53 Best Eats in Honolulu: A Local’s Guide to Oahu’s Top Food
Looking for the best eats in Honolulu that locals swear by? Read on!
I used to call Hawai‘i home for a few years, and during that time I became completely obsessed with Honolulu’s food scene. Every place on this list is somewhere I personally visited, loved, and would happily return to again and again.
Honolulu is truly one of the greatest food cities in the world — a bridge between the United States and Asia, shaped by Native Hawaiian traditions, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and American influences all colliding on one island.
The result? One of the most exciting eating destinations anywhere.
From poke counters hidden in convenience stores to legendary Hawaiian comfort food, izakayas, malasadas, shave ice, brunch spots, and beachside cocktails, these are the best places to eat in Honolulu and beyond that O‘ahu locals genuinely love.
If you’re looking for the best vegan food in Honolulu check out our dedicated post here.
Best Eats in Honolulu: 30 Places to Check Out
Without further ado, here are the best eats in Honolulu. From humble mom-and-pop counters to legendary local institutions, these are the best places to eat in Honolulu and beyond that O‘ahu locals genuinely love.
1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
One of the most important restaurants in Hawai‘i, Helena’s has been serving traditional Hawaiian food since 1946. Their pipikaula short ribs, kalua pork, mac salad, poi, lomi salmon, and opihi – if you’re lucky, are deeply rooted in local culture and history. Eating here feels like stepping into old Hawai‘i.
2. Rainbow Drive-In
Rainbow Drive-In is classic plate lunch culture at its absolute best. Loco mocos, BBQ beef, fried mahi mahi, chili plates, rice, and mac salad all come together in one nostalgic Honolulu institution that locals have loved for generations.
3. Fresh Catch
Fresh Catch (both brick and mortar locations and food truck) serves some of my favorite poke on the island. Their spicy ahi, shoyu poke, smoked tako, and limu poke are outstanding. This is one of those neighborhood seafood shops locals quietly swear by. Don’t miss the ahi katsu!
4. The Old Saimin House
Saimin is one of Hawai‘i’s great comfort foods, and this old-school spot does it beautifully. Expect warm noodle soups loaded with char siu, spam, fish cake, and nostalgic island flavors. Also try Tanaka Saimin.
5. Ono Seafood
Tiny, legendary, and perpetually busy. Ono Seafood remains one of Honolulu’s most beloved poke counters. Their shoyu ahi and spicy ahi bowls are incredibly fresh and wonderfully simple. We love their tako (octopus) poke, too.
6. The Pig and The Lady
One of Honolulu’s defining modern restaurants, The Pig and The Lady blends Vietnamese flavors with Hawai‘i ingredients and serious creativity. Their pho French dip became famous for a reason. Downtown staple.
7. Leonard’s Bakery
You cannot make a list of best eats in Honolulu without including malasadas from Leonard’s. These hot Portuguese doughnuts — especially the haupia and custard-filled versions — are pure island comfort food.
8. Elena’s Home of Finest Filipino Foods
Filipino food is deeply woven into Hawai‘i culture, and Elena’s is legendary for it. The pork adobo fried rice omelet alone is worth the drive to Waipahu.
9. Kamehameha Bakery
Home of the iconic poi glazed doughnut, Kamehameha Bakery is one of Honolulu’s great local bakeries. The slightly purple glaze and soft fluffy dough make these unforgettable.
10. Maunakea Marketplace
Honolulu Chinatown’s food court scene is one of the city’s great hidden gems. Vendors like Nestor’s serve incredible Filipino food, roast meats, and local comfort dishes in a wonderfully no-frills setting.
11. Waiola Shave Ice
Many locals quietly prefer Waiola over the more famous shave ice spots. Favorite flavors include li hing plum, green tea, haupia, lychee and melona. Must add mochi and red bean toppings for maximum joy. Cash only.
12. Marugame Udon
Yes, there is always a line. Yes, it is absolutely worth it. Handmade udon noodles, crispy tempura, and comforting broths make this one of Waikīkī’s most beloved affordable meals.
13. Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill
A favorite late-night local spot serving garlic furikake chicken, seafood dishes, pupus, noodles, and strong cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
14. Aloha Beer Company
A fun local brewery with island-inspired beers, pizzas, burgers, and a lively outdoor setting. Ahi nachos, happy hour, cold beer and a dedicated dog menu for your fur baby. What’s not to love?
