust with 100% organic Tipo 00 flour.
- Established Institutions: I have some true classics here! Harbor Pub & Pizza is a beloved dive bar near the marina that has been open since 1980. J. Dolan’s has been a sentimental favorite for 15-plus years. Even Brick Oven Pizza, known for its hearty, hand-braided crust, originated on Kaua‘i before expanding to Kapolei.
- International Flair: San Paolo Pizza & Wine reflects Brazil’s deep Italian influence, which means you can try unique toppings like calabresa (Brazilian smoked pork sausage).
Practical Planning: Logistics, Deals, and Cost
How Much Does Pizza Cost in Honolulu?
The cost of pizza in Honolulu can vary significantly depending on the size, style, and location (especially in Waikīkī).
You can find incredible budget deals, like the famous $1 cheese slice on Sundays at Little G Café. Individual slices typically range from around $5 to $10.
If you are buying a whole pie, prices generally start around $20–$24 for a classic thin crust (like J. Dolan’s or Appetito), while specialty artisan pies or large deep-dish options can run up to $30–$40 (like Pizza Mamo or ‘Ili‘ili Cash & Carry).
The most expensive options are the massive 21-inch pies or specialty concepts like San Paolo, which charges up to $65 for some varieties.
Your Happy Hour Strategy
Want to save some money? Happy Hour is your friend!
- Monkeypod Kitchen offers pizzas for just $15 daily from 3:30–5 pm (excluding the Bourgeois pie). This is a great deal, saving you $6–$8 per pie.
- Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar offers discounts on select pizzas (saving up to $8 on some) daily from 3–6 pm.
- Harbor Pub & Pizza has an extended Happy Hour daily from 3–7 pm.
- For the largest appetites, San Paolo Pizza & Wine offers an All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) gourmet pizza experience for $39.90 per person.
Important Logistics
- If you’re dining at Harbor Pub & Pizza, be patient! Their pies are made fresh to order and take about 25 minutes.
- If you need a quick slice in Waikīkī, Slice of Waikiki is now located in a walk-in spot on Seaside Avenue next to Ross.
- For those needing convenience near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Giovanni Pastrami serves Round Table Pizza, and there is a dedicated Round Table Pizza store conveniently located on-site.
A Note on Dietary Needs
It is worth noting that the excellent reviews I’ve shared focus heavily on traditional, scratch-made ingredients: 100% organic Tipo 00 flour, house-made mozzarella, and meat-forward toppings.
Specific information regarding gluten-free crusts or vegan alternatives is generally not mentioned in these recommendations, so if you require substitutions, be sure to call ahead to confirm your options!
Conclusion: Your Pizza Adventure Awaits
Honolulu offers a pizza for every palate, from the satisfying, nostalgic crunch of Kaimukī’s Boston Pizza to the gourmet local flavors found at Monkeypod Kitchen.
Whether you prioritize the crust, the toppings, the value, or the perfect atmosphere, the search for great pizza in Honolulu is an easy and delicious one. Now, go grab a slice!