Hawaiʻi is the gold-standard when it comes to spectacular sky and sea views, so it’s no surprise that its tropical capital has world-class outdoor dining setups.
Some of the city’s best island cocktails and ocean views wait for you at a beachfront Waikīkī beauty. Nearby, swings double as bar seats at a retro alfresco spot steered by a James Beard Award winner. A Turkish escape in see-and-be-seen Kakaʻako draws crowds for its terrace, decked with hanging ferns and dangling lights.
Take in Honolulu’s extra-stunning side at these charming open-air restaurants. Read on for a guide to 12 can’t-miss outdoor dining experiences in the Hawaiian capital to book now.
House Without A Key (Waikīkī)
The postcard-perfect view is the star attraction at Halekulani’s House without A Key. A sandy panorama leads to majestic Diamond Head in the distance, and soaring palms deck the outdoor space. House Without A Key’s world-class mai tais, gentle Hawaiian music, and live hula dancing play supporting roles. Complete the experience with char siu coconut baby back ribs and cloud-like coconut cake for dessert. It’s one of Honolulu’s most classic spots to enjoy a trademark Hawaiian sunset.
Quiora (Waikīkī)
Quiora’s perch on the fourth-floor deck of Waikīkī’s Ritz-Carlton means expansive views of the Hawaiian sky and a stunning stretch of horizon. Dig into fresh housemade pasta like Big Island oxtail bucatini and locally caught fish, served with Kalaeloa beans and chile crisp, alongside a large wine menu, which servers will happily guide you through. Happy hour specials and sunset views make Quiroa an ideal evening spot—but it’s equally great for sunny afternoon lunches.
Mahina & Sun’s – Surfjack Hotel (Waikīkī)
The boutique hotel Surfjack is a playful, Elvis-inspired escape, and its poolside restaurant channels that theme. Grab one of the seats around the dramatic oval swimming pool with the phrase “Wish you were here!” engraved on the bottom, then prepare for a serious farm-to-table meal. The highlight is the Mahina Family Feast, which features a whole-roasted fried fish, plus locally inspired sides. Round things out with some fun tiki cocktails, and you’ve got an all-out outdoor party.
Istanbul Hawaii (Honolulu)
Istanbul’s glimmering lights and hanging ferns are extensions of its rustic interiors, which channel a modern Turkish home—owner-chef Ahu Hettema and her family designed most of the decor themselves. The Turkish restaurant’s charming terrace is set in Honolulu’s splashy Kakaʻako district and makes a scenic spot for a massive Ottoman-inspired spread. Start with a mezze platter featuring hummus and baba ganoush before diving into mains like fresh whole sea bass or a 32-ounce prime tomahawk.
Orchids at Halekulani (Waikīkī)
Orchids at Halekulani is responsible for kicking off Honolulu’s brunch obsession. The restaurant’s decadent Sunday buffet includes a lavish sashimi and prime rib stations, the restaurant’s trademark popovers, and an ice cream sundae bar. Live piano music at brunch and a soothing Pacific Ocean soundtrack fuel the outdoor magic here. The pièce de résistance is a sweeping view of Diamond Head, arguably one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Arancino at the Kahala (Honolulu)
As one of Honolulu’s quintessential restaurants, Arancino draws both locals and tourists for its excellent Japanese-inspired Italian food—it even scored an OpenTable’s Diner Choice Award. But the elegant restaurant is also a sought-after spot for its large and dreamily lit lanai, a chic setting for crowd favorites like uni pasta and tableside cacio e pepe. Tall Roman archways and a vaulted terrace round out the luxe island-meets-Italian atmosphere.
Heyday (Waikīkī)
Four words: Swings as bar seats. That’s just one reason to adore Heyday, which also stands out for cool cocktails and a seasonal menu by James Beard Award winner Robynne Maii. The restaurant’s White Sands Hotel location adds to its dreamy poolside vibe, complete with an outdoor grotto with a waterfall. Tear into locally caught fish and chips or a fat flatiron steak skewer, and consider pairing your outdoor feast with a mai tai—Heyday offers four versions.
Mud Hen Water (Honolulu)
Acclaimed chef Ed Kenney’s local gem has a lanai that’s a popular spot for outdoor meals and surrounded by picnic tables, umbrellas, and bright murals by local artists. Sprawl out here and soak in the sun at breakfast and lunch, or be comforted by cool tradewinds at dinner. Sourdough banana pancakes and pork sisig make great daytime meals, but evenings call for chef Kenney’s modern riffs on local classics like mapo rice cakes and chicken long rice croquettes.
ZIGU (Waikīkī)
ZIGU’s soothing white brick exteriors offer a break from the crowds in touristy Waikīkī. The outdoor space at this Japanese spot includes a long wood-laden bar that pours sake, beer, and highballs. Stepping through its side door lands you in an airy outdoor courtyard with ti plants (evergreen shrubs) and palms. Expect Japanese-influenced food like local watercress and tofu salad, a rolled omelet that uses eggs from nearby Waianae, and sauteed miso abalone from Kona.
Hideout (Waikīkī)
Hideout is a hidden gem nestled above busy Kuhio Avenue and set in the Laylow, one of Honolulu’s trendiest hotels. The oasis vibes are strong here, thanks to outdoor fires in sandpits, tiki torches, and an airy terrace that hosts live music performances. It’s an escape-like setting that was made for pupu platters of sashimi and fried chicken, best paired with frosty tropical cocktails like the house mai tai.
Mariposa at Neiman Marcus – Ala Moana (Honolulu)
Set in Ala Moana’s Neiman Marcus, Mariposa’s wide lanai draws a steady stream of diners for its calm atmosphere, fresh breeze, and ocean views. With tall ceilings and automatic raffia fans, the Victorian-inspired setting is a sophisticated spot for the restaurant’s club sandwiches, bistro burgers, and famous popovers, which are served with every meal.
Cino (Kaka’ako)
One of last year’s hottest new restaurants now has alfresco seating with string lights and umbrellas, ideal for romantic dinners or a leisurely brunch. The outdoor section at this Italian chophouse is set on a quiet side street in Victoria Ward Village and is a down-to-earth alternative to its plush, velvety interiors. Enjoy crab pasta, dry-aged pork chops, and anything from the knockout crudo menu; if you’re drinking, get the house old fashioned—just one option from a top-tier cocktail menu.
Noelle Chun is a freelance journalist who writes about food, cocktails, and wine in Honolulu and San Francisco. Her writing has appeared in Eater, The Guardian, and Honolulu Civil Beat, among other publications.
