Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu
Kapahulu Avenue: Honolulu's vibrant culinary street, packed with iconic eateries, diverse international flavors, and local charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dine with fewer crowds
Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu
Best Time
Dine with fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kapahulu Avenue: Honolulu's vibrant culinary street, packed with iconic eateries, diverse international flavors, and local charm.
"Kapahulu wasn’t the cleanest area, but the restaurants were nice and worth a try."
🎯 Don't Miss the Malasadas!
Lines at Leonard's Bakery can be long, but they move fast! Try unique flavors like mango or custard.
🍜 Ramen & Dumpling Delights
Explore Gyoza Studio Kubota for amazing dumplings and Aburiya Ibushi for Japanese cuisine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Leonard's Bakery Malasadas
933 Kapahulu Ave
Iconic Portuguese donuts, warm, fluffy, and filled with delicious flavors. A true taste of Hawaii!

Tonkatsu Tamafuji
1103 Kapahulu Ave
Renowned for its perfectly crispy and tender pork cutlets (katsu). A local favorite for a reason.

Sunrise Shack
Next to Leonard's Bakery
Vibrant acai bowls, smoothies, and bullet coffees to fuel your island adventures.

Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel
150 Kapahulu Ave
Rooftop dining with breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Culinary Adventure Awaits
Beyond the Plate: Shopping & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Malasadas!
Lines at Leonard's Bakery can be long, but they move fast! Try unique flavors like mango or custard.
🍜 Ramen & Dumpling Delights
Explore Gyoza Studio Kubota for amazing dumplings and Aburiya Ibushi for Japanese cuisine.
🍣 Authentic Japanese Eats
Hiromiya offers delicious yakiniku and motsunabe (hot pot). BYOB is welcome!
🌶️ Peruvian Flavors
Ocho's Latin Vibes brings authentic Peruvian cuisine and live music on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Malasadas!
Lines at Leonard's Bakery can be long, but they move fast! Try unique flavors like mango or custard.
🍜 Ramen & Dumpling Delights
Explore Gyoza Studio Kubota for amazing dumplings and Aburiya Ibushi for Japanese cuisine.
🍣 Authentic Japanese Eats
Hiromiya offers delicious yakiniku and motsunabe (hot pot). BYOB is welcome!
🌶️ Peruvian Flavors
Ocho's Latin Vibes brings authentic Peruvian cuisine and live music on weekends.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can be limited. Consider ride-sharing for convenience.
🍧 Shave Ice Trio
Discover three great shave ice spots: Ulu's, Shimazu, and Waiola. Perfect for cooling down!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kapahulu Avenue is a vibrant culinary hub praised for its diverse and delicious food offerings, from iconic malasadas to authentic international cuisine. While some find the area less clean, the quality and variety of restaurants are consistently highlighted as a major draw. Parking can be a challenge, but the overall experience is highly rewarding for food enthusiasts.
"Kapahulu wasn’t the cleanest area, but the restaurants were nice and worth a try."
S shayan
"Great farmers market Sundays on Kapahulu"
Sharon Louise
"Easy to get to. Not too much traffic."
A O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kapahulu Avenue is easily accessible from Waikiki. You can take a short Uber or Lyft ride, which typically takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. For those who enjoy walking, it's a pleasant stroll of about 20-30 minutes from the eastern end of Waikiki.
Yes, TheBus operates several routes that stop along Kapahulu Avenue, making it a convenient option for getting there without a car. Check TheBus schedules for routes like the 2, 13, or 23.
Kapahulu Avenue is very walkable, especially for exploring the main strip of restaurants and shops. For longer distances or to explore beyond the immediate area, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and recommended.
Street parking is available along Kapahulu Avenue and its side streets, but it can be competitive, especially during peak dining hours. Some restaurants may have limited dedicated parking. Arriving early or using ride-sharing is often less stressful.
Yes, you can walk to Kapahulu Avenue from Waikiki Beach. It's approximately a 1.5 to 2-mile walk from the heart of Waikiki, taking about 30-45 minutes. It's a good option if you want to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kapahulu Avenue is a public street, so no tickets are required to walk around and explore. However, individual restaurants and shops will have their own pricing for food, drinks, and merchandise.
There are no entrance fees for Kapahulu Avenue itself. You are free to stroll along the street and browse the various establishments.
Operating hours vary significantly by establishment. Many restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with some bakeries and cafes opening earlier. It's best to check the specific hours for any place you plan to visit.
For popular spots like Tonkatsu Tamafuji or Hiromiya, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Some smaller eateries may not take reservations, so be prepared for a potential wait.
While not a regular occurrence on the avenue itself, the nearby Market City Shopping Center and occasional events can bring extra activity. The reviews mention a great farmers market on Sundays on Kapahulu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try the malasadas from Leonard's Bakery!
