With hundreds of dining options from gourmet restaurants to food trucks, Oahu can be daunting when looking for the right place to eat. To make things easy, we’ve broken it down for you by destination, with this displaying the best places for happy hour on the North Shore of Oahu. Our Waikiki lists also encompass what locals call “town” — urban Honolulu, including trendy Chinatown, where some of the most innovative cuisine is happening in the Pacific Rim. West Side is mostly the Ko Olina Resort area with a few options in the nearby “second city” of Kapolei, while the rural North Shore is famous for big surf and shrimp trucks. The latter is a relic of the aquaculture industry that evolved after massive pineapple plantations left the islands. Sadly, politics intervened, and the shrimp “farmers” were only allowed to sell on the island.
Artisan agriculture is taking root, though, including heirloom fruit and vegetables, sugarcane (for rum), cacao (for chocolate) and coffee (for making life worth it.) Raise a glass of locally made craft beer at one of these restaurants, which are also sorted by cuisine.
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.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
Feature Photo: Banzai Sushi Bar
Voted one of Oahu’s best by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser four years in a row, Banzai prides itself in offering the local community and visitors alike some of the finest sushi the islands have to offer. By partnering with local fishermen and North Shore organic farmers, Banzai combines fresh fish with seasonal produce to serve unique quality sushi. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 4pm to 9pm.
This Mexican restaurant is ready to shake up some specialty margaritas for you! Cholo’s has been a popular tourist destination on the North Shore for almost 20 years. This is a great option for happy hour on the north shore of Oahu, with their happy hour being Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm with $6 margarita specials, $1 off draft beers, and $10 nacho special of the day. Open daily from 10:30 am to 9pm.
This hip spot is a chef-owned-and-operated local favorite, with an inside bar that peeks into the open kitchen and plenty of fresh air seating on the front deck. The menu features Spanish and Mediterranean style dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The service is fantastic and the cocktail, beer and wine menu is on point, making it a great spot for happy hour on the north shore of Oahu. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch from 11am to 3pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm. Saturday for brunch 10am to 2pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm. Sunday for brunch from 10am to 2pm.
Located right on the breathtaking Kuilima Cove, the restaurant is a casual yet upscale alternative for resort guests, residents and visitors. The concept and design for the new 140-seat open-air restaurant are a reflection of Roy’s love for white sandy beaches and the ocean. Open daily for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and for dinner from 4:30pm to 9pm.
Poolside at the Turtle Bay Resort is open to the public. Open daily with nightly entertainment, here at The Point restaurant, you will experience one of the most dramatic sunsets in all of Hawai‘i while surfers flock to catch some waves in the day’s final rays. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.
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.
