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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

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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12 grand journeys throughout North America

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    Discover North America’s epic adventures — from Route 66 and Alaska cruises to Hawai‘i road trips, NYC culture, Mexico trails and more.

    1. Route 66, the Main Street of America

    Travelling with: Ricky French

    Sunset on Route 66 in the California Mojave Desert.
    Hit the open road and trace America’s legendary highway. (Image: Getty/Der_Thomasa)

    Dubbed the Main Street of America, Route 66 radiates serious main character energy, cemented into popular culture through everything from John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath to the Disney Pixar film Cars. Spanning nearly 4000 kilometres from Chicago to Los Angeles, the historic highway celebrates its centenary next year, a timely invitation to take the mother of all road trips along the Mother Road. Allow two to three weeks to tackle the full length, or bite off a smaller chunk at either end, cruising the dramatic deserts of California or the more pastoral landscapes of Illinois, lined with neon-lit diners, retro gas stations and quirky roadside attractions.

    2. Mexico’s Día de los Muertos

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    emblematic catrina of mexico with flowers and necklace with sempasuchil flowers
    Celebrate life and honour loved ones in vibrant style. (Image: Getty/Fabian Pacheco)

    You might know Oaxaca as the birthplace of mole and mezcal. But the state in southern Mexico is also where the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) began. Time your visit to coincide with the colourful holiday, on 1–2 November, which honours and celebrates loved ones who have passed away. Oaxaca is also Mexico’s Michelin-starred culinary capital, with 18 restaurants and a humble taco stand listed in the 2025 guide.

    3. Museum-hop in New York City

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    The Guggenheim Museum’s iconic spiralling exterior, a highlight of North America Epic Adventures.
    Step inside and marvel at bold, world-class art. (Image: Damiano Fiore)

    Your map app will look like it’s been scattered with confetti after you’ve dropped pins on all the museums you want to visit in New York City. Must-sees are the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art aka the Met, and the Museum of Modern Art. The American Museum of Natural History is also a draw. It’s also worth venturing into the boroughs to browse institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, which has a huge permanent collection categorised by culture.

    4. The USA’s music scene

    Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

    The Seattle skyline at night, aglow with city lights on North America Epic Adventures.
    Soak up skyline views and dive into the city’s coffee culture. (Image: Abigail Boone)

    If you’re a muso, chances are you’ve wanted to make a pilgrimage to the United States, the epicentre of so many beloved genres. Whether you’re head-banging your way around the Grunge Circuit in Seattle, chasing the twang of the pedal steel through Tennessee or bouncing between blues bars in the Mississippi Delta, the USA’s rich music culture has something that’ll strike a chord.

    5. Road-tripping Hawai‘i

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    A woman surfing in Hawaii, gliding across turquoise waves on North America Epic Adventures.
    Catch the waves and ride Hawaii’s iconic swells. (Image: Ben Ono)

    Hawai‘i is one of the most diverse US states to road trip around. Of the six major islands to visit, the Island of Hawai‘i packs in everything from the snowy summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to black-sand beaches and lava fields frozen in the act of flowing forward. Change down a few gears on the island of O‘ahu, too, where you can find your own patch of sand on Waimanalo Beach. Visit poi and pineapple plantations. And hang ten on beginner-friendly waves on the North Shore.

    6. Cruising Alaska

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Explora Journeys ship cruising in Alaska.
    Sail past glaciers and spot whales in pristine waters.

    Seeing Alaska from the sea allows you to cover a lot of distance quickly. This immersive frontier now beckons more than ever before with Explora Journeys adding the American state to its global destination portfolio. Best of all are the pre-and post-journey immersions that connect the luxury of a cruise onboard Explora III with the rugged grandeur of the Alaskan interior. UnCruise Adventures also weaves in access to remote national parks, legendary wildlife corridors and authentic cultural experiences on its Alaskan itineraries.

    7. The Wixárika Route in Mexico

    Travelling with: Elizabeth Whitehead

    People journeying through the Wixarika Route.
    Journey deep into sacred Huichol traditions and art.

