🌅 Breakfast
Beachfront 🏖️
$ Barefoot Beach Cafe
$$ Tropics Bar & Grill
$$$ Duke’s Waikiki
Grab-n-Go 🥐
$ Donut King
$$ Kono's North Shore
$$ Island Vintage Coffee
Healthy 🥗
$ ALOH Health Bar & Cafe
$$ Heavenly Island Lifestyle
$$$ Goofy Cafe & Dine
Bakery & Pastry Shops 🍩
$ Leonard’s Bakery (Malasadas)
$ Donut King
$$ Liliha Bakery
Local Cuisine 🍛
$ Rainbow Drive-In
$$ Liliha Bakery
$$$ ShoreFyre
Family-Friendly 🥞
$ Eggs ’n Things
$$ Goofy Cafe & Dine
$$$ Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Coffee Shops ☕️
$ Kai Coffee
$$ Honolulu Coffee Company
$$$ Island Vintage Coffee
Vegan / Vegetarian 🥑
$ ALOH Health Bar & Cafe
$$ Heavenly Island Lifestyle
☀️ Lunch
Food Trucks 🚚
$ Pit Stop Tacos Burgers & Sliders
$$ Ohana Hale Waikiki (23 Food Trucks)
Beachfront 🏖️
$ Barefoot Beach Cafe
$$ Tropics Bar & Grill
$$$ Duke’s Waikiki
Local Cuisine 🍛
$ Rainbow Drive-In
$$ ShoreFyre
$$ Liliha Bakery
Casual Dining 🍽️
$ Marukame Udon
$$ ShoreFyre
$$$ Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
Seafood 🦞
$ Paia Fish Market
$$ Sam’s Kitchen
$$$ Roy’s Waikiki
Grab-n-Go 🥪
$ Tucker & Bevvy
$$ Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Healthy 🥗
$ ALOH Health Bar & Cafe
$$ Heavenly Island Lifestyle
$$$ Goofy Cafe & Dine
Family-Friendly 🍔
$ Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
$$ Cheeseburger in Paradise
$$$ Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Rooftop 🌇
$ DECK.
$$ Buho Cocina y Cantina
$$$ SKY Waikiki
Bakery & Pastry Shops 🥐
$ Leonard’s Bakery (Malasadas)
$$ Liliha Bakery
🌇 Dinner
Food Trucks 🚚
$ Pit Stop Tacos Burgers & Sliders
$$ Ohana Hale Waikiki (23 Food Trucks)
Beachfront 🏖️
$ Barefoot Beach Cafe
$$ Tropics Bar & Grill
$$$ Duke’s Waikiki
Local Cuisine 🍛
$ Rainbow Drive-In
$$ Liliha Bakery
$$$ ShoreFyre Fresh Grill & Bar
Seafood 🦞
$ Nico’s Pier 38
$$ Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill
$$$ Roy’s Waikiki
Fine Dining 🍷
$$ Azure
$$$ La Mer
Tiki Vibe 🍹
$ Cuckoo Coconuts
$$ Ko Tiki Terrace
Family-Friendly 👨👩👧👦
$ Teddy’s Bigger Burgers
$$ Cheeseburger in Paradise
$$$ Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Romantic 🌹
$ Bogart’s Cafe
$$ Hula Grill Waikiki
$$$ Michel’s at the Colony Surf
Rooftop 🌇
$ Deck.
$$ Buho Cocina y Cantina
$$$ SKY Waikiki
🌙 Late Night
11:00 PM
Maui Brewing Co – Lively brewpub with craft beers, Hawaiian-inspired dishes, and a vibrant vibe with live music.
Buho Cocina y Cantina – Modern rooftop with locally sourced Mexican eats & cocktails.
Mai Tai Bar – Beachfront bar serving fun umbrella drinks, pupus, and music.
12:00 AM
Duke’s Waikiki – Iconic beachfront spot for surf ’n’ turf, tiki cocktails, and classic Waikiki energy.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar – Oceanview dining with Hawaiian fare, tropical drinks, and live music.
Lava Tube – Hawaiian dishes with local ingredients in a colorful, themed space.
Lulu’s Restaurant Waikiki – Chill open-air eatery serving American favorites and drinks.
