Best Places to Eat in Waikiki: 25 Restaurants Worth It (2026)

Cheap Eats and Quick Bites

You don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in Waikiki. These spots all come in under $15 per person and deliver some of the best flavor in the neighborhood.

1. Marukame Udon

Still the best cheap meal in Waikiki by a mile. You watch them roll, cut, and boil fresh udon noodles right in front of you, then grab tempura and musubi from the counter as you slide your tray along. The Nikutama (beef and soft-boiled egg) udon is our go-to. The line looks intimidating, but it moves fast.

📍 2310 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $5-$12 per person
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Website: marukameudon.com/waikiki

2. Musubi Cafe Iyasume

The ultimate grab-and-go before a beach day. Their spam musubi game is on another level with creative varieties like bacon egg, unagi, and furikake salmon. Multiple locations around Waikiki make it easy to find one near you. Fills you up for under $10.

📍 Multiple Waikiki locations (Waikiki Beach Walk, Royal Hawaiian Center)
Cost: $3-$8 per item
Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
Website: musubi-iyasume.com

3. TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie

The bowls here are huge, and we mean seriously huge. Fresh udon in a variety of styles from classic kake to creamy carbonara udon. Their weekday lunch special (Monday through Friday) is one of the best lunch deals in Waikiki. The vibe inside is sleek and modern, a nice break from the tourist bustle.

📍 Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $15-$25 per person (lunch specials from $12)
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Website: tsurutontan.com

4. Onigiri Shop by Mana Musubi

Hand-pressed rice balls with creative fillings like miso salmon, spicy tuna, and garlic shrimp. Perfect for a quick snack between beach sessions. They’re fresh, filling, and easy on the wallet. Look for them near Waikiki Beach Walk.

📍 Waikiki Beach Walk area, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $3-$6 per onigiri
Hours: Daily 8am-6pm (or until sold out)
Website: Check Instagram @manamusubi

5. Eggs ‘n Things

A Waikiki institution since 1974. The macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup are iconic for a reason. Yes, the line gets long on weekends, but it moves quickly. If you’re visiting for the first time, this is one of those “you have to do it once” spots. Locals still come back for the omelets.

📍 343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $15-$25 per person
Hours: Daily 6am-2pm
Website: eggsnthings.com

Casual Dining and Local Favorites

These are the mid-range restaurants where we bring friends from the mainland and feel confident the food will deliver. Great food, relaxed atmosphere, and no reservation stress.

6. Duke’s Waikiki

Yes, it’s popular with tourists, and yes, we still love it. The beachfront location right on Waikiki Beach is unbeatable. The hula pie is legendary, the fish tacos are solid, and there’s live music most nights. Sunday brunch on the beach is a great move. 10% military discount on food and drinks through 2026.

📍 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort)
Cost: $25-$45 per person
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Military discount: 10% off food and drinks with valid ID
Website: dukeswaikiki.com

7. Doraku Sushi

One of our favorite sushi spots in Waikiki for a casual night out. The happy hour is legendary with half-off specialty rolls, and the atmosphere is perfect for date night or a group dinner. The Volcano Roll and Truffle Salmon Carpaccio are standouts. The third-floor location at the Royal Hawaiian Center has a nice open-air feel.

📍 2233 Kalakaua Ave, 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Royal Hawaiian Center)
Cost: $25-$50 per person (happy hour: significantly less)
Hours: Daily 11:30am-11pm
Website: dorakusushi.com

8. Hula Grill Waikiki

Same family as Duke’s, right next door, with a slightly more elevated menu. The macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi is the star, and the cocktails are strong. Beachside seating is first come, first served, and it fills up fast around sunset. Get there early for the views.

📍 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort)
Cost: $30-$55 per person
Hours: Daily 10:30am-10pm
Website: hulagrill.com/waikiki

9. Yauatcha Waikiki

Dim sum on another level. This upscale spot in the International Market Place serves handcrafted dim sum, wok dishes, and incredible cocktails. The har gow and venison puffs are next level. Happy hour makes the prices more accessible, and the interior is gorgeous. One of the more underrated restaurants in Waikiki.

📍 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (International Market Place)
Cost: $35-$65 per person
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Website: yauatcha.com/waikiki

10. Tiki’s Grill and Bar

Second-floor open-air dining overlooking Waikiki Beach. The vibe is tropical and fun, the pupu menu is solid, and they do live music regularly. The seared ahi and coconut shrimp are reliable picks. It’s one of those places that just feels like Hawaii. Great for pau hana.

