Food choices and where you eat can entirely make or break your vacation. In Hawaii, you can get all kinds of food, but having it anywhere and in places that aren’t good can literally spoil your day.
We went around Waikiki and tried out the authentic comfort food as well as other different cuisines so that we could share that with you. Many food trucks offer delicious food items; you’ve got to try the famous restaurants as well.
From shaved ice to hula pie, we tried all that we could and have created a list of our favorite places where to eat Waikiki.
Hula Grill
Location: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (7 AM to 10 PM)
Let’s start with our first favorite option, Hula Grill. We love this eatery because, first, you’ll get delicious Hawaiian food, and second, you can enjoy the food while admiring the beautiful Hawaiian scenery of Waikiki Beach and the popular Diamond Head.
When you’re here, don’t forget to try their hula pie and fish items (fresh from the waters). They also offer unique drink options you can try out. The service is quick, and you won’t have to wait to taste some of the delicious and authentic Hawaiian food.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Location: 226 Lewers St, Waikiki, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (4 PM to 10 PM)
If you are looking for a place with a peaceful and romantic vibe, head to Ruth’s Chris Steak House. While this is best known for steaks, they have other options that definitely top the list. We tried their crab-stuffed mushroom and steak, which was absolutely delicious.
What’s unique about this place is its steak serving style. The steak is cooked to perfection in their special oven and then served on a 500-degree sizzling plate.
We also had garlic mashed potato and wine on the side, which perfectly complemented the steak. The servers were very friendly, which definitely led to a friendly and comfortable dining experience.
(Note: Reservation is mandatory. So plan ahead before trying this food place.)
Duke’s Waikiki
Location: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (7 AM to 12 AM)
Next, you have to check this place out at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort—the famous Duke’s Waikiki. It is a super popular chain, but the Waikiki one is one that we’d recommend anytime. It has beautiful beachfront views, killer umbrella drinks, and nice Hawaiian tiki vibes.
You can tell right away that this is a classic Waikiki spot. If you’re in for some music, don’t miss this place. We ordered their most ordered huli huli chicken and fish tacos, which were freshly made, and we loved our meal.
We also saw them serving breakfast buffet and lunch buffet with a variety of dishes already made. They also do made-to-order items like loco moco, fresh fruit salad, or omelets. We highly recommend Duke’s Waikiki!
House Without A Key
Location: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (7 AM to 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM to 9 PM)
Craving for something American? You’ve got to visit this place. The restaurant offers a stunning beachfront view and has a chill, relaxed vibe that perfectly captures the aloha spirit.
We sampled their staple Mai Tai, poke bowl, Fish Tacos, and the House Without a Key Burger—everything was absolutely delicious, and the whole experience was fantastic. We even got to see a hula dancer perform and enjoy some live music (the highlight of the day).
It’s a good idea to book a table in advance, but if you don’t, you can always grab a seat at the bar, which serves the full menu.
Make sure to try their sunset drinks and other cocktails—they pair perfectly with the meal. It’s an ideal spot to hang out with friends, savor the food, and enjoy Hawaiian music.
Ono Seafood
Location: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (9 AM to 4 AM)
If you have a love for seafood that is too fresh, Ono Seafood is the perfect place. It isn’t very far from Waikiki, which serves up some of the freshest seafood in town.
Not many people visit the place because of its simple looks, but guess what? Simple is always better. Don’t let the plain takeout storefront fool you—the food inside is next level.
Those who know about this place love their poke bowls (hands down, they have the best poke in Honolulu), their ‘Ono Special’ with Ahi tuna, and their secret sauce, which was super fresh and well cooked.
The place has a perfect chill vibe, with outdoor seating available. And you know the best part? You don’t need to make any reservations beforehand.
Aloha Table
Location: 2238 Lau‘ula St #2F, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 10 PM)
Located in Honolulu, Aloha Table is a laid-back Hawaiian spot serving some scrumptious contemporary Hawaiian dishes with a bit of an international twist, making it a perfect spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They serve dinner until midnight— a go-to spot for late-night munchies.
They have the best loco moco, which we tried, but their menu is loaded with other items as well. From steak to rice and seafood to salads, you can find almost any dish here. Make sure you have their Kalua Pork, which is a Hawaiian staple.
This place is known for its signature egg-topped burger and other Hawaiian favorites. It also serves many Japanese dishes. Don’t miss its happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM—a perfect time to snag some deals.
Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Location: 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (7 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 9 AM)
Located in the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, Heavenly Island Lifestyle is a must-visit! You can expect freshness in all that you eat because they use local, organic ingredients whenever they can.
It’s an all-day cafe, so no matter what you’re craving, they’ve got you covered. We liked that they had vegan options as well, which is a plus for health-conscious customers. We had the flat omelet, and it was cooked to perfection. It came with a salad and sweet potatoes, which were all spot on.
Reservations are only held for 15 minutes, and if you’re late, they might move you to a smaller table. Overall, the service was great, and the vibe was super chill. Definitely worth a visit.
Mai Tai Bar
Location: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (11 AM to 11 AM)
This is our favorite bar in Waikiki. Period. The vibe and setup of this hotel always take me back to my college days with a palace-style look and Waikiki’s sandy beachy vibes.
The Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai here is killer—fresh ingredients and so smooth. The burger slaps and the cheese board is on point! We’d totally recommend the Cobb salad and beef short rib pasta, which had the perfect balance of flavors and were downright delicious!
Sky Waikiki Raw & Bar
Location: 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (4 PM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 4 PM to 2 AM)
We planned to stay awake late and check out the nightlife of Waikiki. We then stumbled upon Sky Waikiki. The place is set for the night (but don’t go here in the afternoon). This open-air lounge sits on the 19th floor, offering up seafood dishes, shared plates, and a killer happy hour.
The view is amazing, the service top-notch, and the food? Fresh and tasty! Just a heads up, it can get pretty packed, so try snagging a reservation to avoid a long wait (trust me, we learned that the hard way).
The food hits the spot with its unique taste—ribs so tender they fall off the bone and garlic shrimp with just the right amount of spice. Prices are reasonable, too. We’ll definitely be back for more!
La Mer
Location: 2199 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (5:30 PM to 8:30 PM)
If you are looking for a luxurious dining experience, La Mer is a popular spot for that. It’s the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant in the state, which has an award-winning wine list, offering fine dining in an elegant setting.
We tried French cuisine for the first time, and I must say, my taste buds weren’t quite prepared for it—it was a great experience. We opted for the 7-course meal, where the steak and soufflé stole the show.
Although the meal was expensive, we’ll be coming back soon for the steak—it was just delicious!
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Location: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Friday (10 AM to 7:30 PM)
If you want to put some authenticity into your Hawaiian trip, adding this eatery to your bucket list will help. This conveniently located traditional, family-owned Hawaiian food spot has been serving guests and locals since 1946.
The food here is fantastic and has so much character. If you want to try as much traditional Hawaiian food as possible, go for the à la carte options. The portions aren’t huge, but there’s a great variety, and everything is delicious.
The kalua pork is the best we’ve had, and the macaroni salad was amazing. We also loved the fried butterfish collar and squid luau. It’s definitely worth the trip, even if parking can be a bit of a hassle.
The service here is top-notch, as the staff is friendly and efficient; both the food and bill came quickly. The place has a casual vibe with a simple setup, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Marugame Udon
Location: 2310 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (10 AM to 9:30 PM)
Can you really get over Japanese food? We couldn’t! Marugame Udon is the spot for hand-crafted udon—they make the noodles fresh right in front of you. It’s hyped as one of the best places to eat in Waikiki, which is why the line is LONG. It can take over an hour, but don’t worry; the line moves pretty fast.
The food is worth it if you love noodles. We tried the Beef Udon and Kitsune—everything was on point. The food served here is fresh, hot, and bursts with savory flavors. Seating is tight, but you can opt for a takeout.
Taking about money, it’s not too overpriced and will be under your budget for a one-time experience. Since this place is open late, you can grab a meal easily and end your day on a good note!
Sushi Sho
Location: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Sunday (5 PM to 10:30 PM)
If you’re looking for an upscale, chef-driven Japanese spot with a truly authentic vibe, Sushi Sho in the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, is where you have to be. This place is super exclusive, with only ten seats, so you’ve got to plan—seriously, it took us five months to snag a reservation!
Their omakase and edomae-style sushi were hands down the best we’ve had in Honolulu. We’ve traveled to different places around the world, and this spot definitely left a mark on me. Don’t freak out about the price—it’s quite high, but trust me, every penny is worth it.
Chef Keiji Nakazawa is a true master in what he does, and the art he creates is mind-blowing. If you manage to get a reservation, consider yourself lucky and soak it all in.
Quiora
Location: 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9 PM)
TBH, Hawaii isn’t just about Japanese food. You can find some amazing Italian cuisine, too. Book a table at Quiora, which is located on the 8th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Waikiki. Their menu is a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors across Hawaii.
The open-air dining room is a perfect spot for lunch, offering stunning views of the Waikiki skyline and the Pacific Ocean. We had the Asparagi Grigliati, which was perfectly seasoned and delicious. For dessert, we went with the classic Tiramisu.
We had an awesome time at Quiora. The food and drinks were fantastic, the service was top-notch, and the view of the Waikiki skyline was unbeatable.
FAQs
What are some popular types of cuisine available in Waikiki?
Waikiki offers a diverse culinary scene with a variety of cuisines, including Hawaiian, Japanese, American, Italian, and seafood. You can also find many fusion restaurants that combine different culinary traditions.
Are there any must-try local dishes in Waikiki?
Yes, some must-try local dishes include poke bowls, loco moco, kalua pig, laulau, and shaved ice. Don’t forget to try some fresh seafood, such as ahi tuna and mahi-mahi.
Do I need to make reservations at restaurants in Waikiki?
While not all restaurants require reservations, they are highly recommended, especially for popular and fine-dining establishments. Reservations can help you avoid long wait times and ensure you get a table at your desired time.
Get, Set, Explore!
Waikiki offers a diverse culinary scene with something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re craving traditional Hawaiian cuisine, fresh seafood, international flavors, or gourmet fare, you’ll find it all in Waikiki. These top picks represent just a taste of the culinary delights awaiting you in this vibrant destination. So, next time you find yourself in Waikiki, be sure to check out these favorite dining spots for an unforgettable culinary experience.
