top of page

20 Best Places to Eat in Oahu, Hawaii

For all my foodies, YES.


I dedicated a whole Hawaii blog post just for YOU. When I visited Hawaii, I was certain that I was going there for the unreal views, litte did I know, I actually spent most of my time eating some of the best dishes.


Here are 20 of the BEST places to eat during your stay in Oahu, Hawaii:


1. HALEIWA JOES

66-011 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, HI 96712 - this location is the one with the mountain view.

A seafood dining experience in the mountains you won't forget! Open from 4:30 -9:00pm daily. I don't think they take reservations, so make sure to get there early! Especially if you want to sit closest to the balcony edge. I arrived at 3:30 and there was already a waitlist, just so you know.


Ps. You might want to stick a piece of bread in your purse so you can feed the fish & turtles at the lake!

Best Dining Experience in Oahu, Hawaii Island Seafood grill on the mountains with a view of a lake and small dock to feed fishes and turtles.

2. SKY WAIKIKI RAW & BAR

2270 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Open Daily from 4-10pm

A luxury rooftop dining experience in the middle of Waikiki. A perfect way to end the day sipping on a classy cocktail, eating fresh oysters, and looking over the city with a perfect view of Diamond Head.



3. ARVO CAFE

324 Coral Street at SALT, Honolulu, HI - Open Daily from 8am - 2pm

Located in a shopping plaza in the art district of Honolulu. There's a public parking garage and they have outdoor seating. I actually sat down early to get some work done while sipping on an iced matcha latte and a delicious berry ricotta toast (highly recommend if you love sweets like me).



4. THE SUNRISE SHACK

59-158 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 - this is the location in the photo.

There are many locations but this one is right next to low-hanging palm trees and turtle beaches on the west coast. A great way to start the day with a refreshing smoothie or acai bowl. Typically there are a lot of people because it's a known Instagrammable spot. Try to get there early as you have to park on the side of the road and they do run out of some of the best items on the menu due to # of visitors.

Sunrise Shack in Oahu Hawaii - Most Instagrammable locations in Hawaii


5. CAFE KAILA

2919 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96816 - Opens daily from 7am-6pm Sat./Sun. Closes at 3pm.

This is the one where I fell in love with the Eggs Benedict! I actually ended up going here because another location that I really wanted to go to was closed and this place is now literally a TOP 3 on my list. The best Hawaiian breakfast is served in this small hole in the wall. Order the Kalua Pork Benedict, and you can thank me later.



6. MUSUBI CAFE

Pacific Monarch Hotel, 2427 Kūhiō Ave. #1F, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Open daily 7am - 8pm

I found this place by watching local Hawaiian foodie youtube videos and it's TRUE, they know all the best spots! I was a little skeptical about trying the spam rice balls, but surprisingly they were actually really good and so CHEAP (less than $2 for a handful-sized musubi). Which actually makes the perfect snack for hikes or even a beach day. Watch my tasting experience on my "Hawaii" highlight @destinationsbyanna



7. LEONARD'S BAKERY

933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 - open 5:30am - 8pm

The line is ALWAYS long here. These famous malasadas (similar to donuts) are made fresh to order in the morning with a hot coffee or even in the evening if you are craving a late-night dessert.

Leonard's Bakery - Malasadas in Hawaii  - Where to eat in Oahu - Honolulu

8. HOLEY GRAIL DONUTS

325 Seaside ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 - Food Truck Open Daily from 7:30am - 3pm

It's all in the name. These are literally the most mouth-watering donuts I've ever had. They only serve these taro-based donuts fresh out of the oven and trust me, it's well worth the wait. Keep calm and sip on your Cacao Latte while you wait on the hottest seasonal flavors!


Ps. I wish I had better photos, but I just kept devouring these 😂

Where to eat Breakfast in Honolulu - Waikiki Hawaii


9. CINNAMON'S RESTAURANT

315 Uluniu St, Kailua, HI 96734 - Open Daily from 8am - 2pm

Somehow my stomach was able to expand to allow me to enjoy the irresistible plates at this restaurant. My favorite breakfast dish was the guava pancakes and you know I just had to try the Kalua Eggs Benedict everywhere I went. If you find yourself on the east side of the island, make sure to stop by!



10. DOLE PLANTATION

64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786 - Open Daily 9:30 -4:30pm (Closed on Wed.)