📍 2570 Kalakaua Ave, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel)
Cost: $25-$45 per person
Hours: Daily 10:30am-midnight
Website: tikisgrill.com

11. Arancino di Mare

Italian food shouldn’t be this good in Hawaii, but Arancino pulls it off. The cheese wheel pasta (cacio e pepe finished tableside in a Parmigiano wheel) is a must, and the seafood pasta dishes are stellar. They have multiple Waikiki locations, and each one is solid. Great for families.

📍 2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (The Kahala Hotel)
Cost: $30-$55 per person
Hours: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner 5:30pm-9:30pm
Website: arancino.com

12. Earl’s Waikiki (New for 2025)

The popular Canadian chain made its Hawaii debut and it’s been a hit. Good for large groups, late-night dining, and solid cocktails. The menu is wide-ranging, covering everything from sushi to burgers to steak. A solid all-rounder when your group can’t agree on a cuisine.

📍 2284 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $20-$45 per person
Hours: Daily 11am-midnight
Website: earls.ca

Date Night and Special Occasions

When you want to dress up a little and make the evening count, these Waikiki restaurants set the mood. Perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or just because you deserve it.

13. House Without a Key

There’s nothing quite like sitting under the old kiawe tree at the Halekulani, sipping a mai tai while a hula dancer performs at sunset. The food is solid (the seared ahi is our go-to), but the experience is what makes this place magical. It’s the kind of evening that reminds you why you live here. One of the most iconic dining experiences in all of Hawaii.

📍 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Halekulani Hotel)
Cost: $30-$60 per person
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily; live hula at sunset
Website: halekulani.com/house-without-a-key

14. La Mer

Hawaii’s longest-running AAA Five Diamond restaurant, and it earns that distinction every single night. The Neoclassic French cuisine with local Hawaiian ingredients is stunning. Multi-course tasting menus change with the seasons, and the wine pairings are impeccable. Dress code is resort elegant. This is the big-night-out splurge.

📍 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Halekulani Hotel)
Cost: $150-$250+ per person
Hours: Dinner nightly, reservations required
Website: halekulani.com/la-mer

15. Orchids at Halekulani

Oceanfront dining with Diamond Head views and one of the best brunches on the island. The Sunday brunch buffet is legendary. For dinner, the seafood curry is a must. The setting is refined without being stuffy, and you’ll feel like you’re somewhere truly special. Resort elegant dress code applies.

📍 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Halekulani Hotel)
Cost: $50-$100+ per person
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily; Sunday brunch
Website: halekulani.com/orchids

16. Sushi Sho

An intimate 10-seat omakase counter inside the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki. Chef Keiji Nakazawa blends traditional Edomae techniques with Hawaiian-sourced fish, and every course is a work of art. This is a bucket-list dining experience. Reservations book up months in advance, so plan early. Worth every penny.

📍 383 Kalaimoku St, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Ritz-Carlton Residences)
Cost: $300+ per person
Hours: Dinner service, reservations required
Website: ritzcarlton.com

17. Mugen

A Forbes Five-Star rated restaurant at ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki. The multi-course kaiseki-inspired menu tells a story through each dish, pairing local Hawaiian ingredients with Japanese precision. The intimate setting and ocean views make it an evening you won’t forget. Jacket suggested for men.

📍 2452 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (ESPACIO)
Cost: $200+ per person
Hours: Dinner nightly, reservations required
Website: espaciowaikiki.com

18. 53 By the Sea

Not technically in the heart of Waikiki, but close enough and worth the short drive. This oceanfront restaurant was built to maximize its stunning location with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The contemporary American menu features locally sourced seafood. One of the best spots on the island for a birthday or anniversary dinner. Military discount available.

📍 53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Cost: $60-$120 per person
Hours: Dinner nightly 5pm-9pm
Military discount: Ask when making reservations
Website: 53bythesea.com

Sweets, coffee, and dessert

Every good meal ends with something sweet. Or sometimes the sweet IS the meal, and we’re not judging.

19. Liliha Bakery at Waikiki Beach Walk (New for 2026)

The beloved local bakery finally opened a Waikiki location, and we couldn’t be happier. The famous Coco Puffs (chantilly cream-filled choux pastry with a chocolate glaze) are the star, but the loco moco, fried noodles, and other local comfort food dishes are just as good. A taste of old-school Hawaii in the heart of Waikiki.

