Unearth The Voyage
Hawaii’s coastline offers more than turquoise waves and golden sunsets. Scattered across the islands, you’ll find restaurants where the view rivals every bite on your plate. These spots blend fresh island flavors with panoramas so breathtaking you might forget to check your phone.
1. House Without a Key (Halekulani, Waikiki)
Named after a Charlie Chan novel, this terrace restaurant has been serving sunset mai tais since the Halekulani opened its doors. Live Hawaiian music drifts across the open-air space while Diamond Head towers in the distance and waves lap the shore just steps away.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus feature island-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with the panoramic views. The restaurant’s casual elegance makes it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed evenings.
Locals and visitors alike gather here to watch hula dancers perform under swaying palms as the sun melts into the Pacific. It’s a quintessential Waikiki experience that feels timeless, blending tradition with stunning natural beauty in every moment.
2. Orchids (Halekulani, Waikiki)
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the endless blue at this casually elegant dining room, where tables sit mere feet from the water’s edge. The restaurant earned its name from the orchids that grace every surface, adding a delicate touch to the oceanfront setting.
Sunday brunch here has become legendary among Honolulu diners, with seafood towers and made-to-order stations competing for attention with the crashing surf outside. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner services each bring their own magic to the space.
The menu celebrates Hawaiian ingredients with refined preparations that never overshadow the island’s natural flavors. Whether you’re starting your day with macadamia nut pancakes or ending it with fresh catch, the Pacific provides a constant, mesmerizing backdrop to every course.
3. Duke’s Waikiki
Sand practically spills onto the floor of this beach-level institution named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Waves roll in so close you can feel the ocean spray on particularly breezy afternoons, creating an atmosphere that’s pure Hawaiian soul.
All-day menus range from hearty breakfast plates to dinner buffets that draw crowds every night of the week. The signature Hula Pie, a towering creation of macadamia nut ice cream and chocolate fudge, has achieved cult status among dessert lovers.
Surfboards and vintage photos line the walls, telling stories of Hawaii’s beach culture through the decades. It’s impossible to feel formal here; flip-flops and swimsuits are standard dress code, and the vibe stays relaxed from sunrise to sunset.
4. 53 By The Sea (Kakaako)
Perched above the shoreline in Honolulu’s evolving Kakaako neighborhood, this fine-dining destination transforms special occasions into unforgettable memories. Panoramic windows showcase both Diamond Head’s iconic silhouette and the endless Pacific stretching toward the horizon.
Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday plus Sunday brunch, the restaurant keeps its schedule selective to maintain exceptional quality. Each dish arrives as a work of art, with island ingredients elevated through classical technique and modern creativity.
The intimate dining room feels miles removed from the city despite its urban location. Sunset reservations book weeks in advance, and for good reason: watching the sky ignite in coral and gold while savoring expertly prepared courses creates magic that lingers long after the last bite.
5. Mina’s Fish House (Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina)
Celebrity chef Michael Mina’s dedication to line-to-table freshness shines at this beachfront seafood haven on Oahu’s west coast. The restaurant sits directly on the sand, with Ko Olina’s calm lagoons providing a serene backdrop to every meal.
Sweeping ocean vistas stretch in every direction, and the open-air design invites tropical breezes to cool diners naturally. The menu changes with the daily catch, ensuring that what arrives on your plate was swimming in Hawaiian waters just hours earlier.
Preparations honor both the fish and the fishermen, with simple techniques that let pristine ingredients speak for themselves. Whether you choose grilled, raw, or roasted preparations, each bite tastes like the ocean itself, enhanced by the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore just beyond your table.
6. Michel’s at the Colony Surf (Gold Coast)
Old-world French elegance meets Hawaiian shoreline at this romantic dining room that has enchanted couples since 1962. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed ocean views, with waves literally breaking against the rocks below the restaurant’s foundation.
Dinner service runs nightly, and reservations at sunset remain the most coveted time slots. The menu leans classic French, with techniques perfected over decades and presentations that feel both timeless and refined.
