Romantic fine dining, a snack after surfing, or comforting Hawaiian food – what should you choose? In Honolulu, every meal is more than just a meal, it is an experience. Here, culture meets a breathtaking setting. To help you find the perfect restaurant for every occasion, we have put together the best tips in this blog.
Tip #1: Duke’s Waikiki
What could be more beautiful than having a meal where the location and atmosphere are perfect and the Hawaii vibe is present? At Duke’s Waikiki, all of this comes together! You are sitting practically right on the beach, with a view of the ocean, while live music plays in the background as you enjoy the sunset. They serve fresh fish, steaks, surf & turf, burgers, or simply a good salad. The most important part is the dessert – you should not miss the Hula Pie. During breakfast and lunch time it is relatively relaxed, but for dinner we definitely recommend making a reservation. It is definitely one of the best restaurants in Honolulu.
Daily: 7AM - 12AM
2335 Kalākāua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-922-2268
- dukeswaikiki
Tip #2: Highway Inn Kaka’ako
The Highway Inn Kaka’ako is one of the best and most popular places for traditional Hawaiian cuisine. It belongs to the historic restaurant chain “Highway Inn” and offers you real comfort food. This includes dishes such as Lau Lau, Loco Moco, or Beef Stew. In addition to large portions, the dishes also offer an authentic taste. It is definitely a best place to eat in Honolulu thanks to its lively atmosphere!
Monday - Thursday: 9.30AM - 8PM
Friday and Saturday: 9.30AM - 8.30PM
Sunday: 9.30AM - 3PM
680 Ala Moana Blvd #105, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
- Phone: +1 808-954-4955
- Email: info@myHighwayInn.com
Not convinced yet? Discover why an evening with Le Petit Chef is unforgettable.
Tip #3: Senia
One of the best restaurants for fine dining on Oahu is Senia. From the outside, it gives a rather unassuming impression, and the interior is also designed in a modern and calm style. However, the food is first-class. Here, modern American cuisine is combined with Japanese influences and Hawaiian products are incorporated. The highlight is the tasting menu and its exclusivity, as it is quickly booked out due to only 8 seats. It is ideal for people who want to experience Honolulu in a modern way.
Sunday: closed
Monday - Saturday: 5.30 - 9.30PM
75 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
- Phone: +1 808-200-5412
- Email: info@restaurantsenia.com
- restaurantsenia
Tip #4: Sushi Sho
All sushi lovers, listen up: the exclusive Sushi Sho is one of the most exclusive omakase sushi restaurants in all of Hawaii. It is a high-end fine dining experience in Waikiki that you should not miss. The menu can consist of 30+ courses, with each individual piece freshly prepared for you at the counter. Many different types of fish are used here, all of which are presented to you, and you are taken through the dining experience in great detail. It is a unique experience, with seating for dinner highly limited so that full focus can be placed on the professional preparation. Through the link below, you can go directly to the booking page!
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 5 - 10.30PM
383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-729-9717
- sushishohawaii
Tip #5: Slice of Waikiki
A snack at the beach? What could be better than pizza! Slice of Waikiki offers New York style pizza, with large and thick slices, lots of toppings, and quick preparation. Hawaiian, cheese, pepperoni, or meat lover pizzas – there is something for every taste. It is therefore a top restaurant to take advantage of grab and go. With many surfers and tourists, it has a street food vibe, which positively impacts the price-performance ratio.
Daily: 11AM - 12AM
333 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-888-0288
- Email: info@sliceofwaikiki.com
- sliceofwaikiki
Tip #6: House Without a Key
Another top restaurant, especially for a romantic atmosphere, is House Without a Key. It is a restaurant in Waikiki that offers more than just delicious food – in addition, you get a beautiful sunset experience by the ocean. You should definitely reserve your table for dinner to catch the vibe. Live music is played, and sometimes there are even hula dance shows. The menu focuses on Hawaiian and American casual fine dining. Especially the fresh fish and the Halekulani Coconut Cake are highly recommended! The cocktails invite you to stay and enjoy the atmosphere for as long as possible.
Daily: 7 - 10.30AM and 11.30AM - 9PM
2199 Kālia Rd #1936, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-923-2311
- Email: info@halekulani.com
Tip #7: Michel’s at the Colony Surf
A place to eat in Honolulu is definitely Michel’s at the Colony Surf. It is located at the quiet end of Waikiki and offers a breathtaking view of the Gold Coast. Right by the ocean and almost on the beach, you can enjoy your romantic dinner. The creations from the kitchen are French fine dining dishes refined with island ingredients. Good to know: the dress code is chic, making it a perfect restaurant for a special occasion! Many guests come here for their anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon. Maybe that is also a suitable occasion for you?
Sunday - Thursday: 5 - 9PM
Friday and Saturday: 5 - 9.30PM
2895 Kalākāua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-923-6552
- Email: info@michelshawaii.com
- michelshawaii
Tip #8: Fête
A highlight in Chinatown in Honolulu is Fête. It is not a classic Hawaii restaurant, but a modern New American Farm-to-Table restaurant. Here there are creative and modern dishes, such as Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cioppino or Rocky Road Ice Cream. Depending on the season, the menu changes so that the ingredients remain fresh, seasonal and high-quality. It is a small, stylish restaurant with an open kitchen, which is ideal for a foodie dinner or a get-together with friends.
Sunday: 4 - 10PM
Monday - Saturday: 11AM - 10PM
2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States
- Phone: +1 808-369-1390
- Email: hello@fetehawaii.com
- fetehawaii
Tip #9: Rainbow Drive-In
A true Hawaii classic on Oahu is Rainbow Drive-In. It is not fine dining, but offers Local Comfort Food and a street diner vibe. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is ideal for a break during a visit to the beach and to grab a quick but good meal. Your order could be: meat + 2 scoops of rice + macaroni salad + sauce/gravy. Other local favorites include the Chili Plate, the Fried Chicken Plate, or Saimin. Of course, everything comes in large portions for a big appetite! It is a place to eat when you are already out and about at Waikiki Beach.
Daily: 7AM - 9PM
3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
- Phone: +1 808-737-0177
- rainbowdrivein
