Honolulu

Hau Tree earns its Wine Spectator nod — this is a genuinely considered list in a setting where mediocrity would have been completely forgiven. If you're in Waikīkī and want a glass of something real with your toes near the sand, this is the place.

Hoku's is a genuinely impressive wine program hiding inside a hotel restaurant — Patrick Okubo keeps the list credible and the service sharp, and the ocean setting makes everything taste a little better. Markups trend steep, as expected for Kahala, but there are smart picks here if you know where to look.