8 Must-Visit Hawaii Restaurants With Breathtaking Ocean Views And Mouthwatering Menus

Hawaii’s culinary scene offers more than just delicious food – it delivers unforgettable dining experiences with stunning ocean backdrops. Imagine savoring fresh seafood while waves crash against lava rocks just feet away, or enjoying tropical cocktails as the sun sets over the Pacific. These eight restaurants combine Hawaii’s natural beauty with outstanding cuisine, creating magical dining moments you’ll remember long after your vacation ends.

1. Mama’s Fish House, Paia

Nestled in a coconut grove on a secluded beach, Mama’s Fish House offers the quintessential Hawaiian dining experience. Their menu lists the name of the fisherman who caught your fish that morning – talk about fresh!

The Polynesian-inspired dining room opens to views of crashing waves on Maui’s north shore. Try their macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi or the signature stuffed fish. Every dish celebrates Hawaiian flavors with locally-sourced ingredients.

Reservations are essential, often needed months in advance. The splurge-worthy prices reflect both the premium seafood and the postcard-perfect setting that has made Mama’s a Maui institution since 1973.

2. The Beach House Restaurant, Koloa

Sunset dinners reach legendary status at The Beach House Restaurant on Kauai’s south shore. Perched directly on Lawai Beach, this converted beach home offers front-row seats to surfers riding waves while spinner dolphins occasionally leap offshore.

Fresh island fish gets the royal treatment here – try the wasabi-crusted snapper or seafood laulau wrapped in ti leaves. The open-air dining room merges seamlessly with the beachfront, creating a barefoot elegance vibe.

Arrive early to grab a spot at the outdoor bar for their famous mai tais during happy hour. When the sun dips below the horizon, the entire restaurant erupts in applause – a nightly tradition honoring nature’s spectacular show.

3. Hau Tree, Honolulu

Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote under this same hau tree that shades diners at this beachfront gem on Oahu. Located inside the Kaimana Beach Hotel, the restaurant sits directly on the sands of Kaimana Beach, away from Waikiki’s main tourist hustle.

Morning brings a spectacular breakfast spread with lilikoi (passion fruit) pancakes and local coffee. By evening, the menu transforms to showcase island specialties like fresh poke and grilled catch-of-the-day.

The century-old tree creates a natural canopy over tables set just steps from gentle waves. As local families swim and sunbathe nearby, you’ll experience authentic Hawaiian beach culture while enjoying refined cuisine in this historic spot.

4. Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, Waikoloa Village

Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi pioneered Hawaiian fusion cuisine, and his Big Island outpost showcases his genius against a spectacular backdrop. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the dramatic Waikoloa coastline, where lava fields meet turquoise waters.

Roy’s signature blackened ahi with spicy mustard sauce remains a menu staple. The chocolate soufflé (order when you sit down) caps meals with decadent perfection. Sunset brings a golden glow across the dining room as the day’s last light illuminates ancient lava flows.

Unlike beachfront spots, Roy’s elevated position offers sweeping panoramic views across the Kohala Coast. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes this a perfect special occasion restaurant without feeling stuffy or formal.

5. House Without A Key, Honolulu

Named after a Charlie Chan mystery novel, this open-air restaurant within the historic Halekulani Hotel captures old Hawaii elegance. A century-old kiawe tree anchors the outdoor space where former Miss Hawaii winners perform traditional hula each evening as the sun sets.

The mai tais here are legendary – strong, balanced, and topped with a fresh orchid. Menu standouts include the coconut cake and loco moco (rice topped with hamburger, egg, and gravy). Afternoon tea service offers a refined break from beach activities.

Diamond Head stands majestically in the distance while gentle waves lap at the seawall just feet from your table. The combination of graceful hula, traditional Hawaiian music, and spectacular oceanfront setting creates a timeless experience that feels unchanged since the 1920s.

6. Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu

Named for Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this beachfront institution sits on prime Waikiki real estate where waves practically crash under your table. Surfboards and vintage photos line the walls, celebrating Hawaii’s waterman culture.

The all-day menu features fresh fish tacos and kalua pork sandwiches, but the Hula Pie – macadamia nut ice cream on chocolate cookie crust – steals the show. Live Hawaiian music plays daily, creating the soundtrack for your meal as outrigger canoes paddle past.

Despite being in touristy Waikiki, Duke’s maintains authentic aloha spirit. Locals still gather at the barefoot bar, and the restaurant honors Duke’s legacy of sharing Hawaiian culture. Come for lunch to avoid crowds and score a prime oceanfront table.

7. Hula Grill Waikiki, Honolulu

Perched on the second floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Hula Grill offers elevated views of Waikiki’s famous beach scene. The plantation-style decor with ceiling fans and rattan furniture creates a nostalgic atmosphere of 1940s Hawaii.

Their crab-topped macadamia nut fish became famous for good reason – the combination of fresh island flavors perfectly represents modern Hawaiian cuisine. Breakfast brings incredible macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup that will ruin mainland pancakes forever.

Watch surf lessons and canoe rides from your table while Diamond Head looms in the distance. The restaurant’s “Barefoot Bar” section offers more casual dining with the same spectacular views, making this spot perfect for both special celebrations and everyday meals.

8. Nico’s Pier 38, Honolulu

Unlike Waikiki’s tourist spots, Nico’s delivers an authentic local experience at Honolulu’s fishing pier. Watch fishing boats unload their daily catch that will appear on your plate hours later. This casual spot started as a lunch counter for fishermen and grew into a beloved institution.

The furikake pan-seared ahi might be the island’s best fish dish under $20. Their poke bowls feature just-caught tuna seasoned perfectly with traditional Hawaiian spices. The outdoor seating area overlooks the commercial harbor – not a tourist beach, but a working waterfront that connects you to Hawaii’s fishing traditions.

Early birds can watch the fish auction next door starting at 5:30 am. Though less fancy than other spots on this list, Nico’s represents real Hawaii food culture where locals outnumber visitors.