Waikīkī boasts some of the best Japanese restaurants outside Japan, and we’ve hand-picked the top spots for ramen, sushi, teppanyaki and more!

Ramen at Momosan Waikiki restaurant at ʻAlohilani Resort one of the best Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi.
Momosan Waikiki, one of the best Japanese eats in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi.

As locals who frequent Honolulu’s Japanese restaurants, we can say the authenticity rivals Japan, thanks to Hawaiʻi’s large Japanese population and the state’s love for the cuisine.

Everyone should embrace Waikīkī’s diverse Japanese culinary offerings and savor them fully. This seaside neighborhood stands ready to satisfy your every Japanese food craving!

In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best Japanese restaurants in Waikīkī.

Table of Contents

1. Momosan Waikiki

Exceptional ramen and delicious Japanese bites crafted by Chef Morimoto.

📍 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 2-5pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

Left: Momosan Waikiki Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī outdoor dining. Right: Japanese feast including gyozas and boa with beer.
Momosan + gyoza, sticky ribs, popcorn shrimp and bao bun.

2. Wasabi Bistro

A hidden gem for Japanese cuisine, loved by those in the know.

📍 250 Beach Walk, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Left: Wasabi Bistro a Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī. Right: Hamachi Wasabi Carpaccio
Wasabi Bistro + Hamachi Wasabi Carpaccio.

3. Waikiki Shokudo

A go-to izakaya in Waikīkī with flavorful dishes and late-night hours.

📍 355 Royal Hawaiian Ave #201, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 9:30pm-1am
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Resy or walk-in

Left: Waikiki Shokudo Japanese restaurant. Right: Plates of sushi and fried salmon.
Waikiki Shokudo + the most delicious Japanese spread.

4. Doraku Sushi

Home to Waikīkī’s widest sushi selection, spanning traditional and modern rolls.

📍 2233 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-6pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Eat App or walk-in

Left: Doraku Sushi Waikiki Japanese restaurant. Right: Plate of thinly-sliced hamachi carpaccio dish on wooden table.
Doraku Sushi in Royal Hawaiian Center + Hamachi Carpaccio.

5. Tanaka of Tokyo

A Waikīkī staple for decades, known for its teppanyaki cuisine and lively show.

📍 West, Central and East, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Left: The elegant and intimate dining setup at Tanaka of Tokyo in Waikīkī, showcasing a traditional teppanyaki table. Right: Guests enjoy personalized chef performances as they prepare mouthwatering seafood and steak dishes right before your eyes.
Tanaka of Tokyo East + the chef preparing our feast.
A chef at Tanaka of Tokyo in Waikīkī cooks teppanyaki, with flames lighting the grill. Fresh vegetables, noodles, and seafood sizzle on the hot iron surface, creating an immersive dining experience.
Tanaka of Tokyo's sizzling teppanyaki cooking show.

6. Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin

Japan-born, delivering crispy tonkatsu and Western-inspired yoshoku to Waikīkī.

📍 255 Beach Walk, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 5-6pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Left: Beer at the bar at Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī. Right: Katsu, rice and miso soup with Sake selection.
A cold beer at Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin + tonkatsu meal.

7. ZIGU

Japanese dishes with Hawaiʻi-sourced ingredients in a courtyard setting.

📍 413 Seaside Ave #1F, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 4-6pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Left: Arial shot of ZIGU Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī and their outdoor dining area. Right: Plate of prawn and vegetable tempura with dipping sauce on a wood table.
ZIGU’s courtyard + tempura.

8. Restaurant Suntory

Serving Waikīkī for over 40 years, offering diverse Japanese dining experiences.

📍 2233 Kalākaua Ave #B307, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Resy or walk-in

Left: Restaurant Suntory dining area. Right: Poke dish with avocado, seaweed, onions and fresh salmon.
Restaurant Suntory + poke.

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Waikīkī’s top choice for casual, all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ.

📍 307 Lewers St, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon All-Day & Tue-Sun from 11:30am-6:30pm & 9:30-10:30pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in

Left: Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ exterior. Right: Japanese BBQ grill with meats and vegetables and Japanese beer.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ + AYCE (All You Can Eat).

10. Yoshitsune Restaurant

A long-standing favorite for traditional Japanese cuisine in Waikīkī.

📍 2586 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only

Left: Yoshitsune Restaurant a Japanese restaurant in Waikīkī. Left: Japanese dishes including, tempura, sashimi and fried fish dish.
Yoshitsune Restaurant + traditional Japanese dining.

11. Sushi Sho

An exclusive omakase with 20+ artfully crafted courses for just ten diners.

📍 383 Kalaimoku St, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Tue-Sun for Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Tock or walk-in

Left: Chefs preparing food in the restaurant area at Sushi Sho. Right: tuna dish on green plate
Sushi Sho in the Ritz Carlton + an omakase dish.

In summary, Waikīkī is a haven for Japanese food lovers, offering an incredible variety of authentic restaurants that rival even those found in Japan.

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Visitor FAQs

Does Waikīkī have a Japanese grocery store?

Yes, Waikīkī has a specialty Japanese grocery store Mitsuwa Marketplace, located inside the International Market Place. It offers sashimi and sushi, affordable bento boxes, ready-to-eat meals and a variety of snacks, desserts and drinks imported from Japan. You’ll also find wagyu beef and other meats, fresh produce and local Hawaiʻi products.

Are there any Japanese food halls in Waikīkī?

Head to The Japan Food Hall, located at the back of Mitsuwa Marketplace in the International Market Place. This cozy spot features vendors like Taiga Ramen (ramen), Uni Kura (Hokkaido sea urchin), Fujimaru (onigiri) and Go! Go! Curry (katsu curry), serving up authentic Japanese flavors. Another great option is STIX Asia, an Asian food court on the basement level of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. It offers a variety of Japanese cuisine including Ramen BARIO Waikiki (ramen), Shingen (Japanese soba noodles), Sushi Matsuri (sushi), Tempura Kiki (tempura) and Udon Yama (udon). Both locations bring the vibrant spirit of Japanese street food culture to the heart of Waikīkī.

Where can you find the best bowl of ramen in Honolulu?

Our favorite ramen spot in Honolulu is Goma Tei Ramen, known for its incredible Tan Tan Ramen with a rich, spicy sesame broth. Their house-made noodles, crafted with a custom machine designed by Japanese engineers and flour imported from Kagawa Prefecture, have an irresistibly smooth texture. You can enjoy their delicious bowls at Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall and Pearlridge Center.

Ashlee & Keliʻi

We’re residents, business owners and superhosts inside Waikīkī’s 96815 zip code. When it comes to enjoying the best of Waikīkī, Honolulu and Oʻahu, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff you won’t want to miss! Follow travel advice from locals on our Waikīkī Beach Stays website and social media.

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