Chrissy Aloha! Get your grub on at these flavorful places to eat in Oahu. If you’re a lover of dang good food, you’ll appreciate this guide I have compiled. So make sure to bring a large appetite with this list of Oahu’s best eats!
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Check out these other posts for your trip to Hawaii:
- Things To Do In Oahu
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Where To Eat In Oahu
You’re bound to eat your way around the island with these top places to eat in Oahu. From local joints and a few touristy locations, you will satisfy your belly at these must-eat places in Oahu during your visit.
I have marked all these best food places in Oahu on Google maps so you have them handy on your phone for your trip.
Insider Tip: Call prior to dining at any of these locations. Hours listed online are subject to change and most certainly did during my visit.
Goofy’s Cafe & Dine
- Price: $$
- Hours: Everyday 7 AM-2 PM, closed Tuesdays
- Location: 1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vegetarian-friendly, vegan and Gluten-Free options
Goofy’s is located off on Ala Moana and is one of the best breakfast places in Honolulu. Although this hidden restaurant may look like nothing special, the line outside speaks for itself.
This easy-going eatery is the perfect spot to fill up your belly before the day begins with their Hawaiian-based menu made from local foods.
Goofy’s will have your tastebuds dancing with their robust, fresh, and organic menu.
Ditch the coffee and order a glass of their fresh-squeezed pineapple juice for starters. It’s tangy, sweet, and super refreshing.
Sweet tooth lovers, order the lightest French toast you will ever devour. Be sure to scoop a dollop of that fluffy whip cream with every bite. It’s seriously light as a cloud.
For those who prefer more of a savory breakfast like me, the Kalua Hawaiian Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict is pure heaven. Just a warning though, eggs Benedict will never be the same after indulging in Goofy’s.
Do arrive early if you plan on dining here. If not expect to wait an hour or more before being seated.
Leonard’s Bakery
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday 5:30 AM-7 PM
- Location: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
- Vegetarian options
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Malasada, a Portuguese doughnut fried until golden brown with a light and fluffy center.
Leonard’s has a variety of coating options for your Malasada such as macadamia nut, custard, or even guava. However, I do suggest the original which is plain sugar.
You won’t be able to just walk up to the door. Expect a long line upon arrival.
Gilligan’s Beach Shack
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday 11 AM-4 PM, closed Tuesdays
- Location: Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, Honolulu, HI 96815
If making a day of sunbathing at the famous Waikiki Beach ditch hotel bar food and grab a bite at Gillgan’s Beach Shack shrimp truck near the Hilton lagoon.
This food truck will sure alleviate your grumbling belly from swimming all day and give you enough fuel to continue your day of sand and surf.
Order the garlic fries paired with shrimp smothered in garlic and butter. My mouth is salivating just thinking about those shrimp at the moment.
Bring cash cause their credit card machine is not always working.
Besalt
- Price: $$
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11 AM-7 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8 AM-7 PM
- Location: 2255 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vegetarian-friendly, vegan options
If you are looking for where to eat in Waikiki Beach that’s super tasty, dine at Besalt. Casual restaurant with a menu that consists of local island flair.
Expect a flavorful dining experience with a twist on unique ingredients such as charcoal. Besalt is known for its popular brunch entree Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes. However, if you missed brunch, they do have delicious charcoal dinner rolls that are provided after ordering your entree.
If dining for dinner begin your meal by ordering their flavorful chicken wings. Not sure what they put in that sauce, but it will leave an explosion of flavors on your tastebuds. Also, they have a super creamy Shrimp Risotto that was just as delicious as well.
Tropics Ale House
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday Sunday 7 AM-12 AM, Monday-Saturday 1 PM-12 AM
- Location: 1778 Ala Moana Blvd Suite LL12, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free options
Tropics Ale House is a spectacular spot for a casual bite to eat. Also, they have one great happy hour, which I suggest visiting.
