The best Waikīkī restaurants and menu must-eats 

From barefoot beachfront cafes and retro-chic pool bars to oceanfront institutions and chef-driven dining rooms, Waikīkī best tables serve up a sun-drenched blend of Pacific flavours, global influences and golden-hour views over the Pacific.

Sure, it may be the most famous stretch of sand in Hawai‘i – and unapologetically touristy – but nowhere else distils the spirit of the islands quite like Waikīkī. The neighbourhood serves up an eclectic mix of fresh Pacific seafood, classic comfort food and contemporary twists that reflect Hawai‘i’s rich culinary melting pot. Here are some of our favourites Waikīkī restaurants.

My top 5 dishes

1. Macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi from Hula Grill
2. Hula pie from Duke’s Waikīkī
3. Poke from Kai Poke Waikīkī
4. Coco Puffs from Liliha Bakery
5. Tuna pizza from Morimoto Asia

1. Monkeypod Kitchen

The beachfront Monkeypod Kitchen offers sweeping views of Diamond Head. (Credit: Supplied)

This sprawling, high-energy restaurant by Peter Merriman – one of the founders of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine – offers a polished introduction to the islands’ exceptional produce, reimagined with a contemporary edge. Begin with (appetisers) such as shrimp and mushroom potstickers or truffle fries before moving on to tacos, burgers and impeccably fresh ahi and finishing with a creamy strawberry or coconut pie. I’dhighly recommend requesting the corner table on the lanai (verandah) we somehow scored for uninterrupted views across to Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head State Monument).

Address: 2169 Kālia Rd unit 111, Honolulu, HI 96815

2. Duke’s Waikīkī

The specialty hula pie from Duke’s Waikīkī at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort.

Beachfront Duke’s is a place where surfers refuel between sets and ‘ukulele provides the soundtrack to sunset cocktails. Named after legendary swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, the restaurant celebrates island heritage with vintage surf photos and a torch-lit oceanfront terrace. Save room for the iconic hula pie – a towering indulgence of ice-cream, chocolate and cream.

Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815

3. Hula Grill Waikīkī

Blending island charm with a menu rooted in Hawaiian and Pacific Rim flavours, Hula Grill is well worth a visit. Dine on macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi crowned with fresh crab, classic loco moco or zesty Baja fish tacos. Cap your meal with sweet delights like pineapple upside-down cake or a vibrant rainbow sorbet.

Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 9681

4. Hideout

Wonton poke tacos from The Hideout at The Laylow in Waikīkī.

Perched above Kūhiō Avenue in the uber cool retro hotel The Laylow, Hideout is a place where weeknights sway to live island rhythms and weekends slide into DJ-spun grooves. A hot-pink neon Aloha glows beneath the stage, framed by a bamboo bar, tiki torches and ceiling fans, with a fire pit flickering after dusk. Expect Hawaiian crowd-pleasers such as wonton poke tacos, seared ahi sandwiches and taro burgers matched with local craft beers and inventive cocktails.

Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave. 1st Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815

5. Barefoot Beach Cafe

Sit back and sip a refreshing Dole smoothie. (Credit: Barefoot Beach Cafe)

Perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed morning by the sea, Barefoot Beach Cafe is a cosy eatery on Queen’s Surf Beach. Open from sunrise, it serves casual breakfast, lunch and dinner with a tropical twist. Sit back and sip a refreshing Dole smoothie, served in a pineapple, while soaking up the panoramic views.

Address: 2699 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 9681

6. Roy’s Waikīkī

Roy’s Waikīkī blends bold Asian flavours and elevated classics.

Sitting proudly in the heart of Waikīkī Beach Walk, Roy’s is a top pick for island fusion dining. Launched by acclaimed chef Roy Yamaguchi, it pairs fresh Pacific seafood and bold Asian-Hawaiian flavours in a vibrant, casual, elegant setting. Expect inventive dishes like misoyaki butterfish, creative cocktails and standout desserts, all served with a side of aloha.

Address: 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815

7. Liliha Bakery

The bakery and diner have been a staple of local Hawaiian dining.