24 Hours
7-Elevens
2:00 AM
Surf Bar – New, laid-back spot with friendly bartenders.
Arnold’s Beach Bar – Hidden tiki bar with games, drinks, and live music.
Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand – Fun second-floor bar with drag shows and strong pours.
Irish Rose Saloon – Spacious Irish pub with games, darts, and local music.
Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar – Cozy karaoke bar with great cocktails and late-night energy.
4:00 AM
Play Bar Night Club – Dance floor, hip-hop beats, and full bar ’til late.
Kelly O’Neil’s – Local favorite for late-night music, drinks, and dancing.
Welcome to Waikiki!
🤙🏾 Aloha
Howzzit! I’m Chef Dee, a local Hawaiian living right here in the heart of it all—Waikiki. I know the best ono eats, solid deals, and real island experiences—no tourist traps, just the real deal.
As a chef and super concierge, I hook visitors up with the freshest food, VIP access, and the best-priced activities. Need a last-minute res, private sunset cruise, or top activity deals? No worries, I gotchu.
Every day, I’m out cruising Waikiki, talking to businesses and visitors, finding the newest deals, best grinds, and freshest experiences. I’m also answering Google’s top Waikiki-related FAQs and training the AI in the lower right to answer with real local knowledge, island-style.
Test it out—ask anything about Waikiki and see how good it is. Let’s make your trip epic!
🗺️ Waikiki Foodie Map
Download & PrintI’ve been in the food world for years and made this map to help you eat where locals actually eat—not just where tourists end up.
Every visitor runs into the same problem at least three times a day—“Where should we eat?” And with prices out here, choosing wrong gets expensive fast. My Waikiki Foodie Map solves that.
What's on it:
• Color-coded icons for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, late night, groceries and more—easy to follow and full of flavor
• 8.5 x 11 inch size—folds easy, fits in your bag, and perfect for jotting down notes
• Quick-scan QR codes for handpicked Happy Hour deals
• QR code to book my Taste of Waikiki food tour—best to do early in your trip so you know where to eat the rest of the time
• All the info you need in one place—no need to remember links or search all day
I’m printing 25,000 maps and placing them in over 100 Waikiki hotels. You can also grab the digital version now and start using it right away.
It’s more than just a guide—it’s a local-made map that’ll save you time, money, and help you eat well your whole trip.
Ask your front desk for your Waikiki Foodie Map or download it now. Shoots!
🥇 My Top Picks
Poke: Poke Fix
Food Truck: Pit Stop
Pizza: Slice of Waikiki
Sushi: Maguro Brothers
Coffee: Bean About Town
Casual Dining: Shorefyre (Koa Street)
Sports Bar: Rivals
Late-Night: Shorefyre (Koa Street)
High-End Restaurant: Monkeypod
🤙🏾 Waikiki Local Picks
Star Beach Boys recommended:
@adventures_ofjess on Instagram for affordable drone photos and videos at Waikiki Beach.
Maguro Spot for fresh fish and poke.
Moku Surf Shop for surf gear.
Moku Surf Shop suggested:
Shorefyre, next door, for fresh local meals.
Deck Rooftop Bar at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, a rooftop restaurant and bar with happy hour, a pool, and stunning views of Diamond Head Crater and the beach.
Shorefyre pointed to:
Island Vintage Coffee for delicious açai bowls.
Tropics Ale House for great drinks, especially on Sundays.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for a budget-friendly happy hour with large portions, like steak or sliders, or a meal for two (steak, two sides, and cheesecake) for around $35.
Deck Rooftop Bar at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel recommended:
Local I’a , a “Community Supported Fishery” for the freshest sustainably fished seafood.
Mahina & Sun’s at the Surf Jack Hotel & Swim Club to try their fresh fish dishes.
Queen Kapiolani Hotel valet recommended:
Pioneer Saloon for excellent and unique food.
Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe for the açai bowl pa’i’ai.
Ono Seafood for the spicy ahi and miso ahi combo.
Highway Inn for the kalua pig combo with a side of squid lu’au.
Ahi Assassins for smoked marlin dip.
