On our recent adventure to Honolulu, we chose the vibrant Waikiki area as our home base. The sun-soaked beaches, bustling streets, and stunning ocean views set the perfect backdrop for our exploration. As we wandered through this lively neighborhood, we discovered some incredible budget-friendly restaurants that combined delicious food with breathtaking scenery. From cozy beachside cafes to hidden gems with panoramic vistas, these spots made our time in Waikiki truly memorable. Join us as we share our top ten scenic dining experiences where you can savor both the flavors and the views without breaking the bank.
Introduction
Waikiki is one of the most popular beach destinations in Hawaii, known for its beautiful coastline and iconic views of Diamond Head. However, when it comes to dining, the ocean view often comes with a sky-high price tag. Many restaurants charge a premium to enjoy the spectacular sunsets and rolling waves.
But don’t let the high costs deter you – it is possible to enjoy oceanfront dining in Waikiki without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best budget-friendly restaurants where you can take in the breathtaking seaside panoramas without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re looking for casual local plates, happy hour deals, or hotel eateries with view-filled seating, you’ll find plenty of wallet-friendly options in this beachside neighborhood.
Keep reading to discover the top affordable ocean-view restaurants for your next trip to Waikiki. With these money-saving tips, you can savor the island flavors and take in the picturesque setting without paying premium prices.
The Challenges of an Ocean View
A picturesque ocean view is one of the most coveted dining experiences in Waikiki. With sweeping vistas of world-famous beaches, island landmarks, and glorious sunsets, it’s easy to see why. However, prime real estate comes at a cost. Restaurants situated directly on the beach or with panoramic windows showcase the view as part of the overall dining experience. Naturally, customers expect to pay more for dramatic scenery as part of an upscale ambiance.
To offset expensive build-outs and maintain allure, many oceanfront eateries price themselves out of reach for budget-minded travelers. Luxury hotels also leverage their vantage points by housing high-end restaurants with postcard-worthy views. Discerning diners may relish the total package, but leave frugal foodies frustrated.
Thankfully, alternatives exist for those seeking ocean outlooks without draining their wallets. With careful research and planning, visitors can discover overlooked spots offering authentic island cuisine and refreshing tropical drinks against the shimmering sea and sun – all for under $20 a person.
Best Budget-Friendly Oceanview Spots
Waikiki offers several budget-friendly options for enjoying an ocean view without breaking the bank. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
Known for its surf-themed interior and lively atmosphere, Duke’s Waikiki is a popular spot right on the beach offering reasonably priced lunch and dinner entrées from $12-25. Signature dishes include tropical cocktails, poke tacos, hula pie, and fresh local fish. With live music and hula dancers, Duke’s provides free entertainment and a fun vibe in addition to ocean views.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar
2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
For a casual open-air restaurant and bar, check out Tiki’s Grill & Bar at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. Specializing in American comfort food with some Hawaiian twists, menu items range from $7 breakfast plates to $20 dinner entrées. Sip on a Monkey Mai Tai or Lilikoi Lemonade while taking in sweeping views of the ocean and Diamond Head.
Lunch Specials
Lunch can be an enjoyable and affordable time of day to take in the views in Waikiki. Many pricier oceanview restaurants offer excellent lunch specials that make dining much more budget-friendly compared to dinner.
Duke’s Waikiki often has a lunch buffet for around $25 per person. This gives you access to an extensive salad bar and hot buffet with main dishes like huli huli chicken and kalua pork with all the fixings. The open air seating provides panoramic ocean views.
Nestled in the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Surf Lanai offers a charming breakfast experience with stunning ocean views. Starting from just $10, their breakfast menu caters to all tastes. Whether you crave fresh tropical fruit or classic eggs Benedict, Surf Lanai combines delectable dishes with a serene, beachside ambiance. Enjoy your morning coffee while gazing at the sparkling waves, making it a perfect way to start your day in Waikiki.
Happy Hours
The best spots to enjoy sundowners and half-priced appetizers in Waikiki are plentiful, you just have to know where to look. Here are a few of the top options for happy hour with an ocean view that won’t break the bank.
Moana Surfrider Hotel
2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
The Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider Hotel offers 50% off appetizers and drinks from 4:30-6pm daily. Stop by their oceanfront patio for deals on Mai Tais, local beers, and dishes like ahi poke tacos and coconut shrimp. Even with the discount, it can get pricey, but it’s a prime spot right on the beach.
Duke’s Waikiki
2335 Kalākaua Ave #116, Honolulu, HI 96815
Happy hour runs from 4:30-6pm at Duke’s in the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. Score deals like half off appetizers and $4.50 draft beers. The Barefoot Bar is right on the sand, so you can watch surfers while sipping cheap drinks at this Waikiki institution. Go for the prime rib sliders.
Tiki’s Grill & Bar
2570 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Enjoy half-priced bar bites and drinks from 3-5pm on weekdays at Tiki’s Bar & Grill in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. The lanai offers beach views and deals like $3 beers, $5 well drinks, and 50% off starters like poke nachos and chicken wings. It gets busy, so head over early to grab a spot.
Veranda at the Beachhouse
2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
The Veranda at the Beachhouse in the Moana Surfrider offers a daily happy hour from 5-6pm with half off drinks and a special bar menu with deals on shared plates and hand rolls. Sit on the open-air veranda right above the beach for gorgeous sunset views.
Tropics Bar & Grill
2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
Tropics Bar & Grill at the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a daily happy hour from 5-6pm with $6 local brews and glasses of wine as well as $8 tropical cocktails and martinis. Enjoy half priced appetizers like shoyu chicken wings, coconut shrimp, and edamame hummus while taking in unbeatable views.
