If you’re hiking Diamond Head, you’re definitely going to work up an appetite.  

And that’s great news, because the area around Diamond Head and the stretch toward Kapiolani Park and Kahala has some really solid eating options that don’t get nearly as much attention as the tourist-heavy spots in Waikiki.

Now, I’ll be upfront about something: Waikiki is RIGHT there. Like, a five minute drive. And there are approximately one million places to eat in Waikiki. So technically, you could just head back that direction and figure it out.

BUT…if you do that, you’re going to miss some great spots!

Whether you finished the hike and you’re sweaty and starving and just need something NOW, or you’re planning ahead and want to make a morning or afternoon of it, here’s where I’d send you for breakfast, lunch, a post-hike coffee, or honestly just a really good meal in one of the best neighborhoods on Oahu…

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 Cafe

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!

Hau Tree

Hau Tree in the Kaimana Beach Hotel (at the far less hectic end of Waikiki) is one of my new favorite spots on the island. 

I’ve actually only been for brunch, but their dinner and cocktails are supposed to be amazing. 

It’s about a 15 minute walk from the heart of Waikiki and totally worth it! 

The Kaimana Beach Hotel has just been totally renovated in a really chic way and the restaurant is about as close as you can get to toes in the sand dining. 

You’ll get those coveted Waikiki views, but without the crowds and masses tooling around. 

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.

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!

Leonard’s

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. 

Want the full plan, not just this post?

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably actually planning a trip to Maui…not just daydreaming. So here’s the thing: what you just read is a small piece of what I know about this island.

I’ve been visiting Maui for years, and I put everything…the itineraries, the hotel breakdowns, the restaurants actually worth your time, the spots most visitors never find…into one guide. It’s 75+ pages, built around real day-by-day plans (not just a list of “things to do”), plus an interactive map so you’re not toggling between five browser tabs trying to piece your trip together.

It’s the guide I wish I’d had on my first few trips here.

See what’s inside the Maui Guide → HERE