MomSkoop
Hawaii offers some of the most breathtaking dining experiences on Earth, where world-class cuisine meets stunning ocean views. Imagine savoring fresh seafood while waves crash just feet away, or enjoying tropical cocktails as the sun sets over endless blue waters. These oceanfront restaurants combine incredible food with unforgettable scenery that will make your meal truly special. Get ready to discover dining spots where every bite comes with a side of paradise.
1. 53 By The Sea
Perched dramatically on Kalapaki Beach, this upscale restaurant transforms every meal into a romantic adventure. Fresh island fish arrives daily, prepared with creative flair that honors both local traditions and international techniques.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Pacific Ocean like a living painting. Sunset dinners here feel magical as golden light dances across the water.
The menu changes seasonally, featuring ingredients grown on nearby farms. Reservations fill up quickly, especially for oceanside tables during peak dining hours.
2. Mala Ocean Tavern
Right on the sand in Lahaina, this casual spot lets you literally dine with your toes in the beach. Sea turtles often swim by during dinner, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters while you eat.
Their fish tacos are legendary among locals and visitors alike. The outdoor setting means gentle trade winds keep you cool even on warm evenings.
Lunch or dinner, the atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly. Kids love watching for marine life while parents enjoy craft cocktails and fresh catches.
3. Azure at Royal Hawaiian
Waikiki Beach becomes your dining companion at this sophisticated restaurant inside the famous Pink Palace hotel. Executive chefs create modern Hawaiian cuisine that celebrates island flavors with elegant presentation.
Diamond Head crater provides a stunning backdrop while surfers ride waves just beyond your table. The breakfast setting feels particularly special as morning light illuminates the coastline.
Service matches the premium location with attentive staff who know the menu inside and out. Weekend brunch reservations book weeks in advance for good reason.
4. Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Modern Hawaiian comfort food takes center stage at this rooftop gem overlooking Kapiolani Park and the ocean beyond. Craft beer selection features local breweries alongside mainland favorites.
Families appreciate the relaxed vibe and kid-friendly menu options. The view stretches from Diamond Head to downtown Honolulu, offering perfect photo opportunities throughout your meal.
Happy hour brings great deals on appetizers and drinks. Local musicians sometimes perform, adding live island music to enhance the already wonderful atmosphere and ocean breeze experience.
5. The Sea House Restaurant
Napili Bay’s calm waters lap the shore just steps from your table at this beloved Maui institution. Breakfast here means watching the bay wake up while enjoying macadamia nut pancakes and Kona coffee.
The building sits so close to the water that high tide sometimes reaches the restaurant’s foundation. Tropical fish swim in the crystal-clear bay, visible from most dining tables.
Dinner transforms the space into a romantic retreat with tiki torches and soft lighting. Local families have celebrated special occasions here for generations, creating lasting memories.
6. Mama’s Fish House
Paia’s most famous restaurant sits right where Kuau Cove meets the Pacific, surrounded by coconut palms and tropical gardens. Every fish dish comes with the name of the boat and fisherman who caught it.
The Polynesian-style building feels like stepping into old Hawaii. Waves crash against lava rocks while you dine, creating natural dinner music that never gets old.
Reservations are essential, sometimes booked months ahead for sunset tables. The restaurant sources ingredients from local farms and waters, ensuring authenticity in every single bite you take.
7. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill
Four Seasons Hualalai’s signature restaurant offers unobstructed views of the Kona Coast’s dramatic black lava shoreline. Pacific Rim cuisine blends Asian techniques with Hawaiian ingredients in surprising and delightful ways.
Whales migrate past during winter months, turning dinner into an impromptu nature show. The infinity pool nearby seems to merge with the ocean horizon, creating stunning visual effects.
Wine pairings complement each course perfectly, selected by knowledgeable sommeliers. The outdoor lanai catches cooling trade winds, making even hot days comfortable for extended dining experiences and relaxation.
8. Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel
Under the shade of a massive hau tree, this Honolulu hideaway offers peaceful dining away from Waikiki’s crowds. The protected beach attracts monk seals and sea turtles who often rest on the sand.
Breakfast feels particularly special with gentle waves and bird songs as your soundtrack. Local-style plate lunches satisfy big appetites without breaking the budget, making it popular with island residents.
The tree itself is over 100 years old, providing natural air conditioning and a sense of timeless Hawaii. Photographers love capturing the interplay of branches, ocean, and dining guests below.
9. Canoe House at Mauna Lani
Big Island’s premier oceanfront dining experience sits where ancient Hawaiian fishponds meet the Pacific. Archaeological sites surround the restaurant, adding cultural significance to your culinary adventure and historical context.
Manta rays glide through nearby waters after dark, sometimes visible from dining tables. The open-air design maximizes ocean breezes while showcasing dramatic Kohala Coast sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant colors.
Island-to-table philosophy means ingredients travel minimal distances from source to plate. Petroglyphs carved in lava rocks nearby remind diners of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.
10. The Beach House Restaurant
Kauai’s south shore provides the perfect backdrop for this romantic oceanfront gem where waves literally crash beneath your feet. Sunsets here are so spectacular that diners often applaud when the sun disappears into the Pacific.
Fresh fish arrives daily from local boats, prepared with island spices and international flair. The outdoor deck extends over lava rocks, making you feel like you’re dining on the ocean itself.
Monk seals occasionally haul out on the nearby beach during dinner service. Reservations for sunset tables book far in advance, but the experience justifies the planning required.