Hanara’s, Shiro’s , and Rocky’s for local saimin and breakfast dishes.
Kevo’s North Shore Beach Bus loves:
Zippy’s for their chili, chicken, loco mocos, and Zip Pac.
Rainbow Drive-in for hearty plate lunches.
South Shore Grill for fish tacos.
Hoku Wireless for mobile needs, including SIM cards.
Bogarts Cafe for the crab and avocado omelet.
Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe for their unique açai bowl with pa’i’ai.
Cafe Kaila for terrific breakfasts worth the wait.
Highway Inn for authentic Hawaiian food, including squid lu’au.
Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar and Grill for dishes like Dynamite Shrimp and Boca Rota.
Aloha Hawaii Tours said:
Marukame’s Udon for affordable, delicious udon.
Diamond Head Market & Grill for blueberry cream cheese scones, fried rice breakfast, and salmon plates.
Sparky’s Surf School mentioned:
Cafe Morey’s and Diamond Head Market & Grill for plate lunches and desserts.
Pipeline Bakery in Kaimuki for amazing malasadas and baked goods.
Jolene’s Market in Chinatown for birria tacos and lobster rolls.
For North Shore adventures, check out:
North Shore Eco Tours for private off-road hikes and exclusive land access.
Kevo’s Beach Bus for boutique tours and paddleboarding fun on the ‘Anahulu River.
More recommendations to come!
🤙🏽 Waikiki Local Tips
• Avoid picking up Uber/Lyft on Kalakaua Ave. It’s difficult for drivers to stop and find you there.
• Ask the valet or bell staff for advice. They’re knowledgeable and happy to help.
• Cheaper food options can be found on Kuhio Ave. It’s parallel to Kalakaua Ave.
• Use sunblock! The sun is stronger than it feels.
• Make sure your sunblock is reef-safe. Apply it 20 minutes before entering the water to protect the ocean.
• Don’t use your phone while crossing the street. You could get a ticket.
• Never leave your belongings unattended. Whether on the beach or at a table, theft is common, especially when valuables are left while swimming.
• Use your hotel safe for valuables. Your car trunk isn’t secure enough.
• Never turn your back on the ocean. Unexpected waves can be dangerous. Don’t become part of the “famous last selfies” compilation.
• Check with lifeguards before entering the ocean if you’re unsure. They’d rather answer your questions than have to rescue you.
• Stay at least 10 feet (2 meters) from sea turtles. Don’t touch, feed, or obstruct them.
• Embrace “island time.” Things move slower in Hawaii, so go with the flow and enjoy it.
• Support local businesses. Waikiki is a real neighborhood with friendly local shops. Say aloha and buy local.
• Be respectful. Hawaii is all about respecting the land, animals, and people. Treat everyone like your ‘ohana (family).
• Don’t take lava rocks from Hawaii. It’s believed to bring bad luck.
• Be careful on mopeds. Even if you’re careful, other drivers might not be. “You can do everything right and still end up in the hospital.”
• Lewers St. can be sketchy after 3 am. If you’re out late, stick together.
• Be extra cautious in Chinatown after dark. It’s busy and fun but can feel a bit sketchy.
• Park your car where it’s visible. This reduces the risk of break-ins.
• Don't park along the Ala Wai Canal on Mondays and Fridays between 8:30-11 am. Your car will be towed.
• Never leave anything visible in your parked car. Even a bag with nothing valuable might attract thieves. Look for broken glass around parking areas—it’s a sign of frequent break-ins.
• Take a circle island tour early in your trip. It helps you decide where to spend your time.
ℹ️ Visitor FAQ
How to use the trolley?
The Pink Line goes to Ala Moana Center. It’s $2, and you pay on the bus. For the other lines, you need to purchase a $25 pass at the Duty-Free Store (DFS).
Where to watch Friday’s fireworks?
• Hilton Hawaiian Village: Where they’re launched.
• Fort DeRussy Beach Park: Up close, but crowded.
• Magic Island: Fireworks plus city lights, with fewer people.
• Barefoot Beach Cafe: Beachside food, live music, distant fireworks.
• Helicopter: Only if you’re a boss.
