Places to eat when in Waikiki

Cheryl Lee • April 26, 2025

Vacations are the perfect excuse to indulge - whether you're savoring a melt-in-your-mouth Beef Wellington or diving into an endless seafood buffet stacked with fresh crab legs. For the more adventurous, quick bites like beer-battered fish tacos or wood-fired pizzas hit the spot before grabbing your snorkel gear and heading to the beach. Ready to eat your way through paradise? Check out some of our favorite restaurants in Waikiki!


Basalt 
A market/restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour! Get everything from pancakes, salads, burgers, pizza, prime rib, beer and appetizers! Located in Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery.
basaltwaikiki.com


Beachhouse at the Moana
Open-air dining on the Victorian-style veranda of the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel. Chef Tasting Menu, island inspired classics, succulent seafood, craft cocktails and award-winning wine list.
beachhousewaikiki.com


Duke’s Waikiki

Overlooking Waikiki Beach, the open-air Duke’s is a legendary restaurant known for value-added buffets, a bountiful salad bar, and mouth-watering fresh fish tacos. Live music. In the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, dukeswaikiki.com


Hoku’s
Award-winning, French-influenced cuisine is enjoyed at this fine dining, seaside establishment. Choose from a brunch buffet, to tasting menus that provide patrons with multiple courses for a tasty epicurean adventure. In Waikiki at the Kahala Hotel and Resort,
hokuskahala.com


House Without a Key
See unparalleled views of Diamond Head and enjoy a health-conscious menu emphasizing locally produced ingredients, fresh fish and flat breads baked in the on-site brick oven. At the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki,
halekulani.com/dining


Hy’s Steak House

Steak is king at this fine dining establishment that stars flock to dine at! A variety of cuts cooked over island kiawe wood. The large menu includes dining classics like Beef Wellington, tableside Caesar salad and indulgent appetizers like Oysters Rockefeller. In Waikiki, hyswaikiki.com


MAC 24/7 Restaurant

A modern American cuisine satisfies your cravings with breakfast, lunch and dinner served in a contemporary dinner atmosphere. Home of the world-famous 5 lb M.A.C. Daddy Pancakes (featured on Travel Channel's Man Vs. Food). mac247waikiki.com



Mariposa

Award-winning restaurant open for lunch until mid afternoon. Dinner Fri and Sat. Serves appetizers, sandwiches, unique salads, entrees and house-made desserts. In Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Center. Mariposa



Menehune Grille

Pair the kalua pork nachos with a craft cocktail and take in an amazing sunset view! Reserve your seat at the Hawaiian Luau Dinner Show. Casual attire in the Ilikai Hotel Luxury Suites on Ala Moana Blvd.  menehunegrille.com




Michel’s At the Colony Surf

This fine dining establishment offers a classic European menu. The house specialty is the 48-hour lobster bisque and diners can order from ala-carte or tasting menus. Located at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, michelshawaii.com 



Orchids

The casually elegant, oceanfront establishment features the flavors of coastal Italy. Besides serving three meals a day, the full-service restaurant also has a Sunday brunch and wine bar accompanied by tapas-style cuisine. At the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki, halekulani.com/dining/orchids


Paia Fishmarket Restaurant

Fresh fish, prepared to your liking, is the mainstay at this Waikiki eatery. Also on the menu are burgers, pasta, salads and hand-cut, crunchy coleslaw. Fronting busy Kuhio Ave. in The Laylow hotel, paiafishmarket.com


Waikiki Gangnam Style

Family friendly restaurant featuring local Hawaiian dishes. Must order the Korean BBQ ribs! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free parking, or a quick walk from Waikiki to Ala Moana Blvd. waikikigangnamhi.com


 A person scuba diving next to a large school of fish in clear blue water, learn how to start scuba.
By Cheryl Lee January 21, 2026
Learn how to start scuba diving in Hawaii with clear steps, beginner essentials, top islands for training, safety tips, and what to expect on your first dives.
The peak of Mauna Kea on the big island of hawaii covered in snow
By Cheryl Lee January 19, 2026
It snows on Hawaii - and this post is here to break down the where, when, why, and how. Learn more about Hawaii’s snowfall and unique geography.
By Cheryl Lee January 16, 2026
Snorkeling in Hawaii is one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve dried off. The islands’ warm, clear waters are home to coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and a variety of other marine life. Whether you’re a beginner testing out your first mask or a seasoned snorkeler chasing reef walls, Hawaii offers some of the best snorkeling conditions in the world. But before you grab your fins and jump in, it helps to understand what makes each island unique, how to snorkel safely, and how to protect the fragile ecosystems beneath the surface. Read our complete guide to making the most of snorkeling during your visit to the Hawaiian Islands.
1966 and 2026 This Week Hawaii magazine cover image
January 8, 2026
Discover the evolution of This Week Hawaii, from its 1966 founding to becoming Hawai‘i’s most widely read visitor magazine and digital travel resource.
Nene geese, what Hawaii  is known for.
By Cheryl Lee November 12, 2025
Discover what makes each Hawaiian Island unique, from Oahu’s surf culture to Kauai’s lush beauty and Maui’s luxury resorts. Learn more about what every Hawaiian island is about.
driving down a one way road on the coastline of hawaii with a view of the ocean and neighborhood
By Cheryl Lee October 27, 2025
Learn essential Hawaii driving etiquette and rules. From speed limits to local customs, here’s what you need to know for safe, respectful travel.
A kii statue in Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in Hawaii
By Cheryl Lee October 19, 2025
Looking to learn more about Hawaii’s history during your visit? This is our full guide to some of Hawaii’s best historical locations to visit during your stay!
Discover the best time to visit Hawaii.
By Cheryl Lee October 16, 2025
Plan your Hawaii trip smart! Learn the best months for sunny weather, fewer crowds, and good deals—plus insider tips from local island experts.
What Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? First-Timers Guide
By Cheryl Lee September 15, 2025
Planning your first Hawaii trip? Compare Oʻahu, Maui, Big Island & Kauaʻi in this guide to help you choose the best island for your perfect vacation.
By Cheryl Lee September 7, 2025
From farm-to-table fine dining and fresh island seafood to local shave ice and hidden roadside gems, Maui’s culinary scene offers something for every taste.