Story Time! I was actually driving on the side of the plantation and didn't realize that the immense fields of what seemed like huge weeds were actually millions of little pineapples growing on the ground. The Dole plantation is an epic land of fruit that you HAVE TO SEE for yourself. And while you're at it get in line for some fresh pineapple juice, ice cream, smoothie, whatever your heart desires, in pineapple form of course!

Dole Plantation Pineapple Float Smoothie Drink


11. WAIOLA SHAVE

2135 Waiola St, Honolulu, HI 96826 - Open Daily 12-6pm

When I was a kid I used to love eating shaved ice after school!! This is a great stop after your adventures on the island to hit refresh with a cold colorful scoop of shaved ice.

Waiola Shaved Ice Cream in Hawaii


12. ZIPPY'S

601 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Opens Daily 6am - 10pm

This chain of fast food-style restaurants serves American, Japanese, Chinese, Okinawan, and Hawaiian fusion food and it's sooo good. They have these Zip Pack meals to go that have so many options, including Chili (what they are most known for on the island). Try the lilikoi drink too!


13. TASTE TEA

1430 Kona St, Honolulu, HI 96814 - Opens Daily 11am - 9pm

If you are a fan of Boba Tea, YOU KNOW that not everyone makes it right. But this place certainly does. If you find yourself craving this drink, this is the spot.


14. NICO'S PIER 38

1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817 - Opens Daily 10am - 9pm

Another great seafood grill dining location on the harbor that gets packed! But don't worry this location is huge and has some of the freshest fish in the sea. Everyone's favorite dish at this restaurant was the Crab Cake Salad. The local favorite dishes are the Loco Moco and the Chicken Katsu.



15. GIOVANNI'S SHRIMP TRUCK

66-472 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 - Opens Daily 11am - 5pm

I read so much about this place and how it was all the rave, but I honestly wasn't crazy about it. However, everyone has different taste buds so I'm adding it here for the Garlic Shrimp lovers! The line is always long at this food truck so it must be good to some, right?


The thing I liked most about this location is that it's located in a small park with many other food trucks that serve smoothies, crepes, tacos, grilled meats, pizza, etc.



16. BANAN

2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Opens Daily 9am-8pm

If you are walking down the streets of Waikiki or along the beach, this small hidden shack serves banana dairy-free ice cream with multiple flavors. It's actually an interesting concept and like nothing I've ever tasted before. If you try it, let me know what you think!



17. DORAKU

Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave Suite 304, Honolulu, HI 96815- Opens Daily 12 - 10pm

Craving Sushi? At the Royal Hawaiian Center on the famous shopping strip of Waikiki, I was happy to get some Sushi from DoraKu! It's a little pricey but then again it's Sushi.

Best Sushi Dining in Hawaii, Waikiki - Honolulu


18. CAFE MAIKO

96815 Hawaii, Honolulu, Kūhiō Ave. - Opens Daily 11:30am - 9pm

I don't know about you, but I love a good matcha latte as much as I love coffee lattes. And this location has MATCHA EVERYTHING. So for my matcha lovers, I know you are out there! Don't miss out on this super cute little cafe. I visited this spot on my last day in Hawaii and wish I had stopped on my first.

Matcha Coffee - Matcha IceCream Location in Waikiki Honolulu, Hawaii


19. KONO'S NORTHSHORE

2310 Kuhio Avenue #1-A, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Opens Daily 7am- 9pm

You know when you don't have photos for a place... it's usually because the food looked or smelled so good that ya just couldn't wait to take the photos! Guilty! So, I'm snatching an image from their Instagram to show you how good it tastes:

Breakfast Pork Burritos in Waikiki, Honolulu

Photo Credits to @Konosnorthshore and @Foodiehui


20. Waikiki Food Hall

2301 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Open Daily 11:30am - 7:30pm

After shopping around Waikiki there is a small food hall of small restaurants with a great view of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel with many different varieties. Have a drink and explore your options.

Hawaii Food Hall - Where to eat in Honolulu

I'm always searching Yelp or Google for the best places to eat when I travel. If you do end up going to any of these locations based on my recommendations. I would love to hear all about it in the comments!


Restaurant times are subject to change. All opinions here are my own. None of these posts were sponsored.








bottom of page