15. Koko Head Cafe
Koko Head Cafe is one of Honolulu’s most famous brunch destinations, created by chef Lee Anne Wong.
The menu blends local Hawai‘i ingredients with creative Asian-American flavors, but the unforgettable poke omelette is the standout dish — a perfectly soft omelette filled with fried ahi poke.
It’s one of those uniquely Honolulu brunch dishes you end up craving long after leaving the island.
16. Chi Kong Look Funn Factory
An old-school Chinatown favorite serving silky rice noodle rolls that might just be the best value meal on the island.
17. Merriman’s Honolulu
Chef Peter Merriman helped define Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, and Merriman’s remains one of the island’s best upscale dining experiences with local seafood, island produce, and excellent cocktails.
18. Moku Kitchen
Wood-fired pizzas, local ingredients, craft beer, and a stylish but relaxed atmosphere make Moku Kitchen consistently popular with locals and visitors alike. The lilikoi foam mai tai is a delicious twist on a classic.
19. Hank’s Haute Dogs
Creative gourmet hot dogs with island-inspired toppings and fun local twists make Hank’s Haute Dogs one of Honolulu’s underrated casual food spots. As seen on Somebody Feed Phil.
20. Lion Coffee
Ok so this one is a bit touristy, true. One of Hawai‘i’s most iconic coffee brands, Lion Coffee is beloved for its nostalgic island packaging and flavored coffees that generations grew up drinking. Worth going once.
21. Sky Waikiki
For rooftop cocktails and skyline views over Waikīkī, the revolving bar at Sky Waikiki makes it one of the city’s most memorable drink spots. Just like Lion Coffee – it’s touristy but worth coming once. For a more refined vibe try the Leather Apron.
22. Mud Hen Water
One of Honolulu’s culinary favorites blending modern techniques, local ingredients, and stylish presentation into a very contemporary Kaimuki dining experience. Beet poke and their bloody mary are both a must try.
23. Duke’s Waikiki
Sunset mai tais at Duke’s are practically a Honolulu rite of passage. Live music, ocean breezes, and Waikīkī Beach views make this one of the most classic Hawai‘i experiences.
24. Uncle Tetsu
Japanese-style cheesecakes in a shopping mall that are fluffy, airy, lightly sweet, and incredibly addictive. One of the best eats in Honolulu for sure.
25. Tokkuri-Tei
One of my personal favorite izakayas in Honolulu. Tiny, crowded, low key, chaotic, and delicious — exactly how a great izakaya should feel. Try the squid pancake.
26. Diamond Head Market & Grill
A beloved neighborhood institution known for plate lunches, bakery treats, and their famous blueberry cream cheese scones.
27. Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Spam musubi is one of Hawai‘i’s defining comfort foods, and Musubi Cafe Iyasume does it exceptionally well. Their variations range from classic spam and egg to teriyaki chicken and tempura-filled versions.
It became one of my favorite quick meals in Waikīkī because it perfectly captures Honolulu’s blend of Japanese influence and local comfort food culture.
28. Maguro Bros
Located inside Kaka‘ako’s fish market area, Maguro Bros is one of the best places on O‘ahu for ultra-fresh tuna bowls and sashimi.
The fish is beautifully cut, buttery, and incredibly fresh without any unnecessary frills. It’s the kind of simple local spot that seafood lovers immediately fall in love with.
29. Liliha Bakery
Liliha Bakery’s famous cream puffs topped with chantilly frosting are one of Honolulu’s most iconic desserts. Beyond the pastries, the bakery itself is a longtime local institution serving diner breakfasts, baked goods, and nostalgic comfort food that generations grew up eating.
30. Redfish Poke Bar
Redfish by Foodland offers a more modern take on Hawai‘i poke culture with customizable bowls, fresh fish and comfort dishes like garlic noodles. It’s especially popular with younger locals looking for quick meals packed with island flavor.
Speaking of Foodland, some of Hawai‘i’s best poke comes from local markets and convenience stores. For a hidden gem check out 21 Mart near Bishop Museum.
31. Kokonuts
Kokonuts became famous for colorful pitaya bowls overflowing with dragon fruit, tropical fruit, granola, and coconut. It even gained attention as a favorite stop of Barack Obama while visiting Hawai‘i. Few things feel better after the beach than one of their icy tropical bowls.
