Hawaii Kai Places to Eat

Hawaii Kai Towne Center is the first if you're coming from Waikiki (see directions below):
There are a number of fast food places to choose from and it's nice because you can take your food and eat it at the tables overlooking the marina (see photo above). The tables are in the area behind Panda Express. Other choices include: Taco del Mar, Starbucks Coffee, Yogurtland, and SushiMan. Sit-down restaurants include: Roy's (on Kalanianaole Highway), Maile's Thai Bistro (delicious summer rolls and stuffed chicken wings), and Outback Steakhouse (on Kalanianaole Hwy- great outdoor seating with breezy view of the water, and yummy teriyaki-marinated steak).
Hawaii Kai Shopping Center is the second shopping center you come to on Keahole St (see directions below):
Here you could eat at Bale Sandwiches, The Shack, or Cha Cha Cha. Bale Sandwiches is the yummiest and is a good takeout choice because it's not very nice inside. Their tofu sandwich or lemon grass chicken sandwich (which isn't on the menu but you can ask for it) are amazing. Crunchy French bread filled with tofu or chicken, and delicious pickled veggies (carrot, daikon) sliced thin. Around $5 a sandwich- you can't beat that! Try their yummy papaya tapioca pudding too!
The Shack is a good dine-in choice. Inside is a rowdy, rough bar, but outside is a balcony overlooking the marina, done in nice wood, with tiki torches lit at night. I like the Fresh Catch of the Day Teriyaki Style. The fries here are the best fries ever! The fish is caught daily on their own boat and brought over to the dock right by the balcony. Now that's fresh! It's not the cleanest place but the view makes it worth it.
Cha Cha Cha has delicious, massive burritoes for lunch or dinner. The coleslaw is tasty, and contains no greasy mayonnaise! There is live music on the balcony outside, with nice views
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Your last choice for eateries is Koko Marina Shopping Center. Don't turn on Keahole Street but continue on Kalanianaole Hwy and it'll be on your left. This is a romantic spot with gorgeous views of the marina and the jagged mountains. Some of your choices:
Kona Brewery has some great live music and tiki torches at night. Greek Marina has good food! Try the Spanakopita.
For takeout options, there is a Starbucks, Subway sandwiches, Kozo Sushi, and a local food place called "Loco Moco" where you can get "plate lunches," which are very greasy: meat, rice, and macaroni with mayonnaise. Good to get a taste of local culture but only if you have time to take a nap after eating something so heavy!
There is also a movie theatre with modern seating.
Assagio's is a good, formal, indoor Italian restaurant with delicious eggplant parmigiana. The AC is a little freezing in there so bring a jacket. Further down is Bubbies Ice Cream, where you can buy a small and delicious mochi ice cream if you want to avoid a lot of sugar. On the very end is Zippy's, a local-food diner, with a bakery where you can get Haupia Cake. You must try Haupia (Coconut) Cake while in Hawaii and this is the best place to get it! It's light and creamy. The seating by the marina is nice at Zippy's.
Walking around Koko Marina by the walkway with handrail behind Assagio's and Zippy's is gorgeous because of the views of the mountains and the warm trade winds. It is especially magical here at night.
While you're in Hawaii Kai, make sure you do the southeast oahu scenic drive, stopping for a snorkel at Hanauma Bay or a heavenly swim at Eternity Beach, and then doing a hike up to Makapuu Lighthouse.
For a place to picnic with your yummy sandwich, sit on the grass over the water at nearby Portlock Point- this is especially good at sunset- and then go for a stunning walk around the corner at Spitting Cave.

Hawaii Kai Places to Eat

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