Where to Eat? So Many Options!
It’s been said that a melting pot is not the most accurate way to describe Hawaiʻi’s multiethnic population. It’s more like a stew, where all the flavors complement and influence one another but the ingredients retain their richness and integrity instead of melting into an even sameness.
Nothing tells the story of arrival, intermingling and reinvention of cultural traditions on the islands as deliciously as the variety of cuisines that make Hawaii a foodie wonderland.
These days, Hawaii’s restaurants source many of their ingredients within the islands. Cattle raised on the upland pastures of Hawaii Island, fruits and vegetables grown from rich, volcanic soil in Upcountry Maui, some of the highest quality fish in the world, Waialua chocolate, and hearts of palm, and of course the foundational canoe crops of kalo (taro), uala (sweet potato), maia (banana), ko (sugarcane) and ulu (breadfruit) brought by the Native Hawaiians.
Oahu’s most popular top restaurants were recently awarded with Hale Aina Awards. A variety of categories are listed including best on each island; best Hawaiian, Italian, French, etc.; to best takeout. Click here to see the winners.
For your Gay Bowl XXII team dinners, below are our choices for large group meals.
There are countless food options in Waikiki, including some outstanding hotel restaurants and smaller local eateries, the list below arerecommendations because they are moderately priced and could accommodate large parties (over 10 persons). For additional choices, including higher-end options, explore more via the Hale Aina Award winner link above or your own search.
In Waikiki:
Duke’s Waikiki Hawaiian regional cuisine in a Tiki-bar setting on Waikiki beach.
Lulu’s Open-air vibe, American grub and drinks.
Tiki’s Grill Oceanside Hawaiian fare and live music.
Yard House High-end sports-bar chain with a huge menu of American food and so many beers.
Maui Brewing Open air higher end brew pub (doesn’t take advance reservations).
Skybox Tap House Sports bar with pizzas, burgers, live entertainment.
Buho Mexican food in a rooftop restaurant with an open-air bar
Waikiki Brewing Pizzas, wings and BBQ in a laid-back venue
Hard Rock Cafe Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain serving burgers and American classics.
Tommy Bahama Tropical dishes and beach cocktails.
Giovanni Pastrami New York-style deli, pizzeria and sports bar.
Cheesecake Factory The standby. Sizable portions, vast menu and cheesecake.
Liliha Bakery Local favorite in the International Market Place.
Eating House 1849 Roy Yamaguchi-owned local flavors at the International Market Place.
Deck at Queen Kapiolani Family-style options and a great view of Leahi (Diamond Head).
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Food Court in Building 2 on Level 2 has a wide variety of standard fare where individuals can choose and pay for what they want and gather at a group table.
Outside of Waikiki:
Ala Moana Center Food Courts So many standard and local food options on the ground floor and larger chain restaurants (California Pizza Kitchen, Olive Garden and others) in an indoor/outdoor 4th floor area and options in a space designated as “The Lanai.” Also in the mall: Lucky Strike mall) with bowling, video games, and food, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
Side Street Inn on da Strip American comfort food standards.
Uncle Bo’s Pupu bar and grill.
Moku Kitchen Locally sourced ingredients and rotisserie.
Honolulu Beerworks Comfort food and local brews in a large warehouse setting.
Hana Koa Brewing Independent craft brewery with nibbles and burgers.
Waikiki Brewing (Kakaako) a different venue than the Waikiki spot, indoor/outdoor dining.
Aloha Beer Company (Kakaako) Original beers and unique pub fare.
Oahu Grill (Kaimuki) Hawaiian local favorites (laulau, kalua pig, lomi-lomi salmon, etc.)
And many more….
If you have any questions about other restaurants, let us know.
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Funding for Gay Bowl XXII has been provided via a grant by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) through the Community Enrichment Program (CEP). For more info about HTA and CEP, click here.
