Top Events at Waikiki Beach: From Weekly Fireworks to Cultural Festivals

Vacation days are synonymous with beach days, ocean dips, and tropical cocktails.

There’s nothing quite like a freshly made margarita, and in the islands, you’ll find abundant tropical fruits to sweeten the deal.

The mangos, pineapples, dragon fruits, and avocados add fresh flavors to salsas and drinks.

And, nothing pairs better with a margarita than Mexican food. O’ahu is packed with tasty Mexican cuisine from traditional dishes and street tacos to vegan bites and variations inspired by local food.

In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL post, we’re hooking you up with the best Mexican food in Waikiki and the surrounding areas.

So, when hunting for a good Mexican restaurant, you’ll know where to go!

Top Mexican Restaurants to Try in Waikiki

Craving street-style tacos or a breakfast burrito?

These spots have the freshest Mexican bites in and around Waikiki Beach.

For a local twist, order fresh ahi tacos and a Li Hing Mui Margarita.

Buho Cocina y Cantina

This rooftop bar and restaurant has skyline views and al fresco seating.

Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down dinner, a quick bite at the bar, or a night out on the town, you can have it all at Buho.

Bite into the classics from chicken enchiladas and shrimp ceviche to guacamole-made tableside and vegetarian dishes.

There’s an extensive tequila list and fun events like Taco Tuesday, Fiesta Friday, and Salsa Saturdays.

Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG)

Craving Tex-Mex? Take a seat here.

OMG offers healthy and fresh Mexican food on the main drag of Waikiki Beach.

Enjoy grass-fed, free-range beef topped with freshly made salsas and guacamole.

Choose between Texas-sized burritos, taco plates, salads, quesadillas, nachos, and veggie options.

Wash it all down with homemade strawberry, mango, and lime-frozen margaritas.

The Waikiki location serves breakfast and there’s a second location in Kaimukii.

The Best Mexican Restaurants Just Outside of Waikiki

Tight Tacos Kaimuki

This Mexican Taqueria is in charming and eclectic Kaimuki.

The authentic street-style tacos feature freshly hand-pressed tortillas served with slow-braised meats, housemade salsas, and aloha.

Go for the juicy beef Birria, the local beer-battered fish, or the slow-braised pork carnitas.

Pair it with a Mexican Coke and plot your return for more. Taco Tuesday anyone?!

El Azul Taqueria

Located just outside of Waikiki in Palolo Valley, Chef Luis F. Castro is bringing Mexican specialties to Honolulu.

The menu showcases tacos al pastor, beef birria, or grilled chicken, garnished with fresh salsa and tasty toppings.

This cozy eatery has casual counter service and some not-to-be-missed horchata, housemade guacamole, and Elotes.

Mexican Food Trucks Not To Miss in Waikiki

There’s no shortage of food trucks in the islands.

More often than not, they’re serving not-to-miss dishes.

These food trucks are cooking up Mexican favorites for locals and visitors alike.

If there are lines, go ahead and wait, it’ll be worth it!

808 Tacos: Tacos Don Chema

Don’t skip this authentic Mexican food truck in the Ohana Hale Waikiki food truck lot.

Chef Jose’s menu boasts authentic street-style tacos wrapped in soft corn tortillas and served with a side of aloha.

The tasty and not-so-light dishes include tortas, quesadillas, burritos, and loaded baked potatoes.

Keep your eyes out for daily specials and Taco Tuesday deals.

Mexican Food Trucks Just Outside Waikiki

Sabrazon Waikiki

If you’re in the mood for authentic Northern Mexican cuisine, find it at the family-owned Sabrazon Mexican food truck.

Located just outside of Waikiki in the artsy neighborhood of Kaka’ako, the menu has classic dishes and bites you won’t find at other spots including Lamb Birria and a Chimichanga Plate.

There are daily specials and seasonal dishes including Mexican street corn and fried plantains.

Pueblo Comida Mexicana

Tucked into Makiki, a short drive from Waikiki is this family-owned authentic LA street-style taco truck.

Bite into real Carne Asada and Adobada, it’s made daily with love.

The menu boasts affordable tacos and quesadillas, featuring fresh ingredients and chile Chiltepin straight from Mexico.

Surf N Salsa

If you find yourself on the North Shore, this family-owned food truck is a must-stop.

It’s arguably some of the best Mexican food on the island with made-to-order tortillas.

The weekly Taco Tuesday from 5 pm to 8:30 pm is extremely popular so expect lines but the 5 street tacos for $11 are worth the wait.

A perfect day on the North Shore includes beach hopping, wave-watching, a farm tour at Hua Orchards, and eating this amazing Mexican cuisine while listening to local live music on the back patio.

Enjoy the Best Mexican Food in Waikiki

We hope this guide to the best Mexican food in Waikiki has ignited your appetite.

There’s nothing quite like some spicy salsa and deeply flavored carnitas wrapped in a warm corn tortilla or fluffy beer-battered locally caught fish with zesty cabbage slaw. In the islands, you’ll eat well!

There are plenty of options to choose from.

We hope this guide has narrowed your list and pointed your taste buds in the right direction.

Be sure to take a peek at our website for more tips, resources, and insider information to make the most of your trip to O’ahu.

Aloha!