Eating On Oahu

Many people don't realize that Oahu has a large selection of world class food. I've compiled a short list of some of my favorite places to eat. Of course this list is debatable. I have done my best to omit eateries with locations in the mainland United States. As long as you're visiting Hawaii, you should try something you can't get back home.

Tip 1 - Do not overly rely on Yelp in Hawaii as the large number of reviews from tourists are often unreliable. The same way I might not rely on an American's review of Brazilian food in Brazil, I might not trust someone from Texas to judge local Hawaii food.

Tip 2 - The demographics of Oahu tends to be mostly Asian, with a large White and Pacific Islander population as well. That being said, it's safe to assume the Asian, White, and Pacific Islander food on the island is great. Point being, one might not find the best Mexican or Indian food on the island. Who goes to China to eat Italian food? On the same note, stick to what Hawaii does best.

Tip 3 - "Hawaiian food" refers to the food consumed by the native Hawaiians (Hawaiian ancestory), Hawaiian food may include poi, lau lau, lomi salmon, and poke. Hawaii food refers to food popular among locals in Hawaii. Hawaii food may include loco moco, ramen, plate lunch, saimin and others.

The List:

Waikiki (within the Waikiki Beach Area)

Roys Waikiki  $$$  Fine dining. Serving Pacific Rim Fusion. Owned by the famous local chef, Roy Yamaguchi. I would assume swimwear and slippers would be frowned upon here, even though it is in Waikiki.

Marukame Udon - $  Casual dining, counter service. Perhaps the hottest new eatery in Waikiki (as if August 2012). Very well priced and valued. Make noodles on site. Be prepared to stand in line, though the lines move quickly. CASH ONLY

Dukes - $$ Casual dining on the beach. Table service. A must do in Waikiki. Food is average bar food but you are paying for the real estate and ambiance. Poke is good. Located in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel on the beach. Often has live music.

The Beach Bar - $$ Very similar to Dukes (listed above). Located at the Moana Surfrider Hotel just next door to Dukes in fact. Especially great if Dukes was too packed.

Doraku Sushi - $$ ($ at Happy Hour) Located in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Table service, semi casual. Great Japanese food. Happy hour daily from 5pm - 7pm, I recommend trying the happy hour.

Gyu-kaku - $$ semi casual. Japanese yakiniku, similar to Korean bbq. Grill meats at your own table. Great restaurant. Tip: You will smell like bbq upon leaving.

Nobu Waikiki - $$$$ - Fine dining. Famous restaurant by the award winning Chef Nobu Matuhisa.

Sansei - $$ ($ at Happy Hour) - Casual seafood and sushi restaurant. Famously known for their 50% off Happy Hour at specified times. I recommend checking their Happy Hour times prior to going as they may change. Tip: If trying to catch the happy hour, go at least 30-60 minutes early.

Hula Dog - $ - Casual hot dog stand, formerly known as Puka Dog, as featured on the Travel Channel. Great hot dogs. Located on Kuhio Ave inside the Food Pantry. This location has closed, the only Oahu location is now in Haleiwa, on the North Shore.

Waikiki Yokocho Gourmet Alley - $$ - A casual Japanese Food Court with more choices than you can eat. Located inside the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.

RumFire - $$ ($ at Happy Hour) - Casual, ocean front property with outdoor seating. Very hip and modern compared to Dukes and the like. Great happy hour daily between 4pm-6pm, excluding holidays.

Me's BBQ - $ - Casual, Korean fast food style. Nothing fancy here, hole in the wall with good fast food.


Musubi Cafe Isayume - $ - Casual. Specializes in musubis and small bentos. Tiny, owner operated spot with an assortment of different musubis. Ideally for those who enjoy or at least are willing to try Spam.

Waikiki (just outside Waikiki, may want to taxi or drive)

Zippys - $-$$ Casual, diner style. Zippys is like the Dennys of Hawaii. A must experience while on vacation. Popular items are Korean Chicken, Chili and Chicken, Zip Pac, Sai Min, and Haupia Cake. There are several located around the island, with one conveniently in the Ala Moana Shopping Mall. I personally do not recommend the one on Kapahulu Ave, all the rest are great.

Genki Sushi - $-$$ Casual, table service. Chain restaurant sushi, almost like fast food sushi. A local favorite as the quality is comparable to most Mainland full service sushi and is a la carte, with the rotating sushi conveyor. Several locations on the island, the most convenient of those being located on Kapahulu Ave or 2nd Floor of the Ala Moana Mall.

Chart House - $ Casual, table service. (only recommending Happy Hour) Happy hour daily from open to 7pm, then again from 10pm to closing. Happy hour only available on the bar/lounge side. Recommend the following: Kimchee Fried Rice, Garlic Chicken, Firecracker Unroll

Ala Moana Shopping Mall

Goma Tei Ramen House - $  casual Japanese Ramen house. 

Yummys Korean BBQ - $  casual, fast food style Korean BBQ.

Curry House Coco Ichibanya - $ casual, table service. Japanese style Curry over rice, served with protein, ie chicken katsu, croquet, tako (octopus), etc. As crazy as it sounds, I recommend the Chicken Katsu with Cheese curry plate.

Pineapple Room - $$ semi-casual, Local, Fusion. Owned by the famous chef Alan Wong. Located inside Nordstroms. One of the best Loco Mocos I've had.

Shirokiya Food Court - $-$$ casual. Food court style. Great Japanese food with a huge selection.

Kapahulu Ave. (just outside Waikiki)

Uncle Bo's - $$ semi casual, table service, local dishes

Side Street Inn - $$ casual, table service, local dishes. Satellite location of the original, bringing it closer to Waikiki. As featured on Anthony Bourdain's show.

Rainbow Drive Inn - $ casual, fast food.  Famous plate lunch restaurant. Frequented by Obama. 

Leonards Bakery - $  servings Malasadas (Portuguese donuts) A must try! Very famous local bakery.

Outside Waikiki

Yamas Fish Market - $ casual, only 2 plastic table located outside. Local favorite, serving real local and Hawaiian food ie. Poke, Lau Lau

Kenekes - $ casual, a local favorite, plate lunches. Located in Waimanalo.

Nico's Pier 38 - $-$$ - Casual, best described as a high end plate lunch. A definite must try.

Liliha Bakery - $-$$ - Casual. There is a great diner serving local food as well as an exceptional bakery. Most famous for their Coco Puff pastry. Two locations though the Nimitz Hwy location would be more tourist and parking friendly. 

Mitch's Fish Market - $$$$ - Widely considered the best sushi on the island. Prices are a bit steep and reservations are a must. In fact, reserve before coming out to Hawaii.

Alley Restaurant - $$ - Located inside Aiea Bowl. Not your typical bowling alley fare. Everything is great but they are best known for their Oxtail Soup.

 

Northshore

Giovannis Shrimp Truck $-$$ casual, a famous lunch truck in the town of Kahuku. Best known for the Garlic Scampi. Do not leave the island until you've tried it!

Matsumotos Shave Ice - $ casual, serving Shave (not shaved) Ice, which is like a Hawaiian snow cone, but better. I recommend the shave ice with beans and ice cream.

Kailua

Kalapawai - $ casual, counter service. Serving sandwiches, salads and more. As seen on TV with Rachel Ray.

Boots n Kimos - $-$$ casual, table service. Very popular and famous breakfast spot. Most famous for their pancake syrup. Call ahead as there is often a line. Best to go just outside of breakfast time or closer to lunch to avoid a wait.