Searching for a fun dining experience in Waikīkī? Check out these theme restaurants — great food, decor and Hawaiʻi hospitality.
When our family and friends visit us in Honolulu, we ensure they have a memorable dining experience by taking them to one of Waikīkī’s fun theme restaurants.
From diving into the area’s rich surf history to getting a taste of tiki culture or traveling back to the mid-20th century, Waikīkī’s fun theme eateries promise more than just a meal.
In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best fun theme restaurants in Waikīkī.
Table of Contents
1. Duke’s Waikiki
Celebrate Hawaiʻi’s surf culture and enjoy ocean views, island food and live music.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 4pm-12am
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
For a classic Waikīkī dining experience, Duke’s Waikīkī is a must-visit. Located at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort, this Waikīkī institution celebrates Hawaiian swimmer and surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku.
Learn about the Duke’s life through a collection of historic photographs and surf memorabilia, including a replica of his surfboard. Hang out at the thatched-roof Barefoot Bar, have fun dining in the floral-themed restaurant or enjoy views of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) from the outdoor patio.
At Duke’s, you’ll find Waikīkī’s best-value Buffet Breakfast at $29 per adult and $17 per child, and weekly events like Taco Tuesday and Prime Rib Supper Buffet Thursday. Be sure to try a Lava Flow cocktail and Kimo’s Original Hula Pie.
INSIDE TIP: For an unforgettable beach party, join the fun at Duke’s on Sundays.
2. Rock Island Cafe
Step into a nostalgic diner dishing up comfort food and vintage memorabilia.
📍 1911 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Tue-Sun for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Tue-Sun 12-6pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Step back in time at Rock Island Cafe, Waikīkī’s 1950s-themed retro diner. Itʻs overflowing with movie and music collectables, memorabilia and other treasures from the era of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
More than just a diner, this nostalgic eatery doubles as a pawn shop where nearly everything on display is for sale. You can buy and sell unique items in the gift shop and order fast food classics at the counter. While you wait for your meal to arrive, enjoy old films and videos on the TVs.
The menu is on-point from Pizza, Hamburgers and Hound Dog Hot Dogs to “King Kong” Banana Splits, Root Beer Floats and Old-Fashioned Milkshakes (make it an adult version by adding a shot of alcohol). A selection of Hawaiʻi Cocktails rounds out the offerings.
INSIDE TIP: Rock Island Cafe is ideal for events up to 40 guests, with packages like the “Grease Lightning” Birthday Party!
3. Hula Grill Waikiki
Enjoy locally-inspired meals in a laidback, open-air setting with ocean views.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #201, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 12-2pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Dine at Hula Grill and immerse yourself in the ambiance of a Hawaiʻi plantation-era home. Perched above its sister restaurant, Duke’s Waikiki, Hula Grill celebrates Hawaiian culture by honoring traditional hula dancing.
Committed to sustainability, Hula Grill sources ingredients from local Oʻahu fishermen, farmers and ranchers, creating dishes like Banana Mac Pancakes, Localicious Salad, Loco Moco, Poke Tacos and a signature Fresh Squeezed Mai Tai. They also serve Kimo’s Original Hula Pie.
Relax at the thatched-roof Plantation Bar or inside the restaurant, where wood accents and tropical plants complement stunning ocean views. It’s charming at sunset hour and under the glow of the evening tiki torchlight. Don’t miss the Weekend Brunch, available from 7am to 3pm.
INSIDE TIP: Hula Grill Waikiki has an Early Eats menu at The Plantation Bar daily from 3-6pm, with $12 Specialty Cocktails.
4. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
A tiki-themed spot perfect for sunsets, featuring island bites and cocktails.
📍 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3-5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Tiki’s Grill & Bar at The Twin Fin is the top choice for a tiki-themed restaurant in Waikīkī. Tiki’s provides a lively ambiance that appeals to vacationers looking to have a good time, featuring lava rock walls, red “volcano” lighting, kiʻi (wood statues) and an extensive selection of exotic drinks.
Dine indoors or on the open-air deck and savor lunch and dinner delights such as Tiki’s famous Coconut Shrimp, Kalua Pig Quesadilla, Guava-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Kalbi Molokaʻi Venison Gyoza and Hawaiian Fish Sandwiches.
Enhance your meal with unique tropical cocktails, available in take-home souvenir glasses ranging from ceramic tiki mugs to volcano-shaped cups and sea-themed bowls. Try the Kauaiʻi Pain Killah, the rum is served in a special device that allows you to control your “dosage”.
INSIDE TIP: In December, Tiki’s turns part of its restaurant into a Christmas pop-up bar with thousands of festive decorations.
5. Lulu’s Waikiki
A surf club inspired eatery serving hearty meals with a beach backdrop.
📍 2586 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 2-4pm
🎵 Live Music: Mon & Wed-Sat 6-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
For a mix of surf club and sports bar vibes that attracts both locals and tourists, visit Lulu’s Waikiki. Located where Waikīkī Beach meets Kapiʻolani Park, at the corner of Kalākaua and Kapahulu Avenues, this open-air eatery offers a casual and fun beachy atmosphere with ocean views.
For a mix of surf club and sports bar vibes that’s popular with both locals and tourists, visit Lulu’s Waikiki. Located where Waikīkī Beach meets Kapiʻolani Park, at the corner of Kalākaua and Kapahulu Avenues, this open-air eatery offers a casual and fun beachy atmosphere with ocean views.
The menu plays into the local experience here, featuring large-portioned island favorites like Mochi Pancakes, SPAM Fried Rice, Bikini Bun Cheeseburgers, Fish & Chips, Garlic Shrimp Plates, Beachboy Nachos and Lilikoʻi (Passionfruit) Cheesecake. They also have a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Lulu’s has “Sunset Specials” instead of a traditional “Happy Hour.” Enjoy $2 off margaritas on Tuesdays, wines on Wednesdays, beers on Thursdays and cocktails on Fridays. Oʻahu’s service industry workers get a 50% discount on Mondays.
INSIDE TIP: Lulu’s Waikiki offers Après Surf Specials Monday through Friday from 2-4pm, featuring $2 off house wines, local draft beers and specialty cocktails, along with discounted bites priced between $5-18.
In summary, from classic throwbacks to Hawaiʻi-inspired vibes, these fun theme restaurants bring a playful twist to dining in Waikīkī.
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Visitor FAQs
You can reserve a table at Duke’s Waikiki online via OpenTable or by calling (808) 922-2268. For groups over 7, contact the restaurant directly. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are welcome and may involve a wait.
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The Elvis Statue in Hawaiʻi is located at the Neal Blaisdell Center at 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu on the island Oʻahu. Find it next to the parking lot, in front of the round building near the ticket box office off of Ward Avenue. The statue celebrates Elvis and his 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert that was broadcast live from this site. It was the world’s first satellite television concert, seen globally in over 40 countries.
