When you dream of your time in Oahu, you probably see yourself dining by the ocean as the sun sets. Luckily there are lots of places to do that. In fact, there are so many Oahu restaurants with a view that it can be difficult to know which are best. After all, you want to enjoy both your food and the scenery – the restaurant ambiance and the distant sights of the ocean.
That’s where we come in. Are you looking for amazing food with local ingredients, all served up in a stunning location? Here are a few of my favorite Oahu restaurants with a view:
1. Michel’s at the Colony Surf
You might miss Michel’s if you don’t do your research. It’s located at the foot of Diamond Head, just outside of Waikiki, and it’s full of romance and scenery. Go to Michel’s for romance, views of the beach, and, of course, stellar food. As a bonus, enjoy live music most evenings (call the restaurant to confirm).
On the menu, you’ll find French classics like Helix Escargots Bourgogne, which is a half-a-dozen French snails in Michel’s famous herbed garlic butter. But you’ll also find island-inspired dishes, like Michel’s Ocean Bounty – an assortment of fresh seafood featuring grilled mahi mahi, oyster Rockefeller, blackened ahi, Tristan lobster tail, scampi-style Caledonian, and Kona baby abalone.
Or, maybe it’s the 6-course chef’s choice tasting menu that is calling you. Of course, reservations are essential.
2. Azure
Located in the heart of Waikiki, Azure boasts incredible views, a romantic atmosphere, and delicious food. Every day at 5:30 am, Azure’s chefs head to the fish market to handpick the best fish to bring back to the restaurant.
With a strong emphasis on the highest quality of local fish, Azure offers a classic preparation of high-heat aromatic herb roasting. They also prepare innovative Hawaiian regional cuisine with bright tropical flavors.
Servers and sommeliers recommend the perfect wine pairings to make the food flavors stand out. A tasting menu is also offered.
My husband and I go to Azure when we have something special to celebrate, and it’s always worth it, since it’s such a delicious Oahu restaurant with a view. Reservations are a must!
3. 53 By The Sea
53 By The Sea is another off-the-beaten-path restaurant. Here, you will get sweeping views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the surf at Kakaako. The grand entrance to the venue starts off your elegant evening right.
With an emphasis on the freshest local foods, you will have difficulty choosing what to eat. That’s why I recommend the Chefʻs tasting menu – it is a great chance to try some of their best creations with the option to pair them with expertly selected wines.
53 By the Sea is open for dinner daily except Monday. They also have a Sunday brunch.
Their prime oceanfront location is a bit removed from the crowds, as it is set onto a rocky coastline away from the main Waikiki area. It feels tranquil and secluded, which is a nice change of pace during a busy Oahu vacation.
And, don’t forget to check out the bar, which focuses on fresh, handcrafted cocktails and has a selection of local craft beers.
4. Hau Tree Lanai
Dining outdoors at the Hau Tree Lanai feels like eating right on the beach. This great place is located near Diamond Head in the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel. Hau Tree Lanai gets its name from the Hau Tree that provides shade to many of the tables on its outdoor patio.
This Oahu restaurant with a view is most popular at brunch, which runs from morning through early afternoon. But they also serve afternoon bites, a full dinner menu, and all-day drinks.
Hau Tree Lanai closes between meal services, so check their hours and make a reservation for whichever meal you choose.
Brunch items include omelets and pancakes, a Hawaiian breakfast platter, and loco moco, a local favorite. They also have salads, burgers, and sandwiches. And, of course, Hawaiian classics like spicy garlic shrimp and a spicy ahi poke bowl are also on the menu.
At dinner, the restaurant becomes a romantic getaway. Their small selection of intricate dishes includes fish, meat, vegetarian options, appetizers, and hand-crafted cocktails.
5. Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi
One of my favorite Oahu restaurants with a view is Roy’s Beach House at Turtle Bay Resort. I go to Roy’s mainly for the views of the ocean and the resort, but the food is a great bonus. With an emphasis on local ingredients, lunch offerings include everything from burgers to salads to sushi. Their seafood is incredibly fresh, and all menu items have an elevated feel.
It’s very romantic, distinctly upscale, and very delicious. Plus, you canʻt beat the beachside ambiance at Turtle Bay.
Looking for something more simple? Visit between lunch and dinner, and go to their bar for a laid-back vibe, drinks, and pupus (appetizers).
6. Haleiwa Joe’s
Haleiwa Joes has a more laid-back atmosphere, but you’ll still get amazing views and food here. There are two locations of this great restaurant: the original in Haleiwa (North Shore), and one in Kaneohe (East Oahu)
Both have lovely tropical settings with outdoor seating, but I prefer the views at their Kaneohe location a little more, especially since it is so different than other Oahu restaurants with a view. It is lush and mountainous and feels like a totally different world than Waikiki.
Both restaurants allow you to dress casually and bring the kids, which is also why I recommend it.
At both Haleiwa Joeʻs locations, you will find many local favorites with a twist, like black & blue ahi sashimi served chilled with wasabi ranch dipping sauce & pickled ginger. Other favorites include Thai Fried Calamari, poke, coconut shrimp, and sticky ribs.
7. Kona Brewing Company Hawaii Kai
This is one of my favorite places to go for a beer and some good food. Kona Brewing Company was started by a father-and-son team on the Big Island. Although headquartered in Kona, the Oahu location serves a great beer selection and delicious food.
If you want to try as much beer as possible, order their sampler, which includes four 5 oz glasses of your choice.
Their menu is a lengthy booklet, so there is something for everyone. Many of their items are influenced by Hawaiian flavors and showcase their beers, like the pua’a pork tacos, which are three soft tacos made with Kalua pork, cabbage, and pineapple salsa, topped with a drizzle of Black Sand Porter BBQ sauce.
Views of the Koko Marina are a bonus! Plus, this is also a great place to bring kids.
Located in Hawaii Kai, this restaurant is close to the Koko Head Hiking Trail and the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Treat yourself to a beer and some pupus after a long hike!
Alternatives to Upscale Oahu Restaurants with a View
We tried to include a couple more family-friendly restaurants on our list — both in their ambiance and price point. But still, it can be hard to dine at these Oahu restaurants with a view if you’re visiting on a budget or bringing along little ones. That is why we wanted to share our favorite secret to enjoying Oahuʻs great dining with the best view: take your food to go.
Whether you order pick-up from one of these upscale spots or opt for one of Oahuʻs great food trucks, you are now able to choose any view you want! Take your plates to the beach, your hotel lanai, a picnic table at the park, or a quiet spot at your resort.
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