PEARL CITY. Comfortable and relaxed, this family-oriented place invites you to kick back and enjoy good food, as they do in the West. The solid menu is full of hearty options, including top sirloins, New York strips, T-bones, and rib-eyes. Prime rib is a succulent treat, either alone or paired with lobster tail or grilled prawns. Grilled chicken, babyback ribs, and fresh fish do their best to tempt diners as well. Lunchtime adds to the mix crisp salads and substantial sandwiches. A kids' menu is also available.

KAILUA. Not far from Kailua Beach on Oahu's windward side, this venerable institution captures the spirit of Hawaii as it existed in years past. Rustic and comfortable, Buzz's also boasts walls full of photographs, which add a note of personality. The menu is relatively uncomplicated and more than capably done. At lunch, folks come in for juicy burgers, salads, and other light fare, while dinner is a touch more refined, with steaks, lobster, and fresh fish getting most of the attention. The bar serves refreshing drinks; the ambience just happens. No credit cards.

WAIKIKI. Founded by surfer Joey Cabell in 1969, this restaurant remains the only independently-owned Chart House in the chain. It's also a perennial favorite with islanders, thanks to beautiful harbor views and great steaks and fish. Service is attentive, and prices aren't as steep as at many upscale places. The bar also makes a fun hangout. It offers dinner entrees and appetizers until late, along with well-mixed drinks. You'll even find live music each night just to put you in the appropriate mood for sociability and relaxation.

WAIKIKI. Intimate, subtly lit, and genteel, this well-respected steak house is a special-occasion favorite, thanks to its refined ambience and pricey entrees. Waiters in tuxedos add class to an evening out, as do tableside preparations of caesar salad and bananas Foster. Beef, however, is the attraction, whether you select kiawe-broiled NY strip, prime rib, or a T-bone. Rack of lamb, lobster tails, and veal chops also make ideal main courses. Wines, liqueurs, and live music round out the experience.

HALEIWA. A North Shore mainstay, Jameson's ably accommodates visitors and local folks with its array of seafood dishes and its waterside location. Downstairs, a casual ambience prevails, thanks to the restaurant's lunchtime fare and comfortable deck. The specialty here is sandwiches, salads, and soups. Upstairs, dinner is served in fancier digs. Steaks and other dishes are available, but you'd do well to indulge in fresh seafood, whether it be sauteed mahi mahi, poached opakapaka, or shrimp prepared a number of ways.