Akasaka

Akasaka, a cozy sushi bar, is a testament to Hawaii’s rich Japanese heritage. Tucked away in an unassuming location, this spot surprises with its exceptional sushi, sashimi, and grilled specialties like butterfish. For an authentic taste of Japan in the heart of Hawaii, Akasaka delivers an experience that’s well worth seeking out.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/akasaka_hawaii

• Address:

  1646 Kona Street B, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 942 4466

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 11am–2pm / 5pm–11pm; Sun 5pm–10pm

Arancino on Beachwalk

Arancino is an upscale Italian restaurant serving different typical dishes accompanied with great wines. As cheese, meat, and pasta get imported all the way from Italy, all the dishes get that specific taste, and they are as authentic as Italian food far away from its source can possibly be.

• Web:

  arancino-beachwalk.arancino.com

• Address:

  255 Beach Walk, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 923 5557

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4:30pm–9:30pm

• More info:

  Other Arancino restaurants can be found at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and at The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Buzz's Steakhouse

Tiki style steakhouse featuring a surf 'n' turf menu and a variety of cocktails. Buzz's just happens to be former U.S. President Barack Obama's favorite eatery whenever he is in Hawaii, so come see for yourself what the "buzz" is all about.

• Web:

  www.buzzsoriginalsteakhouse.com

• Address:

  413 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 261 4661

Chef Chai

Chef Chai is claimed as one of Hawaii’s top Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs, and his menu fuses fresh Hawaii ingredients with flavors from Asia to celebrate Oahu's cultural diversity. Chai’s restaurants have been praised and recommended by Bon Appetite, Brides, Sunset, Cooking Light, Travel & Leisure, Gourmet Magazine, and many more, so do try and discover its flavors for yourself.

• Web:

  www.chefchai.com

• E-mail:

  chefchai@outlook.com

• Address:

  1009 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 585 0011

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sun 4pm–9pm, Mon & Tue closed

Cholo's Homestyle Mexican

Hawaii's multicultural heritage does not only include Asian and Polynesian influences, and this Mexican restaurant gives visitors that other side of the Hawaiian melting pot, offering all the fixings you would expect: tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and much more. Also, the fish tacos are made with the freshest catch, and the margaritas with the juiciest mangoes.

• Web:

  www.cholos.mx

• E-mail:

  cholos@hawaii.rr.com

• Address:

  North Shore Marketplace, 66-250 Kamehameha Highway, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 637 3059

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 10:30am–8:30pm, Fri & Sat 10:30am–9pm

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Helena's is a renowned Honolulu diner serving home-cooked specialties such as smoked short ribs pipikaula-style and squid luau. After being a local favorite for over 60 years, the restaurant and its chef Helen Kwock Chock received the James Beard Award in 2000. Her grandson, Craig Katsuyoshi now runs the restaurant.

• Web:

  www.helenashawaiianfood.com

• Address:

  1240 North School Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 845 8044

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 10am–7:30pm, Sat–Mon closed

• More info:

  Cash only

Chief's Luau Admission

You can't leave Hawaii without enjoying an authentic luau. And this one on Oahu promises to give you and your family an experience to be remembered for years to come. Immerse yourself in island culture as you watch a Polynesian show, learn headband weaving, or take a hula dance lesson. Then, indulge in a Hawaiian feast, including pineapple-glazed chicken and kalua pork.

• Web:

  www.chiefsluauhawaii.com

• Address:

  Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii, 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808-664-0448

Duke's Waikiki

This lively beachfront bar serves in the memory of Duke Kahanamoku who was the legendary Waikiki surfer, winning Olympic medals in swimming and introducing surfing to Australia and New Zealand. Head here for some drinks and to learn more about this legend.

• Web:

  www.dukeswaikiki.com

• Address:

  Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, 2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 922 2268

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–midnight

Genius Lounge Sake Bar & Restaurant

The intimate and candle-lit ambiance at Genius Lounge is sophisticated but laid-back and, as it is very inviting, regularly attracts locals and tourists alike. Their menu offers a wide selection of cocktails and sake, as well as Japanese-inspired dishes and Hawaiian fare.

