9 best family restaurants in Honolulu

Mahina and Sun pairs a relaxed ambience with Hawaiian flavors. Credit: Mahina and Sun's
A wooden table with American and Hawaiian dishes at Mahina and Sun's - Surfjack Hotel, one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu, on OpenTable.

Honolulu offers an exciting mix of family-friendly restaurants, blending local Hawaiian flavors with global cuisine. Whether you’re craving traditional Italian, fresh seafood, or comforting American classics, these best family restaurants in Honolulu are great spots to bring kids.

Explore Vietnamese flavors in Ward Village, or savor a classic steakhouse experience in Pearl City. From Hawaiian specialties to oceanfront seafood and izakaya-style dining in Waikiki , each neighborhood has a must-visit spot for a memorable family meal.

Secure your family a spot at one of the 9 best family restaurants in Honolulu on OpenTable today.

Read on to discover the 9 best family friendly restaurants in Honolulu.

For hearty Italian food, head to Arancino Beachwalk (Honolulu)

A pepperoni and sausage pizza is on the menu at Arancino Beachwalk, one of the top family restaurants in Honolulu. Book on OpenTable.
Arancino Beachwalk serves kid-friendly pizza and pasta. Credit: Arancino Beachwalk

Comforting Italian fare is always a hit with kids, and Arancino Beachwalk serves classic pizza and pasta dishes in a trattoria-style environment, with wood chairs and tables with red and white checkered tablecloths. Arancino utilizes local Hawaiian touches to craft signature dishes like the owner’s favorite, a pizza with shrimp, and a kids’ menu entertains with a bear-shaped pizza with Nutella ears.


For a taste of Vietnam, reserve a spot at An Di Dzo (Honolulu)

Plates of carpaccio, bone marrow, and pho at An Di Dzo, one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu for Vietnamese cuisine. Book on OpenTable.
An Di Dzo is great for exploring Vietnamese flavors with family. Credit: An Di Dzo

With its striking minimalist interior below Ward Theater, An Di Dzo creates a chic, family-friendly environment focusing on Vietnamese cooking and flavors. Buns, banh mi, and pho beckon with fresh ingredient choices like banana blossom, broiled pork, and fresh mint. The menu features plenty of vegan options, and parents can try creative cocktails like the No Soup Pho U, which blends pho broth with tamarind tequila.


For a steakhouse with local hospitality at one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu – head to Ya-Ya’s Chophouse & Seafood (Honolulu)

Ya-Ya’s Chophouse & Seafood presents a classic steakhouse concept within a colorful, modern environment. Families will appreciate the menu of classics that ranges from specialty cuts to lobster pan roast with plenty of fresh salads and enticing sides to round out the meal. Taro bread pudding as a dessert shows off Ya-Ya’s nod to local flavors, and there is an all-day bar menu with kid-friendly small plates like wings and nachos available on the outdoor patio.


For American cuisine and live entertainment, try Mahina and Sun’s – Surfjack Hotel (Waikiki)

The retro-chic wallpapered dining room with cozy seating at Mahina and Sun's - Surjack Hotel, Honolulu. Book on OpenTable.
A retro mid-century vibe is the backdrop for Hawaiian-inspired dishes at Mahina and Sun’s. Credit: Mahina and Sun’s

One of the best family-friendly restaurants in Honolulu, Mahina and Sun’s presents an approachable selection of American classics like ribeye and roasted chicken. Families and groups can also opt for the signature Mahina family feast for the table, which includes whole fish, local pickles, and banana pudding. Enjoy live music on Tuesday through Friday evenings. The happy hour menu has smaller plates with kid-friendly dishes like hot dogs and pizza.


For local Hawaiian food and flavors, reserve a spot at Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar (Waikiki) 

A close-up of three bao burgers at Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar, one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu. Book on OpenTable.
Explore Hawaiian cuisine at Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar. Credit: Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar

Families who want to explore the local flavors of Hawaii will want to try Moani Waikiki Island Bistro & Bar, which serves a variety of small dishes. Family members can choose from plates, including appetizers, salads, and mains, with dishes miso salmon and bao burgers. Family-style mains of garlic chicken, whole fish, or ribeye are great for parties looking to share. There is live music most nights.


For an izakaya setting at one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu, book a spot at Waikiki Shokudo (Waikiki)

Honolulu is home to top Japanese restaurants like Waikiki Shokudo. The restaurant presents a welcoming izakaya environment with traditional, minimalist Japanese decor , complete with wooden tables and cabinetry. Rice dishes, charcoal grill selections, sushi and sashimi, and plenty of hot and cold appetizers will please families and groups—Waikiki Shokudo is known for being a favorite local Honolulu gem.


For an American steakhouse experience, head to Little Joe’s Steakhouse (Pearl City)

Surf and turf on a white plate with lemon and butter, entrees available at Little Joe's Steakhouse, in Honolulu. Book on OpenTable.
High-end surf-and-turf at Little Joe’s Steakhouse make any occasion memorable. Credit: Little Joe’s Steakhouse

At Little Joe’s Steakhouse, enjoy a menu of surf-and-turf classics like filet mignon and snow crab, with kid-friendly appetizers like onion rings, panko shrimp, and chicken fingers. The handsome, modern decor reflects the sophisticated nature of the cuisine. One of the best family-friendly restaurants in Honolulu, Little Joe’s provides private rooms for five guests and up, making it ideal for larger groups and families.


For comfort food staples, head over to Kalapawai Cafe & Deli (Kapolei)

When searching for the best family restaurants in Honolulu, this laid-back cafe fits the bill.  Kalapawai Cafe & Deli serves comfort food selections, including sandwiches like a pastrami Reuben or French dip, alongside a roster of local favorites, including ahi poke and furikake fresh catch. The dinner menu centers around pizzas and pastas with mains like Peruvian chicken. The restaurant proudly features local ingredients and focuses its drinks on small, family-owned wineries and breweries.      


For seafood at one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu, be sure to check out Bali Oceanfront (Waikiki)

A private dining room with a beach view through the window at Bali Oceanfront, one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu. Book on OpenTable.
The idyllic setting at Bali Oceanfront sets the stage for a seafood-forward meal. Credit: Bali Oceanfront

Bali Oceanfront puts the focus on Hawaii’s impressive regional seafood. Expect standout dishes like Kona lobster tail with a choice of sauce, plus grilled and vegetarian and vegan options. The children’s dinner menu features dishes like butter tagliatelle pasta and organic jidori chicken breast, while the whole group can soak in oceanfront views of Waikiki Beach. Breakfast is available Thursdays through Sundays, with egg dishes and plenty of local fruit options.

Honolulu’s restaurant scene presents both locals and tourists with a range of dynamic cuisines to experience. The best family restaurants in Honolulu pair ambience with culinary expertise, and you’ll want to secure reservations at all of the top restaurants.

Plan ahead and book reservations at one of the best family restaurants in Honolulu on OpenTable today.

To explore more dining options in Honolulu, check out these guides:

Find your table for any occasion