Where to Find the Best Musubi in O‘ahu

In Hawai‘i, musubi isn’t just food, it’s comfort, nostalgia, and local culture wrapped in nori. The island’s favorite version, Spam musubi, became popular during World War II, when Spam was introduced to the Islands. Over the decades, Hawai‘i embraced this humble rice and Spam pairing, transforming it into a quick snack, a grab-and-go breakfast, or a satisfying lunch.

Musubi represents a fusion of Japanese tradition (onigiri) and Hawai‘i’s unique flavors. From classic Spam musubi to gourmet versions with eel, avocado, or kimchi, each bite captures a piece of local life. And the best part, many of the island’s most beloved musubi shops are only steps or a short ride from Waikiki Resort Hotel, making it easy to try them during your stay.

Top Spots for the Best Musubi in O‘ahu

1. Musubi Café Iyasume (Waikīkī & Beyond)

The most famous musubi café on the island, Iyasume has been serving Waikīkī since 2000. With six locations, it’s a must-visit for travelers. They use premium Tamaki Gold Koshihikari rice and offer more than 30 types of Spam musubi like Plum Cucumber, Avocado Bacon Egg, or Eel Egg. Health-minded? They also serve organic brown rice and ten-grain rice, all free from MSG and GMOs.

Waikīkī Beach Walk, Waikīkī Monarch, Waikīkī Seaside, Ala Moana/Lanai, Keeaumoku, Kahala
Hours differ by location, see website

2. Got’z Grindz (Kāne‘ohe)

A family-owned spot since 2019, Got’z Grindz takes musubi creativity to the next level. With more than 40 musubi variations, many are named after family members, like “Mommy G’s” with smoked tuna, tempura flakes, and green onion, or “Yumi G’s” with bulgogi and kimchi. Their sampler platter is a perfect way to taste multiple flavors.

45-726 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāne‘ohe
Tuesday to Saturday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3. Komedokoro M’s (Waikīkī)

A small Waikīkī shop known for its freshly milled Tsuyahime rice. Their musubi include inventive combos like spam-egg onigirazu, shiso-ume, and mentai-mayo. Perfect for those who want to taste a more Japanese-leaning musubi.

438 Hobron Lane, Suite 107, Waikīkī
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4. Mana Musubi (McCully)

Opened in 2007 as Mana Bu’s, this shop is dedicated to premium rice, using California-grown Koshihikari seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt. With more than 30 musubi varieties, you’ll find classics like tuna mayo, tempura musubi, and brown-rice options. Be sure to go early since many favorites sell out before lunch.

1618 S. King St., McCully
Tuesday to Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until sold out

5. Nanamusubi (Waikīkī Shopping Plaza)

Located inside STIX Asia, Nanamusubi highlights the quality of rice itself, offering white (hakumai), brown (genmai), and even black rice (kuromai). Each variation brings a different texture and taste, making their musubi both a snack and a culinary experience. A standout recommendation is their Salmon & Ikura Musubi, buttery salmon paired with briny salmon roe on perfectly seasoned rice.

Waikīkī Shopping Plaza, STIX Asia
Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

6. Mai Musubi (Kaka‘ako)

Known for their crunchy ume and tuna mayo musubi, Mai Musubi offers around 25 options including salmon tobiko and Spam varieties. Generous toppings and balanced flavors keep this spot a local favorite.

614 Cooke St, Honolulu
Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

7. Higoto Japanese Eatery (Kaimukī)

If you’re hungry, Higoto delivers with oversized musubi in flavors like Mentaiko and Egg, cheeseburger, or karaage chicken. Choose from white or multigrain rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

3221 Waialae Ave, Kaimukī
Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

8. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i (Islandwide)

Don’t underestimate 7-Eleven Hawai‘i, their Spam musubi is a local legend. Selling more than 14,000 musubi daily, they offer classics as well as specialties like Spicy Ahi Inari, Baked Salmon Triangle Musubi, and Mochiko Chicken Jumbo Musubi. Affordable, fast, and tasty, they’re the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Multiple O‘ahu locations, including Waikīkī
Open 24 hours

Why Musubi Belongs on Your O‘ahu Itinerary

Whether you’re rushing to the beach, heading out for a hike, or looking for an easy breakfast before exploring Waikīkī, musubi is Hawai‘i’s most beloved grab-and-go food. From premium rice shops to iconic 7-Eleven favorites, you’ll find a musubi to match your craving and your schedule.

When you stay at Waikiki Resort Hotel, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore these flavors. Grab your favorite musubi from a nearby local spot, then enjoy it just steps away on Waikīkī Beach. Because nothing says “Hawai‘i” quite like warm sand, ocean views, and a musubi in hand.