Other highly recommended items include katsu from Tonkatsu Tamafuji, ramen from Ono Ya Ramen, dumplings from Gyoza Studio Kubota, and Peruvian dishes from Ocho's Latin Vibes. Don't forget to explore the diverse international food scene.Leonard's Bakery is the iconic spot for malasadas on Kapahulu Avenue. They offer a variety of fillings and are a quintessential Hawaiian treat. Be prepared for a line, but it's worth the wait!
Yes, Kapahulu Avenue has excellent options for ramen lovers. Ono Ya Ramen is a popular choice,
and Hiromiya offers delicious motsunabe (a type of hot pot) and other Japanese dishes.For a unique experience, consider Ocho's Latin Vibes for Peruvian cuisine and live music on weekends,
or Hiromiya for a cozy yakiniku and hot pot dinner. Deck offers a rooftop dining experience with stunning views.While Kapahulu is known for its meat-centric dishes like katsu and yakiniku, you can find vegetarian and vegan options. Acai bowls from Sunrise Shack are a great healthy choice,
and many restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions if you inquire. Pho Old Saigon also offers Vietnamese options that can be adapted.📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant storefronts and bustling atmosphere of Kapahulu Avenue offer plenty of photo opportunities. Iconic spots include the colorful signage of Leonard's Bakery,
the unique dishes at various restaurants, and the stunning sunset views from the rooftop of Deck at Queen Kapiolani Hotel.For panoramic views, head to the rooftop of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, where Deck restaurant is located. This offers a fantastic vantage point for capturing Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, especially during sunset.
Kapahulu Avenue is ideal for street photography, food photography, and capturing the local Honolulu vibe. The diverse culinary scene provides endless subjects for food shots, while the lively street offers opportunities for candid portraits and architectural details.
Generally, yes, you can take photos inside restaurants, especially of your food. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners or staff. Some establishments might have specific policies, so it's good to be mindful.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday evenings can be less crowded, allowing for clearer shots of storefronts and street scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the restaurants are casual, making them suitable for families. It's a great place to introduce children to a variety of flavors and local Hawaiian treats. Remember to bring cash, as some smaller establishments might prefer it, and be prepared for potential waits at popular spots, which can be managed with snacks or by visiting during off-peak hours.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider sharing larger plates or opting for take-out to save money. Utilizing public transportation like TheBus can also cut down on travel costs compared to frequent ride-sharing. Kapahulu is a great place to eat like a local and enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine on a budget.
couples
Consider exploring the street hand-in-hand, sampling treats from different vendors, and enjoying the lively local scene. The variety of cuisines ensures you can find something to suit both your tastes. A shared malasada from Leonard's Bakery or a refreshing shave ice can be a sweet end to your Kapahulu exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Down Kapahulu
Beyond the iconic malasadas, Kapahulu offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences. You'll find highly-rated Japanese restaurants like Tonkatsu Tamafuji for its exceptional pork cutlets and Hiromiya for yakiniku and motsunabe (hot pot). For those craving noodles, Ono Ya Ramen is a local favorite, and Gyoza Studio Kubota is renowned for its delicious dumplings. The street also features Peruvian cuisine at Ocho's Latin Vibes and healthy options like acai bowls from Sunrise Shack. Exploring Kapahulu is an adventure for the taste buds, with something to satisfy every craving.
When planning your culinary exploration of Kapahulu, consider the timing to avoid the longest waits. Weekday evenings often offer a more relaxed dining experience. While parking can be challenging, the street is very walkable, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Many of the establishments are casual, making it easy to hop from one delicious spot to another. The vibrant atmosphere and the sheer variety of food make Kapahulu Avenue an unforgettable part of any Honolulu visit.
Beyond the Plate: Views and Souvenirs
For a memorable dining experience with a scenic backdrop, Deck at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a standout. Located on the third floor, this open-air rooftop restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and the iconic Diamond Head crater. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a meal or a cocktail while soaking in the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery, especially during sunset. This offers a different perspective on the Kapahulu area, blending culinary enjoyment with visual splendor.
Exploring Kapahulu Avenue isn't just about eating; it's about experiencing the local Honolulu lifestyle. The combination of diverse food options, local shops, and scenic viewpoints makes it a well-rounded destination for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the island's charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit