5 Dreamy Hawaiian Date Spots in Waikiki

The Hideout at The Laylow

Tucked away in its own little oasis, The Hideout is an intimate little tiki bar inside The Laylow, Autograph Collection hotel. Though the hotel is set in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Waikiki, once you’ve ascended the escalator, it feels as if you have been transported to a private island escape. Find a spot amid the lush greenery and tiki torches on the open-air lanai and be swept away by the sounds of live local musicians and lively chatter.  

While The Hideout meal options are fantastic, I recommend making the most of your date night by grabbing pre-dinner cocktails and pupus (light bites) before heading out on the town. You can’t go wrong with an order of wonton poke tacos and the crispy pork belly and brussel sprouts, served alongside the Hawaiian-style Mai Tai.

La Mer

For a luxurious experience that encapsulates the romantic ambiance that Hawaii is known for, make your way to La Mer. Nestled on the west side of Waikiki inside the prestigious Halekulani Hotel, La Mer is the ideal location to celebrate an anniversary or facilitate a proposal. And speaking of unions, the marriage of Neoclassic French cuisine with laid-back Hawaiian fare lends itself to a delectable dining experience.  

Halekulani translates to a “house befitting heaven,” and this aptly named hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic meal developed by executive chef Alexandre Trancher. Treat yourself to an eight-course dégustation menu or the four-course amuse-bouche. The grilled scallop with kumquat-carrot puree, beurre blanc, and grande chartreuse is a guest favorite. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the vanilla souffle with spiced caramel with Grand Marnier anglaise sauce, milk chocolate sauce, and a white chocolate crisp.

53 By The Sea

Feel like royalty as you enter the pristine and palatial 53 By The Sea through 12-foot-tall double doors. You’re greeted by a dramatic grand staircase and the floor-to-ceiling windows beyond where views of the glittering sea and iconic Diamond Head crater beckon. Enjoy an intimate setting for the restaurant’s eclectic menu with your choice of fruits de mer — from a chilled seafood tower with lobster, Kauai shrimp, Kona abalone, and poke served with a lilikoi cocktail sauce, to the fresh and luxurious Cioppino, crafted with lobster tail, king crab, Manila clams, mussels, and prawns swimming in a rich tomato sauce.  

Pair the mouthwatering menu with creative cocktail combinations from the bar. Admirers of gin will love the Kaka‘ako Sling — gin fortified with brandy and Benedictine, lightened with fresh pineapple and lime juice. And you must try the crowd-pleasing Mac Nut Mai Tai, with housemade macadamia nut-infused orange curaçao and Bacardi coconut rum.

Azure

When you’re craving an exquisite seaside meal, look no further than Azure restaurant. Inside the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the historic Royal Hawaiian Resort, you’ll find high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that showcase the unique flavors of the Hawaiian isles.  

Here, you’ll be dining mere steps from the sands of Waikiki Beach, as the gentle breeze from the trade winds graces your table. Wednesday through Sunday evenings, guests will indulge in the mindfully curated five-course dinner. For a truly unique sweet treat, try the uni ice cream. The buttery flavor of the uni is melded with delectable ice cream served with truffle cotton candy, a honey tuille, and toasted macadamia nuts.

Deck

For a more laid back meal with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, make your way to Deck in the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Resort guests and non-guests alike are invited to enjoy the delicious American-Pacific fare and jaw-dropping views from the third floor.  

This casual spot is perfect for lunch, happy hour, or even a romantic dinner under the stars. Feast on contemporary Hawaiian cuisine like the braised beef loco moco or the barbecue lilikoi pork ribs, and toast to the Aloha State with handcrafted cocktails and locally brewed beers. The signature prix fixe menu allows visitors to personalize their choice of appetizer, dinner, and dessert.  

Deck is an easy walk from Waikiki beach, making it incredibly accessible for those exploring the area on foot.