Honolulu has one of the more interesting food scenes of any US city. I mean, the name “Oahu” literally translates to “The Gathering Place” and eating is what people do when they gather! So it’s no surprise.

It wasn’t long after the arrival of the first missionaries in Hawaii that the first sugar cane and pineapple plantations sprouted up. Pressed for labor, enterprising businessmen began luring immigrant workers from Japan, China, the Philippines, Brazil, Korea and so many other places.

Each of these ethnicities mixed with the local Hawaiians to create the cultural melting pot that Hawaii is now famous for.

So Honolulu has this rich, culturally complex food scene and yet so many times when I see people ask for restaurant recommendations in Waikiki, what I see is “CHEESECAKE FACTORY!” lol. And ok, I guess if you’re coming from Australia or another foreign country and you’re wanting to experience some good ol’ “American” culture, then the Cheesecake Factory definitely is a window to…that.

BUT, if you’re coming to Hawaii to experience Hawaii and the island’s storied culture, we can do so much better than that.

I’ve rounded up a pretty extensive list of spots to eat around the whole island, but this post focuses on where to find good local food in Waikiki and some nearby neighborhoods in Honolulu. I’ll make note of which places are near certain sites and attractions you may be headed to.

Where Do Locals Eat in Waikiki?

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

Koko Head Café

Located just outside of Waikiki in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, this spot is more popular with locals than tourists. Koko Head Cafe serves a classic American diner style brunch with a Hawaiian twist…think local style but make it trendy/innovate/insta cool.

With loads of fancy variations on the island classics, and a counter where you can watch all the magic happen, this place is a foodie’s dream.

I didn’t get to try their famous cornflake French toast, but their Chicky & Eggs skillet and daily special bread pudding were divine so I’ll definitely be back.

This place is a little far from Waikiki just to venture out and back for breakfast (unless it’s a foodie trip), but if you’ve got a car and you’re leaving Waikiki to head out somewhere around Honolulu or the south side for the day, it would be a great time to come here.

Also, they now have covered patio seating!

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

It’s not fancy (the best places aren’t though, are they?), but this iconic fixture on Oahu serves dishes passed down through generations. It’s a local spot to be sure, but they see a fair number of tourists and are very welcoming, taking time to walk you through the menu and explain a good way to order. If you’re only going to hit one “local” restaurant on your trip, make this it. Now, it’s not in Waikiki, but it’s pretty close to the Bishop Museum if you’ll be out that way.

Sweet E’s

Regularly rated as the #1 breakfast spot in Honolulu, this is a local neighborhood style spot that honestly will probably remind you of a place you know wherever you’re from. It’s a little far from the main hub of Waikiki just to pop over for breakfast, but the location is a great spot for a post Diamond Head hike breakfast. It’s all good but they’re especially well known for their stuffed french toast and boy is it decadent!

Steak Shack

It really is a shack, but the food is good! Sitting beachfront at the corner of Fort Derussy Beach Park (near the Halekulani), this little food window serves up really good (and cheap for Waikiki) plate lunches (and dinners). But the big draw here is the location. Eat at one of their tables, or carry your food down to the beach.

South Shore Grill

Down in a neighborhood by Diamond Head at the south end of Waikiki, the South Shore Grill is a great place for fish tacos and plate lunch (open for lunch and dinner). You can sit inside, but it’s a pretty short walk across Kapiolani Park to the beach. Great views of Diamond Head!

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Highway Inn

The menu here is huge so if you’re traveling with a big group, bring the whole gang to make a dent in it. They have a few locations (including one at the Bishop Museum), but I would recommend the one at Kaka’ako. They have a prime location in Salt at Our Kaka’ako (a new/renovated dining development between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu) and you’ll get great food in an environment that’s really accessible to visitors (but still popular with locals). Plus they have plenty of parking! The pork laulau is highly recommended and they’ve got 20 varieties of poke!

Rainbow Drive-In

This family owned spot has been around since 1961 and it’s been a long time local favorite, but it’s become super popular with visitors as well. Portions are huge and prices are friendly. They’re best known for their loco moco, but the menu has some good variety. The only negative is there isn’t a ton of parking. It’s close to Leonard’s Bakery though if you’re trying to hit that as well.

The Alley at Aiea Bowl

Local Hawaiian food…in a bowling alley? Yep. Take a trip to the 80s with a visit to the award-winning Alley at Aiea Bowl. Do a little bowling, enjoy some top-notch food, and …have a ball ; ) It’s an extensive menu with everything from pizza to noodles to plate lunch specials.

This place was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives for their oxtail soup. And their desserts are pretty drool-worthy (lemon crunch cakes and chocolate layer cakes!).

This is a GREAT spot for lunch if you’re visiting Pearl Harbor or the swap meet at Aloha Stadium.

Side Street Inn

Sidestreet is a family-style inn with a seriously local vibe that serves classic dishes like tender Korean short ribs and their signature garlic fried chicken. Mouth watering good dishes served in huge portions and a casual setting means this spot fills up fast. Make reservations in advance!

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Marukame Udon

I’ve heard about this place for a long time, but on my last trip to Oahu I stayed across the street at the Laylow so it was finally time to try it. This place has a line down the block ALL THE TIME. That’s a good sign. It’s a low-key Japanese restaurant that serves fresh udon (noodles) made from scratch right in front of you. They also usually have a good selection of tempura.