32. Lahaina Shave Ice
Lahaina Shave Ice serves fluffy shave ice covered in tropical syrups like guava, mango, coconut, and lilikoi. Compared to some of the busier tourist spots, it feels more relaxed and neighborhood-oriented while still delivering excellent shave ice texture.
33. Ginza Won
Honolulu’s Korean food scene is deeply underrated, and Ginza Won remains a longtime local favorite for Korean barbecue, tofu soups, kimchi, and comforting homestyle dishes. It’s the kind of dependable neighborhood restaurant locals return to for years.
34. Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery
One of Chinatown’s oldest bakeries, Sing Cheong Yuan is beloved for traditional manapua, pork buns, sesame balls, and Chinese pastries. Walking inside feels like stepping into old Honolulu and highlights the enormous Chinese influence on Hawai‘i food culture.
35. Dean & DeLuca
The Waikīkī branch of Dean & DeLuca became hugely popular in Honolulu for elevated coffees, matcha drinks, pastries, and the most beautiful lilikoi cheesecake in town. It perfectly reflects modern Waikīkī’s mix of café culture and luxury lifestyle trends.
36. ZIGU
ZIGU is one of Honolulu’s best modern izakayas, serving Japanese small plates made with locally sourced Hawai‘i ingredients. Fresh sashimi, grilled meats, sake, and seasonal dishes make it feel stylish while still deeply connected to Japanese culinary traditions.
37. Matsuri
Matsuri is beloved for affordable Japanese comfort food including bentos, curry rice, fried chicken, grilled fish, and homestyle dishes. It’s casual, dependable, and exactly the kind of neighborhood restaurant that makes Honolulu such a great food city.
38. Irifune Restaurant
Irifune is one of Honolulu’s classic old-school plate lunch spots serving big portions of Japanese-Hawaiian comfort food. Ahi specials, curry plates, and bentos dominate the menu, offering a perfect glimpse into everyday island lunch culture.
39. Doraku Sushi
Late-night izakaya culture thrives in Honolulu, and Doraku is one of Waikīkī’s most popular spots for it. Skewers, sashimi, tofu poke, tempura, beer, and sake make it a favorite after-hours gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
40. Mei Sum Dim Sum
Mei Sum Dim Sum is one of Chinatown’s most beloved spots for affordable dim sum and grab-and-go Cantonese snacks. Their manapua, pork hash, shrimp dumplings, and sesame balls have fueled Honolulu locals for decades. Also check out Ginger & Garlic nearby.
41. Bean About Town
Bean About Town is one of Honolulu’s best specialty coffee spots, beloved for beautifully crafted espresso drinks, locally roasted coffee, and minimalist café vibes. It became one of my favorite places to work remotely or cool down after a beach morning, especially thanks to the consistently excellent coffee quality.
42. Young’s Fish Market
Young’s Fish Market is one of the best places in Honolulu for traditional Hawaiian comfort food, especially laulau and squid luau. Their laulau is deeply flavorful and wrapped perfectly tender, while the creamy squid luau remains one of the island’s most beloved local dishes. It feels wonderfully old-school and deeply local.
43. Susie Wong’s Hideaway
Susie Wong’s Hideaway is the kind of kitschy neighborhood dive bar locals quietly adore. Known for strong mai tais, karaoke nights, cheap drinks, and an unapologetically old Honolulu atmosphere, it offers a completely different side of Waikīkī nightlife away from the polished resort bars.
44. Kona Coffee Purveyors
Kona Coffee Purveyors became famous for excellent Hawai‘i-grown coffee and its legendary pastries created in collaboration with San Francisco’s b. patisserie. Their kouign-amann pastries regularly draw huge morning lines in Waikīkī and are absolutely worth it.
45. Off the Hook Poke Market
Off the Hook is one of Honolulu’s most beloved neighborhood poke spots, serving incredibly fresh ahi with shoyu, spicy garlic, Hawaiian salt, and limu preparations. It feels very local, very unfussy, and consistently excellent.
46. Zippy’s
No local Honolulu food guide would be complete without an honorable mention for Zippy’s, often jokingly called the “Hawaiian McDonald’s” because of its enormous local following. Generations of island residents grew up eating late-night comfort food here.
