Looking for a memorable dining experience in Waikīkī? These themed restaurants offer great food, immersive décor, and true Hawaiʻi hospitality.
When friends and family visit Honolulu, we like to take them to one of Waikīkī’s themed restaurants for a meal that’s more than just food—these spots bring the islands’ culture and history to life through atmosphere, music, and local flavors.
Whether you want to celebrate surf history, sample tiki cocktails, or step back into plantation-era charm, Waikīkī’s themed eateries make dining into an experience.
Below are our local picks for the best theme restaurants in Waikīkī, with what to expect, signature dishes, and insider tips.
Table of Contents
- 1. Duke’s Waikiki
- 2. Hula Grill Waikiki
- 3. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
- 4. Lulu’s Waikiki
- Hawaiʻi TV & Movie Tours
- Visitor FAQs
1. Duke’s Waikiki
Celebrate Hawaiʻi’s surf culture with ocean views, island food, and live music.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 4pm–12am
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Duke’s Waikīkī is a Waikīkī institution celebrating the life and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary Hawaiian swimmer and waterman. Housed at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort, the restaurant blends surf memorabilia and historical photographs with a lively island dining scene.
Relax at the Barefoot Bar under a thatched roof, dine inside among floral décor, or enjoy patio seating with views of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). The menu highlights local favorites and island classics, and popular offerings include the buffet breakfast and signature desserts like Kimo’s Original Hula Pie. Weekly specials and themed nights add to the neighborhood charm.
INSIDE TIP: For a festive beachside vibe, check out Duke’s on Sundays for a lively local crowd and music.
2. Hula Grill Waikiki
Laidback, open-air dining with Hawaiʻi-inspired dishes and ocean views.
📍 2335 Kalākaua Ave #201, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: None
🎵 Live Music: Daily 12–2pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Hula Grill sits above Duke’s and channels the feel of a plantation-era home with open-air seating, warm wood accents, and tropical plants. The restaurant honors Hawaiian tradition—especially hula—and focuses on locally sourced ingredients from Oʻahu fishermen, farmers, and ranchers.
The menu includes island-inspired dishes such as Banana Mac Pancakes, Localicious Salad, Loco Moco, Poke Tacos, and fresh cocktails like the signature Mai Tai. The Plantation Bar offers a relaxed spot to enjoy small plates and sunset views, and weekend brunch runs from early morning through mid-afternoon.
INSIDE TIP: Visit The Plantation Bar’s Early Eats menu daily from 3–6pm for $12 specialty cocktails and small bites.
3. Tiki’s Grill & Bar
A colorful tiki-themed spot that’s ideal for sunset cocktails and island-style plates.
📍 2570 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Daily 3–5pm
🎵 Live Music: Daily
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Tiki’s Grill & Bar at The Twin Fin delivers a high-energy tiki experience with dramatic lava-rock walls, volcanic lighting, and carved kiʻi (wood statues). The vibe is festive and fun, with a menu full of island favorites and an extensive cocktail list served in collectible tiki mugs and themed vessels.
Popular dishes include Coconut Shrimp, Kalua Pig Quesadilla, Guava-Glazed Baby Back Ribs, and local fish sandwiches. Cocktails lean tropical and theatrical—many come in souvenir glasses—so it’s a great place to toast the sunset or enjoy an evening out with friends. During the holidays, Tiki’s often decorates extensively for a seasonal pop-up atmosphere.
INSIDE TIP: In December, part of the restaurant becomes a festive holiday pop-up with thousands of decorations—fun for photos and seasonal cocktails.
4. Lulu’s Waikiki
An open-air surf club-style restaurant serving generous island portions with beach views.
📍 2586 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī
🕒 Open: Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
🍹 Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 2–4pm
🎵 Live Music: Mon & Wed–Sat 6–10pm
🎟️ Reservations: OpenTable or walk-in
Lulu’s Waikīkī blends surf-club character with a sports-bar energy, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Situated where Waikīkī Beach meets Kapiʻolani Park, the open-air layout offers ocean breezes and relaxed beachside views.
The menu emphasizes hearty island-style portions: Mochi Pancakes, SPAM Fried Rice, Bikini Bun Cheeseburgers, Fish & Chips, Garlic Shrimp Plates, Beachboy Nachos, and Lilikoʻi (passionfruit) Cheesecake. A gluten-free menu is available. Happy Hour on weekdays features discounts on local drafts, house wines, specialty cocktails, and select bites. Industry nights and weekday specials often offer additional savings for service workers and local staff.
In short, these themed restaurants add personality to dining in Waikīkī—combining island flavors, engaging décor, and genuine Hawaiʻi hospitality.
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Mauka Warriors Luau
- Lūʻau dinner & show
- Explores Polynesia’s history of warriors and warfare
- All-you-can-eat Hawaiʻi buffet
- Transport from Waikīkī available as an add-on
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Jurassic Adventure Tour
- Visit film locations from the Jurassic Park movies
- Explore valleys by open-air safari vehicle
- Stops include Kualoa, Hakipuʻu, and Kaʻaʻawa Valleys
- Small groups (up to 20) — recommended minimum age 3
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Visitor FAQs
You can book a table at Duke’s Waikīkī online through OpenTable or by calling the restaurant. For larger parties (over seven guests), contact the restaurant directly. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are often accommodated when space allows.
Entertainment schedules change frequently. If you’re looking for a magic show, check local event listings or hotel performance calendars—several hotels and venues in Waikīkī host rotating shows and performances.
The Elvis statue honoring his 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert is located at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. It commemorates the satellite broadcast that reached audiences around the world.