With Oʻahu’s abundant sunshine, refreshing trade winds and tropical vistas, it’s no wonder outdoor dining is so popular in Waikīkī.
As regular diners in Waikīkī over the last decade, we know there’s no better place to savor a meal than outside. Whether daylight or moonlight, al fresco dining in Waikīkī is a total vibe!
In Waikīkī, you can enjoy a meal beside the ocean, on the sand’s edge, beneath a banyan tree, in a tropical garden setting or within eyeshot of a volcanic tuff cone, Lēʻahi (Diamond Head).
In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best outdoor dining in Waikīkī.
Table of Contents
1. Hau Tree
Perfect for a blissful beachfront brunch, sunset sips, or seaside supper.
📍 2863 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Hau Tree, previously voted “Best Outdoor Dining in Hawaiʻi” by Honolulu magazine readers, is a stunning restaurant nestled under the shade of native hau trees in the beachfront courtyard of Kaimana Beach Hotel. A brunch hotspot, it offers a standout menu featuring eggs Benedict, hard-to-find shakshuka and refreshing mimosas.
INSIDE TIP: The Hau Tree Bloody Mary comes with a one-of-a-kind SPAM garnish.
2. House Without A Key
Famous for sunset dining with live Hawaiian music and hula by the sea.
📍 2199 Kālia Rd, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 5-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Waikīkī’s House Without A Key has welcomed patrons for almost a century! This iconic poolside eatery at the Halekulani hotel has views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head and a 135-year-old kiawe tree. Its free daily hula show from 5pm makes this venue one of the best places in Waikīkī for sunset drinks and pūpū (appetizers).
INSIDE TIP: House Without A Key’s daily hula show is a popular, if you don’t have a reservation please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
3. Barefoot Beach Cafe
Casual open-air dining with picnic tables, island flavors and ocean views.
📍 2699 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 5:30-8:30pm & Sun from 10am-1pm
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
For casual seaside dining in Waikīkī, head to Barefoot Beach Cafe. Located by the picnic tables at Queen’s Surf Beach on the Diamond Head end of town, this spot offers a menu of American and Hawaiʻi dishes, including vegan options. While alcohol isn’t served, the Whole North Shore Pineapple Smoothie is a must-try.
INSIDE TIP: Barefoot Beach Cafe features live music every night from 5:30-8:30pm and Sundays from 10am-1pm.
4. The Beach Bar
Sip tropical drinks under a historic banyan tree, just steps from the sand.
📍 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily from 7-10pm
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Dine front and center along Waikīkī Beach at The Beach Bar. This fresh-air venue sits under a giant 100-year-old banyan tree fronting the ocean at Waikīkī’s first hotel, the Moana Surfrider. It beckons a good time with live entertainment and a tasty menu including poke, burgers, Pineapple Dole Whip (11am-5pm) and classic cocktails.
INSIDE TIP: The Beach Bar is a cashless restaurant; they only accept credit card or room charges.
5. Momosan Waikiki
Savor ramen and sake in a lush garden setting, just across from the beach.
📍 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily from 2-5pm
🎵 Live Music: None
🎟️ Reservations: Walk-in only
Momosan is Waikīkī’s only ramen and sake restaurant in a tropical garden setting. Find it on the outskirts of ʻAlohilani Resort across the road from Waikīkī Beach. Noodles are the main event, sample the signature Tonkotsu Ramen. Pair your meal with yummy Japanese bites like pork gyoza (the best on Oʻahu), sushi rolls and sticky ribs.
INSIDE TIP: Draft beer is only $4 (with a purchase of food) during Happy Hour at Momosan Waikiki from 11am-4pm daily. Try the Kirin Ichiban frozen beer!
In summary, explore Waikīkī’s top family-friendly outdoor dining spots, where great food meets a laid-back, open-air atmosphere for all ages.
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eBike Rainforest Tour
- Go off the beaten track on Oʻahu
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Travel by electric bike with little effort required
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Visitor FAQs
Waikīkī is not usually cold. Waikīkī is in Honolulu on the sunny south shore of Oʻahu and offers pleasant weather year-round. In 2023, temperatures in Honolulu during summer (May-Oct) averaged 80.9°F (27.2°C) and during winter (Nov-Apr) averaged 76.4°F (24.7°C). Note, temperatures typically drop around 10°F (-12°C) at night compared to daytime. August was the hottest month in Honolulu and December was the coldest.
It rains sparingly in Waikīkī. Waikīkī is in Honolulu on the sunny south shore of Oʻahu and receives less rain than the islandʻs mountains and valleys. In 2023, rainfall in Honolulu during summer (May-Oct) averaged 0.34in (0.86cm) and during winter (Nov-Apr) averaged 1.91in (4.85cm). September was the driest month in Honolulu and February was the wettest month. When it rains in Waikīkī, the temperature usually remains warm.
DECK. Waikiki has the best view of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). This rooftop restaurant has an uninterrupted line of sight to the entire side of the volcanic tuff cone from the 3rd Floor of the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel.