Grab a table outside to enjoy the nice breezy weather in Oahu while sipping on a lilikoi (passion fruit) margarita.
If you decide to dine during the happiest hours, you can munch and drink on items ranging from $4-$8. Don’t expect the typical bar menu at Tropics Ale House.
Select from an array of truffle Parmesan fries, pulled pork sliders, or fried calamari.
Side Street Inn
- Price: $$
- Hours: Monday-Friday 4 PM-9 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11 AM-9 PM
- Location: 614 Kapahulu Ave #100, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vegetarian friendly
If you’re wondering where to eat in Oahu like the locals then take a trip to Side Street Inn. There are two locations on the island, but if you’re staying near Waikiki the Side Street Inn On Da Strip will be the closest.
The menu will satisfy any lover of Asian flair. My favorites were Kim Chee Fried Rice, Garlic Fried Chicken, and Fried Pork Chops.
For a lighter entree, I highly recommend their ahi poké.
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday 10 AM-6:30 PM
- Location: 56-777 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
- Vegetarian options
One of the top places to eat in Oahu and my favorite is hand’s down Fumi’s in Kahuku. Located less than a mile away from a shrimp farm on the North Shore of Oahu. You can expect the most succulent and freshest shrimp here.
Pulling up you may see a long line, but it is totally worth the wait for their Spicy Garlic Shrimp. It’s topped over a bed of white rice and soaked in that garlicky yummy sauce with the right amount of heat.
If you can’t make all the places in this post, make sure you visit Fumi’s! It will be the most appetizing shrimp you have ever eaten.
Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen
- Price: $$
- Hours: Saturday-Sunday 8 AM-2 PM; Monday, Thursday, Friday 8 AM-1 PM, Tuesday & Wednesday closed
- Location:1020 Keolu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734
- Vegetarian options
Boots & Kimos is one of the best places to eat in Kailua for traditional Hawaiian food. However, I suggest you make the trip for their Banana Pancakes topped with Kimo’s macadamia nut sauce. Beware overeating may occur, portions are extremely large.
To avoid waiting a while for a table it’s best to arrive when doors open.
Cinnamon’s
- Price: $
- Hours: Open 7 AM-8 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Location: The Ilikai, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd #150, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vegetarian friendly
There are two locations on the island; however, if you’re staying in Honolulu Cinnamon’s at the ‘IIikai will be the closest.
Cinnamon’s always has a long line, but you’re sure to develop a large enough appetite to consume their large portions.
Guava Chiffon Pancakes is what they are famous for. After a bite, you will understand why. Go with a short stack of these fluffy cakes. I guarantee it’s enough for two!
Matsumoto Shaved Ice
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday 10 AM-6 PM, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Location: 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy #605, Haleiwa, HI 96712
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly
Matsumoto Saved Ice is one of the top places to eat in Haleiwa for the iconic Hawaiian treat shaved ice.
Located in the Haleiwa store lots, this family-owned Hawaiian landmark has been operating since 1951.
A trip to Oahu, Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without trying this popular icy treat from Matsumoto. Believe me, It’s not your typical shaved ice you get back home.
It’s impossible to avoid a long line since many are tour buses circulate through here and it’s known for having the best-shaved ice on the island. Be patient, it’s worth the wait.
Dole Plantation
- Price: $
- Hours: Everyday 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
- Location: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786
- Vegetarian friendly
Dole Plantation is one of the fun places to eat in Oahu. Besides eating you can take a train tour, view the gardens, and shop in the souvenir store.
Ditch the savory menu items and skip straight to dessert with a Dole Whip, which is delicious pineapple soft-serve ice cream.
Be sure to order one with juicy pineapple chunks on top! It’s so good you will end up visiting again for seconds before you leave. I sure did!
The Alley Restaurant In Aiea Bowl
- Price: $
- Hours: Sunday- Thursday 10 AM-9 PM, Friday-Saturday 10 AM-12 AM
- Location: 3 Aiea Shopping Center, 99-115 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701
- Vegetarian friendly
Hit a strike with a good meal at The Alley Restaurant inside Aiea Bowl.
