Want the scoop on Honolulu's most happening local spots?
We took a data-driven look at the question, using Yelp to analyze which local businesses have been on the tips of diners' tongues this month.
To find out who made the list, we looked at Honolulu businesses on Yelp by category and counted how many reviews each received. Rather than compare them based on number of reviews alone, we calculated a percentage increase in reviews over the past month, and tracked businesses that consistently increased their volume of reviews to identify statistically significant outliers compared to past performance.
Read on to see which spots are worth exploring this summer.
Tex 808 BBQ + Brews
Open since June 2019, this bar and barbecue spot is trending compared to other businesses categorized as "Bars" on Yelp.
Citywide, bars saw a median 1.5% increase in new reviews over the past month, but Tex 808 BBQ + Brews saw a striking 185.3% increase, with a slight downward trend from a 4.5-star rating a month ago to four stars today.
Located at 333D Keahole St., the eatery offers brisket, sausages, pulled pork and more. Try the Frickles (fried pickle coins with ranch dressing) for starters.
Rigo
Whether or not you've been hearing buzz about Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis' Rigo, the Spanish and Italian spot is a hot topic, according to Yelp review data.
While businesses categorized as "Italian" on Yelp saw a median 2.4% increase in new reviews over the past month, Rigo bagged a substantial 211.5% increase in new reviews within that time frame, maintaining a superior four-star rating.
Open at 885 Kapahulu Ave. since May 2019, the restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas that incorporate local produce. Complement your meal with a glass of wine.
Kaku's Sushi & Seafood Buffet
Waikiki's Kaku's Sushi & Seafood Buffet is also making waves. Open since May 2019 at 2330 Kalakaua Ave., International Marketplace, the sushi bar and buffet and seafood spot has seen an imposing 102.7% bump in new reviews over the last month, compared to a median review increase of 1.9% for all businesses tagged "Seafood" on Yelp.
The restaurant offers a buffet that includes miso soup, orange chicken and pork back ribs. Over the past month, it's seen its Yelp rating improve from two stars to three stars.
Aloha Steak House
Waikiki's Aloha Steak House is the city's buzziest Hawaiian spot by the numbers.
The steakhouse and Hawaiian spot, which opened at 320 Lewers St. in May 2019, increased its new review count by 92% over the past month, an outlier when compared to the median new review count of 2.1% for the Yelp category "Hawaiian."
The eatery offers grilled salmon, ribeye and tenderloin, among other menu items. Try a tropical drink, served in an actual pineapple.
Moke’s Bread and Breakfast
Kaimuki's Moke’s Bread and Breakfast - Kaimuki is currently on the upswing in the breakfast and brunch category on Yelp.
While businesses categorized as "Breakfast & Brunch" on Yelp saw a median 2.1% increase in new reviews over the past month, this breakfast and brunch spot increased its new reviews by 42.9% — and kept its rating consistent at 4.5 stars.
Open for business at 1127 11th Ave., Suite 201 since April 2019, the business offers stuffed hash browns, French toast and vegetable frittatas.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
