Honolulu is the capital and largest city of Hawaii, on the south shore of Oahu, known for Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Hanauma Bay and a food scene built on Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese influences.
Honolulu food blends Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Okinawan traditions into everyday local-style meals: plate lunches with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad, poke, saimin noodle soup, manapua, malasadas and shave ice. Neighborhoods have distinct strengths: Chinatown for dim sum and chef-driven dining, Kapahulu for poke and bakeries, Kakaako and Kaimuki for modern Hawaii cooking, and Waikiki for oceanfront dining and Japanese chains.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Honolulu.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Chinese
Japanese
Cafe And Acai Bowls
Cantonese Dim Sum
French
Hawaii Brunch
Hawaiian Plate Lunch And Poke
Hawaiian Saimin
Hawaiian Shave Ice
Local Diner
Local Pupu
Poke
Traditional Hawaiian
Food tours & tastings in Honolulu
Eat your way through Honolulu with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Make reservations for Senia, Mud Hen Water, MW, La Mer and Alan Wong's at The Kahala several days to weeks ahead.
Plate-lunch counters such as Rainbow Drive-In and Helena's Hawaiian Food are walk-in only and busiest from noon to 1pm.
Some famous local spots keep short or irregular hours and several have closed in recent years, so confirm hours on the day of visiting.
Cash is preferred at some small Chinatown and Kalihi counters; carry small bills.
Tipping of 18-20% is customary at sit-down restaurants in Hawaii.
Local-style cooking is meat-and-rice heavy, so vegetarians and vegans should look to restaurants with produce-forward menus such as Mud Hen Water, Senia and Koko Head Cafe, plus Japanese and Vietnamese venues. Poke, laulau and many sauces contain shellfish or soy. Gluten-free guests should note that shoyu appears in most marinades; most sit-down restaurants can adjust dishes on request.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $30-50 per person per day: bakery breakfast, a plate lunch and a casual dinner (US$30-50) | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |