Maze, the compact Kakaako restaurant co-founded by Tom Park and Justin Kawailani Park, just pulled off a milestone that puts it squarely on the national dining map. The New York Times awarded the restaurant two stars and named it a Critics’ Pick, making Maze the first Hawaii restaurant ever to receive an official New York Times restaurant rating. For regulars who have been watching the team quietly perfect its tasting-menu format, the honor feels like overdue recognition for an obsessively detailed, craft-focused operation.
According to Pacific Business News, the Times critic gave Maze two stars, attached the coveted Critic’s Pick label, and, as PBN reports, effectively opened a new chapter for Hawaii dining by issuing the paper’s first formal restaurant rating for a Hawaii establishment. Pacific Business News also notes that Maze grew out of the Bar Maze concept and that the current restaurant was co-opened in 2021 by Tom Park and Justin Kawailani Park in Kakaako.
Honolulu Magazine has previously spotlighted the team’s work in Kakaako, calling attention to Bar Maze’s intimate counter setup and tightly curated tasting menus. That small, chef-driven stage helped set the tone for Maze and positioned the project to catch the attention of national critics who are increasingly looking beyond traditional coastal food capitals.
What the Times nod means
The New York Times recognition lands at a moment when Hawaii chefs and restaurants are already showing up on more national radars. Local talent with ties to the broader Kakaako dining scene has appeared in recent awards and lists. Hawaii News Now has detailed multiple James Beard Award semifinalists from the islands in 2025, highlighting a larger pattern of mainland institutions paying closer attention to Hawaii’s kitchens.
Reservations and next steps
Because Maze operates as a compact tasting-menu restaurant with limited seats, diners should be prepared for reservations to get tighter after a high-profile national review. Anyone hoping to snag a spot will likely have the best chance by checking the restaurant’s online reservation system frequently and signing up for any available waitlist notifications.
We will be watching to see how this New York Times spotlight shapes traffic to Kakaako and whether it helps open the door for more Hawaii restaurants to receive formal scrutiny from national critics.
