Best Waikiki Restaurants With a View (2026 Guide): Oceanfront, Rooftop & Sunset Dining

Written by Devin Arnold in Places To Eat & Drink

Waikiki Restaurants with a view

Every evening on Waikiki Beach, the same dilemma plays out: you’ve got the ocean turning gold, Diamond Head silhouette sharpening in the distance…and a stomach that’s loudly reminding you you skipped lunch. Do you stay put and watch the sunset (hangry), or sprint off in search of dinner (and miss the best part)?

Don’t be the underprepared traveler. Below are the best Waikiki restaurants with a view—from casual beachfront spots for fish tacos and mai tais to white-tablecloth splurges for milestone nights. I’ll also show you exactly how to time your reservation so you get the sunset and the meal.

Quick answer: what Waikiki restaurants have a view?

If you want the “short list” first, start here:

Best for sunset + live Hawaiian music

Best casual beachfront meal

Best romantic fine dining with ocean views

Best “wow” rooftop views

Best poolside / “I’m on vacation” vibe

Note: Top of Waikiki (the revolving restaurant) closed permanently during the pandemic; the space is associated with today’s rooftop scene at SKY Waikiki. Honolulu Magazine

How to get the best sunset table in Waikiki (without stress)

A view in Waikiki is half timing, half strategy. Here’s how to nail it:

  1. Aim for a reservation 45–75 minutes before sunset.
    You’ll order drinks, settle in, and catch peak color while you’re actually seated—not stuck waiting.
  2. Request the right side:
    • For Diamond Head views, ask for “Diamond Head side” seating (especially Sheraton / beachside properties).
    • For sunset over the ocean, west-facing tables are your friend.
  3. Choose your “view priority”:
    • Want full ocean + sunset? Beachfront patios and lanais win.
    • Want city lights + panorama after dark? Go rooftop.
  4. Backup plan: if reservations are gone, book an earlier slot and linger over dessert, or do sunset cocktails first, then dinner inland.

Prices and menus change often in Waikiki—think of the ranges below as planning estimates.

The best Waikiki restaurants with a view (detailed guide)

1) House Without A Key (Halekulani): classic Waikiki sunset + live Hawaiian music

If you picture “iconic Waikiki evening”—ocean breeze, a mai tai, live music, and Diamond Head in the distance—this is the vibe. House Without A Key is a longtime Halekulani staple known for sunset cocktails and Hawaiian entertainment. Halekulani Hotel

Why go: Sunset atmosphere, live music/hula, upscale-but-relaxed energy under the famous kiawe tree. Halekulani Hotel
What to know: It’s especially popular for drinks and appetizers, so you can treat it as your “golden hour stop” even if you eat elsewhere afterward. Halekulani Hotel
Fun backstory: Halekulani documents the Charlie Chan connection and the origin story behind the name. Halekulani Hotel

Best for: Couples, first-time visitors, anyone who wants the “Waikiki postcard” moment.

2) Duke’s Waikiki: the crowd-pleasing beachfront legend

Duke’s is beloved for a reason: it’s right on Waikiki Beach, lively, and reliably fun—especially if you want ocean views without fine-dining formality. It also runs long hours and frequently features live music. Duke’s Restaurants

Why go: Casual, energetic, and steps-from-the-sand views. tripadvisor.com
Tip: If your priority is the view, ask for open-air seating (or start at the bar and move when a table opens).
Good for: Families and groups—the “everyone’s happy” pick.

3) Orchids (Halekulani): elegant oceanfront dining with “special occasion” energy

Orchids is the refined, airy sister to House Without A Key—an oceanfront setting with a polished service style and a menu inspired by coastal Italian flavors. Halekulani Hotel

Why go: A beautiful lanai and a more formal dining experience while still keeping that Waikiki shoreline view.
Don’t miss: Orchids’ famous brunch is a Waikiki rite of passage (plan ahead). Halekulani Hotel
Best for: Anniversary-style dinners that still feel relaxed and beach-adjacent.

4) La Mer (Halekulani): ultra-luxury French dining with ocean + Diamond Head views

If you want “once in a lifetime” fine dining in Waikiki, La Mer is the name that comes up again and again. It’s a formal experience with a strong reservation culture, plus an age policy.

Why go: One of Waikiki’s most elevated dining rooms, paired with a prime view line. OpenTable
Important details: Children must be 8+.
Budget reality: Expect tasting-menu pricing that commonly lands in the $200+ per person neighborhood before drinks/tax/service, depending on the menu and selections.

Best for: Proposals, milestone birthdays, or your “we’re doing this once” dinner.

5) Azure (The Royal Hawaiian): refined oceanfront fine dining

Azure is positioned for one of the most romantic “oceanfront elegance” experiences in Waikiki, set inside the iconic Royal Hawaiian. The restaurant emphasizes the setting—arches, beachfront atmosphere, and sunset-friendly dining. Royal Hawaiian Resort

Why go: High-end service and a setting that feels like a classic Hawaii vacation film.
Best for: Couples who want fine dining without the strictest “jacket-level” formality.