Candlelight flickers across white tablecloths as the sky transforms through shades of pink and orange outside. The atmosphere whispers anniversary, proposal, and celebration, making it a Gold Coast landmark for life’s most memorable moments. Jackets aren’t required, but the ambiance naturally inspires guests to dress their best for the occasion.
7. Mama’s Fish House (Paia/North Shore)
Tucked into a palm-fringed cove near Paia, this iconic destination has defined North Shore dining for over four decades. Daily menus list not just the fish but the name of the fisherman who caught it, creating a connection between ocean and table that feels deeply personal.
The restaurant’s Polynesian-inspired architecture blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, where turquoise waves curl onto golden sand just beyond the tropical gardens. Inside, carved wood and tapa cloth create warmth that complements the spectacular setting.
Reservations book months ahead for good reason: every detail, from the macadamia-crusted fish to the coconut cake, achieves perfection. Sunset tables offer front-row seats to Maui’s legendary golden hour, when the entire cove seems to glow with magic that matches the food.
8. Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante (Four Seasons Maui, Wailea)
Italian flavors meet Wailea coastline at this open-air restaurant where dinner unfolds under a canopy of stars. The oceanfront terrace provides unobstructed views of the Pacific, with Molokini Crater visible in the distance on clear days.
Authentic Italian preparations use island ingredients whenever possible, creating a menu that honors both traditions beautifully. Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled seafood arrive at tables cooled by gentle trade winds.
Live music adds romance to evening meals, and the casual elegance encourages barefoot sophistication. Watching the sun sink into the ocean while savoring house-made gelato feels like the perfect ending to any Maui day. The restaurant’s beachfront location means you might spot sea turtles surfacing just offshore between courses, adding unexpected wildlife encounters to your dining experience.
9. Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Grand Wailea, Wailea)
Named after Hawaii’s state fish (yes, that’s really the full name), this open-air restaurant sits above a lagoon where tropical fish swim beneath glass floor panels. Pacific views stretch beyond the lagoon, creating layers of blue that shift with the changing light throughout your meal.
The seafood-forward menu celebrates Hawaiian waters with preparations that range from traditional to contemporary. Thatched roofs and Polynesian design elements transport diners to a different era, even as modern culinary techniques shine on every plate.
Sunset dinners here feel particularly special, with the sky reflected in both ocean and lagoon simultaneously. The restaurant’s unique setting makes it a Grand Wailea icon, where the name might be a mouthful but the experience proves utterly unforgettable. Kids love watching fish glide beneath their feet while parents savor the stunning surroundings.
10. Merriman’s Kapalua
Perched dramatically above Kapalua Bay, this restaurant delivers on its promise: every single table commands an ocean view. Chef Peter Merriman pioneered Hawaii Regional Cuisine decades ago, and that farm-to-table philosophy remains central to every dish served here.
Sunset cocktails on the terrace have become a Maui ritual for visitors and locals alike. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing ingredients from island farms and ranches alongside the daily catch from local waters.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that even indoor diners feel connected to the spectacular coastline below. Whale watching during winter months adds another dimension to the experience, with humpbacks breaching just offshore while you enjoy your meal. The combination of innovative cuisine and jaw-dropping scenery makes Merriman’s a Kapalua cornerstone that consistently exceeds expectations.
11. The Beach House (Koloa/Poipu)
Waves literally crash against the windows at this longtime Kauai favorite, where surf-side seating puts diners as close to the ocean as legally possible. Located on Lawai Road near Poipu, the restaurant has earned its reputation as the island’s premier sunset-watching destination.
The modern island menu balances fresh seafood with creative preparations that feel both familiar and inventive. Reservations for sunset tables require advance planning, but the payoff is spectacular: watching the sun melt into the Pacific while sea spray occasionally mists the windows.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families and couples equally, with a vibe that stays relaxed despite the restaurant’s popularity. Turtles often surface in the waves just offshore, providing entertainment between courses. It’s the kind of place where you linger over dessert, reluctant to leave the magic of ocean and sky colliding in brilliant color.
