Top pick1$$HanaPa'a Market
Hawaii Kai·Seafood Restaurant
View details
🌺Hawaiian Food·Hawaii Kai
Best Hawaiian Food in Hawaii Kai
Hawaii Kai might be best known for Koko Head hikes and marina views, but the east side of Oahu also holds its own when it comes to Hawaiian food. I pulled together the 5 spots in Hawaii Kai worth knowing, combining the area's best-rated restaurants into one easy guide.
Updated August 2026
The ranking
5 hawaiian food in Hawaii Kai
See every spot on a live map
Filter, get directions, and find what's open right now.
Nate's Picks — Book an Experience
The experiences I actually send visitors on.
We earn a commission from bookings — it keeps the guide free.
Editor's Pick Free cancellationCircle the island
Oahu Ultimate Circle Island Tour Full Day Experience
4.54.5 out of 5· 840 bookedBest single day on Oahu if you've got wheels-envy: turtles, the North Shore shrimp trucks, the lookouts — all in one guided loop.
From $84Check availability
Free cancellationHonolulu tasting walk
Honolulu: Off The Beaten Path Food Tour
5.05.0 out of 5· 765 bookedIf you like eating your way through a neighborhood, this off-the-beaten-path Honolulu tasting walk hits spots you'd never find solo. Come hungry.
From $150Check availability
Free cancellationOahu luau night
Chief's Luau Admission
4.74.7 out of 5· 3,077 bookedThe eating doesn't stop at dinner — a real luau is the one Waikiki night out worth booking ahead. Kalua pig, fire knife, the whole thing.
From $144Check availability
Editor's Pick Free cancellationWaikiki sunset sail
Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Sail on the Moana Catamaran
4.94.9 out of 5· 2,351 bookedAfter happy hour, get on the water. A sunset cocktail sail off Waikiki is the move — drinks aboard, Diamond Head glowing behind you.
From $90Check availability
Editor's Pick Free cancellationDiamond Head + breakfast
Diamond Head Hiking Tour with Ticket and Reservation Inclusion
4.74.7 out of 5· 156 bookedEarn the breakfast plate: hike Diamond Head first, then eat. Shuttle + reservation ticket included, so the morning's sorted before you refuel in Waikiki.
From $50Check availability
The lineup ranges from fresh catches at HanaPa'a Market to hearty plate lunches at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and island comfort-food classics at Zippy's Koko Marina — a longtime local favorite for stews and chili. Poke fans will also want to check out Paradise Poke Hawaii.
As you browse the list, keep an eye out for the badges: spots our editors have personally been to carry the "Verified visit" marker, and his hand-picked recommendations get the NateEatsHawaii badge. Everything else is ranked by reputation and visitor ratings on the site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What's the best Hawaiian food in Hawaii Kai?
It depends on what you're after — HanaPa'a Market is known for fresh seafood, Paradise Poke Hawaii is a go-to for poke, and Zippy's Koko Marina is a local institution for island comfort food like stews and chili. This guide ranks all 5 qualifying spots in the area.
Where can I eat Hawaiian food cheaply in Hawaii Kai?
Plate lunch is your best bet for value. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a reliable, affordable option for traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, and casual counter-service spots like poke shops tend to be budget-friendly too.
Is this list updated?
Yes — the rankings are based on real visitor ratings on NateEatsHawaii and are refreshed as new ratings come in, so the list reflects how spots are performing right now.
Hawaiian Food
Hawaiian Food in nearby neighborhoods
Hawaii Kai