With picturesque scenery and the coolness of the waves, Waikiki has become a seafood hub that serves the freshest catch and seafood one can possibly fathom.
Here over 4 million tourists flock every single year (Source: Road Genius, 2024), thus collectively making it one of the prime spots to satisfy cravings for delectable seafood.
As Louis P. De Gouy, former chef at the Waldorf-Astoria, once said, “Fish, to taste right, must swim three times— in water, in butter, and in the plate.”
This saying goes well with Hawaiian Poke and Grilled Mahi Mahi as these two dishes truly discovered the flavors of the sea.
To explore more, take a look at this blog where I have listed the best seafood dishes to have in beachfront Waikiki.
Hawaiian Poke has to be the best dish of all—a generous serving of raw tuna or salmon tossed in soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices ensuring every mouthful tastes like fresh seafood.
Maguro Spot in Waikiki serves the best poke, I remember vibrant fish bowls served a few steps away from the beach.
It’s a politely uncomplicated dish, light on the stomach, and oh-so-satisfying just because it’s straight from the islands!
If there is a competition for the best fish sandwich in the world, I would put my money on Grilled Mahi Mahi.
This is a delicious and light fish sandwich, paired with a slightly spicy and tropical condiment that makes it even better.
At Hula Grill Waikiki, I distinctly recall sniffing and biting into a Mahi Mahi sandwich every single time; it was grilled perfectly and each mouthful was amazing.
Garlic butter Lobster Tail, to me, is quite simply, the best dish I can ever have.
This was the dish I savored at Duke’s Waikiki when looking at the ocean from my seat, and yes, it was magical!
Full of taste, Seafood Paella is sure to please every palate thanks to its saffron rice sitting atop loads of juicy shrimp, mussels, and tender clams.
At The Beachhouse at the Moana, I had my best paella packed with ocean-fresh ingredients, seasoned with robust spices.
The constant breeze on the shore adds more enjoyment to every morsel.
A quick mid-day meal ideal for enjoying on the beach, Seared Ahi Tuna is both delicate and fulfilling at the same time.
It begins with a very thin crust followed by rare tuna on the inside.
I had it at Island Vintage Shave Ice in Waikiki and instantly fell in love; I couldn’t get over the taste of the dish.
Sweet on the inside and crispy on the outside, Coconut Shrimp is amazing with an additional tang of tuna.
A fully coconut crust is big on flavor and crunchy goodness and the center is full of succulent shrimp.
At Waikiki Brewing I had this incredible dish, and I loved how the shrimp came with a delightful tart sauce that was perfect with the crisp shell.
Garlic Shrimp is the perfect comfort food as it features delicious and succulent pieces of shrimp generously seasoned with garlic and butter and a hint of flavors that complement the dish further.
My best memories derive from The Shrimp Shack in Waikiki where the shrimp was very much so flavorful and fresh to the point that it would literally taste melted in my mouth.
Do You Know?
Waikiki was first discovered by Western explorers in 1778 when Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii, although it had been a beloved spot for Native Hawaiians long before then.
A Seafood Tower looks beautiful and tastes exquisite: it contains huge helpings of lobsters, shrimps, crabs, and oysters, which are cold and fresh.
Over at Roy’s Waikiki, I experienced the decadence of a romantic mini-decked Seafood Tower whose attractive appearance was complemented by dynamically fresh taste.
Garnished with spicy sauces and a piece of lemon, neck every morsel was a celebration.
The breathtaking views of the ocean coupled with the fresh taste of the seafood delivered a remarkable experience that was sweet, ideal for either sharing or indulging alone!
Oysters on The Half Shell are the kings of taste coming from the ocean made up of oysters.
If you drizzle lemon or mignonette sauce and serve them chilled, then they are light and refreshing and are perfect for a hot day.
I had the pleasure of tasting the best oysters at the Oyster Bar situated in Waikiki, which offered a wide range of fresh oysters from the region.
Fish Tacos make a perfect meal: folded tortillas filled with grilled or fried fish and topped with lettuce, salsa, and cream sauce.
I’ve eaten the best fish tacos in my life at The Taco Shack which is located abreast of Waikiki beach when the fish was well spiced and the toppings fresh.
In conclusion, for fish lovers of any kind, there’s something for you in Waikiki.
Everything from poke bowls to grilled Mahi Mahi is delicately made for the customers.
With these offerings, it’s easy to see how someone would be hooked by the seafood of Waikiki!
There’s no need to think twice; come and try the finest, and your stomach will be very grateful to you!