Local Eats
Waikiki has its fair share of fancy restaurants with ocean views, but you can also find some local hidden gems if you know where to look. Getting off the main drag and exploring side streets reveals affordable spots favored by locals.
Lulu’s Waikiki
2586 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
On a side street near bustling Kuhio Avenue, Lulu’s Waikiki serves up tasty local plates in a casual setting. Try their signature garlic chicken or fresh ahi poke bowl while taking in sweeping ocean views. Despite its prime location, meal prices stay budget-friendly.
Mahina & Sun’s
412 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
For breakfast and lunch with a view, check out Mahina & Sun’s. This cheerful cafe prides itself on locally sourced ingredients and friendly service. Sit on the open-air deck and order their surfers pancakes while watching for whales offshore. Prices are reasonable for the views you get.
Highway Inn Kaka’ako
680 Ala Moana Blvd #105, Honolulu, HI 96813
Highway Inn started as a small roadside stand over 70 years ago. Today, they have an outpost in Waikiki offering plate lunch classics with patio seating facing the ocean. Try local favorites like fried pork chops and fried saimin noodles for under $15 a plate.
Bogart’s Cafe
3045 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Bogart’s Cafe is perched on a second-floor open lanai right across from Kuhio Beach. Despite its prime location, prices stay low on local staples like loco moco, shoyu chicken, and garlic shrimp plate lunches. Relax above the action while taking in panoramic ocean views.
Outdoor Seating
One of the best ways to enjoy Waikiki’s famous ocean views without breaking the bank is by opting for restaurants with outdoor patio or lanai seating. Sitting outside under the sunny skies not only provides those Instagram-worthy panoramas, but it’s often more budget-friendly than eating indoors.
Some top picks for outdoor oceanview dining include:
- Duke’s Waikiki – Request a table on their outdoor Barefoot Bar lanai to look out over the beach while enjoying cheap tacos and drinks.
- Hula Grill – Their open-air patio wraps around the restaurant with front-row views. Go for their afternoon happy hour when appetizers and cocktails are half off.
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar – Sit on their beachfront lanai and take in the waterfront scenery. They have an extensive happy hour menu with deals on pupus, drinks, and entrees.
- House Without a Key – At the Halekulani Hotel, their open-air bar offers unobstructed ocean views. The sunsets are incredible and they have live Hawaiian music nightly.
Outdoor seating gives you the feel of an oceanfront dining experience without the higher prices of pricier indoor tables. Just be sure to arrive early to secure patio seating with the best vantage points. Sunset hours are popular and often booked up in advance.
Hotel Restaurants
While luxury resorts can cost a pretty penny, some hotel dining rooms in Waikiki offer great ocean views without breaking the bank.
The Veranda at the Beachcomber Hotel is a prime example. Located right on the beach, floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of Diamond Head and the sparkling Pacific. The menu features locally sourced ingredients like fresh island fish, tropical fruits, and Kona coffee. Breakfast and lunch are very reasonable, with most entrees under $20.
Another good option is the Oceanarium Restaurant at the Best Western Plus The Plaza Hotel. As the name suggests, floor-to-ceiling aquarium walls surround the dining room, making you feel like you’re under the sea. The daily breakfast buffet is just $15 and includes made-to-order omelets. At night, pupus and cocktails can be enjoyed while gazing at sea turtles and vibrant tropical fish.
While hotel restaurants may not have the prestige of luxury resorts, their wallet-friendly prices and gorgeous vistas make them hidden gems for oceanview dining in Waikiki. With an upscale ambiance and well-executed meals, they let visitors enjoy memorable Hawaiian experiences without going broke.
Drinks Only
For those looking to enjoy ocean views with drinks in hand, Waikiki offers many options. Head to the Hula Grill at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort for their beachfront happy hour. Lanai seating and floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to soak up the sunset over cocktails and appetizers.
Duke’s Waikiki, named after Hawaiian surf legend Duke Kahanamoku, is another great option for drinks with an ocean view. Head to the Barefoot Bar and try the Hawaiin Martini made with locally distilled Ocean Vodka. Or stop by before sunset for the live music as the sky turns golden over the Pacific.
At House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel, 14400 Kalakaua Ave, you can listen to live Hawaiian music with the gentle ocean waves in the background. Sip tropical cocktails like mai tais as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
For straight up oceanfront views, head to the Beach Bar at Moana Surfrider Hotel. Enjoy live music nightly as you look out over the beach through floor-to-ceiling windows. The signature Mai Tai Bar is also located steps from the beach and is one of the best spots on Waikiki for a classic mai tai.
Conclusion
Waikiki is known for its stunning ocean views and lively resort atmosphere, which can make dining with a view seem expensive. However, as we’ve seen, it’s possible to enjoy oceanfront restaurants in Waikiki without blowing your budget.
The best-value oceanfront spots include local favorites like Duke’s Waikiki for their lunch specials, happy hour deals at open-air hotel bars like RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki, and casual local eateries like Bogart’s Cafe with outdoor seating. Don’t forget about hotel buffet breakfasts and happy hours when planning your itinerary.
Waikiki has no shortage of places to soak up the views of the Pacific while savoring fresh island cuisine. With the tips in this guide, you can take full advantage of budget meal options and save your money for other activities in paradise. No matter where you choose to dine, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful stretch of beach before you. The ocean vistas are free for all to enjoy in Waikiki!
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you visited Waikiki and discovered any budget eats that left a lasting impression? What are your favorite hidden gems in the area? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below! And don’t forget to check our Resources Page for more travel guides!