• Web:

  www.geniusloungehawaii.com

• Address:

  346 Lewers Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 626 5362

Hanks Cafe Honolulu

Hanks Cafe is a beloved local dive bar where live contemporary Hawaiian music sets the vibe, and friendly service keeps the drinks flowing. Owner Hank Taufaasau originally opened the space as an art gallery to showcase his paintings and prints, but he added the bar to cover the bills — as he puts it, "Artists starve!" At Hanks Cafe, though, no one leaves hungry for good music, great drinks, or a welcoming atmosphere.

• Address:

  1038 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 888 3988

Hulas Bar & Lei Stand

Hula's is Hawaii's oldest and best-known gay-friendly nightspot. Enjoy the view of Diamond Head and Waikiki beach during the day and head over to the dance floor during the night for some drag shows, male dancers and songs from past patrons including Elton John, Adam Lambert and Dolly Parton.

• Web:

  www.hulas.com

• Address:

  Waikīkī Grand Hotel, 134 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 923 0669

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–2am

Mai Tai's Ala Moana

If you're looking for a place to start into the night (and maybe stay), stop by this award-winning rooftop bar. When night falls, you get to enjoy island-style live music while sipping cocktails like Cucumber Melon Crush, Mango Mai Tai, and Mandarin Sweet Tea Cooler.

• Web:

  www.maitaishawaii.com

• Address:

  Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 3247, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 941 4400

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–1am

Barefoot Beach Cafe

Barefoot Beach is a reliable choice for a budget-friendly breakfast, but it’s equally worth visiting for lunch or dinner. Set right on the sand, this spot offers more than just a satisfying menu — it’s an experience. As the sun sets, the glow of tiki torches creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind by the water.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/BarefootBeachCafe

• E-mail:

  info@barefootbeachcafe.com

• Address:

  2699 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 924 2233

Cinnamon's

Specialized in breakfast and brunch foods, the dishes here strive to be fresh and free from chemicals, preservatives and additives, providing wholesome and balanced meals. Although its name implicates sweet treats, you will also find savory dishes on their menu.

• Web:

  www.cinnamons808.com

• Address:

  315 Uluniu Street, Kailua, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 261 8724

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–2pm

Heavenly Island Lifestyle

Farm-to-table cafe serving Hawaiian dishes made with local and organic produce in a colorful island setting. Very popular breakfast and brunch spot.

• Web:

  www.heavenly-waikiki.com

• Address:

  Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, 342 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 923 1100

Hiking Hawaii Cafe

Located underneath the Doubletree Alana Hotel, Hiking Hawaii Cafe is kind of a hidden gem of Waikiki. Serving fresh and healthy fare at a laid back and friendly atmosphere, this is a great place to start your day before hitting the great outdoors. On their menu, you'll also find non-dairy drinks as well as vegan snacks.

• Web:

  www.hikinghicafe.com

• Address:

  DoubleTree by Hilton Alana, 1956 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 445 1717

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–2pm

Honolulu Coffee at Moana Surfrider

Located at the Moana Surfrider Resort & Spa in Waikiki Beach, the Surfrider Cafe is a trendy breakfast and lunch spot. They serve healthy dishes at its beachfront location, and you will find a variety of specialty coffees, island fruit bowls, salads, freshly prepared lunch dishes and sandwiches on the menu.

• Web:

  www.honolulucoffee.com

• Address:

  2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 926 6162

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5:30am–8pm

Island Vintage Coffee

Island Vintage Coffee Company carries 100% gourmet Kona coffee, so they only feature the finest coffee beans chosen from volcanic soils of Hawaii. While having a coffee is almost mandatory, trying their tasty poke and açai bowls as well as their sandwiches will also enrich your stay (and day).

• Web:

  www.islandvintagecoffee.com

• Address:

  Royal Hawaiian Center, 2301 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI

• Phone:

  +1 808 926 5662

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–11pm