Waikiki is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Oahu, in Hawaii. From Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head, and countless tours and attractions in between- it’s no wonder this place is on your bucket list.
If you are heading to Waikiki on your trip to Hawaii, then you may be wondering where the best places to eat are (see also “Amazing Places To Eat In Hilo“). Waikiki is packed full of bars and restaurants, so there are so many to choose from.
The good news is that we have narrowed down the list to 10 amazing places to eat in Waikiki that are worth the money (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Kona“).
Here, you will find seafood restaurants, traditional Hawaiian restaurants, American restaurants and more- there is something for everyone.
If you are looking for fine dining while in Waikiki, then you have to visit the Azure Restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Resort. It is a world-class restaurant perched on the beachfront of the iconic Waikiki beach.
This restaurant offers upscale Hawaiian cuisine, wine pairings, and delicious signature cocktails. You can expect delicious pan seared Kona Ka’pachi, Striploin & Short Rib, scallops, and vegan options.
You can dine under the canopy of the stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture, and watch the water sparkle before your eyes.
With intimate table settings, candles, and a beautiful ambience of relaxation- this place is a must visit for a romantic meal.
If you are in Waikiki, then you will have to try the Hula Grill.
At this restaurant, you can dine just above the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, and immerse yourself in all of the traditional dishes and authentic flavors of Hawaiian cuisine and culture.
Hula Grill sources all of their food from local fishermen and farmers, so you can support the locals by dining in this restaurant.
You can expect Oahu grown fresh produce, all natural meats and food crafted by the spirit of aloha here.
This restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – so you are spoiled for choice!
Some of the most popular dishes are the Crab Topped Crusted Mahi Mahi, Coconut Seafood Chowder, Shrimp Pasta Carbonara, but you can also favor dishes like Filet Steak Kiana, Tomahawk Steak and amazing salads.
At Aloha Table, Waikiki, you can really discover the taste of Hawaii. You will receive the warmest of welcomes in the true spirit of Aloha. The staff are excellent, and will ensure that your visit is more than enjoyable.
Take in the air on the lanai and enjoy a local beer or a delicious Hawaiian cocktail.
One of this restaurant’s most famous dishes is the Premium Kobe Style Beef Loco Moco- served with a hamburger steak and a special gravy sauce with a mushroom and onion glaze.
Other popular options are the Teriyaki Loco Moco, Garlic Shrimp, Hawaiian Sirloin Steak, Big Island Loco Burger and the Mahi Mahi Katsu Burger. Whatever you prefer to eat, you can find it here with a delicious Hawaiian twist.
Hard Rock Cafes are found in some of the best tourist hotspots in the world. The Hard Rock cafe in Hawaii is located just within walking distance of the Hawaii Convention Center, Ala Moana Center and the beautiful Waikiki beach.
Decorated with plenty of amazing collectibles and musical instruments, this place is a must-see if you have never been to a Hard Rock cafe before.
What is great about this place is that there are so many different cocktails to savor, and live music events in the evenings with local musicians performing.
We headed to Hard Rock Cafe in Waikiki for breakfast a few times to enjoy an incredible Chicken and Waffles dish on the outdoor lanai, with a steaming hot coffee- while a musician played Hawaiian music on an acoustic guitar.
It was absolute bliss!
You will not find any traditional Hawaiian dishes here- but you can enjoy American cuisine within a great ‘rockstar’ themed atmosphere.
Duke’s Waikiki is themed around Duke Kahanamoku- a legend in Waikiki. He grew up swimming, surfing, bodysurfing and exploring the waters of Waikiki beach many moons ago, and became a legend in his own right.
This restaurant honors Duke with a casual, carefree atmosphere and plenty of island favorites on the menu.
Whether you prefer to drop in for a quick snack and a cocktail after swimming, in the ‘Barefoot Bar’ or you want a Hawaiian fine dining experience at the ‘Dining Room’, Duke’s has it all.