Toss the menu to the side and order the Oxtail Soup and Tasty Chicken to have your tastebuds shocked and amazed!
After be sure to burn off those calories by bowling a few frames.
Foodland Farms
- Price: $-$$
- Hours: Everyday 6 AM-9 PM
- Location: 32 locations around Oahu
- Vegan and Gluten-free options, vegetarian friendly
This popular market has an array of freshly prepared local Hawaiian dishes. Foodland Farms is one of the best local places to eat in Oahu.
However, walking in be prepared to have all your senses overstimulated by the wide selection. But, if you’re on the hunt for some unforgettable poké bowls look no further.
Foodland Farms has a wide variety of poké flavors to choose from such as tuna, salmon, and crab delicately placed on a bed of fluffy white rice and topping of your choice.
If you plan on visiting other beaches besides Waikiki, grab a cooler and fill it up with some of the delicious treats from this local grocery.
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
- Price: $
- Hours: All cafes open at 6 AM, closing depends on the location
- Location: Multiple locations
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly
If searching for something on the light side for breakfast Hawaiian Aroma Caffe has great acai bowls.
The Original Bowl is topped with fresh chunks of strawberries, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and a drizzle of honey. It was super refreshing and held my hunger until noon.
Where To Eat In Oahu Recap
- Goofy’s Cafe And Dine
- Leondard’s Bakery
- Gilligan’s Beach Shack
- Besalt
- Tropics Ale House
- Side Street Inn
- Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp
- Boot’s & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen
- Cinnamon’s
- Matsumoto Shaved Ice
- Dole Plantation
- The Alley Restaurant In Aiea Bowl
- Foodland Farms
- Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
Where To Eat In Oahu
Hope this guide for places to eat in Oahu made you super hungry! These Oahu restaurants will not disappoint and will pack your tastebuds with an array of flavors. So which of these must-eat places in Oahu would you like to try first? Leave me a comment below.
Also, check out my post on things to do around Oahu besides eating. I also have the best Hawaii captions to use for your Instagram on your trip!
Posts to help you with your long journey there:
- 11 Essential Long Flight Tips
- 66 Genius Travel Hacks
- How To Take Care Of Your Skin While Traveling
- 30 Carry-On Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed To Pack
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These all look delicious! I think everything tastes better in Hawaii though 😉 I’d love to visit Gilligan’s beach shack. Garlic Fries…Garlic shrimp…Yes please!
I don’t know what it is Megan, but yes the food definitely taste better. Especially when you add garlic 😉
These are all amazing recommendations! I was just in Oahu and ate at a few of them, Goofy’s Cafe was sooo good! I also loved the dole whip at the dole plantation! Now I want to go back to Oahu and try all the others!
Hey Kate! Oahu is a great island and easy to eat the whole time. Goofy’s is definitely a must! I am right there with you about going back.
Yum, this all sounds so good. I’ve always loved the food in Hawaii
Thanks for reading Elyse. Oh the food in Hawaii is soooooo delicious and flavorful.
Those pancakes look so good! I haven’t made it to Oahu yet, but I would for sure be hitting some of these places up!
Hey Krista! Oahu is so beautiful and the food is AMAZING! You’re going to love it there.
I am saving posts for a future Hawaii trip. This is a great one. You offer lots of dining and snacking options in the low to mid range which is great if you travel with a budget.
Thanks for reading Jolayne. There are so many great options in Hawaii for every budget. Get ready for one tasty adventure when you visit.
Oh my gosh yessssss I loved Leonard’s Bakery when I visited Oahu! I wish I knew about some of these places when I last went! Such a great list! loved this post so much😊
Oh my gosh Leonard’s was the best. I wish I had one of those donuts now! Always a reason to go back and try those other spots! Thanks for reading!