Planning a family vacation to Oʻahu and wondering where to eat with kids? From casual beachside cafés to fun food trucks and welcoming local diners, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Oahu that serve delicious meals in relaxed, kid-approved settings. Whether you’re looking for pancakes in Waikīkī, fresh poke on the North Shore, or sweet treats after a day at the beach, this guide to the best kid-friendly restaurants in Oʻahu will help you find the perfect places to eat with your family—no meltdowns, just happy bellies!
Favorite Food Trucks for Families
Leonard’s Malasadamobiles – Island-Wide (Honolulu)
Why families will love it: Warm, sugar-dusted malasadas (Portuguese donuts) with fillings like custard, chocolate, and ube. Perfect as a treat on the way to the airport or a beach picnic.
Kid Tip: The soft texture and sweet flavors are a win with toddlers.
Sunrise Shack – North Shore
Why families will love it: Bright, cheerful smoothies, acai bowls, and wellness lattes served from a tiny shack with beach vibes.
Where to stop: Right after snorkeling at Shark’s Cove or watching waves at Sunset Beach.
Kid Tip: Share a large smoothie or bowl—they’re big enough to split!
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – North Shore (Haleʻiwa)
Why families will love it: Iconic garlic shrimp plates served with rice and mac salad. Lines can be long, but it’s a local legend for a reason.
Kid Tip: Order plain rice and shrimp without sauce if your kids are picky. Nearby picnic tables let them move around while you wait.
Parent Tips for Eating Out on Oʻahu
- Portions are big. Save money and food waste by sharing plates with younger kids.
- Bring the plane bag. If you packed a “quiet time” activity bag for the flight, keep it handy for meals out.
- Picnic, picnic, picnic. Many restaurants offer takeout—grab food and head to a beach park for a family-friendly sunset dinner.
Families’ Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants (By Region)
Honolulu / Waikīkī
Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Spam musubi heaven! This tiny spot offers dozens of musubi varieties to grab and go. Great for a quick snack or beach picnic.
Kid Pick: Spam & egg musubi (mild, filling, and handheld).
Leonard’s Bakery
Visit the original bakery or track down a malasadamobile. The ube and custard-filled donuts are unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Go early or order ahead to avoid long lines.
Rainbow Drive-In
Classic “plate lunch” spot with large portions of BBQ chicken, loco moco, and more. Laid-back, fast, and great value.
Kid Pick: Rice and mac salad combo with grilled meat.
Eggs ’N Things
Famous for pancakes, eggs, and massive portions. The Waikīkī location is loud, casual, and totally toddler-acceptable.
Parent Tip: The mochi waffles are fun and chewy—and yes, whipped cream counts as a breakfast food on vacation.
Banzai Burger (Waikīkī)
Counter-service burger spot with lots of flavor and no judgment about ketchup-stained swimsuits.
Kid Pick: Chicken tenders or mac & cheese.
Parent Pick: Hawaiian burger and Kona Coffee gelato shake.
Liliha Bakery (Multiple Locations)
A beloved local bakery and diner offering everything from loco moco to signature cream puffs. Breakfast, lunch, or dessert spot.
Must Try: The chocolate cream Coco Puff and hotcakes.
Goofy Café
A tiny surf-casual café near the Hilton Hawaiian Village with organic, local ingredients and a health-conscious menu.
Parent Tip: Great for takeout—seating is tight for toddlers.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
A legendary local spot offering real-deal Hawaiian cuisine like kalua pork and pipikaula short ribs. Casual and no-frills.
Kid Pick: Rice, short ribs, or simple shredded pork.
Parent Tip: Come early to avoid waits—it gets busy.
Aloha Beer Company
Casual brewpub with big tables, open-air seating, and live music. Craft beer for grownups, great food for everyone else.
Kid Pick: Flatbreads, fries, and burgers.
Parent Pick: Island brews and garlic chicken.
Nico’s Pier 38 (Also in Kailua)
Seafood with a view! This waterfront restaurant offers fresh fish plates and an easygoing setting.
Kid Pick: Fish and chips.
Parent Tip: Great place to try furikake ahi without breaking the bank. No reservations—go early for lunch.
Restaurant 604
Right next to Pearl Harbor, with a full menu and killer views. The vibe is laid-back, and the kids’ menu is solid.
Parent Pick: Poke nachos + Bloody Mary for brunch.
Kid Pick: Chicken bites or grilled cheese.
Windward Coast (Kailua & Beyond)
Easy ‘Que (Kailua)
Local BBQ joint with ribs, brisket, sliders, and a casual backyard vibe. Great for messy eaters and picky ones alike.
Kid Pick: Kalua pork sliders and mac & cheese.
Parent Pick: Ribs and spicy slaw with a cold drink.
Maui Brewing Co. (Kailua & Waikīkī)
Big menu, open-air seating, and their own root beer on tap make this a family favorite.
Kid Tip: Spacious enough for restless kids, with coloring pages and a full kids’ menu.
Parent Pick: Fish tacos and a cold beer flight.
Final Thoughts
Oʻahu is full of incredible food, from beachside malasadas to hole-in-the-wall diners. Whether you’re picnicking at the beach or relaxing at a kid-friendly brewery, there’s something here for every family.
Tip: Don’t stress about every meal being “perfect.” In Hawaiʻi, even the messiest moments (like spilled shave ice and sticky fingers) can be some of your favorite memories.
Planning more of your Oahu itinerary? Explore these helpful family travel guides:
- Kid-Friendly Snorkeling in Oahu: A Parent’s Guide
- Best Oahu Beaches for Families
- Diamond Head Hike with Kids
- Where to Stay in Oahu with Kids
- Best Family Hikes in Oahu
You can also check out our ranked family travel lists for Oahu:
- Best Family Stays in Oahu (Ranked)
- Best Family Beaches in Oahu (Ranked)
- Best Things to Do in Oahu with Kids (Ranked)
For general visitor info, you can also browse the Wikivoyage page on Oahu.
