Where to find Local Favorite Restaurants On Oahu

Finding the locals’ preferred eateries is one of the best ways to experience the local culture wherever you go. That is undoubtedly the case in Hawaii, so I urge you to check out Oahu restaurants outside of the resorts in order to find some mouth-watering “ono grinds.” In addition to experiencing the local cuisine, eating where the locals do, typically results in financial savings while dining at upscale resort establishments. Bonus!

Where are the locals’ favorite eateries in Hawaii, then? I can suggest that you try these Hawaii favorites based on our experience and the great advice of our friends on Oahu:

Hawaii Close to Waikiki 

* In Honolulu, near the junction of Kanaina Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue, is the Rainbow Drive-In, a local plate lunch staple all over the islands. It’s near Waikiki Beach in the Kapahulu neighborhood.

* Leonard’s Bakery can be found at 933 Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii. The malasada, a Portuguese fried donut, sprinkled in sugar, is their specialty.

* An excellent location for breakfast and very near to the center of the Waikiki hotel district is Eggs n’ Things, located at 343 Saratoga Road in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Update: The Aston Circle Hotel now features a Waikiki Eggs n’ Things on Kalakaua Avenue.)

* A fantastic site to experience shave ice is Waiola Bakery & Shave Ice, located at 525 Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Outside of Waikiki, Honolulu

In Honolulu, Hawaii, at 1133 N. Nimitz Highway, is Nico’s Pier 38.

The Side Street Inn is at 1225 Hosaka St. in Honolulu, Hawaii.  If Side Street Inn sounds familiar, it’s probably because Anthony Bourdain visited there while filming No Reservations in Honolulu. If you go, try the fried rice and the fried pork chops.

Liliha Bakery is located at 515 N. Kuakini Street in Honolulu, HI (with additional locations in the International Marketplace, Ala Moana Shopping Center, and Nimitz Hwy) Coco puffs from Liliha Bakery are an absolute favorite. They really are that wonderful, my goodness! At Liliha Bakery, you have a choice of picking up pastries to go, or dining in. Take care not to miss the coco puffs either way!

Hawaii’s Highway Inn is located at 94-226 Leoku St. (Alright, so technically, this one isn’t in Honolulu, but it made the most sense to put it here.) You would think that a restaurant operating since 1947 would be good. We’ve heard that this location has been used for either Travel Channel or Food Network filming.

Kailua on Oahu’s Eastside

* One of the greatest breakfasts on the island can be found at Cinnamon’s Restaurant, located at 315 Uluniu Street in the center of Kailua. A review of Cinnamon’s Restaurant may be found here. 

* Boots & Kimos in Kailua, Hawaii, 131 Hekili St.. Do you love pancakes? Do you enjoy macadamia nuts? The renowned Boots & Kimos pancakes with macadamia nut sauce are to die for. Don’t come here if you’re in a rush because there is frequently a considerable wait at this tiny eatery. Also, because credit cards are not accepted, make sure to bring cash.

Oahu’s North Shore 

* Hukilau Cafe, located at 55-662 Wahinepee St. in Laie Hi. Want to venture far from the path? You should go to the Hukilau Cafe. It’s a little eatery in Laie, which is close to Oahu’s North Shore.

* Kahuku’s North Shore Shrimp Trucks, located off the Kamehameha Highway, provide a distinctive eating experience that draws both residents and tourists. Look at my article about the North Shore Shrimp Trucks.

* Teds Bakery, Sunset Beach, Hawaii, 59-024 Kamehameha Highway. We’ve eaten at Ted’s Bakery many times and never had a poor meal there. Their chocolate haupia (coconut) pies are well-known.

Although not meant to be comprehensive, this list of Oahu’s neighborhood eateries should provide you with a good start to include in your travel itinerary.

by Honolulu Vibes