So is the long line justified? Yes. Here’s the deal: 1) It’s pretty inexpensive and casual. 2) The portions are large and the food is good. 3) It’s always full of Japanese and local people in addition to visitors. 4) It’s right in the heart of walkable Waikiki. 5) It’s a great authentic, cultural experience, but still very accessible for visitors who aren’t familiar with the cuisine or customs but want to experience something out of their comfort zone.

All of that draws the crowds. But the line moves quickly and they do a good job turning over tables so you can usually find a spot to sit as soon as you get your food.

Musubi Cafe IYASUME

With multiple locations in Waikiki and the Ala Moana Center, this is a great spot for a quick bit. Musubis (traditionally little “sandwiches” made of rice, spam/meat, and seaweed) are made fresh daily in a variety of options, some even vegetarian friendly, but the onigiri and tuna curry is a fan fave. Head down to the beach nearby for a nice spot to chow down.

The Pig & the Lady

A modern Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown, the Pig and the Lady has long been considered a don’t miss spot on Honolulu’s culinary scene. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner if you want to check out Chinatown, but need a starting coordinate (the area can be a little rough/overwhelming). It’s not too far from the Iolani Palace.

Paia Fish Market

I’ve loved this place since I lived in Maui and I’m glad to see it expanding to other islands. Super low key and the best seafood.

Leonard’s Bakery

If you’ve done any research about foodie must dos on Oahu, you’ve heard mention of Leonard’s. Famous for their malasadas, a Portuguese fried donut, Leonard’s has been attracting the crowds since the 1950s.

It’s not uncommon to find a line around the block at Leonard’s, but it usually moves quickly. And here’s the good thing about the line…it means they’re making a TON of malasadas and that means that they’re almost always hot, fresh out of the oven.

Now, are they really the best in Hawaii? I couldn’t say for sure as I haven’t been EVERYWHERE (I’m working on it though ; ) but they are dang good. There is NOTHING like a hot, fresh malasada and I think that’s why they’re so beloved here. Due to the volume they produce, they’re almost always hot and fresh and I think that makes them better than other places that don’t sell as many so they sit in the case for a while.

Pro Tip: If you want one of their famous pink boxes, you’ll need to order at least a half dozen. If you only order a couple they come in a bang (I saw a lot of disappointed Instagramers last time was there haha).

Another Pro Tip: If the line is too long, or the main location just isn’t convenient, they have a fleet of MalasadaMobile trucks parked at different places on the island. Check their website for current locations.

Liliha Bakery

This place doesn’t get as much hype among tourists as Leonard’s but don’t make the mistake of skipping it! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Liliha Bakery is a foodie’s paradise serving up both sweet and savories. With several locations around Honolulu, it should be easy to squeeze in a stop. Famous for their Coco Puffs (chocolate cream puffs slathered in Liliha’s famous Chantilly frosting), they also do a mean loco moco, and smoked pork belly with eggs.

Want to read more posts about Oahu? I’ve got plenty!

My Favorite Things to Do on Oahu // Things to Do in Waikiki // 5 Day Oahu Itinerary // Oahu North Shore Guide // Oahu Windward Coast (Kailua) Guide // Easy Hikes on Oahu

My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Waikiki // Where to Stay on Oahu Besides Waikiki // The Laylow Review

The Best Luaus (and the Worst) on Oahu // Paradise Cove Luau Review // Is the Polynesian Cultural Center Worth It? // Paradise Cove vs Polynesian Cultural Center

Where Locals Eat in Waikiki // Jurassic Park at Kualoa Ranch // Shangri La and the Honolulu Museum of Art // Tips for Visiting Pearl Harbor

Tips for Staying at Aulani // Is Aulani Worth It? // How Many Days to Spend at Aulani // Aulani Character Schedule // Ka Wa’a Luau Review // Things to Do Near Aulani (in Ko Olina) // Where to Eat Near Aulani

Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go to Oahu

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P.S. One of the reasons I’m able to travel to Hawaii so often is by using credit card points. And right now my go to travel card has a GREAT limited time sign up offer.

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P.P.S. Here’s one more really important thing you need to know before your Hawaii trip…

You’ve got your airfare, hotel, rental car and your big activities booked, so you should be good to go, right? Wrong!

Travel is BOOMING in Hawaii and a lot of state and national parks have instituted reservation systems at some of the island’s most popular spots to help manage the crowds and make things a little more sustainable.

That means that there are now over half a dozen sites (beaches, trailheads, etc.) that require advance reservations. And some sell out well before you arrive on the island so you really need to have some sort of a plan.

I recently saw somebody in a Hawaii travel group post in a panic that they didn’t know they had to make reservations for things in advance…they thought they could just show up and “go with the flow.” I was tempted to say, well, “as long as the flow doesn’t take you somewhere that requires reservations, you can!” ; )

But I don’t want YOU to be that person, so I’ve pulled together a list of all the places you need to reserve entry in advance (plus all the details on booking windows, price, links, etc.) and a handful of popular tourist hotspots that book out really far in advance too.
Get that info >> HERE