Best Southern American Restaurants in Hawaii Kai

Price

££
£££
££££

Regions

Oahu

Areas

Ala MoanaDowntown / ChinatownEwa BeachHawaii KaiHonoluluKahuku

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

78 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Tropics Hawaii Kai restaurant

1. Tropics Hawaii Kai

4.2

Awesome(10)

££££

• Southern american • Hawaii Kai

Booked 1 time today

Tropics Hawaii Kai is a lively waterfront restaurant and craft-house serving weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner featuring cover-free sports games, live music, tropical cocktails, and a diverse menu. Located right on the beautiful Hawaii Kai Marina waterway, Tropics offers gorgeous views of crystal blue waters and Koko Head with a welcoming island atmosphere. With over 20 flatscreen TVs, dart boards, pool tables, patio seating, and family-friendly dining spaces, there’s something for everyone whether you're joining us for brunch by the marina, game day, or sunset dinner.

A photo of Plumeria Beach House restaurant

2. Plumeria Beach House

4.5

Awesome(4400)

££££

• Southern american • Honolulu

Booked 64 times today

Plumeria Beach House at the Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a truly exceptional Hawaii Regional Cuisine experience, blending the freshest local ingredients with the culinary expertise of Michelin-starred Executive Chef Jonathan Mizukami. Located beachfront in Honolulu, the restaurant boasts a stunning setting perfect for savoring the "absolutely terrific and delicious" seafood, as one reviewer raves. Diners are consistently impressed by the quality and variety of dishes, from the "miso glazed butterfish" to the "outstanding ahi musubi." With its "beautiful setting" and "fantastic service," Plumeria Beach House stands out as a must-visit for those seeking authentic and high-quality Hawaiian flavors.

A photo of Kona Brewing - Oahu restaurant

3. Kona Brewing - Oahu

4.5

Awesome(306)

££££

• Southern american • Hawaii Kai

Booked 16 times today

Escape to the laid-back elegance of Kona Brewing Hawai’i Kai Pub, set on the docks of Kōkō Marina in Honolulu’s scenic Hawaii Kai neighborhood. With an open-air lanai, warm service and a brew-focused menu that celebrates island flavors, this is craft beer done right—served alongside pizzas, burgers, and local ingredients in a breezy, canoe-house inspired space. Whether you’re sampling a flight of fresh Kona brews or relaxing with friends on the patio as the sun dips over the marina, the vibe is casual yet refined. Our taps feature rare, small-batch Kona creations poured exclusively at our pubs--a taste of Hawaii you can't get anywhere else. Ideal for beer lovers and diners seeking a welcome retreat from Waikiki's rhythm, or anyone who wants to slow down and savor the good island life. Reservations recommended, live music on Wednesday nights.

A photo of Earls Kitchen + Bar - Waikiki restaurant

4. Earls Kitchen + Bar - Waikiki

4.8

Exceptional(913)

££££

• Southern american • Waikiki

Booked 318 times today

Welcome to Earls Waikiki, located on the iconic Kalākaua Avenue right off of Waikiki Beach. Our space features open-air walls creating a lush and relaxing ambiance. Whether you're attending an event or exploring the city, our location is the perfect place to unwind and indulge. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, epic daily happy hours and exclusive rituals that promise something special every day. From intimate gatherings with friends, post-shopping relaxation, or a stopover from the beach. Earls Waikiki is the perfect destination for memorable moments, no matter the occasion.Please note that happy hour is available in the lounge and at the bar only. Your table is ready. We can't wait to see you.

A photo of Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki restaurant

5. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

4.6

Exceptional(4516)

££££

• Southern american • Waikiki

Booked 344 times today

Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki offers a vibrant take on Contemporary American cuisine, skillfully crafted by the renowned chef Peter Merriman. Located on the stunning Waikiki beachfront, this culinary gem is celebrated for its commitment to quality and creativity, with the menu showcasing "high quality, socially conscious ingredients" that elevate traditional flavors. Diners rave about their experiences, with one stating, "The food and service were excellent!" and another highlighting the "creative menu with both culinary staples as well as interesting combinations." Whether indulging in their famous Mai Tais or savoring a fresh, innovative dish, Monkeypod Kitchen ensures an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of Merriman's Honolulu restaurant

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6. Merriman's Honolulu

4.8

Exceptional(5192)

££££

• Southern american • Honolulu

Booked 114 times today

Merriman's Honolulu is a beacon for seafood enthusiasts seeking exquisite and authentic cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Honolulu, this celebrated restaurant is renowned for its commitment to quality and freshness, making it a standout in the seafood scene. Guests rave about the "fresh catch," describing it as "incredible" and "delicious," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients. The dishes are not only flavorful but also beautifully presented, ensuring a memorable dining experience. With accolades like the Hale Aina Award for Best Restaurant, Merriman's exemplifies top-tier seafood dining in an inviting, neighborhood bistro atmosphere.

7. Deck.

4.4

Awesome(4566)

££££

• Southern american • Waikiki

Booked 81 times today

Deck. is a standout American cuisine destination in Waikiki, Honolulu, offering an unforgettable dining experience with its breathtaking views of Diamond Head. Nestled on the third floor of the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel, this open-air restaurant boasts an American Pacific-inspired menu that delights locals and tourists alike. Guests rave about the "phenomenal food" and "stunning sunset views" that make every meal special. Deck. is committed to freshness, featuring locally sourced ingredients that elevate traditional American dishes. With a vibrant ambiance and an exceptional service team, it's no wonder diners describe it as "a one-of-a-kind location" perfect for any occasion.

8. Hau Tree

4.5

Awesome(1194)

££££

• Southern american • Waikiki

Booked 159 times today

Hau Tree, nestled at the scenic Kaimana Beach Hotel in Honolulu, offers an unforgettable seafood dining experience that is both authentic and exquisite. Guests rave about the "perfectly done" fresh fish, which is consistently highlighted as the "winner of the evening." The beachfront setting, with unobstructed ocean views, adds to the allure, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners and special celebrations. The culinary team excels in delivering high-quality seafood dishes, like the acclaimed local fish and crispy Spanish octopus, ensuring each bite is "so delicious" and "amazingly flavorful." Hau Tree is truly a seafood gem in Honolulu.

A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI restaurant

9. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI

4.8

Exceptional(7415)

££££

• Southern american • Waikiki

Booked 89 times today

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Waikiki, HI, offers an unparalleled American dining experience that genuinely encapsulates the essence of authenticity and quality. Renowned for its "amazing food and services," patrons rave about the delectable American classics, from the perfectly cooked cheeseburger sliders to the succulent sea bass. The restaurant's ambiance is a harmonious blend of elegance and relaxation, with rooftop dining that offers breathtaking views and live music, creating a "perfect romantic Hawaiian experience." With consistently "superb food and excellent service," Tommy Bahama is a must-visit destination for those seeking the finest in American cuisine.

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10. Fête

4.8

Exceptional(4656)

££££

• Southern american • Downtown / Chinatown

Booked 74 times today

Fête in Honolulu is a shining star in the world of American cuisine, skillfully blending local farm-to-table ethos with a touch of Hawaiian and Brooklyn flair. As a 2022 James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef Northwest & Pacific, Fête stands out with its “next level” dishes like the unforgettable fried chicken and dreamy lasagna. The vibrant, relaxed island vibe offers a unique dining experience, where “fantastic meals” and “attentive service” are a given. The open kitchen and lush interiors add to the allure, making it “a gem of a restaurant” that diners return to time and again.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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