For me and my family, any vacation near the ocean comes with one non-negotiable expectation: the seafood better be amazing. And honestly… how could it not be? When the source is basically right there, the bar is high (in the best way).
The good news: Waikiki absolutely delivers. Whether you’re craving poke that tastes like it was made five minutes ago, sushi you’ll be thinking about on the flight home, or a date-night seafood dinner with Diamond Head in the background, you’ll find a spot that fits the vibe.
Below are my top 8 favorite seafood restaurants in Waikiki (and just beyond)—the ones we return to again and again, plus the newer finds we try to squeeze in every trip.
The Best 8 Seafood Restaurants in Waikiki
- Hula Grill Waikiki
- Roy’s Waikiki (Beach Walk area)
- Azure Restaurant (The Royal Hawaiian)
- Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Doraku Sushi Waikiki
- Ono Seafood Products
- Cajun Crab
- Paia Fish Market Waikiki
Every time we visit Waikiki, we try to add at least one new seafood stop just to compare it to our favorites. And I’ll say this: we’ve never been disappointed by any restaurant on this list. These places are popular for a reason—great food, great atmosphere, and that “only-in-Hawaii” feeling you came for.
A Quick Way to Pick the Right Spot
If you’re the “just tell me where to go” type, here’s the shortcut:
- Best oceanfront vibe + views: Hula Grill Waikiki
- Best special occasion/date night: Azure
- Best sushi night in Waikiki: Doraku or Sansei
- Best casual poke + local feel: Ono Seafood Products
- Best messy, spicy, hands-on fun: Cajun Crab
- Best quick, fresh fish plate: Paia Fish Market
Now let’s get into the delicious details.
1) Hula Grill Waikiki
Why we love it: Oceanfront location + crowd-pleasing menu + consistently great seafood.
Hula Grill Waikiki sits right along Waikiki Beach inside the Outrigger—pretty much in the heart of everything. It’s casual, upbeat, and always feels like vacation the second you sit down. Add in a fantastic view toward Diamond Head, and you’ve got one of those meals where everyone at the table pauses for a second like, “Yep. This is why we came.”
What we order:
- Oysters (we always start here—bright, fresh, and the toppings bring a fun kick)
- Fish and chips for picky eaters (kid-approved every time)
- Poke tacos (my personal favorite)
- Fresh catch specials when they’re running them—great for trying local varieties
The best part? It works for almost any night of the trip—first night, family night, “we don’t want to think too hard” night, or “let’s eat with a view” night.
Tip: If you can, time it for golden hour. Waikiki sunsets + seafood is a combo that never misses.
2) Roy’s Waikiki (Waikiki Beach Walk area)
Why we love it: Lively atmosphere, polished service, and a menu that satisfies seafood lovers and non-seafood kids.
Roy’s is one of those Waikiki staples that feels energetic without being chaotic. You can dine inside, grab a seat by the sushi counter, or go for that breezy lanai feeling when the weather is doing its “perfect Hawaii” thing.
We originally tried Roy’s because it was recommended by multiple people when we asked, “Where’s a great seafood restaurant in Waikiki?” After that first visit, it became one of our regulars.
What we order:
- Beachwalk Trio (this is the order I push on friends like it’s my job)
- Salmon
- Macadamia nut–crusted Hawaiian fish
- Miso yaki butterfish
- Blackened ahi when we’re in an “ahi comparison mood” (which is… often)
Roy’s is also great when your group is split: some want sushi, some want seafood, and someone (usually a kid) wants something totally different. Everyone leaves happy.
Tip: Roy’s is popular—plan for a wait if you’re walking in at peak dinner time.
3) Azure Restaurant (The Royal Hawaiian)
Why we love it: Upscale beachfront dining with a romantic, “this is a moment” vibe.
When we’re feeling fancy—or when it’s a parents’ night out—Azure is our choice. It’s inside The Royal Hawaiian, and the setting feels like classic Waikiki: beachside, elegant, and made for lingering.
Yes, it’s pricier. But it’s the kind of place where the experience matches the cost. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or “we survived a year and deserve this” moment, this is a strong pick.
What we order:
- Seared Hawaiian ahi (hands-down one of the best ahi dishes I’ve had in Waikiki)
- Bouillabaisse-style seafood dish when it’s available—hearty, impressive, and great value for the amount of seafood you get
Azure is also one of those restaurants where the chef’s combinations feel more creative—like you’re eating something you won’t easily replicate later.
Tip: Dress it up a little. Azure is perfect for a “date night in Waikiki” memory.
4) Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Why we love it: Sushi fans love it, seafood fans love it, cocktail fans also love it.
Sansei gets plenty of attention for its sushi rolls, but what makes it a must-try is that it’s not a “sushi only” spot. The seafood dishes have real personality, and it’s one of those places that feels fun for a group—especially if you like ordering a bunch of plates and sharing.
They’re also known for standout signature dishes, which is always a good sign when you’re trying to find something beyond the usual.
What we order:
- Panko-crusted ahi (so satisfying—crispy outside, tender inside)
- Asian shrimp cake (rich, memorable, and absolutely worth trying)
- Grilled Hawaiian ahi (because yes, we compare ahi everywhere we go)
- Seafood pasta on return visits—great when you want comfort food with ocean flavor
And I have to mention: Sansei is one of my favorite places in Waikiki for a good mai tai when I’m in the mood for something classic.
Tip: Come hungry and plan to share a few plates so you can sample more of the menu.
5) Doraku Sushi Waikiki
Why we love it: Consistent sushi, relaxed vibe, and a few “must-order” dishes we crave every trip.
Doraku is one of the first restaurants I recommend to seafood-loving friends visiting Waikiki. It’s not overly formal, not overly expensive, and it works for everything from a casual dinner to a “we want sushi tonight” family vote.
My never-skip order:
- Hamachi carpaccio
It has that perfect balance of clean fish flavor with a little jalapeño and chili oil heat. It’s bright, slightly spicy, and somehow even better when shared.
What the whole family likes:
- Tempura (kids love the crunch)
- Anything paired with their Firecracker sauce—even picky eaters get on board
My favorite main dish:
- Pan-seared salmon (best salmon order in Waikiki, in my opinion)
Tip: Doraku is a great “mid-trip reset” dinner when you’ve been running around all day and want something reliably delicious.
6) Ono Seafood Products
Why we love it: Casual, quick, local, and unbelievably satisfying poke.
Ono Seafood is the perfect answer to: “We want seafood right now… but we don’t want a whole sit-down restaurant situation.” It’s more of a small shop with limited seating, and it’s a favorite with locals—which usually tells you everything you need to know.
It’s located just outside the Waikiki core (still easy to reach), and it’s ideal for a quick lunch, a post-beach bite, or a “let’s grab something and keep exploring” day.
What we order:
- Poke bowls (multiple varieties—this is what they’re known for)
- Octopus poke is the surprise winner for our family—one of the few places where even the kids will try it because the flavor is that good
Portions are generous for the price, and most of the time we’re completely full before we even finish.
Tip: If there’s a line, don’t panic—service moves quickly.
7) Cajun Crab Waikiki
If you loved Karai Crab for that hands-on, messy, flavorful seafood-boil fun, you’re going to feel right at home at Cajun Crab Waikiki—and the best part is, it’s right in Waikiki at Waikiki Beach Walk.
This is the kind of place where you roll up your sleeves, pick your seafood, choose your sauce and spice level, and fully commit to the experience (yes… napkins will be used, and yes… it’s worth it). It’s lively, casual, and perfect for groups—especially when everyone wants to share and sample.
What to order:
- A combo boil (great for trying multiple seafood options in one go)
- Shrimp + crab is a crowd-pleaser
- Add-ons like corn/potatoes take it into full vacation-feast mode
Pro tip: It’s a popular stop in the Beach Walk area, so if you’re aiming for prime dinner time, go a little early or be ready for a short wait.
8) Paia Fish Market Waikiki
Why we love it: Fresh fish, island-grown produce, casual vibe, and fast service for how good it is.
Paia Fish Market has become one of our newer favorites, especially when we want simple, fresh, no-fuss fish done right. The story and philosophy are a big part of the charm: local ingredients, daily fish, and a straightforward approach that lets the seafood be the star.
What we order:
- The fresh catch plate (you can’t go wrong here)
- And don’t leave without trying the Ohana if it’s on the menu—great for sharing
Important note: They typically don’t take reservations, so this is a “go early” restaurant—especially if you’re aiming for an easy dinner without waiting.
Tip: This is a great lunch option, too, if your beach day starts early.
Final Thoughts: Why Waikiki Is a Seafood Lover’s Dream
If seafood is part of your vacation happiness (same), Waikiki makes it easy. You’ve got everything from quick poke bowls to upscale beachside dining, plus sushi spots you’ll want to revisit immediately.
These are my top 8, but Waikiki has plenty more that are worth exploring depending on your tastes, budget, and schedule.
Two Honorable Mentions
- Ocean Seafood & Steakhouse (solid option when your group wants “surf and turf” flexibility)
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar (fun atmosphere and a classic Waikiki night-out feel)
Try a few places, compare notes, and don’t be surprised if you end up with your own “must-return” list by the end of the trip.
Related Questions
1) What’s the best seafood buffet in Waikiki?
Many restaurants lean buffet-style more at lunch than dinner. For a great combination of quality and value, we’ve enjoyed Duke’s Waikiki for lunch buffet-style dining. For a memorable buffet experience outside Waikiki, Haleiwa Joe’s Sunday brunch is also a favorite—just be sure to plan ahead and double-check current days/times.
2) What’s the best seafood restaurant on Oahu (outside Waikiki)?
If you’re willing to venture beyond Waikiki, Nico’s Pier 38 in Honolulu is a strong choice. Great seafood, great service, and a laid-back harbor vibe that feels perfectly Hawaii.
