WHERE TO EAT IN WAIKIKI
You're spoiled for choice in Waikiki, from budget friendly all the way up to 5 star dining. These are our top picks for delicious food, cold drinks and great atmosphere as well as family favourites and where to get a quick and cheap fix. American menus are a little different to Aussie ones so check out our eating out guide for all the tips and tricks we have to share to get the most out of your dining budget.
Our pricing guides are based on March 2020 pricing for dinner and are to be used as a guide only. Lunch and breakfasts are often cheaper and since meals are often large, some dinners can be shared easily. Pricing also doesn't include a tip which will traditionally add another 20% to the total bill.
Our pricing guides are based on March 2020 pricing for dinner and are to be used as a guide only. Lunch and breakfasts are often cheaper and since meals are often large, some dinners can be shared easily. Pricing also doesn't include a tip which will traditionally add another 20% to the total bill.
The Cheesecake FactoryLocated in the centre of Waikiki, The Cheesecake Factory is a favorite for Aussies. The menu is huge, as are the meals and the quality is great. Appetisers can be massive as are their mains so be careful ordering both. Always save room for desert, their namesake cheesecake is to die for.
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International, Dessert Price
Value for Money Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
The Yard HouseGreat food and 100 beers on tap! A truly international menu with lots of options, including a substantial vegetarian menu. Again, large portion sizes so probably don’t need appetisers and mains, or at least share appetisers. Can get very busy so go early or be prepared to wait.
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International Price
Value for Money Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
California Pizza KitchenPizza Chain - Good pizza and pasta, can get very busy, so get in early. Take out is a quick option and is great to take a pizza back to the hotel late in the day. Pizza’s aren’t huge, but you can share if you’re ordering an appetiser as well. CPK can be found in Waikiki as well Ala Moana and other locations around the island
Cuisine
Italian , Pizza Price
Well priced Entree - $15+ Mains - $25+ |
Maui Brewing CompanyA large casual restaurant on Kalakaua Ave, the actual restaurant is on the second floor, above Macy's. Featuring Maui Brewing Co Craft beers on tap and a large and varied menu, there is plenty on offer for everyone.
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International, bar. Price
Well priced Entree - $15+ Mains - $25+ |
Dukes Lane
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Il LupinoGreat food and an extensive wine selection. Il Lupino serves classic italian food featuring imported Italian cheeses, hand-cut meats, and fresh, local produce and seafood. This more of a special occasion restaurant, not an everyday one
Cuisine
Italian Price
High End Entree - $25+ Mains - $35+ |
DukesBarefoot bar and restaurant at the Outrigger on Kalakaua Ave (you have to walk through the hotel). American / Buffet – Right on the beach with a view of Diamond Head makes it a great spot for sunset. They often have live music at night which means it can get very busy. Food is nice, burgers and island favorites at lunch and a more refined menu for dinner. Dukes is known for its large salad bar and buffet lunch for $30. Good choice if you want atmosphere and drinks.
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International Price
Entree - $18+ Mains - $20+ |
Hula GrillAlso located in the Outrigger on Kalakaua ave, the Hula Grill specialises in local and sustainable produce that celebrates Hawaiian culture, atmosphere and cuisine. Hula Grill is a great place to try local fish, fresh from the Hawaiian waters.
Cuisine
Hawaiian, Asian, american , International Price
Entree - $15+ Mains - $35+ |
OrchidsLocated in the Halekulani Hotel right on Waikiki beach, Orchids is a great special occasion restaurant complete with 5 star silver service. one of our favorite things to do is have a special breakfast at Orchids, Amazing! with direct views of Diamond Head and the ocean. It is a little pricey for breakfast but a great experience that we recommend for everyone, especially for a special occasion. No need to be super dressed up but it is a posh hotel so dress accordingly.
Cuisine
American, Asian Price
Entree - $20+ Mains - $35+ |
House without a keyDrink cocktails, listen to Hawaiian music, and watch hula right on the beach as the sun sets... it doesn’t get much better than this! This is old school Hawaiian glamour! Go early to get a good seat, drinks are expensive but well worth it for the experience and you can order pupu's (snacks) to go with them. Walk through the Halekulani hotel to the bar and ask for seats for cocktails. WE recommend this to everyone as its such a nice experience. Great lawn for kids to run around on. You can dine here are well, great for a special occasion dinner here because it can be expensive. Reservations recommended.
