Eating and Drinking My Way Through Oahu

Oahu is a dream destination for many reasons—stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a vibrant food scene that keeps you coming back for more. During my time on the island, I made it a mission to indulge in some of the best eats and drinks Oahu has to offer. From cozy cafes to iconic local joints, here’s a breakdown of everywhere I dined and sipped my way through paradise.

A Bowl of Comfort at Momosan Waikiki

My food adventures kicked off with a steaming bowl of Spicy Tan-tan Ramen at Momosan Waikiki. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, it was exactly what I needed after a day of exploring. The broth had the right balance of heat and creaminess, and the noodles were cooked to perfection. The Momosan Set is also a great deal - $30 for a ramen and side, and if you go at lunch, it also includes a draft drink!

Poolside Bites at S’well Restaurant at ‘Alohilani

Dining with a view of the pool at S’well Restaurant at ‘Alohilani was an absolute treat. I enjoyed a refreshing Soba Noodle Bowl, a shareable plate of Ahi Poke Nachos, and some frozen cocktails that were perfect for the warm Hawaiian sun. Nothing beats good food with a relaxed, vacation vibe.

Tropical Sips and Seafood at Duke’s Waikiki

Duke’s is a must-visit when in Waikiki, and I made sure to stop by for their famous Pog Slushie cocktail and coconut shrimp. The sweet and tangy slushie was the perfect tropical refreshment, while the crispy coconut shrimp provided the ultimate beachside meal. While the coconut shrimp is on their appetizer list, it was large enough to be had as a meal.

Hot tip: Don’t have a reservation for the main dining room? If you’re okay with their casual menu, head down to their patio by the beach (they had live music when I visited!) and put your name on their walkup reservation list or try your luck at the bar which is also first-come, first-served. We visited on a Saturday at 5:30pm and were able to get a table on their beachside patio without too much fuss.

Monkeypod Kitchen – Twice as Nice

I loved Monkeypod Kitchen so much that I went twice! On my first visit, I sipped on their famous Mai Tais topped with honey-lilikoi foam (which became my favourite drink of the trip) while enjoying fries and the organic macadamia nut-crusted fresh fish dish. To top it off, I was treated to both Banana Cream Pie and Coconut Cream Pie as a birthday surprise.

On my second visit, I tried a No Ka ‘Oi cocktail (though I still preferred the mai tai), and dined on a Kalua Pork & Pineapple Pizza and a fresh MA’O Farm Organic Kale Salad—a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.

Local Flavors at Waikiki Market

The Waikiki Market had a great selection of fresh, local eats and was within walking distance of our Vrbo. I couldn’t resist their fresh malasada doughnuts and poke bowls, while my mom tried their Seoul Style Bowl, a delicious combination of kimchi-fried rice and savoury toppings.

Maguro Spot – Poke Heaven

I couldn’t visit Oahu without diving into more poke, and Maguro Spot did not disappoint. I tried the Spicy Spicy Bowl and the Special Rainbow Bowl, both packed with fresh, high-quality fish and flavorful toppings. They often have a line but it moves quickly enough!

Musubi Cravings at Musubi Cafe IYASUME

No trip to Hawaii is complete without spam musubi, and I made several stops at Musubi Cafe IYASUME to fuel up on their Teriyaki Spam Musubis and Egg Spam Musubis—perfect quick snacks for a day of adventure. The location at the Monarch also has cute musubi-themed souvenirs!

Sweet Treats at Liliha Bakery Waikiki

For a sweet start to the morning (or an anytime treat), I headed to Liliha Bakery Waikiki for their famous poi doughnuts and lilikoi malasadas. Soft, fluffy, and packed with island flavours, these pastries were absolutely irresistible. Hot take - my Uber driver on the drive-in when I arrived, recommended I head here for their doughnuts instead of Leonard's Bakery, which is where most tourists will go. To be fair, I never got to Leonards, but I very much enjoyed Liliha’s and think it’s worth the visit!

Garlic Shrimp Bowls at Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp

A visit to Oahu isn’t complete without indulging in some North Shore shrimp, and Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp was the perfect spot. I savoured both the butter garlic shrimp and the spicy garlic shrimp bowls, each one bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness.

A Classic Hawaiian Treat at Matsumoto Shave Ice

Shave ice is a must in Hawaii, and I made my way to the iconic Matsumoto Shave Ice for a tropical combo of guava, lilikoi, and mango flavours, topped with condensed milk and mochi balls. Refreshing and packed with flavour, it was the perfect cooldown treat. Again - we had to wait in a long line, but it was quick and worth the wait!

Sipping on Local Spirits at Kō Hana Distillers

For a unique drinking experience, I visited Kō Hana Distillers and enjoyed a cocktail flight featuring some of their best small-batch rums. It was a fantastic way to sample locally crafted spirits and appreciate the island’s rich distilling traditions. If you have a Costco card, you might want to check if they have their three cocktail sets - it’s a lot cheaper and the same ones you’ll find at the distillers and in stores.

A Relaxed Vibe at Lulu’s

Rounding out my culinary tour was a laid-back visit to Lulu’s, where I enjoyed great drinks and a welcoming island atmosphere. The relaxed ambience made it the perfect spot to unwind after a week of amazing food and drinks. I recommend their lava flow, a fun tropical cocktail.

Final Thoughts

Oahu is an absolute paradise for food lovers, offering everything from comforting bowls of ramen to fresh poke, tropical cocktails, and sweet island treats. Every meal was a new adventure, and I already can’t wait to return and discover even more hidden gems. Until next time, Oahu—aloha and mahalo for all the delicious memories!