Top pick1$L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
KaimukiยทHawaiian Restaurant
Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
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Kaimuki is one of Oahu's most beloved neighborhood dining destinations, and its Hawaiian food scene is no exception. I pulled together this guide combining the area's top-rated spots so you know exactly where to go โ whether you're after a classic plate lunch or something more creative.
From L&L Hawaiian Barbecue's familiar island-style plate lunches to Mud Hen Water's inventive Hawaiian small plates crafted by celebrated chef Ed Kenney, and The Surfing Pig Hawaii's vibrant contemporary Hawaiian fare, this stretch of Waialae Avenue punches well above its weight. Spots Nate has personally visited are marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page.
This is a curated BEST list, meaning it leads with Nate's verified picks and rounds out with the highest-regarded spots in the area. No spot is included just to fill space โ every one on this list of 6 has earned its place.
The ranking
Top pick1$Island-themed fast-food chain whose menu features traditional Hawaiian plate lunches.
2$$Group-friendly place by Town's Ed Kenney for inventive Hawaiian small plates & cocktails.
3$
4$$
5Store with a wide variety of beers, wines, spirits & cigars, plus some artisanal foodstuffs.
6$$Vibrant, surf-themed restaurant serving contemporary Hawaiian & global fare, cocktails & wine.
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FAQ
Kaimuki has a strong lineup of Hawaiian food options, with Mud Hen Water standing out for its inventive small plates and group-friendly atmosphere, and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue delivering reliable island-style plate lunches. The Surfing Pig Hawaii is also well regarded for its contemporary take on Hawaiian cuisine.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a solid choice for budget-friendly plate lunches, and Tamura's Fine Wine & Liquors Waialae carries some artisanal foodstuffs alongside its beverage selection that can make for a casual, wallet-friendly stop.
This is a curated BEST guide combining Nate's personally verified picks (marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge) with the highest-rated Hawaiian restaurants in Kaimuki based on visitor ratings collected on the site. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect the current dining scene.