When you’re staying a block from the Pacific, your seafood standards go up fast. We’ve spent years eating our way through Waikiki’s dining scene—with kids in tow, on date nights, and on “we just got off the plane and need to eat right now” nights. The result? A tried-and-true list of the 8 best seafood restaurants in Waikiki that we return to trip after trip.
Whether you want a quick, budget-friendly poke bowl after the beach or a romantic beachfront dinner with Diamond Head glowing in the background, this list covers every mood and every budget. From casual spots the whole family loves to upscale experiences worth every penny, here’s exactly where to go for seafood in Waikiki.
We’ve organized these by vibe so you can find the right fit fast—then scroll down for our full breakdown with ordering tips, what to expect, and insider advice for each spot.
Quick Guide: Which Seafood Restaurant Is Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Here’s the shortcut version based on what you’re after tonight:
- Best oceanfront vibe + views: Hula Grill Waikiki
- Best romantic date night: Azure Restaurant (The Royal Hawaiian)
- Best sushi night out: Doraku Sushi or Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar
- Best casual poke bowl (local-style): Ono Seafood Products
- Best fun, messy group dinner: Cajun Crab Waikiki
- Best quick fresh fish plate: Paia Fish Market Waikiki
- Best for mixed groups (seafood + non-seafood eaters): Roy’s Waikiki
Now let’s get into the full details on each one.
1. Hula Grill Waikiki — Best Seafood Restaurant in Waikiki for Ocean Views
If you could design the ideal Waikiki seafood dinner, it would look a lot like Hula Grill. Sitting right along the beach inside the Outrigger on the Beach, it’s casual, lively, and absolutely dripping in that “this is why we came to Hawaii” energy. The Diamond Head view doesn’t hurt, either.
We’ve taken first-timers here and watched their faces when the food arrived. The oysters come topped with a jalapeño jam that has just the right kick. The poke tacos are fresh and bright. The fresh catch specials rotate with whatever’s local and in season—when they’re running mahi-mahi or swordfish, order it.
- Order this: Oysters, poke tacos, fresh catch special, fish and chips (great for picky eaters)
- Best for: First nights in Waikiki, family dinners, anyone who wants oceanfront atmosphere without a dress code
- Pro tip: Time it for golden hour. A Waikiki sunset from this table is one of those experiences you’ll talk about on the flight home.
If ocean views are a priority for you, our guide to Waikiki restaurants with the best views has even more options across different price points and styles.
2. Roy’s Waikiki — Best Seafood Restaurant for Groups & Mixed Tastes
Roy’s has been a Waikiki staple for years, and it earns that status every single visit. Located along the Waikiki Beach Walk, it’s energetic without being chaotic, and the menu is the kind that keeps everyone at the table happy—even the person who “doesn’t really love seafood.”
The Beachwalk Trio is one of those dishes that becomes a personal mission to recommend to every friend who visits. Salmon, macadamia nut–crusted Hawaiian fish, and miso yaki butterfish—together on one plate, each one different. If you’re an ahi fan (and in Waikiki, you will be), the blackened ahi here is excellent. We compare ahi at nearly every restaurant we visit, and Roy’s holds up.
- Order this: Beachwalk Trio, blackened ahi, anything off the sushi counter
- Best for: Groups with mixed tastes, repeat visitors wanting something reliable and a step up from casual
- Pro tip: Roy’s gets busy at peak dinner time. Walk-in waits are common—go early or call ahead.
3. Azure Restaurant — Best Upscale Seafood Restaurant in Waikiki
For a genuinely special dinner, Azure is the one. Tucked inside The Royal Hawaiian—the famous “Pink Palace of the Pacific”—it offers beachside fine dining with sweeping views of the ocean and Diamond Head. This is the restaurant we save for anniversaries, big celebrations, or the occasional “we deserve this” night out.
Yes, prices are higher here. But the seared Hawaiian ahi alone might be the single best ahi dish in Waikiki, and the chef’s combinations feel genuinely creative—not the kind of thing you can easily replicate at home. The seafood bouillabaisse-style dish, when available, is also outstanding value for the volume of seafood you get.
- Order this: Seared Hawaiian ahi, the modern bouillabaisse, whatever the chef’s daily catch is
- Best for: Date nights, anniversaries, celebrating anything at all
- Pro tip: Dress it up a little—this is one of the few spots in Waikiki where making a night of it feels genuinely appropriate. Reservations are strongly recommended.
4. Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar — Best for Award-Winning Seafood Dishes
Sansei gets attention for its sushi, but the seafood dishes are what make it stand out. Located near the Waikiki Marriott, this is a spot where the menu has personality—award-winning dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Waikiki, and a fun, social atmosphere that’s great for ordering multiple plates and sharing.
The panko-crusted ahi is one of the most memorable things we’ve eaten in Waikiki: crispy outside, tender inside, rich flavor throughout. The Asian shrimp cake is equally impressive. On return visits, the seafood pasta and the grilled Hawaiian ahi round out a menu we keep finding excuses to revisit.
- Order this: Panko-crusted ahi, Asian shrimp cake, grilled Hawaiian ahi, seafood pasta
- Best for: Seafood fans who want something more adventurous than the usual; groups who like sharing plates
- Pro tip: Come hungry. This is a “get a few things and pass them around the table” kind of dinner.
Sansei also runs a great happy hour on select evenings. For a full breakdown of the best happy hour deals across Waikiki, see our Waikiki happy hour guide—it covers windows, deals, and which spots are worth timing your evening around.
5. Doraku Sushi Waikiki — Best Sushi & Seafood Restaurant in Waikiki for Families
Doraku is the restaurant we recommend first to seafood-loving friends visiting for the first time. It’s consistent, not overly formal, and the menu is broad enough that even the one person in your group who “isn’t really a sushi person” will find something great.
The hamachi carpaccio is a non-negotiable order—clean fish, a hit of jalapeño heat, and a little chili oil that makes it feel bright and alive. The pan-seared salmon is our pick for best salmon dish in Waikiki. And the Firecracker sauce makes almost everything better, including the tempura that kids inevitably love.
- Order this: Hamachi carpaccio, pan-seared salmon, tempura, anything with Firecracker sauce
- Best for: Families, first-timers to Japanese-style seafood, mid-trip dinners when you want something reliably great
- Pro tip: Doraku has a happy hour window on weekdays (4–6 PM at the Royal Hawaiian Center location) that’s worth catching if your schedule allows.
6. Ono Seafood Products — Best Poke Bowl in Waikiki
Ono Seafood is the answer to: “We want the best poke in Waikiki, and we want it now.” It’s a small, no-frills shop just outside the main Waikiki strip, beloved by locals and visitors alike—and the line-up of regulars tells you everything you need to know about the quality.
Portions are generous. The poke bowls come in several varieties and are fresh in the way that only happens when a shop genuinely cares about what they’re serving. Our family’s surprise winner is the octopus poke—one of the rare preparations where even the picky eaters in our group went back for more.
- Order this: Any poke bowl, and definitely try the octopus poke if you’re feeling adventurous
- Best for: Post-beach lunches, quick and satisfying seafood without a sit-down commitment, budget-conscious travelers
- Pro tip: There’s often a line—don’t be discouraged. Service moves fast, and it’s absolutely worth the few minutes.
If you’re looking to eat well in Waikiki without spending a fortune, our guide to eating cheaply in Waikiki has a full list of budget-friendly seafood and local food spots worth checking out.
7. Cajun Crab Waikiki — Best Seafood Boil Restaurant in Waikiki
Cajun Crab is the kind of dinner that becomes a story. Located right at Waikiki Beach Walk, it’s a full seafood boil experience: you pick your seafood, choose a sauce, pick your spice level, and then commit—bibs, wet naps, and all. It’s messy, lively, and one of the most fun meals you can have in Waikiki, especially with a group.
The combo boil is the smart order—it lets you mix and match seafood, and adding corn and potatoes turns it into a proper feast. Shrimp and crab is the classic combination, but if Dungeness or snow crab is available, grab it.
- Order this: Combo boil, shrimp + crab, add-ons like corn and potatoes
- Best for: Groups, families who want something interactive and fun, anyone who loved doing seafood boils back home and wants to do one in Hawaii
- Pro tip: It’s popular, especially in the evening. Go a little early to avoid the longest waits.
8. Paia Fish Market Waikiki — Best Fresh Fish Plate in Waikiki
Paia Fish Market started on Maui and brought its “simple, local, fresh” philosophy to Waikiki—and locals have embraced it. This is casual, counter-service dining where the seafood does the talking. Daily fish, island-grown produce, and a menu that keeps things simple because it doesn’t need to be complicated.
