Oahu is home to more than 238 restaurants serving genuine Hawaiian food — from humble plate-lunch counters and roadside manapua stands to iconic beachfront institutions. I pulled this guide together to surface the spots worth knowing, mixing my own verified picks with the area's highest-rated restaurants so you can eat confidently wherever you are on the island.
At the top of the list is Duke's Waikiki, a spot I personally recommend and one that earns its legendary status every single visit — live music nightly, the Barefoot Bar right on the sand, and the unforgettable Hula Pie make it a must. Beyond Waikiki, you'll find well-regarded options like Ala Moana Poi Bowl in the Makai Market Food Court, popular for classic kalua pig and lau lau plate lunches, and Adela's Country Eatery in Kaneohe, a comfy carry-out known for homemade Hawaiian pasta and local-style eats.
Restaurants I've personally been to carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look for it to find my verified picks. Every other spot is ranked by reputation and visitor ratings so you always know what you're getting into.
The ranking
Top pick1
Iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger with live music every night, the famous Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and Hula Pie. Named after Duke Kahanamoku. A Waikiki staple since 1999.
2$$
3$Comfy carry-out option spotlighting homemade Hawaiian pasta, plus Asian & American eats.
4$Spartan space selling Hawaiian-inspired Chinese street food such as manapua (savory stuffed pastry).
5$$
6$$Off-beat truck with shaded outdoor seats dishing up poke bowls, fish tacos & other Hawaiian nibbles.
7$$Hawaiian spot in Ala Moana Center's Makai Market Food Court serves kalua pig, lau lau & plate lunch.
8
9
10
11
12$Unfussy counter-service café serving create-your-own Hawaiian poke bowls & plated lunches.
13$Classic, family-friendly diner serving American fare, breakfast & housemade pies around the clock.
14$$This casual Asian pit stop serves up large portions of comfort food & is known for its oxtail soup.
15$Outpost supplying hearty portions of homestyle Thai fare in easygoing accommodations.
16$$Casual spot with island flair offering creative pizzas, hearty sandwiches & desserts.
17$$Food truck doling out mostly shrimp-based plate lunches, with seating at outdoor picnic tables.
18$Window-serve shack since 1978 with outdoor seating & late hours, selling Hawaiian BBQ plates.
19$$Casual restaurant serving Hawaiian-American breakfast & lunch dishes, with patio seating available.
20$$Easygoing eatery offering an array of breakfast & lunch staples from eggs to sandwiches.
21
22$$Buckets of Cajun shellfish with classic accompaniments, served in casual digs with full bar.
23
24$$Popular window-serve grill offering American eats, plus a market for prepared foods & baked goods.
25$Counter-serve restaurant offering burgers, Hawaiian-style seafood & Asian bento boxes.
26$$
27$$
28Easygoing chain pizzeria supplying custom pies, plus pastas, sandwiches & sides.
29$$
30$$$Seafood specials, prime rib & jumbo mai tais in a polished, breezy space where sandy feet are okay.
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FAQ
Duke's Waikiki in Waikiki tops this curated guide and carries Nate's personal recommendation — it's an iconic beachfront spot known for live music, the Barefoot Bar, and classic Hawaiian-inspired dishes like Hula Pie. Beyond that, the best choice depends on what you're after, whether it's a full sit-down plate lunch or a casual roadside bite.
Budget-friendly options are scattered across the island — Ala Moana Poi Bowl inside Ala Moana Center's Makai Market Food Court is a well-known spot for affordable plate lunches like kalua pig and lau lau, while Aiea Manapua & Snacks in Aiea is popular for inexpensive Hawaiian-inspired Chinese street food like savory stuffed manapua.
This is a curated BEST guide — Nate's personally verified picks appear first with the NateEatsHawaii badge, followed by the highest-rated spots from the site's catalog of 238+ Oahu Hawaiian food restaurants. The list is reviewed regularly to reflect new openings and updated ratings.
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