When it comes to foodie adventures in Waikiki, there are plenty of options. Hawaii’s cuisine has a heavy influence from the Japanese culture. On top of that, you have the traditional Hawaiian meals like Loco Moco, Kalua Pork, etc. Even Hawaii’s McDonalds have their own special menu that includes a spam, Portugese sausage, eggs, and rice platter for breakfast. Although it was tempting, I wasn’t craving for a 750cal meal that early in the morning. With the limited appetite I had, I made the most out of my experience outside of eating spam musubi.
Katsumidori
Although Hawaii is known for their poke, I am more of a nigiri/sashimi type of girl. I was looking for an omakase experience that is a walking distance from my hotel. I ended up going to Katsumidori Sushi at the Prince Waikiki Hotel. This was just a 10 minute stroll from my hotel. It is recommended that you have a reservation because people are already lined up before their 5:00PM dinner opening.
I ordered the Yokozuna, which is the 14pc nigiri + 1pc handroll set, as well as a piece of amaebi and seared salmon nigiri as a la carte… Only to find out it was included in the main course. Nothing wrong with having more. I was amazed at the Katu Sea Eel Ippon (slime eel) that was included in the set. I usually joke about the rice ratio, but this takes the cake.
I really enjoyed the selection. The price was more than fair, probably better than what I could find in Los Angeles. I’m always adventurous when it comes to sushi. It’s good to try things once to deduct whether you’re game with it. Yellowtail still takes the cake for my favorite fish.
Musubi & Bento Iyasume
This little shop specializes in spam musubi, onigiri, and bento boxes. I stumbled upon it by accident while walking around Waikiki at 9am. There is a huge selection and it’s pretty affordable. I think I paid around $4 for an eel spam musubi. I wanted to try an onigiri but I misred the label. I thought it was $13 but it was really $3. Next time?
Restaurant Suntory
I wanted to eat beef for lunch around the Royal Hawaiian Center. I ended up going to Restaurant Suntory, which is based on the actual Japanese Whisky company. I love Suntory but felt like it was too early to drink at that time. This felt like a hibachi experience because if you order off the non-kitchen menu, the chef rolls up with a cart and cooks in front of you. It was a cool experience. Definitely recommend ordering family style.
Otherwise, check out my TikTok for the videography experience.
The Comments
KEVIN FOODIE
I am a huge Food Explora. Love to try foods from different cultures. I am not fan of eating raw meat. But woukd definitely try the beef dish. Thanks for sharing your foodie experience in Waikiki.
I'm All Booked Up
The food in Waikiki sounds amazing. It’s great that you were able to learn about the destination through food.
Vanelle
I love learning about food cultures! Never thought that way about Hawaii’s McDonalds, it sounds interesting. I also have a weak spot for sushi platters. Glad you enjoyed the selection at Katsumidori. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Maria
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
There is some incredible food here (and I say that as someone who can’t eat fish or shellfish, haha) — it looks amazing and like a real treat!
Mind Beauty Simplicity
Thanks for this food guide! We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon and tried a few of these places. So good!
benny
Those pictures look amazing and immediately start my cravings for good sushi. I’ve never been the Hawaii before, but it has always been on the list. This post might have brought it up higher. Thank for the lovely and detailed description.
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