The 8 Best Local Restaurants in Waikiki for Dinner

The 8 Best Local Restaurants in Waikiki for Dinner

The world-famous Waikiki Beach stretches along the southern shores of O’ahu.

This postcard-perfect paradise captivates millions of visitors annually with its turquoise-colored waters, rolling surf, and iconic Diamond Head views.

Boarded by the Ala Wai, it’s surrounded by Honolulu’s charming neighborhoods like Kaimuki, Kahala, and Kaka’ako.

The H1 highway is close by, making the rest of the island easily accessible.

Waikiki is home to some of the island’s best shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.

You’ll find flavors and dining experiences to satisfy every palate and style from quick casual bites to innovative fine dining.

A trip to the Hawaiian Islands wouldn’t be complete without tasting the local cuisine!

Be sure to sample poke bowls, plate lunches, Kalau pork, shave ice, and haupia pie.

To help you with your culinary quest, we’ve taste-tested the best Waikiki dinner spots serving traditional Hawaiian dishes and created this guide.

Below, we share our curated list featuring the best local restaurants in Waikiki for dinner.

You can expect everything from hidden gems and regional cuisine to budget-friendly restaurants in Waikiki with ocean views.

1. Tiki’s

First up is one of the best dinner places in Waikiki for tourists!

Tiki’s has picture-perfect views, live music, and a daily happy hour.

Located on the main strip, this open-air restaurant is a must-try.

The menu boasts “ono grindz” like Macadamia Nut Crusted Fish and Coconut Chicken.

Begin with a pupu (appetizer) like the Ahi Wonton Poke Sliders; it’ll pair well with a signature cocktail!

Here’s to Aloha vibes, Ube Coladas, and unbeatable views.

2. Duke’s Waikiki

If you’re looking for the quintessential Waikiki experience, it’s here.

Named after the Waikiki surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront establishment is a great time.

And, it’s one of the oldest authentic Waikiki restaurants offering local cuisine!

Sink your teeth into Korean Sticky Ribs, Furikake Ahi Steak, and Huli Huli Chicken, all with unobstructed ocean views.

Sip on a Longboard Lager, watch live music, and check out the themed nightly specials like Bento Box Fridays & Saturdays.

3. Diamond Head Market & Grill

Located two blocks from Kapi’olani Park and the Waikiki Shell, this neighborhood eatery has a bakery on one side and a grill on the other.

Expect local-style plate lunches and tasty sandwiches.

Inside, the bakery sells scrumptious pastries, snacks, and groceries.

This is one of the most affordable Hawaiian dinner spots near Waikiki Beach.

It’s a no-frills joint that’s best for a quick casual dinner or takeout.

Order a Garlic Shrimp Plate and a Char Sui Pork Sandwich, head to the beach, and enjoy dinner as the sun sets.

4. Mahina & Suns

The award-winning Mahina & Sun’s is one of the top Waikiki restaurants for unique Hawaiian dishes.

Nestled in the Surfjack Hotel, on the mauka (mountainside) of Lewers Street, Chef Erik Leong is in the kitchen making elevated Hawaiian home-style cooking.

This is one of our favorite hidden gem dinner restaurants in Waikiki.

The menu boasts must-try dishes like the A’u Crudo, Seared Ahi, and a Local Veggie Platter.

Go all in, and order the Mahina Family Feast, it’ll be a meal to remember with locally caught whole fish and mouthwatering sides.

5. Barefoot Beach Cafe

This locally owned and operated casual oceanfront eatery is tucked into the park surrounded by greenery and trees.

Off the main drag, it’s removed from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.

Here, you can dine al fresco and watch the surf as you’re serenaded by live music.

It’s one of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Waikiki with ocean views.

This elevated snack bar menu will satisfy every palate with a range of dishes from local favorites and American classics to refreshing smoothies and vegan options.

Come for the views but stay for the local Hawaiian dinner experience in Waikiki.

We’ll take a Whole North Shore Pineapple Smoothie and the Queen’s Surf-n-Turf Plate, please!

Tip: Watch Friday’s fireworks from here!

6. Hau Tree

Imagine eating Kauai Prawn Tagliatelle while watching the setting sun as the waves gently crash onshore.

The ocean breeze caresses your cheek as you lean in for a refreshing sip of your Singapore Sling.

At Hau Tree, this is reality.

Nestled at the southern edge of Waikiki, inside the newly renovated Kaimana Beach Hotel, this casual beachfront spot has unobstructed oceanfront views.

It’s a popular spot for vacationers and Kama’aina; reservations are recommended!

The menu boasts island-inspired cocktails and local beers to accompany tasty local flavors.

We’ll be ordering the Hamachi Kama followed by the Local Ahi Nicoise Salad.

7. Rainbow Drive-In

This is a go-to spot for Hawaiian-style dining in Waikiki for tourists and locals alike.

They’re not joking around when it comes to serving plate lunch favorites.

It’s easy on the wallet and heavy on the portions.

What’s plate lunch, you ask?

It starts with two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad and is accompanied by your choice of protein.

Opt for the iconic Loco Moco: two hamburger patties smothered in hearty gravy and topped with two eggs.

We recommend a walk back to Kalakaua Avenue; it’ll help offset the food coma!

8. South Shore Grill

For over 20 years, this family-owned joint has been pumping out some of the island’s best fish tacos, sandwiches, and plate lunches.

It’s one of the local-approved dinner spots in Waikiki for cheap eats.

Try the Ono Fish Tacos with locally made corn tortillas, aioli, creamy slaw, tomatoes, and green onions.

And, make sure to save room for tasty homemade treats!

The peanut butter temptations are out of this world.

A Culinary Journey Through Waikiki: Savor the Best Local Dishes

Mahalo Nui for Reading Our Guide to the 8 Best Local Restaurants in Waikiki for Dinner! We hope we’ve ignited your desire to embark upon a gastronomic journey through Waikiki without getting lost in the sea of restaurants!

These hand-selected eateries offer classic Hawaiian dishes and local flavors that you won’t want to miss while you’re in the islands.

Here’s to ono grindz and Aloha vibes!