Everyone loves a sunset, and few can top a Hawaiian sunset. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic meal with your partner on the terrace or celebrating a milestone with the whole family, no meal, music or candlelight will set the mood quite like sky dappled in pinks, oranges and purples. Here are some of the top places on Oahu to get the best of both worlds — great dining options and prime sunset views.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
Featured Photo: Deck at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel
TIP: Be sure to make your reservations about thirty minutes before the sun sets.
Deck
150 Kapahulu Ave. at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel
(808) 931-4488
You won’t find a better spot to get views of Diamond Head. This newly renovated hotel has a gorgeous open-air restaurant that is, yes, a big open deck. It makes for a great place to watch the sunset! Open Sunday through Thursday from 6:30am to 10am. Friday and Saturday 6:30am to 11pm. deckwaikiki.com
Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalakaua Ave. #116
808.922.2268
Few restaurants capture the classic Waikiki experience better than Duke’s Waikiki, on the ground floor of Outrigger Waikiki Resort.. Located on the original site of the famed Outrigger Canoe Club (hence the name for the hotel), this indoor outdoor eatery is named after the Hawaiian icon Duke Kahanamoku, famous for bringing the sport of surfing to the world and embodying the spirit of Aloha., Expect live music, Hawaiian classics such as crispy coconut shrimp, huli huli chicken and mac nut crusted fresh fish, along with one of the best views of Waikiki’s surf. Make reservations in advance, leave time to browse historic photos to get some perspective, and if the line is too long, walk upstairs to Hula Grill, where the view is even better, and fish tacos will not disappoint. Open Monday through Sunday, 7 am to 11 pm. https://www.dukeswaikiki.com/
The Hideout at Laylow
This large open-air restaurant is located in the newly renovated Laylow Hotel. It’s got a retro chic vibe and fire pits. It’s not oceanfront, but the decor and live music make it a sweet place to hang out while the sun goes down over Waikiki. Open daily from 5 to 10 pm with extended hours on Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 12am. hideoutwaikiki.com
Michel’s
2895 Kalakaua Ave.
808.923.6552
Located on the oceanfront on Kaimana Beach, Michel’s has been a fine dining destination in Waikiki since 1962. There is a chef’s tasting menu starting at $130, and the regular menu features caviar, oysters, sashimi, foie gras, lamb and mahi mahi. Reservations are recommended. Open daily from 5pm to 9pm. michelshawaii.com
RumFire
2255 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808.922.4422
Rum Fire has one of the best spots in Waikiki to sit on the oceanside and enjoy some food. The view of Diamond Head is a real treat. The tiki torches and live music help set the mood too. Open daily 4:15pm to 11pm. rumfirewaikiki.com
SKY Waikiki
Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave.
808.979.7590
Reserve on Opentable
This open-air restaurant atop a 19-story building lives up to its name — you’ll see lots of sky, as well as ocean and stunning sunsets. Try the spicy ahi sashimi pizza or mushroom flatbread, or share a few of executive chef Lance Kosaka’s tasty small plates. Open daily 10am to 2pm for brunch. Dinner Sunday through Thursday 4pm to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday Dinner from 4pm to 8:30pm, with nightclub hours from 9pm to 12am. skywaikiki.com
Tiki’s Grill and Bar
2570 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
808.923.8454
A family-friendly hangout on the second-floor terrace of the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, Tiki’s offers wide-open views at sunset as well as three hours of free parking with validation. Go for the local flavors — kalua pig quesadilla, Thai chicken salad or miso butterfish. Tiki’s is open daily 11:30am to 12am and would love to serve you. tikisgrill.com
Did we miss your favorite restaurant?
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
