Are you wondering why The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki always has such long lines? Is it worth it to visit this popular spot? We’re sharing our local know-how for visiting Honolulu’s Cheesecake Factory and our best tips for minimizing your wait time.
Waiting in Line
The most notable thing about The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki is its long line for a table. Every time we go, the wait is at least 45 minutes (not including the wait time for our meals). Sorry, this Honolulu restaurant doesn’t accept reservations.
Also, it takes nearly 15 minutes to browse the entire menu (more on that later), and most guests will stay for dessert – so I imagine it takes extra long to flip tables here.
They have two different queues: one for indoor dining and one for outdoors. The outside wait is typically a little longer.
You get a text when your table is ready, so you don’t have to stand in an actual line the entire time you’re waiting.
The Best Time to Visit The Cheesecake Factory Waikiki
Lines at The Cheesecake Factory are typically shortest at 2 PM or 10 PM on weekdays. You’ll still have a bit of a wait, but this helps you avoid their peak times.
That mid-afternoon lunch could be perfect if your appetite is still adjusting to a time change or if you had a big breakfast.
Definitely avoid weekends at peak times, as sometimes the wait can extend multiple hours.
Is The Cheesecake Factory in Hawaii Good?
The Cheesecake Factory is a nationwide chain of restaurants, but their Waikiki location is the only one in Hawaii.
The restaurant is most famous for its wide selection of cheesecakes (including the classic, which is still the original recipe used by founders Evelyn and Oscar Overton). Their first location opened in Beverly Hills in 1978 and was founded on the idea of large portions of simple foods and inviting service. Today, these are the same things that draw so many hungry customers to their Waikiki restaurant.
The menu is vast, and everyone in your group will find something they’ll enjoy. There are also tropical cocktails and, of course, their famous desserts.
But is it worth the wait to eat here? I’ll brave the crowd just to get my fix of Thai pasta and cookie dough cheesecake, but that’s only for special occasions.
If you’ve got limited time in Waikiki, you may better spend your time at other restaurants. But lots of locals and repeat visitors love the full experience of dining at The Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki.
Where is Hawaii’s Cheesecake Factory?
Hawaii’s only Cheesecake Factory is in Waikiki, in the Royal Hawaiian Center. It’s open throughout the week for lunch and dinner.
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY WAIKIKI • 2301 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 • 808-924-5001