12. Duke’s Kauai (Kalapaki Beach, Lihue)
Kalapaki Bay’s gentle waters provide a serene backdrop at this breezy oceanfront location where the Duke’s concept feels perfectly at home. The Barefoot Bar buzzes with energy during the day, serving tropical drinks and casual fare to beachgoers still sandy from the surf.
Evening transforms the space into a more refined dining experience, though the relaxed island vibe never disappears completely. The island-seafood menu showcases Kauai’s fresh catch with preparations that let quality ingredients shine without unnecessary complication.
Live music drifts across the dining room most evenings, adding soundtrack to sunset views over the bay. The restaurant’s position right on the sand means you can walk directly from your beach chair to your table, making it ideal for full-day beach adventures. It’s unpretentious paradise dining at its finest.
13. Hualani’s (Timbers Kauai, Lihue)
Farm-to-table takes on new meaning when the farm sits on the same property as the restaurant. Hualani’s sources ingredients from the on-site Farm at Hokuala, creating a connection between soil and plate that measures in yards rather than miles.
The oceanfront terrace overlooks the bay, where sailboats drift past and seabirds wheel overhead. Menus change with harvest cycles, ensuring seasonal freshness that honors both the land and the ocean surrounding Kauai.
Timbers Kauai’s commitment to sustainability extends throughout the dining experience, from compostable materials to solar power. Yet none of the eco-consciousness feels preachy; instead, it simply enhances flavors that taste vibrantly alive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each showcase different aspects of island agriculture, making every visit feel like a delicious education in Hawaiian terroir and coastal beauty combined.
14. Lava Lava Beach Club (Waikoloa, Anaehoomalu Bay)
Sand squishes between your toes at this literal beach-dining experience where tables sit directly on Anaehoomalu Bay’s golden shore. Tiki lights flicker to life as sunset approaches, creating an atmosphere that feels like the best beach party you’ve ever attended.
Lunch transitions to happy hour, which flows into dinner service, with live music providing soundtrack throughout the day. The menu leans casual, with burgers, tacos, and fresh fish prepared simply to complement rather than compete with the spectacular setting.
Watching the sun sink into the Pacific while waves lap at the sand beneath your chair creates memories that outlast any fancy meal. Kids build sandcastles between courses, adults sip mai tais with their feet in the surf, and everyone agrees this is what Hawaii dining should feel like: effortless, joyful, and utterly unforgettable.
15. CanoeHouse (Mauna Lani, Kohala Coast)
Japanese-inspired coastal cuisine meets Big Island luxury at this refined oceanfront restaurant where golden-hour dinners have achieved legendary status. The terrace overlooks ancient fishponds and the Pacific beyond, creating layers of blue and green that shift with the fading light.
Sushi-grade fish arrives daily, transformed through techniques that honor both Hawaiian and Japanese culinary traditions. Each course balances delicate flavors with bold presentations, creating a progression that feels like edible art.
The Auberge Collection’s commitment to excellence shows in every detail, from hand-selected sake pairings to the precise timing of each course. Sunset reservations remain the most sought-after, when the entire coastline seems to glow with copper light. It’s sophisticated dining that never feels stuffy, where bare feet under the table pair perfectly with the impeccable service and stunning surroundings.
16. Brown’s Beach House (Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast)
Live Hawaiian music drifts across the sand at this signature oceanfront restaurant where island-inspired cuisine meets Kohala Coast beauty. The Fairmont Orchid’s beachfront location provides an unbeatable setting, with waves rolling onto the shore just steps from every table.
Sunset transforms the experience into something magical, as the sky ignites in shades of orange and pink while slack-key guitar melodies add soundtrack. The menu celebrates Hawaiian ingredients through preparations that feel both contemporary and rooted in island tradition.
Tiki torches illuminate the space as darkness falls, creating an ambiance that’s romantic without being formal. Fresh catch, locally raised beef, and island-grown produce form the foundation of dishes that taste like Hawaii itself. It’s the kind of meal where you linger over coffee, watching stars emerge above the Pacific, reluctant to let the evening end.