6) RumFire (Sheraton Waikiki): chic oceanfront lounge + prime sunset sightlines

RumFire is a stylish beachfront lounge known for craft cocktails and panoramic views of the ocean and Diamond Head—especially strong at dusk. RumFire Waikiki

Why go: It’s built for golden hour—order something shareable, grab a cocktail, and let Waikiki do the rest. RumFire Waikiki
Best for: Groups, pre-dinner drinks, and “we want the view but not a long formal meal.”

7) Edge of Waikiki (Sheraton Waikiki): infinity pool views + laid-back bites

Edge of Waikiki sits by the Sheraton’s Infinity Edge Pool and is frequently called out for its views and poolside atmosphere. Edge Waikiki

Why go: The “best view in the house” can be the pool edge itself—especially if you’re chasing that resort aesthetic. Edge Waikiki
Pro move: This is a smart happy hour / early evening stop before a later dinner elsewhere.

8) Hula Grill Waikiki: oceanfront dining with Diamond Head energy

Hula Grill is oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, and it’s famous for views over the sand with Diamond Head in the mix.

Why go: It hits the sweet spot—vacation vibe, good seafood, and a strong view angle without feeling overly fancy.
Best for: Travelers who want “classic Waikiki” but slightly calmer than Duke’s peak rush.

9) Lulu’s Waikiki: casual, open-air, and budget-friendlier (with a view)

Lulu’s is popular because it’s approachable: laid-back, open-air, and built for breakfast, happy hour, or a late-night bite in Waikiki. Lulu’s Restaurant

Why go: One of the easier ways to score a view without committing to a splurge meal.
Best for: Families, groups, and travelers who want flexible hours and casual food.

10) Top of Waikiki: closed—here’s what to do instead

The classic revolving Top of Waikiki is gone, and if you’re searching for it, you’re not alone. The space closed during the pandemic era, and Waikiki’s “up high” dining scene shifted toward rooftop lounges and decks. Honolulu Magazine

Do this instead:

  • SKY Waikiki – Raw & Bar for wrap-around rooftop views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and city lights. SKY Waikiki
  • Búho Cocina y Cantina for a fun rooftop taco-and-tequila night with skyline views. Buho Cantina

Bonus picks: more great Waikiki “meal with a view” options

If you’re staying longer (or you want backups), these are worth adding to your shortlist:

11) Mai Tai Bar (The Royal Hawaiian): sunset drinks + live music

This is one of Waikiki’s most iconic sunset-drink stops, with daily live music and a beachfront setting at the Royal Hawaiian. Royal Hawaiian Resort

12) Beachhouse at the Moana (Moana Surfrider): romantic oceanfront tasting menus

Beachhouse at the Moana is known for refined oceanfront dining and tasting-menu options—ideal for a slow, date-night pace right on Waikiki Beach. Beachhouse Waikiki

13) Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (Waikiki): ocean views + “treat yourself” comfort food

If you like chef-driven comfort food with a vacation feel, Monkeypod’s Waikiki location highlights ocean views and long hours. Monkeypod Kitchen

14) Tiki’s Grill & Bar (The Twin Fin): ocean-view dining with nightlife energy

Tiki’s is an ocean-view classic with a lively, casual atmosphere that works for groups and late dinners. Tiki’s

Related questions

Waikiki vs. Maui: which is better?

If you want variety, walkability, nightlife, and lots of dining options packed into a small area, Waikiki is hard to beat. Maui tends to feel more spread out and “escape-mode,” which can be perfect for couples who want slower days and fewer crowds.

A simple way to decide:

  • Choose Waikiki if you want convenience and choice (food, shopping, tours, nightlife).
  • Choose Maui if you want a quieter pace and don’t mind driving more.

Where’s the best place to go diving in Waikiki?

Waikiki Dive Center is a well-known operator offering options for both certified divers and beginners, including 2-tank reef boat dives and discovery-style experiences. Some tours list starting prices around $169 for certified divers and $219 for beginners, depending on the excursion. Waikiki Dive Center
(As always, double-check the specific tour details—dive schedules and pricing can change seasonally.)

Should I rent a car in Waikiki?

If your trip is mostly “Waikiki + nearby Honolulu,” many travelers skip a rental because parking is expensive and traffic can be slow. Some Waikiki resorts charge up to around $40/day for parking (rates vary), which adds up fast.

Better alternatives for most visitors:

  • Walk (Waikiki is compact)
  • Rideshare for occasional trips
  • Public transit for budget-friendly exploring
  • Rent a car only for a single day if you want North Shore / Haleiwa / big island loops

Final tip: build your “sunset plan” like this

If you want the easiest, most foolproof Waikiki evening:

  1. Sunset cocktails: House Without A Key or Mai Tai Bar
  2. Dinner with a view: Duke’s / Hula Grill (casual) or Azure / Beachhouse / La Mer (splurge)
  3. After-dark views: SKY Waikiki rooftop for city lights

If you tell me your budget (cheap / mid / splurge) and whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group, I’ll narrow this to the best 3 options for your trip.

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