When it comes to Hawaiian food in Waikiki, the options range from iconic oceanfront institutions to humble plate-lunch counters that deliver real local flavor. I pulled together this guide combining my own verified picks with the area's best-rated spots across all 11 qualifying restaurants — so you can eat with confidence whether you're a first-time visitor or a Waikiki regular.
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At the top of the list is Duke's Waikiki, one of my personal recommendations and a true Waikiki landmark. Set right on the beach at the Outrigger, it's the kind of place that checks every box — live music every night, the legendary Barefoot Bar on the sand, Taco Tuesday, Thursday Prime Rib Night, and the world-famous Hula Pie. For plate-lunch lovers, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a reliable island-themed staple known for its traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, while Zippy's Kapahulu is a beloved local chain celebrated for its stews, chili, and comfort-food classics.
Spots that I recommend carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look for it to know which restaurants have his stamp of approval. The rest of the list is rounded out by the area's highest-rated spots by reputation, so every entry is worth your time.
FAQ
Duke's Waikiki is a top pick — it's an iconic beachfront spot at the Outrigger featuring live music nightly, the famous Barefoot Bar, and crowd favorites like Hula Pie. It carries the NateEatsHawaii badge as one of my personally recommended restaurants.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a popular island-themed fast-food chain known for traditional Hawaiian plate lunches at budget-friendly prices, and Pioneer Saloon is a compact spot well-regarded for its plate lunches and musubi specialties.
This is a curated BEST guide — my verified picks appear first, followed by the area's best-rated spots based on real visitor ratings collected on NateEatsHawaii. The list is reviewed regularly to make sure it reflects what's currently open and worth visiting.
Hawaiian Food
Waikiki
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