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The best Waikīkī restaurants and menu must-eats 

Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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

Monkeypod Kitchen in Honolulu
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

hula pie from Duke's Waikīkī at OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort
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 Waikīkī
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

smoothies at Barefoot Beach Cafe in Honolulu
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

a savoury meat dish at 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

Liliha Bakery in Honolulu
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

House Without a Key in Honolulu
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

the poolside bar at Heyday, Honolulu
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

Island Vintage Shave Ice in Honolulu
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 in Honolulu
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

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12. Mai Tai Bar

the alfreso dining at Mai Tai Bar in Honolulu
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

Hawaiian staples at 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

the menu at 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: 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu

15.   SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar

SWELL Restaurant & Pool Bar in Waikiki
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

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Angela Saurine
Angela Saurine is a freelance writer based on Bundjalung Country in the village of Bangalow, in the Byron Bay hinterland. She began her career as a copykid at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney before setting off to explore the world – spending a few months as a ski bum in Whistler and living the expat life in London. On returning home, Angela climbed the ranks to land her dream role as national travel reporter at News Corp Australia. She’s since journeyed everywhere from Arnhem Land to Antarctica, and from Christmas Island to Easter Island, with a particular passion for Indigenous tourism, islands, snow, food and expedition cruising. Swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo is at the top of her Aussie bucket list.
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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

    The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

    1. Easy access to good food

    meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
    Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

    One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

    In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

    In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

    Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

    At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

    While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

    It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

    2. Better sleep options

    Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room
    Sleep deeply with Novotel.

    There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

    For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

    The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

    3. More ways to move

    woman hiking around queenstown new zealand
    Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

    Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

    At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

    Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

    4. Better connections

    Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
    Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

    One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

    Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

    A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

    5. Location is everything

    Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld
    Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

    Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

    All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

    Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.