The fresh catch plate is the move every time. Whatever fish they’re running that day, prepared straightforwardly and without fuss. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why more restaurants don’t just do this. The Ohana plate, when available, is great for sharing.
- Order this: Fresh catch plate, the Ohana plate for sharing
- Best for: Casual dinners, quick lunches, anyone who wants fresh, quality fish without a long wait or a big bill
- Pro tip: No reservations here—this is a first-come, first-served spot. Go early, especially for dinner.
Two Honorable Mentions Worth Knowing
These two didn’t make the main eight, but they’re solid options depending on your group’s vibe:
- Ocean Seafood & Steakhouse: A good pick when your group is split between surf and turf—solid seafood alongside classic steak options.
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar: Fun, casual, classic Waikiki night-out atmosphere. The food is crowd-pleasing and the vibe is exactly what you’d hope for from a spot called “Tiki’s.”
Tips for Planning Your Waikiki Seafood Meals
A few things we’ve learned from many trips that make the whole dining experience smoother:
- Make reservations for upscale spots. Azure and Roy’s can fill up fast, especially around sunset. Book ahead if you have a specific night in mind.
- Go early for no-reservation spots. Ono Seafood, Paia Fish Market, and Cajun Crab don’t take reservations. Arriving 30–45 minutes before peak dinner time makes a noticeable difference.
- Budget for the experience, not just the food. Places like Azure and Hula Grill charge for the setting too—and in Waikiki, sometimes the setting is half the meal.
- Try ahi everywhere. It’s the local tuna, it’s exceptional, and comparing how different restaurants prepare it is one of the quiet pleasures of Waikiki dining.
For a broader look at Waikiki’s dining scene—including non-seafood favorites—our complete Waikiki restaurant guide covers the full picture. And if you’re building out your trip day by day, the 5-day Waikiki itinerary includes meal suggestions that pair well with each day’s activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waikiki Seafood Restaurants
What is the best seafood restaurant in Waikiki for a special occasion?
Azure Restaurant inside The Royal Hawaiian is our top pick for a special occasion dinner. It offers beachfront fine dining with some of the most creative seafood preparations in Waikiki, including an outstanding seared Hawaiian ahi. Expect to spend $60–$100+ per person, and make a reservation in advance.
Where can I find the best poke bowl in Waikiki?
Ono Seafood Products is widely considered the best spot for authentic, fresh poke in Waikiki. It’s a local favorite with generous portions at reasonable prices. The shop sits just outside the main Waikiki tourist corridor, which is part of why locals love it. Get there early if possible—it draws a crowd.
What’s the best cheap seafood option in Waikiki?
Paia Fish Market and Ono Seafood both offer high-quality, fresh seafood at prices well below what you’d pay at a sit-down restaurant. Paia’s fresh catch plate and Ono’s poke bowls are both satisfying, filling meals that won’t strain your vacation budget. For even more budget-friendly dining options, check out our guide to eating cheaply in Waikiki.
Are there seafood restaurants in Waikiki with ocean views?
Yes—Hula Grill Waikiki and Azure Restaurant both offer genuine beachfront views. Hula Grill is the more casual option with great Diamond Head sightlines. Azure sits on the beach at The Royal Hawaiian with romantic Pacific views. If ocean views are your priority, our Waikiki restaurants with a view guide covers the full list across different price ranges.
Is the seafood in Waikiki actually fresh?
Generally, yes—especially at the restaurants on this list. Hawaii has robust local fishing and a daily auction at Honolulu’s fish market that supplies many Waikiki restaurants. The key is choosing spots that prioritize fresh, local sourcing. Restaurants like Azure (which buys daily from the Honolulu fish auction), Paia Fish Market, and Ono Seafood are known for their commitment to fresh, local product.
Where do locals go for seafood near Waikiki?
Ono Seafood Products draws a strong local crowd for poke. For sit-down dining, Doraku and Sansei are both well-regarded by residents. If you want to explore where locals eat beyond the Waikiki core, our guide to local Waikiki restaurants has great options a short walk or drive away.
Final Thoughts
Waikiki is genuinely one of the best places in the world to eat seafood—and not just because you’re in a beautiful setting. The access to fresh local fish, the mix of Hawaiian, Japanese, and Pacific influences on the cooking, and the sheer variety from budget poke to upscale beachfront dining make it a seafood lover’s dream. Any of the eight restaurants on this list will deliver a meal you’ll remember.
