Waikiki might be famous for sunshine, surf lessons, and postcard sunsets—but if you’re traveling with your appetite turned on (same), it’s also one of the most fun places on O‘ahu to eat well.
Here’s the trick: many of the best “local-approved” bites aren’t on the loudest corner of Kalākaua Avenue. Locals happily wander a few minutes outside the main strip—toward Kapahulu, Ala Moana, and Manoa—for plate lunches, legendary malasadas, and sushi worth planning your day around.
Where do the locals eat in Waikiki (and close by)?
Here are the crowd-pleasers to build your personal “ono” hit list:
- Karai Crab
- Sweet E’s Cafe
- Mahina & Sun’s
- Uncle Bo’s
- Side Street Inn
- Rainbow Drive-In
- Doraku Sushi Waikiki
- Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Ahi & Vegetable
- Maui Brewing Co. (Waikiki)
- Morning Glass Coffee + Café
- Leonard’s Bakery
Now let’s make choosing easy—based on the three things we all care about when we go out: what you’re craving, the vibe, and the price.
Pick your perfect Waikiki meal: cravings first
If you want sushi (from quick-and-casual to “let’s linger”)
Doraku Sushi Waikiki is a top choice for a polished night out—great for sushi plus cocktails, with a sleek lounge feel that still nods to Japanese teahouse style. It’s located at Royal Hawaiian Center, so it’s easy to pair with shopping or a post-beach dinner plan. (Royal Hawaiian Center)
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar is another local favorite when you want creative rolls and a lively dinner energy—especially if you time it right. Sansei runs an early bird special Sundays and Mondays (4:45–5:30 p.m.) and a happy hour (5:30–7 p.m.) in Waikīkī at the Marriott. (Aloha State Daily)
Ahi & Vegetable is your “fresh, fast, and flavorful” option—ideal when you want sushi, bowls, or sashimi without turning dinner into a two-hour event. They’re locally owned and have been around since 2002, with multiple locations (including Ala Moana). (ahiandveg.com)
Local tip: If you’re doing a beach-heavy day, keep Ahi & Vegetable in your back pocket for an easy grab-and-go meal that still tastes like you tried.
If you want seafood—but not necessarily sushi
Karai Crab is the move when you’re craving a messy-in-the-best-way seafood boil (custom sauces, spice levels, and big “family-style” energy). It’s in the Ala Moana area, so it’s an easy hop from Waikiki when you want something bold and different. (OpenTable)
Mahina & Sun’s is a totally different seafood experience: more chef-driven, locally inspired plates, and a laid-back-but-stylish Waikiki setting inside the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club on Lewers Street. Bonus: their posted hours include a long daily happy hour window. (Mahina & Sun’s)
If you want classic “local comfort food” (plate lunches, big portions, zero fuss)
Rainbow Drive-In is iconic for a reason. Founded in 1961, it’s beloved for hearty plate lunches—think generous portions, quick service, and that “you’re doing Hawaii right” feeling. (Rainbow Drive-In)
Side Street Inn is a local go-to when your group wants to order a bunch of things, share, and leave wildly full. Their menu leans comfort-forward (and yes, the pork chops have a devoted fan club). (Side Street Inn)
If you want a fun night: drinks + “pupus” + a little buzz
Uncle Bo’s is a popular pick for cocktails and shareable bar bites with a local following. It’s close to Waikiki (Kapahulu area), and it’s the kind of place that feels like a treat without needing “fancy night” energy.
Maui Brewing Co. (Waikiki) is a great “easy yes” for groups—especially if you have both beer-lovers and non-beer-lovers in the mix. Their Waikiki spot is inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, with 36 beers on tap, plus happy hour and late-night happy hour times posted on their site. (Maui Brewing Co. Restaurants)
What’s the vibe like?
If your goal is quick, casual, and delicious, you’ll feel right at home at:
- Rainbow Drive-In (old-school plate lunch magic) (Rainbow Drive-In)
- Leonard’s Bakery (grab your malasadas, enjoy the sugar cloud, keep it moving)
If you want cute brunch energy (coffee, sunshine, and a leisurely start):
- Sweet E’s Cafe (Kapahulu area, classic Waikiki-adjacent brunch stop)
- Morning Glass Coffee + Café (a favorite in Manoa—worth the short ride for coffee and a calm neighborhood vibe) (Morning Glass Coffee)
If you want date night or “we’re celebrating”:
- Doraku Sushi Waikiki (sushi + cocktails in a polished setting) (Royal Hawaiian Center)
- Mahina & Sun’s (cool hotel courtyard vibes, local flavors) (Mahina & Sun’s)
How much should you budget?
In general, you can eat extremely well around Waikiki without blowing up your vacation budget. Expect the biggest price swings at sushi spots and sit-down dinner locations, while plate lunch and bakery stops stay friendly.
Two easy “stretch your dollar” moves:
- Time Sansei for early bird or happy hour (the specials and hours can change seasonally, but they consistently offer deals—check before you go). (Aloha State Daily)
- Use Maui Brewing’s happy hour windows if your group wants a lively spot with good value. (Maui Brewing Co. Restaurants)
Don’t leave without dessert: Leonard’s Bakery
If someone tells you they went to Honolulu and “skipped Leonard’s,” they either ran out of time…or they made a terrible decision.
Leonard’s has been serving malasadas since the 1950s, and it’s still one of the most classic sweet stops on O‘ahu—hot, pillowy, and rolled in sugar like it’s their love language. (Leonard’s Bakery)
Related questions
Where can I get traditional Hawaiian food near Waikiki?
For classic Hawaiian dishes (kalua pig, lomi-lomi salmon, poi, and more), many visitors make the trip to Helena’s Hawaiian Food. It’s not right in Waikiki, but it’s a well-known local favorite worth planning for.
Are most Waikiki restaurants walk-in friendly?
Some are, many aren’t—especially at peak dinner hours. If it’s a small dining room or a popular happy hour window (looking at you, sushi spots), reservations or arriving early can save you a lot of waiting.