Born in Honolulu in 1950, this beloved Hawaiian institution is bringing classic bakery culture to Waikīkī’s International Market Place. The full-service bakery and cafe is cherished for its scratchmade pastries, legendary Coco Puffs and poi mochi doughnuts, as well as hearty local dishes that span breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Address: 2330 Kalākaua Ave Suite 326, Honolulu, HI 96815

8. House Without a Key

Enjoy sunset cocktails at House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel. (Credit: Supplied)

Set within the Halekulani Hotel, House Without a Key captures Waikīkī ’s timeless allure with oceanfront dining and a refined atmosphere. Sip a drink and enjoy Hawaiian music and hula at sunset while enjoying an indulgent coconut cake. Reservations are recommended for prime seating.

Address: 2199 Kālia Rd #1936, Honolulu, HI 96815

9. Heyday

Sip on cocktails at this bamboo tiki bar.

A sun-drenched throwback with serious style, this thatched roof pool bar channels 1960s island glamour with bamboo, bold colours and swing seats. Set within the retro-chic White Sands Hotel, it’s a casual little spot, especially for happy hour, with local-led plates such as shrimp fried rice, mahi mahi and burgers and a laidback, come-as-you-are mood.

Address: 431 Nohonani St, Honolulu, HI 96815

10. Island Vintage Shave Ice

The Island Vintage Shave Ice is Hawai‘i’s iconic treat.

At Island Vintage Shave Ice, a humble Waikīkī kiosk turns Hawai‘i’s iconic treat into something quietly luxurious. Expect feather-light ice crowned with organic syrups crafted from local fruits – lilikoi, guava, mango – layered over creamy frozen yoghurt and finished with mochi and condensed milk. Lines form but move briskly; the reward is a vibrant, textural dessert that tastes unmistakably of the islands, best savoured strolling Kalākaua Avenue in the balmy heat.

Address: 2201 Kalākaua Ave Kiosk B-1, Honolulu, HI 96815

11. Kai Coffee Hawai‘i

Kai Coffee Hawai‘i is best known for its signature Kai Latte.

For the best coffee around, head to Kai Coffee Hawai‘i. Served beneath ‘Alohilani Resort, on the beach at Queens Arbor and a few other locations throughout Waikīkī, it captures the spirit of the islands in every cup, with locally-grown beans revealing smooth, nuanced flavours.

Address: 2424 Kalākaua Ave #129, Honolulu, HI 96815

12. Mai Tai Bar

A relaxed beachside bar on Waikiki Beach. (Credit: Supplied)

Just steps from the shoreline, outdoor haunt pairs technicolour sunsets with its signature Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai and a menu of tropical-leaning classics. Live music drifts on the trade winds as surfers carve the horizon and Diamond Head looms beyond.

Address: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

13. Kai Poke Waikīkī

Grab a satisfying Hawaiian breakfast at Kai Poke Waikīkī.

Kai Poke Waikīkī offers a colourful, contemporary take on Hawai‘i’s beloved poke tradition. Bowls are built to order, layering sashimi-grade fish, crisp vegetables and punchy sauces over rice or greens. Fresh, fast and eco-conscious, it’s an excellent stop for travellers seeking flavourful simplicity by the beach, as suited to a languid lunch as a grab-and-go dinner.

Address: 333 Seaside Ave Suite 150, Honolulu, HI 96815

14. Morimoto Asia

A Pan-Asian menu designed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. (Credit: Supplied)

Created by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia combines Japanese, Chinese and broader Asian influences in a stylish oceanfront setting. Signature offerings include Peking duck and tuna pizza, showcasing Morimoto’s playful approach to fine dining. Guests visit for theatrical presentation, refined flavours and energetic atmosphere.

Note: Morimoto Asia is closed for a couple of months after suffering damage in recent storm

Address: 1600 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

15.   SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar

SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar is a popular rooftop destination known for its stunning ocean views and infinity pool.

Set above the infinity pool at ‘Alohilani Resort, SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar is Waikīkī at its most glamorous. The al fresco venue frames sweeping ocean views alongside an all-day menu of island-inspired dishes such as fried mahi sandwiches and crafted cocktails, flowing easily from sunlit lounging to firelit evenings, where DJs and live music bring a beach-club vibe.

Address: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

16. Aloha Kitchen Waikīkī

Aloha Kitchen Waikīkī is the perfect place to try comfort classics such as loco moco – rice, beef patty, egg and gravy – and coconut shrimp. It’s also known for its decadent breakfasts, with fluffy soufflé pancakes topped with fruit alongside variations like eggs benedict with kalua pork.

Address: 432 Ena Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815