what to eat on waikiki beach: a food lover’s guide to beachfront bites
Poke bowls, malasadas, pineapple soft serve, and more — here’s what to eat just steps from the sand
Waikiki Beach might be known for its iconic sunsets, surfing lessons, and bustling boardwalk — but if you ask me, one of the best things to do here is eat your way from one end of the beach to the other.
From fresh seafood and tropical fruit to sweet pastries and ice-cold shave ice, Waikiki offers a mix of local flavor, international cuisine, and beach-friendly bites that’ll keep you coming back for seconds.
Here’s your guide to what to eat on Waikiki Beach — plus where to find it.
1. Fresh Poke Bowls
No visit to Hawaii is complete without poke — and Waikiki is full of places to try this island staple.
Top spots near the beach:
- Poke Bar Waikiki (inside Waikiki Beach Walk): Customizable bowls with tons of toppings.
- Maguro Spot (Kuhio Ave): Small, no-frills, super fresh and affordable.
- Foodland Farms (Ala Moana Center): A local favorite for take-out poke you can eat beachside. Foodland has a poke bar with all kinds of varieties of Poke – at incredibly affordable prices.
📝 Order shoyu ahi, spicy tuna, or miso salmon, and take it down to the beach for the perfect sand-side lunch.
2. Dole Whip & Pineapple Soft Serve
It’s hot. You’re salty. You need pineapple ice cream.
Where to get it:
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Pool Café – Their pineapple soft serve is refreshingly creamy and tropical.
- The Dole Plantation (a short drive away) – The original Dole Whip experience if you’re up for a day trip.
- Lappert’s Ice Cream – Hawaiian-made ice cream with tropical flavors including coconut, pineapple, and macadamia nut.
📝 For a next-level treat, top your Dole Whip with fresh pineapple chunks or li hing powder.
3. Loco Moco
A big, satisfying plate that fuels a full beach day.
Where to try it:
- Rainbow Drive-In (about a mile from the beach): Classic and local-approved.
- Liliha Bakery Waikiki: Located in the International Market Place, it serves a killer loco moco with their famous butter rolls.
📝 Don’t knock it ‘til you try it — that egg-and-gravy combo is island magic.
4. Malasadas
These Portuguese doughnuts are soft, sugary, and the perfect post-beach sweet.
Where to grab one:
- Leonard’s Bakery Malasadamobile – Their pink food truck often parks in Waikiki!
- Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery – Just a few minutes inland and worth the walk.
📝 Try filled malasadas with haupia (coconut), lilikoi (passionfruit), or custard for a true local treat.
5. Shave Ice
The ultimate Hawaiian refreshment.
Best spots near Waikiki Beach:
- Waiola Shave Ice – Finely shaved, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Try with condensed milk and mochi!
- Island Vintage Shave Ice – Luxe toppings like fresh fruit purée and organic syrups.
- Monsarrat Shave Ice – Cute spot with colorful bowls and local flavors.
📝 Add a scoop of ice cream at the bottom — trust me!
6. Garlic Shrimp Plates
North Shore-style garlic shrimp has made its way into Waikiki.
Top picks:
- Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market – Great spot for a quick shrimp fix right in Waikiki.
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Often visits town and is worth finding for that famous buttery garlic flavor.
📝 Bring wet wipes — this is messy in the best way.
7. Island Coffee & Breakfast Bowls
Need fuel for your morning surf session or beach walk?
Best spots:
- Island Vintage Coffee – Great views, excellent acai bowls, and Hawaiian lattes.
- Kona Coffee Purveyors (at the International Market Place) – Top-tier coffee and heavenly pastries.
- Arvo Café (nearby in Kaka‘ako) – Trendy and stylish if you venture outside Waikiki.
📝 Try an acai bowl topped with papaya, granola, and coconut — it’s peak island breakfast.
8. Grab-and-Go Bento & Beach Snacks
Sometimes you just want to grab something quick and eat by the water.
Quick stops near the beach:
- ABC Stores – There’s one on nearly every corner. Pick up musubi (spam sushi!), fresh fruit, or pre-made bentos.
- Marukame Udon – Popular spot for fresh noodles and tempura (expect a line, it’s worth it).
📝 Don’t underestimate the ABC stores — they’re cheap, tasty, and super convenient for beach picnics.
Bonus: Upscale Dining with a View
If you’re celebrating or want to end your day with a stunning view:
- Duke’s Waikiki – Classic beachfront spot with hula pie and sunset views.
- Roy’s Waikiki – Hawaiian fusion with fresh seafood and elegant plates.
- House Without a Key (at Halekulani) – Live music, traditional hula, and epic oceanfront dining.
📝 Make reservations for dinner to catch the golden hour glow over the Pacific.
Final Thoughts
Waikiki Beach isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a paradise for your palate too. Whether you’re grabbing poke in your swimsuit, cooling off with shave ice, or sipping Kona coffee as the waves roll in, there’s no shortage of flavor right on the sand.
So come hungry, stay curious, and let your taste buds explore the heart of Honolulu’s beachfront cuisine.
What’s your favorite thing to eat in Waikiki?
Share your must-try bites in the comments — or tag me @abiteabroad with your best beach snack!