📍 Waikiki Beach Walk, 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $8-$18 per person
Hours: Daily 6am-10pm
Website: lilihabakery.com

20. Asato’s Waikiki (New for 2025)

A shave ice omakase counter and scoop shop from the Asato family. The concept is creative and fun, with seasonal flavor combinations that rotate regularly. A welcome addition to the Waikiki dessert scene, and proof that shave ice can be elevated without losing its soul.

📍 Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $8-$15 per person
Hours: Check Instagram for current hours
Website: Check Instagram @asatos.hi

21. Banan

Frozen banana-based soft serve made with local Hawaiian fruits. It’s dairy-free, delicious, and you can eat it on the beach without guilt. The Waikiki location at the Royal Hawaiian Center is convenient, and the line is part of the experience. Try the signature Green Bowl with spirulina and local honey. 20% kamaʻaina discount and 10% military discount.

📍 Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $8-$14 per person
Hours: Daily 10am-8pm
Discounts: 20% kamaʻaina, 10% military with valid ID
Website: bfruitful.com

Food Halls and New Openings

Waikiki’s food hall scene keeps growing. These spots give you options, which is clutch when everyone in your group wants something different.

22. Waikiki Yokocho

A Japanese food hall in the basement of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza with over a dozen restaurants. The ramen, yakitori, and okonomiyaki stands are all excellent. It has that authentic Japanese yokocho alley vibe and stays open late. A hidden gem that most tourists walk right past.

📍 2250 Kalakaua Ave, B1, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $12-$25 per person
Hours: Daily 11am-11pm (varies by stall)
Website: waikiki-yokocho.com

23. Royal Hawaiian Center Food Hall

Eight unique restaurant concepts under one roof in the heart of Waikiki. Good variety, reasonable prices for the area, and air conditioning when you need a break from the sun. The poke and plate lunch options are solid for a quick and filling meal.

📍 2233 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $10-$20 per person
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Website: royalhawaiiancenter.com

24. Nori Bar (New for 2026)

A hand roll bar on Kuhio Avenue serving sushi hand rolls known for their crisp nori and premium Koshihikari rice. The concept is simple: watch the chef assemble your hand roll and eat it immediately while the nori is still warm and crunchy. A fresh take on quick sushi in Waikiki.

📍 Kuhio Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Cost: $15-$30 per person
Hours: Daily lunch and dinner

25. Morimoto Asia Waikiki

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s sleek pan-Asian restaurant at the Alohilani Resort. The duck fried rice is the signature dish everyone orders, and the whole fried fish is a showstopper. Beautiful modern interior and solid cocktail program. A great pick when you want Asian fusion with some flair.

📍 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 (Alohilani Resort)
Cost: $40-$70 per person
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Website: morimotoasiawaikiki.com

Military Discounts in Waikiki

Oʻahu is home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH Kaneohe Bay), Fort Shafter, Camp Smith, and Tripler Army Medical Center. If you’re stationed here or PCSing in, these Waikiki dining deals are worth knowing about:

Duke’s Waikiki: 10% off food and drinks with valid military ID through 2026
Banan (Royal Hawaiian Center): 10% military discount
International Market Place: Multiple restaurants offer military discounts with valid ID
Waikiki Beach Walk: Various discounts plus complimentary parking with purchase and military ID
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Buffet: 15% off food and drinks
53 By the Sea: Ask about military rates when booking
General tip: Always ask. Many Waikiki restaurants offer 10-15% kamaʻaina/military discounts that aren’t advertised online. Keep your military ID handy and don’t be shy at the register.

Tips for Eating in Waikiki

Make reservations for anything above casual. Fine dining and popular mid-range spots book up fast, especially during peak tourist season (December through April).
Happy hour is your friend. Doraku, Yauatcha, Tiki’s, and many others offer significant savings during early evening hours.
Walk one block off Kalakaua. Kuhio Avenue and the side streets often have better prices and shorter waits than the main strip.
Parking in Waikiki is expensive. Many hotels charge $6-$10 for validated parking. Consider walking, rideshare, or TheBus (routes 2, 8, 13, and 20 all serve Waikiki).
Skip the hotel restaurant lobby breakfast. Walk a few blocks to Eggs ‘n Things or Liliha Bakery for a better meal at half the price.

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