Good Food Near Me: Oahu Edition

On Oahu, the definition of “good food” can vary widely. You may be searching for the trendiest, upscale, exclusive dining room, a nice sit-down restaurant for the family, or maybe one of hundreds of food trucks on the island (many of which sell legendarily great food). In narrowing down the choices, weʻre offering eight that we think will hit the spot for a lot of people.

A Lū’au Like No Other

Polynesian Cultural Center’s imu pig for lūʻau. Photo by Polynesian Cultural Center.

Ali’i Lū’au at the Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, La’ie
808.293.3333
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
polyneisa.com/dining

The most authentic Hawaiian lū’au on the island features an extensive all-you-can-eat buffet of freshly prepared foods. Pork is roasted the traditional “imu” way, every day. (In a pit lined with lava rock and banana leaves.) Fresh fish and other meats are complimented by a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, prepared from traditional recipes. And desserts abound! It is a feast fit for royalty, complete with proper table settings. And speaking of royalty, the lū’au features an elegant presentation honoring Queen Liliuokalani, beautifully depicted in song and dance. Reservations required.

Dry Aged Steak

DK Steakhouse. Photo from their website.

DK Steakhouse
Waikiki Beach Marriott
2522 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
808.931.6280
Every day, 5:30 – 10:00 PM
https://dkrestaurants.com/d-k-steak-house/
For steak enthusiasts, consider DK Steakhouse, where they dry age meats using their own in-house process. Delicately prepared vegetables and salads accompany. Or choose from sashimi and other seafood offerings. A nice variety of desserts could round out your meal. All enjoyed in an attractive dining room with great views. Reservations are a good idea.

Something for Everyone! Big, Beautiful Buffet

Gateway Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Photo by Polynesian Cultural Center.

Gateway Buffet at the Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, La’ie
808.293.3333
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
polyneisa.com/dining
Fresh selections, centered on ocean catches and local garden and ranch produce. From comfort foods to classic cuisine to delicious desserts, everything is prepared each day, the island way. Many protein choices—poke, sashimi, fish, kalua pork, sirloin roast, and chicken, all prepared different ways. Extensive salad and dessert bars. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are clearly labeled. Slightly more casual dining than the Center’s lū’au , but still amazing, in a setting that reminds you that you are in the islands. Live music throughout your dining experience. Reservations required.

Sit-down Family Restaurant

Pounders at Hukilau Marketplace

Pounders luscious fish tacos

Pounders at the Hukilau Marketplace, Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway, La’ie
808.293.3287
Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM; Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
https://www.poundersrestaurant.com/

Conveniently located on the grounds of the Hukilau Market Place at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Pounders has a reputation for quality meals and amazing cookies. Their menu spans a wide variety of tastes, from Pacific Rim to American standard. There are some vegetarian options as well. Reservations are recommended.

Hawaiian Food with a Twist

Shezʻs paniolo burger from Seven Brothers. Photo from their website.

Seven Brothers
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731
808.852.0040
Monday – Saturday, 11-9pm
https://www.sevenbrothersburgers.com/

This business is owned by a family that prides themselves on quality. Their website says, “All of our food is passion driven. Our meat is NEVER frozen, and we are committed to fresh, authentic ingredients, NEVER cutting corners. You can taste the passion in every bite!” Their offerings are over-the-top delicious. Burgers that can be 3 times as tall as they are wide, ahi, chicken, coconut-and-macadamia-crusted shrimp, freshly made onion rings…. The list goes on. Vegetarian options include a mega burger, salads and some pretty gnarly potato recipes. And Mom’s banana bread for dessert. This place—the Kahuku location, at least—is an adventure. (Haven’t tried the others yet.)

Authentic Hawaiian Food

Traditional selections from Helenaʻs Hawaiian Food. Photo from their website.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food
1240 North School Street, Honolulu
808.845-8044
Tuesdays through Friday, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
www.helenashawaiianfood.com
A self-proclaimed “humble eatery,” Helena’s has been providing traditional Hawaiian food since 1946. It has maintained its popularity and relevance (James Beard Regional Classic Award after 54 years in business, and still going strong), and is still one of those “must try” destination recommended by fans from all over the world. Legendary local dishes include kalua pig, laulau, luau squid, lomi salmon, poke, and more. Choose ala carte or meal offerings. Seating is limited. Take-out is available. See their website for more details.

Fresh Catch

Kenʻs Fresh Fish. Photo from their website.

Kenʻs Fresh Fish signature dish, Katsu Ahi

Ken’s Fresh Fish

55-730 Kamehameha Highway, Suite 102, La’ie
808.888.7193
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11:00am – 3:45 pm
https://www.facebook.com/kensfreshfish/
https://app.grandemenus.com/kensfish/menu
This simple, unobtrusive shop boasts some of the freshest fish dishes you’ll find on the North Shore. Their ahi and shrimp dishes continue to draw crowds and they get consistent rave reviews for their trademark Katsu Ahi. Take out only. Hours are limited, so plan ahead.

Breakfast, Honolulu Style

Sumptuous breakfasts await at Sweet Eʻs Cafe. Photo from their website.

Sweet E’s Café
1006 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu
808.737.7771
Every day, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
https://sweetescafe.com/

You might have to look a bit to find this one, but the word is it’s worth the effort. Quirky menu labels all their food categories with E words: Extraordinary Omelets, Eggs Benedict (several options), Extreme Mess (scramble with lots of inclusions), Everyday, Elated, Elegant, Enchanting, Epic—you get the idea. Ratings are high. Comfortable storefront ambience with indoor and outdoor seating. No reservations.

Debbi Weitzell has enjoyed a long career writing and editing, and is excited to bring her experience to the Polynesian Cultural Center where there are lots of new things to explore and write about. She especially loves the Aloha spirit that seems to surround everyone and everything on the island. Her hobbies include landscape painting and family history. Also, since gardening is an entirely different ballgame on the island as compared to the desert, she is looking forward to owning a hibiscus plant that actually thrives. Debbi and her husband came to Oʻahu from Tucson, Arizona.