I recently took a little trip to Oahu, Hawaii with John (specifically to Waikiki). We have been going there often since we got together and missed going last year due to the pandemic. (EDIT: This post has been edited and refreshed May 2025).

It was amazing to be back! We really didn’t do much except for eat, drink and enjoy the beach. After the crazy intense year that just passed it was so nice to just decompress and not worry about a thing. One thing I will say about Waikiki is that if you aren’t taking advantage of all the food there you are missing out!!! Of all the places the Hawaiian islands has to offer, Waikiki is my favorite for eating and drinking. So much amazing Japanese food but also just great variety. If you want to know where to eat, drink and visit while in Waikiki then keep on reading.

 

Coffee:

Kona: This place has the best pastries (no really …. so fresh, so yummy) and the best coffee in my opinion. Go as early as you can (right at open, ideally), because there is always a line in the morning. #worthit. The lines have gotten even crazier over the years, but try and stop at least once!

Island Vintage: This place comes in close second to Kona. They have great coffee and açaí bowls! The Matcha is also great, but a little bitter IMO.

Nanas Green Tea: My favorite place for morning matcha in Waikiki. IT opens a little later than the other spots, but their matcha is worth it.

 Drinks

Skull and Crown is a super trendy hipster tiki bar. It’s not walking distance to the Waikiki hotels so it’s not as convenient, but definitely a great place is you want to switch it up and have a really great craft drink. You guys know I’m a fan of those! Check their instagram here

Hideout – This cute rooftop space inside the Laylow hoteldoes food and drinks. It’s a nice call environment with live music.

 

Smoothies, healthy bowls and fruity snacks:

Sunrise Shack is inside the Outrigger Hotel and is my favorite spot for a smoothie. I’m personally a fan of their  Sunrise smoothie. They also have a very Insta-worthy wall that is adorable for a quick snapshot while you wait for your smoothie. Don’t miss this spot. Honestly, the best and cutest little shop.

BANAN Beach Shack . This little spot is a fun stop! I didn’t try their smoothies (although I bet they are delish), but I did try their pineapple bowl creation that is dairy free banana yogurt with a bunch of fruit on top filled inside half a pineapple– it’ called the “Pineapple Yacht”.  I love stopping here for a midday treat.

Musubi

Iyasume Musubi is the best place to get Spam Musubi.  If you aren’t familiar, Spam Musubi is basically a slice of grilled Spam sandwiched either in between or on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with seaweed. This spot has your typical spam musubi, chicken katsu musubi, musubi with egg and avocado  (which I loved for a light breakfast snack).

Katsu

Tamafuji + Ginza Barin . Both of these spots are amazing for the best Katsu in Waikiki. One is walking distance from hotel, the other is a bit more of a trek. This food is heavy (IMO), so I recommend doing an earlier dinner so you can walk it off around town after the dinner. I promise, it is DELICIOUS and you shouldn’t miss it.

Oceanside dinner

Dukes is a classic spot. They have all the typical stuff like poke, macadamia nut fish, Mai tais, Hula Pie and they also have relaxing live music. It can get pretty crowded so keep that in mind.

Sushi dinner 

ZIGU: Sit down, sushi spot. The fish is fresh and the service is excellent. Love getting all dolled up and heading here for dinner with my husband.

Udon

Marakame always has a line out the door.  You can’t make reservations, so you have to wait in line. It’s worth the hype, but I don’t know if it’s worth the wait. Then again, I just don’t like waiting in lines.  I’m adding this to the list because it’s a classic. They make fresh noodles, and they are delicious. John and I got lucky and walked by one day when there was no line and ventured in.  Who knows? Maybe you will have the same luck and if you do, definitely walk in and try it out!

Healthy meals

Heavenly.  If you are craving an Avocado Toast, a Vegan meal, or just want to eat clean, then try this spot out. I like going for breakfast, but they serve lunch as well. It’s all locally sourced and super fresh. Check their Instagram here. 

 Poke:

Maguro Brothers: This place has the freshest poke and Sashimi plates. You can eat it there or take it to go.  I love going here right before sunset and heading to eat it at the beach. If you plan on catching the sunset after you pick up your food, then give yourself some time beforehand because it can get crowded.  Website here

 

Convenience store

Dukes Lane. There are days when making a reservation and going out to dinner is just too much. Whenever we were feeling lazy we would just go to Dukes Lane food court / market to pick up a few things and call it a night. They have surprisingly good fresh salads (I loved the Caesar), yogurts, sushi, snacks, drinks (dalgona coffee anyone?) and more.

Skating

Ala Wai Blvd + Ala Moana Beach Park. You didn’t think I would leave this out did you?? Of course I took my skates with me! I found skating from the hotel (Shoreline) all the way to Ala Moana beach park starting at Ala Wai Blvd and back was a good cardio sesh and Ala Moana park is GORGEOUS. If you want just a quick one though, you could head to Ala Wai Blvd which is a great easy path on its own. For beginners, just know that the Ala Wai Blvd path has a canal on one side so less experienced skaters may be scared to roll into the water. Just a little disclaimer. Also, the earlier the better because it gets hot (duh).

 

NEARBY THINGS TO SEE

If you plan on staying close to Waikiki, but want to venture out a little, there are a few nearby waterfalls and things you can check out.

Lulumahu Falls Trail is a beginner-friendly 1.6-mile  trail that takes you to a waterfall. My husband and I went first thing in the morning and had the waterfall all to ourselves for a bit! It was so beautiful and serene. It’s only about 25 minutes outside of Waikiki, which makes it perfect for a morning hike before grabbing lunch back in Waikiki. Find more info here. You do have to get a permit for this one via the Hawaii state gov site, but we got it only minutes before calling an Uber!

Manoa Falls : This 1.8 mi trail also takes you to a waterfall. It’s pretty popular, so you will most likely not be alone on this one. It’s very easy and beautiful, but IMO has too many people. It can get very peaceful if you take the trail less travelled through the bamboo forest that leads you deeper into the forest. Find more info here. 

The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden : This place is absolutely gorgeous! It’s the most beautiful garden with so many tropical plants and lush green mountains. The entrance alone is worth the drive, just for a photo op here. Admission is free, so you can drive right in, park and explore on your own.

 

Where to stay:

Here are some places I have stayed :

Sheraton (higher price): This hotel is the most luxurious! It’s perfectly situated in the best location in the middle of all the action, so you can walk to all the best spots. It has beach access, a small pool (but with the best view…it’s gorgeous), and the rooms are very cozy and clean. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about this place except that it’s pricey.

Shoreline (mid range): Shoreline is clean and gets the job done. I love the colorful, trendy look of it. It is not as luxurious as the Sheraton at all, but the rooms are slightly larger. It’s not beachside, but it’s only a few blocks away and has a great location. I love that my favorite breakfast spot and Masubi joint are right next to it.

Ilima (Great price for space): I think this is my favorite only because of the size. I love to have space when I travel! This hotel is definitely older and a little out of date, but it’s clean and the rooms are very large. Our room had a small kitchen with a sink and stove, a large fridge and plenty of space. I honestly think this is the best bang for your buck. It’s not right on the beach, but its only a short walk away!