One of the most enjoyable things to do during your vacation in Hawaii is to eat out and enjoy the wide variety of food offerings, from traditional island-style dishes to Asian Fusion cuisine. There are endless dining options, whether you’re in the mood for a five-star, oceanfront dining experience or a more casual, laidback burger shack. These are the 9 best restaurants in Waikiki that will take your taste buds on a delicious trip of their own.
Don't Miss The Best Restaurants in Waikiki On Your Visit To Hawaii!
1. Azure
This upscale, oceanfront restaurant is located in the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel and features trendy Spanish-Moorish décor with a backdrop of airy cabanas. Their menu features the freshest fish purchased the same day at the Honolulu fish auction, and they are especially known for their seafood dishes. Dishes to try include the Maui Beet and Big Island Goat Cheese Salad, Seared Hawaiian Yellow Fin Ahi and Hokkaido Scallop, and the Azure Lilikoi Crème Brulee.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
2. Morimoto Waikiki
Founded by Chef Masaharu Morimoto (aka “Iron Chef”), Morimoto Waikiki is located in The Modern Honolulu and features a posh menu that highlights Hawaiian and Japanese seafood, as well as seasonal raw selections, fruits and vegetables. Guests who are feeling extra adventurous are encouraged to try the Morimoto Omakase – a multi-course tasking menu featuring the chef’s choices. Other must-try dishes include the Tuna Pizza, Tempura Calamari Salad, Oyster Foie Gras, as well as the restaurant’s extensive menu of sashimi and sushi rolls.
Address: The Modern Honolulu, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
3. Surf Lanai
Also located at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Surf Lanai Restaurant is an outdoor, upscale beachside restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, offering unobstructed views of the hotel’s beautiful pool as well as of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. Their dishes are centered on mainland classics with tropical accents, utilizing unique ingredients. For breakfast, start off with the Sun Ripened Kahuku Papaya or Maui Gold Pineapple, then order the Royal Loco Moco and their famous Pink Palace Pancakes – a delicious stack of guava raspberry shortcakes topped with balsamic strawberry relish and finished off with coconut kaffir crème.
Address: 2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
4. Hula Grill Waikiki
Enjoy the finest oceanfront dining that the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort has to offer at the Hula Grill Waikiki, which is a premium spot for fish tacos, tropical drinks, happening crowds and live music. Located upstairs above Duke’s Waikiki in a plantation-style beach house, the menu offerings celebrate Hawaiian cuisine and include Strawberry Mochi Waffles, Fire Grilled Ahi, Coconut Seafood Chowder, and their Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Street, Suite 203, Honolulu, HI
5. Alan Wong’s
Founded by restaurateur Alan Wong in 1995, the flagship location for his famous restaurant chain is located on the third floor of a business building and showcases unique, experimental dishes inspired by diverse ethnic cultures and made with freshly farmed ingredients from the islands. Dishes worth ordering include the Macadamia Nut Coconut Lamb Chops, Chopped Ahi Sashimi and Avocado Salsa Stack, and the Hawaiian Crown Sweet Gold Pineapple Shave Ice.
Address: 1857 S. King Street, Third Floor, Honolulu, HI
6. Ocean House Restaurant
Located at the Outrigger Reef Hotel, this open-air, plantation-style eatery is a great spot to catch the sunset and enjoy unlimited views of the ocean while dining on seafood and other Pacific Rim and Asian Fusion dishes. Open since 2002, the restaurant is known for its slow roasted prime rib, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Sizzling Ahi Carpaccio, and Seafood Lau Lau. Try their “Sunset Special” which is served nightly from 5 to 6pm and features a half-pound of tender Premium Angus Beef served with a side of Maui onion mashed potatoes. For vegetarians, they have a Vegetable Luau dish, made with steamed taro leaves, Maui onion and coconut milk.
Address: 2169 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
7. Top of Waikiki
Enjoy premium 360-degree views from this rotating restaurant that is Hawaii’s only revolving dining spot. Executive chef Lance Osaka brings the best in contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, while resident mixologist Jen Ackrill prepares specially crafted cocktails. Take advantage of their Happy Hour, which runs daily from 5 to 9:30pm at the bar and 5 to 7pm on the main floor. The menu features diverse offerings including Duck Pizza, Korean Style Poke, and Goat Cheese Rangoons. Order their signature Top of Waikiki drink, which contains a mixture of light and dark rums with passion fruit and orgeat, pineapple and freshly pressed lime juices.
Address: 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
8. Cheeseburgers in Paradise
This bustling, tiki-style restaurant is located right off the busy Waikiki strip and is known for its extensive variety of burgers served with tropical drinks. Burger choices range from BBQ Bacon and Pastrami to the Island Style – a tasty combination of fresh Kalua Pork, grilled pineapple and Hawaiian Teriyaki sauce. For dessert, their Maui Mud Pie is the popular item to order and is a decadent delight with Kona Coffee ice cream covered with chocolate fudge over an Oreo cookie crust topped with whip cream and macadamia nuts.
Address: 2500 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
9. Duke’s Waikiki
Another landmark restaurant in Waikiki, Duke’s is a beachfront hotspot that serves up a variety of island-inspired dishes and celebrates the spirit of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Popular dishes include their Waikiki Hot Wings, Duke’s Nachos (black beans, jalapenos, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and Colby jack cheese), Huli Huli Chicken, and their famous Hula Pie – a tasty plate of macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge and whipped cream.
Address: 2335 Kalakaua Avenue #116, Honolulu, HI
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.