Good Food Near Me: Oʻahu Edition
| Eat Polynesia | Hawai'i Travel Tips
On Oʻahu, the definition of “good food” can vary widely. You may be searching for the trendiest, upscale, exclusive dining room, a nice sit-down restaurant for the family, or maybe one of hundreds of food trucks on the island (many of which sell legendarily great food). In narrowing down the choices, weʻre offering eight that we think will hit the spot for a lot of people.
A Lūʻau Like No Other
Ali’i Lūʻau at the Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lāʻie
808.293.3333
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
polyneisa.com/dining
The most authentic Hawaiian lūʻau on the island features an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet of freshly prepared foods. Pork is roasted the traditional “imu” way every day. (In a pit lined with lava rock and banana leaves.) Fresh fish and other meats are complemented by a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, prepared from traditional recipes. And desserts abound! It is a feast fit for royalty, complete with proper table settings.
And speaking of royalty, the lūʻau features an elegant presentation honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani, beautifully depicted in song and dance. Reservations required.
Dry Aged Steak
DK Steakhouse
Waikiki Beach Marriott
2522 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
808.931.6280
Every day, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
https://dkrestaurants.com/d-k-steak-house/
For steak enthusiasts, consider DK Steakhouse, where they dry-age meats using their own in-house process. Delicately prepared vegetables and salads accompany. Or choose from sashimi and other seafood offerings. A nice variety of desserts could round out your meal. All enjoyed in an attractive dining room with great views. Reservations are a good idea.
Something for Everyone! Big, Beautiful Buffet
Gateway Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lāʻie
808.293.3333
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
polyneisa.com/dining
Fresh selections, centered on ocean catches and local garden and ranch produce. From comfort foods to classic cuisine to delicious desserts, everything is prepared each day, the island way. Many protein choices—poke, sashimi, fish, kalua pork, sirloin roast, and chicken, all prepared differently. Extensive salad and dessert bars. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are clearly labeled. Slightly more casual dining than the Center’s lūʻau, but still amazing, in a setting that reminds you that you are in the islands.
Live music throughout your dining experience. Reservations required.
Sit-down Family Restaurant
Pounders at the Hukilau Marketplace, Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Lāʻie
808.293.3287
Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
https://www.poundersrestaurant.com/
Conveniently located on the grounds of the Hukilau Marketplace at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pounders has a reputation for quality meals and amazing cookies. Their menu spans a wide variety of tastes, from Pacific Rim to American standards. There are some vegetarian options as well. Reservations are recommended.
Hawaiian Food with a Twist
Seven Brothers
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731
808.852.0040
Monday – Saturday, 11-9 PM
https://www.sevenbrothersburgers.com/
This business is owned by a family that prides themselves on quality. Their website says, All of our food is passion-driven. Our meat is NEVER frozen, and we are committed to fresh, authentic ingredients, NEVER cutting corners. You can taste the passion in every bite!
Their offerings are over-the-top delicious. Burgers that can be 3 times as tall as they are wide, ahi, chicken, coconut-and-macadamia-crusted shrimp, freshly made onion rings…. The list goes on. Vegetarian options include a mega burger, salads and some pretty gnarly potato recipes. And Mom’s banana bread for dessert. This place—the Kahuku location, at least—is an adventure. (Haven’t tried the others yet.)
Authentic Hawaiian Food
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
1240 North School Street, Honolulu
808.845-8044
Tuesdays through Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
www.helenashawaiianfood.com
A self-proclaimed “humble eatery,” Helena’s has been providing traditional Hawaiian food since 1946. It has maintained its popularity and relevance (James Beard Regional Classic Award after 54 years in business, and still going strong), and is still one of those “must try” destinations recommended by fans from all over the world. Legendary local dishes include kalua pig, laulau, squid lūʻau, lomi salmon, poke, and more. Choose ala carte or meal offerings. Seating is limited. Take-out is available. See their website for more details.
Fresh Catch
Ken’s Fresh Fish
55-730 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 102, Lāʻie
808.888.7193
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11:00 AM – 3:45 PM
https://www.facebook.com/kensfreshfish/
https://app.grandemenus.com/kensfish/menu
This simple, unobtrusive shop boasts some of the freshest fish dishes you’ll find on the North Shore. Their ahi and shrimp dishes continue to draw crowds, and they get consistent rave reviews for their trademark Katsu Ahi. Take out only. Hours are limited, so plan ahead.
Breakfast, Honolulu Style
Sweet E’s Café
1006 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
808.737.7771
Every day, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
https://sweetescafe.com/
You might have to look a bit to find this one, but the word is it’s worth the effort. Quirky menu labels all their food categories with E words: Extraordinary Omelets, Eggs Benedict (several options), Extreme Mess (scramble with lots of inclusions), Everyday, Elated, Elegant, Enchanting, Epic—you get the idea. Ratings are high. Comfortable storefront ambience with indoor and outdoor seating. No reservations.