Waikiki’s Best Lunch Spots, According to a Local
Waikiki is known for its sunlit beaches and resort atmosphere, but its true charm lies in the local lunch scene.
Repeat visitors and residents alike have favorite spots that combine great flavor with island spirit.
Craving oceanfront fare, fresh bowls, hearty noodles, or festive tacos?
These five restaurants are where I always go to eat like a local.
Plus, I’ve shared insider tips on hidden food courts and apps to help you discover even more gems around town.
5 Best Waikiki Lunch Spots
- Duke’s Waikiki
- MAC 24/7
- Marugame Udon
- Lulu’s Waikiki
- Monkeypod Kitchen
1. Duke’s Waikiki
MUST-TRY: Fish Sandwich, Coconut Shrimp, Kimo’s Original Hula Pie
- Address: 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8 PM
- Website: dukeswaikiki.com
Located directly on Waikiki Beach, Duke’s is a beloved institution with ocean-view dining and classic island comfort food.
The Fish Sandwich is bright and crunchy, while the Coconut Shrimp brings tropical warmth.
Don’t go without trying the Hula Pie – macadamia nut ice cream in an Oreo crust with hot fudge – for a sweet finish.
With live music and casual, beachside vibes, it’s a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
2. MAC 24/7
MUST-TRY: M.A.C. Aloha Moco, Ube Pancakes
- Address: 2500 Kuhio Ave (Hilton Waikiki Beach), Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 9 PM (Lunch served 11 AM – 4 PM)
- Website: mac247waikiki.com
MAC 24/7 offers comfort food around the clock in a friendly diner-style setting.
The M.A.C. Aloha Moco layers corned beef hash, spam, and chicken katsu on a bed of rice, topped with gravy and eggs.
For a sweeter option, take advantage of their all-day breakfast and try a stack of the popular Ube Pancackes.
Generous portions and ample flavors make this a top pick for lunch, brunch, or even late-night cravings.
3. Marugame Udon
MUST-TRY: Kamaage Udon, Beef Curry Udon, Fresh Tempura
- Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 10 PM
- Website: marugameudon.com
Marugame impresses with handcrafted udon noodles and made-to-order tempura.
Choose kamaage udon for hot dipping broth or beef curry udon for a richer, warming bowl.
The line moves fast, and you can grab tempura snacks as you go.
The food is consistently fresh, fast, and affordable, making this a reliable stop for anyone craving savory Japanese comfort.
4. Lulu’s Waikiki
MUST-TRY: Garlic Chicken Plate, Ahi Poke Bowl
- Address: 2586 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 12 AM
- Website: luluswaikiki.com
Perched above Waikiki Beach, Lulu’s offers sweeping ocean views and sustainable, island-inspired dishes.
The garlic chicken plate delivers savory, tender chicken with rice and macaroni salad – classic Hawaiian comfort food.
The ahi poke bowl is light and flavorful.
With breezy open-air seating and occasional live music, Lulu’s is ideal for relaxing in the sunshine and enjoying a satisfying lunch break.
5. Monkeypod Kitchen
MUST-TRY: Bulgogi Pork Tacos, Lilikoi Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes
- Address: 2169 Kalia Rd (Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort), Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 11 PM
- Website: monkeypodkitchen.com
At the Outrigger Reef resort, Monkeypod Kitchen offers a festive blend of local flavors, live music, and beachside energy.
The bulgogi pork tacos – served with kimchi and sriracha aioli – bring a savory punch, while the lilikoi blueberry ricotta pancakes are a brunch highlight.
With cocktails and a relaxed vibe, Monkeypod is perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying lunch in a lively setting.
Hidden Food Courts: The Secret Lunch Spots in Plain Sight
Waikiki is home to several food courts that might not catch your eye at first but offer some surprisingly good meals.
Waikiki Food Hall (Royal Hawaiian Center, 3rd Floor)
This breezy hall features eight vendors serving everything from sweet and savory soft serve to shrimp plates and signature smash burgers. Must-tries include Five Star Shrimp (garlic, lemon, and spicy shrimp plates), the Wiki Wiki Cheeseburger’s smash burgers, POTAMA’s spam-and-egg onigiri, Meataly Boys’ hearty plate lunches, and Milk’s Japanese whipped soft serve.
STIX ASIA Food Hall (Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Lower Level)
A pan-Asian food paradise with 13–17 vendors offering authentic flavors. Highlights include Ramen Baikohken’s Hokkaido-style ramen, Udon Yama’s Sanuki udon, Honolulu Noodle & Co.’s Taiwanese beef noodles, K Street Food’s Korean snacks like tteokbokki and corn dogs, Nana’s Green Tea soft-serve, Gashoken’s tonkotsu ramen, Sushi Matsuri, and Ao Gelato’s tea-infused sorbets.
Kuhio Avenue Food Hall (International Market Place, Street Level)
A sleek, contemporary hall showcasing ten local food concepts and three bars. Favorites include Banzai Burger, Aloha Pizzeria, Greek Grotto, Hashi Spoon, Hawaii Hoagie Co., La Piña, and Tipsy Tiki, plus island-inspired cocktails and free validated parking in the Waikiki Parking Garage.
Apps to Help You Find Great Restaurants in Waikiki
When in doubt, Yelp is still one of the most reliable apps for discovering inspired restaurant lunch options in Waikiki.
With filters for cuisine, menus, distance, and price, plus user photos and reviews, it’s perfect for spontaneous lunch plans.
You can also try Google Maps to get quick restaurant recommendations based on your real-time location and to explore what’s popular nearby.
Where Flavor Meets Local Life
Waikiki isn’t just a sunny beach destination – it’s a thriving community shaped by the local flavor and the warmth of Hawaiian hospitality.
From Duke’s beachfront seafood to Marugame’s udon, Lulu’s island plates, MAC 24/7’s comforting creations, and Monkeypod’s festive brunch fare, these lunch spots capture the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
Combine that with the hidden food courts and smart app tips, and you’ve got a delicious adventure waiting.
Bring good company, an open appetite, and a sense of aloha – you’re in for a real taste of Waikiki at lunch.
