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O'ahu Food Guide - Focus on Waikīkī & Ala Moana
Since our wedding events this past summer were located at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī, most of our guests booked their stay at one of the many hotels in the area. While many call Waikīkī the “Times Square” or “Hollywood” of Hawai’i (it’s technically true), the area also attracts many locals with some of the best food and shopping on the island. Beaches are… okay (lol just being honest), but we definitely recommend taking advantage of the food and shopping scene when you’ve has enough fun in the sun!
This blog focuses on our favorite food spots conveniently located around Waikiki and Ala Moana!
FOOD.
We’ve broken down a list of our favorite places to eat around the island in a previous post, but this list focuses just on Waikiki and Ala Moana and includes a few extra spots you might be interested in trying!
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH / COFFEE SPOTS
HERRINGBONE WAIKIKI - $$ INSTA-WORTHY!
Great brunch, lunch or dinner spot located in the top floor of the International Marketplace. We go here mainly for brunch to enjoy the light ambience and delicious food!
photo credit: trip advisor 
photo credit: herringbone waikiki
CREAM POT - $$ WORTH THE WAIT!
Another favorite breakfast spot, Cream Pot is a tiny little breakfast nook in Waikiki with french toast to die for! It’s a small space with limited seating… but worth the wait if there is one!
photo credit: open table
THE SURFJACK COFFEE SHOP WAIKIKI - $ INSTA-WORTHY!
Not so much a food spot, but this is a cute place to hit up for a nice cup of coffee served in fun coffee cups designed by local artists!
HAWAIIAN AROMA CAFE - $$ HEALTHY OPTIONS!
One of the newest spots in town and quickly becoming one of the most popular. Stop here for a variety of breakfast choices, fresh acai bowls, waffles, and coffee with latte art!
photo credit: yelp
photo credit: yelp
AFTERNOON TEA AT HALEKULANI - $$ A FUN DATE WITH GIRLFRIENDS
Beach views and high tea? Hello, Halekulani! If you want to escape to a different kind of food activity in Waikiki thats relaxing and light, check out Afternoon Tea at the Halekulani Hotel. Enjoy light bites and an assortment of delicious, locally-made tea while enjoying beautiful views of Diamond Head.
LUNCH / DINNER SPOTS
THE STREET FOOD HALL BY MICHAEL MINA - $$ GREAT FOR GROUPS
If you’re dining out with a group and you all can’t decide what to eat, check out The Street Food Hall located at the International Marketplace in Waikiki! From Ramen, to pizza, burgers and cocktails, everyone in your party is bound to find something here! Seating can be tough as it does get crowded during peak hours, but the food vendors to choose from are outstanding!
HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY- $$$ ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Located at the beautiful Halekulani hotel, this is a great spot for couples to enjoy a meal. Dinner is usually accompanied by live performances from singing to hula. RESERVE IN ADVANCE as it does book up quick and def try the lobster tacos 😉!
HAU TREE LANAI - $$$$ BEAUTIFUL SUNSET VIEW
Enjoy an incredible steak or seafood dinner at this beautiful outdoor restaurant located off the Waikiki strip under a beautiful 200+ Hau Tree. Just a little sweet fact, this restaurant holds a special place in our heart, as its where JP asked Shaiyanne’s parents for permission to marry her ❤️.
SHIROKIYA JAPAN VILLAGE WALK AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER - $$ GREAT JAPANESE FOOD
Want endless options and craving Japanese food? Stop by the Shirokya Japan Village for everything from bento boxes to small bites on the go! Plus enjoy your meal while sitting under the beautiful cherry blossoms :)!
photo credit: john klopp via google images
RAINBOW DRIVE IN - $ LOCAL STYLE PLATE LUNCHES!
As informal as dining gets in Hawai’i!! This was (and still is) Shaiyanne’s go-to spot growing up after a day at the beach. Enjoy various local-style plate lunches and menu items all reasonably priced!
ZIPPYS - $ THEE BEST PLATE LUNCHES!
Cheap eats. Legit Food. Open 24-hours. Can’t get any better than Zippy’s for those of you who want to skip all things fine dining & fancy and just enjoy a good, hearty meal. It’s also always our first and last stop on Oahu!
COCKTAILS & HAPPY HOURS & NIGHTLIFE
HIDEOUT WAIKIKI
RUMFIRE AT THE SHERATON WAIKIKI
DECK. WAIKIKI
HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY
DESSERTS & SWEET SPOTS
LEONARDS BAKERY ON KAPAHULU - $ DO NOT MISS OUT ON THESE!!
If there is ONE sweets spot to try, even if you aren’t a huge dessert fan, its Leonards. This place is an iconic malasada shop located on Kapahulu Avenue (not too far from Waikiki) known for their delicious local-style donuts served in a pink box! Enjoy them fresh! We wouldn’t be surprised if you made multiple trips to this place ;)!
WAIOLA’S SHAVE ICE - $ BEST SHAVE ICE ON THE ISLAND
TIP: For those of you looking for some really good shave ice, trust us when we say there are no good options inWaikiki or Ala Moana. Your best option is Waiola Shave Ice off Kapahulu Avenue. A favorite among locals, this is thee best spot for shave ice in town… and it’s not too far from the main Waikiki strip! Careful… while there are two locations, their shop on Mokihana Street is our fave!
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