Local classics in Honolulu
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Family-run since 1946. Pipikaula short ribs, laulau, lomi salmon and squid luau.
Highway Inn
Serving Hawaiian food since 1947. A good place to try kalua pig, laulau and poi.
Rainbow Drive-In
A drive-in a short walk from Waikiki since 1961. Mixed plates, chili plates and loco moco.
Leonard's Bakery
Malasadas since 1952, plain or filled with custard or haupia (coconut pudding).
Liliha Bakery
Famous for coco puffs, cream puffs topped with chantilly frosting, and an all-day diner counter.
Ono Seafood
A small poke counter near Waikiki known for fresh ahi and octopus poke bowls.
Waikiki dining: oceanfront and chef-driven
Duke's Waikiki
Right on the sand, named for surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. Known for hula pie and live music.
Roy's Waikiki
Chef Roy Yamaguchi helped define Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Try the blackened ahi and chocolate souffle.
Orchids
Oceanfront dining with Diamond Head views. Sunday brunch is a local tradition.
Michel's at the Colony Surf
Classic French dining on the water at the quieter end of Waikiki. Popular for sunsets.
Marugame Udon
Fresh udon made in front of you. The line moves fast and the prices are low for Waikiki.
Beyond Waikiki: Kakaako, Chinatown and Kaimuki
Some of Honolulu's best cooking is a short ride from Waikiki. Kakaako has food halls, breweries and murals. Chinatown has dim sum, noodle shops and a growing cocktail scene. Kaimuki has small chef-run restaurants along Waialae Avenue.
Fête
Chef Robynne Maii won the James Beard award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific in 2022.
Merriman's Honolulu
Peter Merriman's Oahu restaurant, built on island-grown produce and local fish.
Nico's Pier 38
Fish from the auction next door. The furikake pan-seared ahi is the dish to order.
Side Street Inn
Big family-style plates. The pork chops and fried rice are local favorites.
North Shore: shrimp trucks and shave ice
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
The best-known of the North Shore shrimp trucks. Order the garlic scampi and bring napkins.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
A Haleiwa stop since 1951. Try it with ice cream and azuki beans.
Haleiwa Joe's
Sit-down dinner overlooking Haleiwa harbor after a day at the beach.
Kono's
Kalua pig in breakfast burritos and sandwiches, made slow-roasted in-house.
Restaurants open, close, move and change hours often. Check the restaurant's own website or call before you go. No restaurant paid to be listed.
Food tours, luaus and dinner cruises on Oahu
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Frequently asked questions
Where do locals eat in Waikiki?
Locals head just outside Waikiki to Kapahulu Avenue for Rainbow Drive-In, Leonard's Bakery and Ono Seafood, and to Kakaako, Chinatown and Kaimuki for newer restaurants.
What is the most famous food on the North Shore?
Garlic shrimp from the shrimp trucks around Kahuku and Haleiwa, and shave ice in Haleiwa town.