    For generations, the Indigenous Wixárika People of Mexico have walked a sacred path known as Tatehuarí Huajuyé, or ‘The Path of Our Grandfather Fire’. The annual pilgrimage route spans 500 kilometres, taking in significant sites in Wixárika spirituality and cosmology. The route passes through the deserts, mountains and forests of northern Mexico before reaching Wirikuta, believed to be the place the sun first emerged. The route is a living cultural landscape of Indigenous culture pre-Columbian influence and, in July this year, was formally inscribed into UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

    8. Drive the Iceberg Coast in Canada

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Iceberg off the east coast of Canada
    Chase icebergs along Expedition 51 on Canada’s east coast. (Image: Canadian Tourism Commission/ Chris Hendrickson)

    Download the icebergfinder.com map to better plan your road trip along Canada’s Iceberg Coast. The new highway, which has been nearly 25 years and CAD$1.1 billion in the making, threads through the country’s pleated coastlines around Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick before looping in the French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. As well as chasing icebergs along Expedition 51, travellers will have the opportunity to engage with cultures that have thrived in the pristine provinces for thousands of years.

    9. A foodie tour of Nova Scotia

    Travelling with: Katie Carlin

    Lunenberg Nova Scotia
    Try lobster rolls in Lunenburg on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia. (Image: Natalia Kvitovska/ Unsplash)

    World-famous for its lobster, Nova Scotia is a Canadian province best savoured through its culinary clout shaped by sea and terroir. Bite into lobster rolls at historic Lunenburg’s Salt Shaker Deli & Inn and sip maple rum at Ironworks Distillery. Winery-hop around Wolfville’s rising vineyards (don’t miss Lightfoot & Wolfville). Take a maple syrup tour at Sugar Moon Farm near Earltown. And pull up a seat at waterfront Bar Sofia in Halifax, where Nova Scotia oysters aguachile arrive bright with cucumber, lime and pickled onion.

    10. Soak up the sun in the Caribbean

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Overwater bungalows off a beach in the Caribbean
    Experience the white-sand beaches and cerulean seas of the Caribbean on board a cruise.

    The Caribbean is on the radar for seasoned cruisers. And it’s easy to see why, with white-sand beaches, cerulean seas and swaying palms so picture-perfect they look AI-generated. Cruise with Windstar, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity on its inaugural Xcel season to the Caribbean to enjoy action-packed excursions such as snorkelling coral reefs and shopping for local trinkets. And those sea days? Spectacular.

    11. Red Chair Hikes of Canada

    Travelling with: Kassia Byrnes

    Red Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Minnewanka in Canada
    Take a seat at Lake Minnewanka, one of more than 400 red Adirondack chairs scattered across Canada’s hiking routes. (Image: Getty Images/ Autumn Sky Photography)

    No one appreciates the great outdoors more than Canadians, emerging from snow-covered winters to tread glacial rivers and snowshoe through forests, or to hike mighty mountains and wildflower-strewn valleys come spring. Along popular hikes around the country, more than 400 red Adirondack chairs have been placed in peaceful, breathtaking locations. What started as a social media contest now sees hikers soaking in classic Canadian lake and mountain vistas, overlooking historic sites or gazing down on the mountainous path they just travelled.

    12. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab, USA

    Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

    Sweeping views from the Rocky Mountaineer.
    The Rocky Mountaineer will continue as the Canyon Spirit in 2026, seen here carving through Ruby Canyon.

    Sighting wild animals is one of many incredible thrills along the two-day luxury Rockies to the Red Rocks route onboard the Rocky Mountaineer across America’s Southwest between mid-April and mid-October. In addition to the lone bear, we spot bighorn sheep, elk, beavers, pronghorn antelope, bald eagles and ospreys. Riding the rails onboard the luxury train, which was founded in Canada in 1990 and has been awarded the prestigious World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train several times, has never been about just getting from A to B. Ride the train from Denver to Moab and you will see the scenery change from snow-capped peaks to meadows, red-rock canyons and soaring cliffs that resemble ornate Gaudí-esque cathedrals. But it’s not until you get off the train that you can produce the ultimate Venn diagram, with nature and adventure in the intersecting spheres.