Oahu’s access to fresh seafood, as well as the confluence of Asian and Native Hawaiian cultures, make it a haven for foodies. From tiny local dives to multiple course meals with an ocean view, there are too many top-notch restaurants on the island to try them all. Below are a few of Oahu’s best restaurants with the best food in Ko Olina and beyond, to get you started on your epicurean journey to this beautiful island!
Acai bowls are popular on Oahu, especially for breakfast, and you’ll find them at restaurants all over the island. Da Cove Health Bar & Café in Kapolei serves up especially delicious acai bowls that are a great way to start your day. There are half a dozen acai bowls to choose from with unique additions such as pitaya and bee pollen, as well as smoothies, fresh juices, and sandwiches.
As the name suggests, Fresh Catch 808 serves up deliciously fresh seafood. These plate lunches are best picked up and enjoyed down on the beach with your toes in the sand. Any local seafood lover will suggest that you try poke (pronounced poh-kay), consisting of cubed raw tuna, seaweed, sweet onions, and inamona. With those ingredients as the starting point, you’ll find over 20 varieties of poke made fresh daily at Fresh Catch 808. From spicy ahi to tako (octopus), the flavors here will surprise and delight. Fresh Catch 808 also offers seafood plate lunches and dinners, as well as platters for larger groups.
For both upscale Ko Olina food and a stunning atmosphere, head to the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, located in the heart of Waikiki. The third story rooftop bar boasts comfortable lounge seating around a fire pit, with stunning views across the city. Enjoy an evening of casual drinks, or order from their full menu. Offering both lunch and dinner, the menu here features tropically inspired dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Consider an order of the mahi tacos or the Thai shrimp and scallops for an unforgettable meal. Save room for a slice of their key lime pie or crème brûlée for dessert.
Owned by the Merriman Group, one of the premier restaurant groups in Hawaii, Monkeypod Kitchen may initially be a draw simply for its name, but foodies will quickly discover why it is well worth a visit. Monkeypod Kitchen’s carefully crafted menu consists of local organic farm foods, meat, and fresh catches that make it clear they are dedicated to using local resources and supporting local growers. This results in a farm fresh menu that frequently changes, keeping things new and interesting. On the Monkeypod Kitchen menu, you’ll find items such as hand tossed pizzas with crust made from scratch and dishes made from the fresh catch of the day from Oahu’s waters. A kids’ menu offers up choices that will keep everyone in the family happy.
Start your meal with their famed pumpkin patch ravioli appetizer, made with local roasted squash and spinach and tossed with a walnut sage pesto. If you’re in the mood for pizza, their unique Hamakua Wild Mushroom & Truffle Oil is a favorite, topped with a white sauce, garlic, parmesan, and fresh thyme. For something from the sea, the organic macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi has the perfect crisp and is served with a side of fresh pineapple relish. Let your conversation linger long after the last bite has been eaten. Monkeypod Kitchen offers an extensive wine list as well as specialty cocktails that will keep the conversation flowing. Their famed Mai Tai includes house made macadamia nut orgeat and a honey lilikoi foam, a perfect infusion of tropical flavors. Monkeypod Kitchen is open daily from 3:30pm-9pm and offers live music on each day of the week.
For the seafood lover, a meal at Mina’s Fish House is a must. This upscale eatery is situated on the grounds of Ko Olina, front and center to one of the tranquil beach lagoons. Choose from multiple decks offering panoramic ocean views or keep your toes in the sand as you dine. The setting alone makes it worth an indulgent meal! The chefs at Mina’s partner with local fishermen to ensure that patrons always enjoy the freshest catch. Dishes range from their famed Hawaiian seafood tower to unique eats such as abalone spaghetti. Choose among entrees from the land and sea, items from the raw bar, or take your pick of shellfish. Mina’s is also a great place to treat yourself to surf & turf.
Make the most of your stay in Hawaii by enjoying the many cuisines and flavors represented in the top restaurants on Oahu. If you really want to experience it all, we even offer monthly rentals on Oahu for that extended culinary vacation. Enjoy easy access to incredible Oahu restaurants when you stay in our Oahu vacation rentals, situated along the island’s sunny western coast. Contact our team today!
