Ocean/beachfront dining - Oahu & Maui
 

any recommendations?

We liked the Shorebird on Waikiki. When you order your food, they bring it raw (steak, shrimp, chicken, etc) and then you take it to a BBQ and cook along-side about 15 other people. All open air and only a few feet from the water, with a great view of Diamondhead.

I'd have to second that about the Shorebird inside of the Outrigger Reef - I had breakfast there and it was awesome - just be sure to guard your food from the eager birds who are VERY friendly! You can get a coupon to use there in one of the books available everywhere in Waikiki.

We had lovely desserts and Plantation Tea at the outdoor bar at the Royal Hawaiian. They have a dining room, as well.

Oahu - Dukes (Waikiki)
Maui - Hula Grill (Ka'anapali)

Have dined twice at both locations and wasn't disappointed. Both are on the beach and have a lot of local flavors.

On Oahu, we had a fabulous sunset dinner at Hau Tree Lanai.

On Maui, the Five Palms at Mana Kai resort in So. Kihei has one of the best oceanfront settings...and good food at fairly decent prices.

Had a great dinner and breakfast at Orchids this past trip. Request a table on the patio.

Sorry, Orchids is at the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki (Oahu).

On Maui, sitting outside at Ferraro's at the Four Seasons Wailea during sunset is amazing!

...or a fabulous brunch at the Hau Tree Lanai!

I like Michel's, myself, for brunch or dinner. Another spot is the Kahala Mandarin (or the Kahala Resort, or Kahala Hilton, or whatever the heck it's called now)

We loved The Gazebo for breakfast on Maui with a lovely oceanfront view. It's located at the Napili Shores Condos. Make sure you get there early, they only serve a small number of people at a time due to the small size and there is oftentimes a line. It's worth waiting.

I know you asked about dinner, but sunset cocktails at House Without A Key at the Halekulani Hotel is a memorable thing to do. They usually have top notch entertainment, other than the sunset, that is. After cocktails, you could have an oceanview dinner at La Mer or Orchids. Jealous.

-Bill