Note: You cannot see the fireworks from Waikiki Beach east of the Sheraton—they’re blocked by buildings.
What are the best family hikes?
Where’s the best pizza?
Where to get good poke?
Where to get good sushi?
• Sansei
• Doraku
How’s the udon place with the long line?
Marukame Udon is great, and the line moves fast. Try the curry + fried chicken.
Best way to get to North Shore shrimp trucks?
Drive or take an island tour. The city bus takes too long.
What are the good sports bars?
• Rivals
• Lulu’s
Where’s Duke’s?
Duke’s is in Central Waikiki Beach. Go there!
Where’s a good tiki bar?
Where are the old International Market’s kiosks?
Where’s that “pink hotel”?
It’s the Royal Hawaiian, located on Central Waikiki Beach.
Where’s the Sheraton Waikiki?
Sheraton is on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy an evening drink or party later at Sheraton’s RumFire.
Do hotels have beach towels?
Most do; just ask.
Where to get coupons?
• International Market Place customer service
• Sidewalk flyer boxes
• Waikele Outlets information booth
How to get to Ala Moana Shopping Center?
Ala Moana is a 10-15 minute walk (from West Waikiki), a 25-minute bus ride, or a short taxi/Uber trip.
Where to get a good steak?
• Gyu-Kaku: Cook it yourself
• Yard House: Over 100 beers on tap
• Steak Shack: Under $14, grab & go
🚗 Waikiki To:
Top Destinations from Waikiki:
Drive: 25 min | Bus: 1 h
Drive: 55 min | Bus: 2 h 15 min
Drive: 6 min | Bus: 19 min
Drive: 30 min | Bus: 1 h 10 min
Drive: 25 min | Bus: 45 min
Drive: 10 min | Bus: 21 min
Drive: 50 min | Bus: 1 h 45 min
Drive: 43 min | Bus: 1 h 45 min
Drive: 1 h 10 min | Bus: 2 h 30 min
Drive: 21 min
Drive: 28 min | Bus: 1 h 8 min
Drive: 15 min | Bus: 29 min
Drive: 26 min | Bus: 49 min
Drive: 35-40 min | Bus: 1 h
Drive: 45 min
Other Islands
Round trip tickets to other islands are $100-$170, and flights take between 25 min to 1 h.
🏄🏽♀️ North Shore Local Tips
• Drive slowly. It’s safer for everyone on narrow roads.
• Don’t honk your horn. It’s considered rude and unnecessary.
• Cross at crosswalks. For your safety and to avoid accidents.
• Don’t walk in the road. Cars have the right of way, and it’s dangerous.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car. Prevent theft, which is common.
• Don’t park in tow zones. Your car will get towed quickly.
• Clean sand off before entering shops. Keeps the stores clean and respectful.
• Don’t bring shave ice into shops. It can create a mess inside.
• Shops close around 6:00 pm or sunset. Plan ahead; options are limited after dark.
• Don’t litter, and pick up trash if you see it. Help keep the beaches and land clean.
• Don’t turn your back to the ocean. Waves can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• Check in with lifeguards before swimming. They know the conditions and can keep you safe.
• Don’t feed turtles and stay at least 10 feet (2 m) away. It’s harmful to them and illegal.
• Don’t feed the chickens. It disrupts the local ecosystem.
• Avoid swimming at Laniakea. It’s dangerous and overcrowded.
• Stay off the reef. Reefs are fragile and can be damaged easily.
• Don’t leave your bags unattended on the beach. Prevent theft or losing your belongings.
• Be respectful. It’s the local way and earns you respect in return.
• Support local businesses and buy local. Helps the community thrive.
• Tip your bartenders and servers. They rely on tips for their income.
• Be patient—we’re on island time. Things move slower here, so relax and enjoy it.
Fun Activities
Fun Activities
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Taste of WaikikiList Item 1
Local-designed walking food tour that saves time and money by taking you where real locals eat.
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Surf LessonList Item 2
Learn to surf in Waikiki with a real Beach Boy where the waves are perfect and everyone can ride.
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Adults 18+ Island TourList Item 3
Kid-free island tour built for couples, solo travelers, and groups who want to explore and unwind.
