Hawaii Kai Places to Eat

Hawaii Kai Towne Center, where the big Costco store is located, 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 with incredible views of the technicolor blue-green water (see photo above). The tables are in the area by Mala Market, which has sandwiches and iced tea. Other choices include: Panda Express, Domino's Pizza, Koa Pancake House, Starbucks Coffee, Bits and Bites Bakery (closed Monday), and Lanikai Juice. A great selection of places to eat! Sit-down restaurants include: Maile's Thai Bistro (delicious summer rolls and stuffed chicken wings), Chopstick and Rice Vietnamese, Ramen-Ya, and The Original Roy's (on Kalanianaole Hwy- great outdoor seating with breezy view of the water. Expensive).
Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, where Longs Drugs is located, is the second shopping center you come to on Keahole St (see directions below):
Here you could eat at Repetti's Pizza, Tropic's Crafthouse, Tio's Burritos, Tex 808 BBQ, Leahi Vegan, Hana Sushi, L&L BBQ, Noods Ramen Bar, or have a coffee on a balcony above the amazing turquoise water at Island Brew Coffeehouse. You can even watch the purple sunset over the marina, since it is open until 6pm.
There is also a bar/speakeasy in a beautiful space with marina views through the window called Kapono's at The Lounge, open Fri and Sat nights, with live Jazz music and other local musicians. They have cheese platters.
It's fun to walk around Longs Drugs to see their island section, with gifts and calendars.
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, 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.
Assaggio'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 Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream. 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 Assaggio'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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