Bonus: Oahu Best Eats Outside of Honolulu
There are so many incredible restaurants and hole in the wall eateries all across Oahu. But if you’re driving around and can only visit a few, make sure you try the following:
47. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
No North Shore food pilgrimage is complete without garlic shrimp, and Giovanni’s is the truck that made it world famous. Sticky picnic tables, huge plates of buttery garlic shrimp, and the unmistakable smell of garlic in the Hawaiian air make this one of O‘ahu’s essential food experiences.
48. Kaimana Shave Ice
For a more modern take on shave ice, Kaimana uses natural syrups and tropical fruit flavors that feel fresh, bright, and very Hawai‘i. Great for those seeking vegan options.
49. Waiahole Poi Factory
One of the most beloved Hawaiian food destinations outside Honolulu, Waiahole Poi Factory serves incredible laulau, kalua pork, squid luau, poi, and kulolo. The lush windward-side setting makes it feel deeply connected to old Hawai‘i and local traditions.
50. Adela’s Country Eatery
A hidden gem on the windward side known for handmade noodles infused with local ingredients like taro, ulu, and moringa. Adela’s beautifully reflects Hawai‘i’s multicultural food culture with Filipino-inspired flavors, local produce, and comforting homestyle cooking.
51. Cinnamon’s Restaurant
Cinnamon’s is one of O‘ahu’s most beloved brunch spots. Their guava chiffon pancakes have become legendary island comfort food.
52. Matsumoto Shave Ice
A North Shore icon serving rainbow-colored shave ice topped with condensed milk, azuki beans, and mochi. It’s touristy, legendary, and still genuinely worth a visit.
53. Kalapawai Cafe & Deli
Part café, part deli, part neighborhood gathering place, Kalapawai is perfect for breakfast sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and relaxed Kailua energy.
RIP Best Eats Honolulu Legends
Honolulu’s food scene is constantly evolving, and a few beloved local institutions sadly disappeared over the years but still deserve recognition.
Papa Kurt’s
A local favorite remembered for comforting Hawaiian food (still thinking of their saimin!) and trendy no frills vibes.
Kalo Hawaiian Food
A beloved traditional Hawaiian restaurant many locals still miss deeply.
Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha
Famous for ultra-premium shave ice and genuine aloha spirit.
Downbeat Diner & Lounge
A quirky Downtown Honolulu staple remembered fondly by longtime locals and brunch lovers.
My Honolulu Food Wish List
The following are what I’ve heard are really amazing food spots in Honolulu but I am yet to try them out. Feel free to borrow my list for inspiration:
- Sushi Sasabune
- Morio’s Sushi Bistro
- Itchy Butt
- Omakase at Sushi Murayama
- Fujiyama Texas
- Mana Musubi
- Sushi Izakaya Gaku
- Nanzan Giro Giro
- Hamada General Store
- Kahai Street Kitchen
- O’Kims
- Egghead Cafe
- Natsunoya Tea House
- Hihimanu Sushi
- Loco moco drive inn Kapahulu
- Sushi Ginza Onodera
Three Waikīkī Hotels for Food Lovers
If you want to stay in the center of the action and easily access many of these restaurants by foot or short Uber rides, these are excellent choices. Some places on this list — especially Kailua and the North Shore — still require a car.
Luxury: The Royal Hawaiian
One of the world’s great bucket-list hotels, directly on Waikīkī Beach and surrounded by fantastic restaurants, bars, and shopping.
Mid-Range: Kaimana Beach Hotel
A calmer boutique-style stay near Diamond Head with a more local feel than central Waikīkī.
Budget-Friendly: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
Stylish, relaxed, affordable. The Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is perfectly located for eating your way across Honolulu.
Best Eats in Honolulu – Final Thoughts
Honolulu is far more than a beach destination — it is one of America’s great food capitals. Few places blend cultures, flavors, histories, and immigrant traditions so naturally.
On O‘ahu, you can eat traditional Hawaiian food for breakfast, authentic Japanese for lunch, Vietnamese fusion for dinner, and finish with shave ice on the beach at sunset.
That diversity is exactly what makes Honolulu unforgettable. Just be sure to honor Hawaii’s tumultuous history in the process.
What else would you add to the list of best eats in Honolulu and beyond? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
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