Cuisine
American, International Price
Snacks - $10+ Entree - $20+ Mains - $35+ |
Denny'sAn American staple – open 24 hours. Denny's is an American diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at great prices. As an example, French toast with bacon is USD$4. We LOVE Denny's, it's quick, easy, and surprisingly tasty for the price. We often eat here for a toasted sandwich, burger or breakfast if we don't want to spend a lot and are happy with the basics. There are two Denny's locations in Waikiki, one at the end of Lewers Street (Ocean end) and one on Kuhio Ave (right at the end near the Zoo)
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International Price
Bargain Entree - $5+ Mains - $10+ |
Tiki's Bar and GrillLocated in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Tiki's bar and grill offers a great view of waikiki beach and delicious food and drinks for lunch and dinner. Tiki's is locally owned and focuses on American and Pacific-Rim menu with flavors of the islands, using fresh local produce.
Cuisine
American, Pan-Asian, Price
Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
Arancino on BeachwalkThis is a small Italian restaurant on a smaller side road (Beachwalk) in Waikiki. The place is a little hole in the wall and looks run down but it is good food and great service. They also have a larger restaurant at the other end of Waikiki called Arancio di Mare.
Cuisine
Italian Price
Entree - $15+ Mains - $25+ |
Cheeseburgers in Paradise (and Beachwalk)Located on Lewers St and Kalakaua Ave, this chain of restaurants offers delicious burgers, sandwiches and breakfasts with generous portions at an affordable price.
Cuisine
American Price
Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
PF ChangsP.F.Changs is a large America Chinese restaurant located in the centre of Waikiki. All meals are prepared and cooked by hand including their traditional handmade dim sum.
Cuisine
Asian Price
Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
Hard Rock CafeA great place for live music, a great bar vibe and good American food with lots of variety. Not just burgers, there’s something for everyone at this famous restaurant located right in Waikiki on Kalakaua Ave.
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International Price
Entree - $15+ Mains - $25+ |
Tommy Bahama RestaurantFresh and tasty with a tropical flair, the Tommy Bahama restaurant is a great place to spend a few hours eating and and drinking. There is a fab rooftop bar with music and a huge sandy area as well as a great restaurant space,
Cuisine
American, Asian, Mexican, Italian , International Price
Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
Hau Tree LanaiThis pink and white café is located in the Kaimana hotel towards Diamond Head. It serves breakfast lunch and dinner almost right on the sand and under a huge Hau tree. Get out for a morning walk and get a coffee and a pastry in the shade before heading back to your hotel.
Cuisine
Hawaiian, American, Asian Price
Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
Pā‘ina Lānai Food CourtLocated in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping center, you will find a selection of fast food options that are a great choice for those looking for a quick bite between swims or looking for a cheap dinner after being out exploring all day.
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International Market PlaceThe International Market Place had lots of options for dining, from National chain restaurants through to their Kuhio Ave Food Hall. the market place is a great option to grab a quick bite.
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ABC StoresA mix of convenience store, deli, souvenir and bottle shop, an ABC store has everything you need for a good beach day, a quick snack or a late night treat. They have pre made salads, sandwiches, and some hot food items, sushi and the famous Poke. They also carry a range of Hawaiian and national brand chips, chocolate, drinks, ice-creams etc
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Ala Moana Shopping Centre
Not far from Waikiki is the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, the largest open air shopping centre in the world with an abundance of places to eat and drink. Ala Moana is worth checking out if you're looking for casual dining or for a cheaper options, a great food court. You can view all of the restaurants at ala Moana here.
Romano's Macaroni GrillRomano's Macaroni Grill is a chain of Italian restaurants located in Honolulu as well as Waikoloa. Serving traditional Italian food and great drinks, this is a good choice if you are looking for something easy while shopping at Ala Moana.
Cuisine
Italian Price Entree - $15+ Mains - $25+ |
Olive GardenOlive Garden is a casual dining restaurant chain specialising in Italian-American food and is famously known for their breadsticks and yummy pasta. The location at Ala Moana is the first time Olive Garden has had a restaurant in Hawaii.
Cuisine
Italian Price Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |
Mai Tai's (bar)Mai Tai's is an indoor-outdoor, open-air "Island Music" venue and bar located within Ala Moana shopping centre. Serving local food and drinks alongside nightly live bands and entertainment.
Cuisine
Hawiian / American bar food Price Entree - $10+ Mains - $20+ |