With so many dining options in Waikīkī, we’ve assembled a concise list of reliable favorites to help you decide where to go for dinner.
Waikīkī is home to hundreds of restaurants, from casual pizza joints to elegant oceanfront dining. We’ve sampled many of them and picked a selection that consistently delivers great food, friendly service and the kind of atmosphere that matches a memorable evening out.
Below are our local recommendations for standout dinner spots in Waikīkī, chosen for atmosphere, menu variety and overall experience.
Table of Contents
- 1. Monkeypod Kitchen – Waikiki
- 2. Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar
- 3. House Without A Key
- 4. Momosan Waikiki
- 5. Island Vintage Wine Bar
- 6. Tommy Bahama
- 7. Duke’s Waikiki
- 8. Hula Grill Waikiki
- 9. The Cheesecake Factory
- Honolulu Dinner Cruises
- Visitor FAQs
1. Monkeypod Kitchen – Waikiki
Oceanfront setting, farm-to-table menus and a much-loved island Mai Tai.
📍 2169 Kālia Rd #111, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3:30–5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily 12:30pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Chef Peter Merriman introduced Monkeypod Kitchen to Waikīkī in 2023. Situated inside the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, the restaurant highlights Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms and fisheries. Menu standouts include creative small plates and fresh seafood — don’t miss the Lobster Deviled Eggs as a starter.
- Monkeypod Kitchen – Waikīkī Menu
INSIDE TIP: Save room for a slice of cream pie — the strawberry cream pie is a favorite — and try their signature Mai Tai.
2. Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar
Relaxed Italian dining featuring Neapolitan-style pizza and handmade pasta.
📍 150 Kaiʻulani Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3–6pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Yelp or walk-in
Appetito focuses on authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a kiawe wood oven and made with carefully sourced ingredients like Caputo flour. Popular choices include Margherita, Quattro Formaggi and Shrimp Pesto. The house-made pastas, antipasti and curated wine list make it a comfortable, flavorful option for a casual dinner.
- Appetito Grand Menu
INSIDE TIP: Their sangria, offered in red and white, is fresh and fruit-forward — a nice complement to pizza.
3. House Without A Key
Oceanfront dining with nightly hula and live Hawaiian music.
📍 2199 Kālia Rd, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 5–10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Located at the Halekulani hotel, House Without A Key pairs a relaxed, elegant dining experience with live Hawaiian music and evening hula. The menu features fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzas and lighter wellness-focused options, all served with attentive hospitality and lovely ocean views.
- House Without A Key Dinner Menu
4. Momosan Waikiki
Ramen, sake and Japanese small plates from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
📍 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 2–5pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Momosan offers flavorful ramen, sushi and shareable Japanese plates in a lively setting across from Waikīkī Beach. Popular items include rich bowls of ramen, pork gyoza and bao filled with pork belly or soft shell crab. It’s a great spot for comforting, well-executed Japanese dishes.
- Momosan Waikiki Menu
INSIDE TIP: During Happy Hour, draft beer specials are often available — a good pairing with ramen and small plates.
5. Island Vintage Wine Bar
Extensive menu with thoughtful options for different diets and tastes.
📍 2301 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: TBC
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Found inside the Royal Hawaiian Center, Island Vintage Wine Bar serves a wide-ranging menu with choices for vegetarians, vegans, keto and gluten-free diners. Offerings include poke bowls, seafood plates, breakfast items, burgers and salads, presented with care and fresh ingredients.
- Island Vintage Wine Bar Menu
6. Tommy Bahama
A lively multi-level spot with island-inspired dishes and a rooftop bar.
📍 298 Beach Walk, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 2–5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily 5–8pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Tommy Bahama combines retail, dining and a rooftop bar in a tropical-themed setting. The menu blends island flavors with familiar favorites — think macadamia nut-crusted fish, Kona coffee-rubbed steaks and shareable starters. The rooftop area is a pleasant place to enjoy drinks and sunset views.
- Tommy Bahama Waikiki Menu
7. Duke’s Waikiki
A Waikīkī icon serving Hawaiʻi-inspired American classics by the beach.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 4–6pm & 7pm–12am
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Duke’s Waikiki celebrates island culture with beachside dining, tropical cocktails and hearty fare inspired by Hawaiʻi. Named for surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, it’s a reliable spot for steak, seafood and the signature Hula Pie dessert. The atmosphere is relaxed and quintessentially Waikīkī.
- Duke’s Waikiki Menus
8. Hula Grill Waikiki
Fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a setting that recalls Hawaiʻi’s plantation era.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #201, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 12 Noon–2pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Perched above Duke’s at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beach Resort, Hula Grill highlights ingredients from local farms and fisheries. The menu emphasizes fresh, island-driven flavors and pairs well with the restaurant’s lanai views and casual, welcoming atmosphere.
- Hula Grill Waikiki Menus
INSIDE TIP: Hula Pie is a crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll likely want to try.
9. The Cheesecake Factory
A long-standing Waikīkī favorite with a very large menu and generous portions.
📍 2301 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4–6pm (bar only)
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
A well-known chain on Kālakaua Avenue, The Cheesecake Factory is popular for its extensive menu and large portions. With more than 250 dishes and a wide selection of desserts, it’s a convenient option for groups seeking variety. The Chicken Piccata is a favorite among regulars.
- The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki Menu
INSIDE TIP: To avoid a long wait, try sitting at the bar or nearby tables — the full menu is usually available there and seating is often first come, first served.
Summary: Waikīkī offers an abundance of dining choices. This curated list highlights dependable favorites for a memorable dinner, whether you want ocean views, island flavors, casual pizza or comforting ramen.
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Honolulu Dinner Cruises
Buffet Dinner Sunset Cruise
- Enjoy a Pacific Rim buffet as the sun sets
- Live contemporary entertainment onboard
- A light jacket or cardigan is recommended
Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise
- On-board chef prepares dinner
- Cruise along the Waikīkī shoreline at sunset
- Soda provided; BYOB encouraged
Visitor FAQs
Reservations are recommended at popular restaurants, especially for sunset seating or special occasions. Many places accept bookings through reservation apps, but some smaller or more casual spots are walk-in only.
If you want a sunset view, aim for a table around 6–7pm. For a quieter meal, dining later—around 8–9pm—can be more relaxed. Early-evening happy hours are ideal for budget-friendly drinks and small plates.
Oceanfront venues such as Monkeypod Kitchen, Duke’s Waikiki and Hula Grill offer reliable sunset views and beachfront seating. Each provides a slightly different vibe, from casual to upscale, so choose based on the atmosphere you prefer.