Waikiki has no shortage of places to eat fresh seafood with your toes in the sand — but knowing which spots are worth your time is the hard part. I pulled together this curated guide from 34 qualifying restaurants in Waikiki, leading with my personal recommendations and rounding out the list with the area's best-rated spots.
At the top of the list you'll find Duke's Waikiki, a place I genuinely love — the iconic beachfront setting at the Outrigger, the Barefoot Bar right on the sand, live music every night, and that legendary Hula Pie make it one of Waikiki's must-visit experiences. Hula Grill Waikiki and SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar are also spots I recommend, each offering their own take on seafood with a view. Beyond my picks, well-rated options like Aloha Steak House and Barefoot Beach Cafe at Queen's Surf Beach round out a scene that has something for every appetite and budget.
Spots I've personally visited carry the NateEatsHawaii badge on the page — look for it to know which recommendations come straight from my own experience at the table.
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
3SKY WAIKIKI Raw & Bar offers an elevated guest experience with a unique combination of fresh seafood, refreshing champagne, handcrafted cocktails and Aloha.
4$$Tucked into Waikiki, 206 BCE Waikiki serves seafood at mid-range prices. Look for takeout — known as a solid pick.
5$$Casual fine dining on steaks, seafood & Hawaiian dishes with beer, floats & tropical cocktails.
6$$Outdoor cafe has Hawaiian plates & standard American fare, plus live music & a weekend beach BBQ.
7$$Contemporary venue dishing up a range of local produce on a familiar comfort-style menu.
8$Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak is a budget-friendly seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice with outdoor seating.
9$$Easygoing, aquarium-themed eatery in the Hilton turning out seafood, steak, and BBQ dishes.
10Seafood fare in Waikiki. Cajun Crab Waikiki is a consistent local favorite and offers full bar.
11$$Steaks & seafood headline at this laid-back option featuring nightly entertainment & marina views.
12
13$$Creative American plates, craft brews, and cocktails are the draw at this stylish, modern restaurant.
14$$$Locally sourced seafood dishes and cocktails served in an airy, fashionable space with a large patio.
15$$Breezy restaurant featuring American breakfast staples & Bloody Marys at the Hale Koa Hotel.
16$Maguro Spot brings sushi to Waikiki at a budget-friendly price point. Family-friendly casual dining.
17A trendy, colorful hotel bar turning out innovative Hawaiian plates and cocktails next to a pool.
18O'sun Grill brings asian to Waikiki. Casual and welcoming atmosphere.
19$Seafood fare in Ala Moana. Paradise Poke Hawaii at Ilikai is a solid pick and offers outdoor seating.
20$$Poké Bar brings seafood to Waikiki at a mid-range price point. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups and celebrations.
21$$$High-end chain serving notable chef Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian fusion fare in a contemporary setting.
22$$$$Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
23$No-frills, counter-serve seafood joint with an Asian twist offering garlic prawns & teriyaki plates.
24Easygoing operation turning out customizable poke bowls & hand-held sushi rolls.
25$$Casual, no-frills restaurant serving American & Hawaiian fare for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
26$Casual, family-owned restaurant serving tacos, burritos, sandwiches, burgers & other comfort food.
27$$Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel's festive, oceanside spot for Hawaiian fare, cocktails & live music.
28$$Tim Ho Wan - Waikiki is a mid-range seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a reliable choice with full bar.
29$$$Tucked into Waikiki, Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store serves seafood at upscale prices. Known as a consistent local favorite.
30$$Amy's shrimp and poke shack is a mid-range seafood spot in Waikiki. Locals consider it a solid pick with takeout.
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FAQ
Duke's Waikiki consistently stands out as a top pick — it's a Nate-recommended, iconic beachfront restaurant at the Outrigger with live music, the famous Barefoot Bar on the sand, and crowd-pleasing dishes like Hula Pie and Thursday Prime Rib Night. Hula Grill Waikiki and SKY Waikiki Raw & Bar are also Nate-recommended spots worth checking out.
For budget-friendly options, Blue Ocean Seafood & Steak is known as a more wallet-friendly seafood spot in Waikiki, and 206 BCE Waikiki serves seafood at mid-range prices tucked away from the main tourist strip.
This is a curated guide that leads with Nate's personally verified recommendations — marked with the NateEatsHawaii badge — followed by the best-rated seafood spots across Waikiki's 34 qualifying restaurants. The list is reviewed and refreshed regularly to reflect the current dining scene.
Waikiki