At this restaurant, you will find Coconut Ginger Braised Seafood, Korean Sticky Ribs, Poke Tacos, Calamari, Coconut Shrimp, Lobster, Huli Huli Chicken and many of the firm favorites like fried chicken, mac and cheese and cheeseburgers.
You can also dine during breakfast, lunch, dinner, or head to the bar for snacks and refreshments! This is a must see for any surfing enthusiast or fan of Duke Kahanamoku himself.
If you are looking for great food with even better views while in Waikiki, then look no further than Lulu’s. With fresh ingredients, a variety of extras and simplicity at the heart of their dishes- you cannot go wrong.
This restaurant is a little more casual, but they still offer the finest and highest quality ingredients prepared to perfection, with wonderful service.
It’s great value for money, and you can enjoy a comfortable and inviting environment after a day at the beach.
You can enjoy a range of Hawaiian cocktails, plus the classics and some mocktails too!
There are also a variety of local beers to sample. In terms of food, you can try coconut shrimp, spicy ahi poke, beachboy nachos, aloha tuna rolls, chicken wings, loco moco, Kalua pig burgers and so much more.
Looking for a traditional Hawaiian poke bowl while in Waikiki? You have to visit Maguro Spot.
The staff are welcoming and can help you find a delicious poke bowl that will suit your tastes, from veggie powls, salmon ikura bowls, tuna ikura bowls, poke salads, curry bowls, spicy garlic shrimp and so much more.
If you are looking for something really spectacular for your trip, then head to La Mer. This is Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant, and is one of the most prestigious dining options on Oahu.
With stunning scenic ocean views and a romantic and elegant atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. The food is locally inspired and prepared with tropical ingredients, French inspiration and love.
You can experience Big Island Kampachi Tartar, Fennel Soup, Steamed Sea Bass, Lobster Bisque, Roasted Duck Breast, Foie Gras, Filet Of Beef with Truffle Mashed Potato and more delicious and rich dishes.
Honolulu Coffee Company is the most famous coffee in Hawaii. This delicious Kona coffee is unique, and you can visit the cafe at Kalakaua Avenue, where you can see the Honolulu Coffee Experience Center.
This location offers coffee and brunch, but you can also learn about the whole brewing process and the history of the brand. Kona Coffee is well known for its superior quality, and you can only get it in Hawaii!
This coffee is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano on Kona, and is carefully roasted for the highest quality. You can sit inside, or enjoy the outdoor patio for your morning cup of coffee!
The great thing about this spot is the beautiful mural outside – that the company commissioned. It is a vintage inspired Aloha mural that greets all visitors to Waikiki! Grab a coffee and snap a pic!
Finally, we also recommend the Tiki’s Grill and Bar restaurant that features an over front setting overlooking the amazing Waikiki Beach.
With a traditional, Hawaiian welcoming atmosphere, Pacific Rim cuisine and all of the flavors of the islands to enjoy- you will love having a meal here.
Try the coconut shrimp, some of the best mahi mahi in Hawaii and definitely sip a Mai Tai while you enjoy food on the outdoor terrace overlooking the beach!
Final Thoughts
To summarize, there are so many eateries and bars in Waikiki, it can be hard to choose the best ones. With this guide, you should be able to find somewhere to eat no matter what you fancy!
Be sure to choose restaurants with a lanai or outdoor terrace so that you can enjoy the spectacular views of Waikiki and feel the sea breeze on your face as you savor the flavors of Hawaii!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food Expensive In Waikiki?
Food can be a little costly in Waikiki as it is a popular tourist destination. Breakfast and lunch is typically around $10-$16 per person, with dinner closer to $25 per person.
A gourmet dinner would cost upwards of $30 to $55 per person, with speciality drinks around $9-$12 each.
What Is The Most Famous Food In Honolulu?
Hawaii has many traditional dishes that have become synonymous with the culture. These are Poke Bowls, Loco Moco, Kona coffee, Coconut Shrimp and Katsu.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
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