tuccelli

We have been to Waikiki several times and never had a great meal. We always find expensive places that serve budget food. We have a car. We leave 4/08.

bobludlow

Have you tried Hoku's? But in general, you answered your own question. Use your car. Get out of Waikiki. Alan Wong's and 3660 on the Rise are great high-end restaurants serving Frenchified Hawaiian food. For well-made food that doesn't burn a hole in your wallet try 12th Avenue Grill, Indigo, or town.

dusty56438

Several times in Waikiki and haven't found the right restaurant yet?

I like Duke's, Tiki's, Moose McGillycuddys. Perry's Smorgy is a decent inexpensive buffet. I stay away from the expensive restaurants.

These sites have good restaurant guides:

www.driveguidemagazines.com

www.honoluluadvertiser.com

www.alternative-hawaii.com

MerryTravel

In addition to the others mentioned here, if you don't like La Mer at the Halekulani I really don't know what to tell you. The other restaurants at Halekulani are also good. One of my little tricks is to hover for a table at the bar area of Duke's -- the bar menu is pretty good and a lot cheaper than the seated area, which I think is a little too expensive for what you get. For good cheap places, the Mexican stand at the International Marketplace, Ezogiku for noodles (down near Gucci), Teddy's Bigger Burgers (Monsarrat, Kailua and Hawaii Kai), noodles and chili with rice at Zippy's. Kona Brewery in Hawaii Kai is good, too.

ggrtist

We really enjoyed the sticky ribs & garlic bread (I should say garlic pie as it was huge & scrumptious and addicting!) at Haleiwa Joes at Haiku Gardens in Kanehoe, it's very pretty setting too and not too expensive. Be careful not to confuse it with the one in North Shore.

marymg

I really like the Shore Bird at the Outrigger Reef. It's a little different because you grill your own fish, chicken or steak and they have a nice salad bar to go along with it. The view is nice also.

Intrepid1

If you are going to be there on a Sunday morning make a reservation for the Banyan Veranda brunch at the Moana Surfrider..pricey but huge selection; strolling musicians, fabulous view and the best brunch on the island IMO. Unforggettable.

MelissaHI

Have you done a search on this board and plugged in Oahu Restaurants or Waikiki Restaurants or Oahu Dining or....? Here are a few of the classic posts:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=1&tid=1348692

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34652647

and who could ever forget the breakfast post:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...=1&tid=1363966

If you are eager for something local, try this:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34411770

suze

I enjoyed a sunset dinner at Banyan Veranda (mentioned above) at the old Moana Surfrider hotel, it was lovely and well priced imo.

If you want decent food for budget prices go to the food court at the Ala Moana mall (loads of options) and get something to-go and take it to the beach. Lahaina Chicken was excellent.

pianogirl

Another vote for Duke's!!

tom42

I wouldn't recommend Duke's for a "great" meal. It is fun to go for drinks and maybe an appetizer. But I was underwhelmed by the food. Most of my other meals in Waikiki qualified as great for me - including La Mer, Diamond Head Grill and L'Uraku.

tom42

Also - did you do any restaurant research prior to going on your trips to Waikiki? Reading descriptions and reviews of restaurants beforehand and making a list of several possible options greatly enhances your chances of picking good restaurants - especially in a place like Waikiki. I do that before every trip I take and I have had some excellent meals.

annikany

My favorite is The Royal Hawaiian. Have dinner right on the beach. The food is delicious. You'll probably have a hula dancer to entertain as well

Also agree about The Moana Surf. Great restaurant and delicious food.

The Sheraton has a restaurant on the top floor with an awesome (night) view of the mountains. The food was delicious there too.

(I tried Dukes - was not impressed).

Hope this helps.
Annika

MrTraveler

What kind of food or restaurants are you looking for?? Touristy places? Places that have TRUE "local" food?? Fancy places?? Cheap places??
I agree with Tom42 that Duke's is a cool place to hang out at, but the food is definitely nothing to write home about.

Alan Wong's Pineapple Room is good and actually has some true Hawaiian dishes. L & L is legendary in Hawaii as well as Zippy's for great local food.

okoshi2002

I am a "local". We do not venture into Waikiki for dining as a rule, but many excellent eateries nearby. The Cheesecake Factory is fun and food is good in Waikiki but long lines unless arriving before 5-6PM.

For Japanese food- Yanagi's near Ala Moana, Chinese- Panda's Cusinine, near Ala Moana, Roy's in Hawaii Kai for continental with asian flavor.

Agree Alan Wong's on King St is special as is La Mer though both are very expensive.

Sam Choy's serves generous portions and the locals love it.

If you venture into Kaimuki, which is only a 10 minute drive from Waikiki, numerous good restaurants right on Waialae Ave - Big City Diner, Azeteca Mexican Restaurant, Verbano Italian , Happy Chinese Restaurant, Cafe Laufer- all moderately priced.

Many wonderful Japanese noodle shops if you enjoy that- Jimbo's on King St. for example.

Enjoy !

MerryTravel

okoshi, you've made me nostalgic for Kaimuki eateries (I used to work on Waialae)! To say thanks here's a tip for Cheesecake. Park at the Royal Hawaiian garage and parking is $2 or $3 when you get it validated at Cheesecake. When they give you your little pager for your wait, head over to Capt. Zack's in the International Marketplace for a drink. The pagers work over there.