Where to Eat Vegetarian in Waikiki: 6 Restaurants & Cafes to Try
If you’re craving plant-powered meals in paradise, Waikiki has you covered. From colorful smoothie bowls brimming with island fruit to steaming bowls of noodles and fragrant curries, the city’s vegetarian-friendly dining scene is bursting with flavor. You can even start your day right here at Waikiki Resort Hotel with a Papaya Boat from our very own Ilima Café — a fresh island papaya filled with yogurt and seasonal fruit — before setting out to explore Honolulu’s vibrant plant-based offerings.
And the best part? Many of these gems are just minutes from your room at Waikiki Resort Hotel, making it easy to explore Honolulu’s vibrant plant-based offerings while soaking up the sun, sand, and aloha spirit.
Here’s our insider’s list of eight vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafes to try during your stay.
1. Simple Joy Vegetarian Cuisine
This cozy eatery is a true haven for plant-based diners, offering a menu that blends Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, and other global flavors.
Imagine biting into their crispy spring rolls, perfectly golden and still warm from the fryer, or twirling forkfuls of tangy, peanut-kissed pad thai. The pot stickers, with their tender, savory filling and light char from the pan, are a crowd favorite.
11-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel
Daily 10:30 am – 2:30 pm | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2. Water Drop Vegetarian House
Owned by a Taiwanese Buddhist Temple, this cafeteria-style spot serves wholesome Chinese vegetarian dishes that feel like a comforting home-cooked meal. The rotating menu keeps things exciting — one day you might enjoy mapo tofu with silky, spicy-sweet sauce, the next, crisp-edged turnip cakes that melt in your mouth. Pair your picks in a three-dish combo plate, and don’t forget to check their Facebook page for the day’s offerings.
12-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel
Mon–Fri 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
3. Dagon
Step into Dagon for a taste of Burma in the heart of Honolulu. Known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, this intimate restaurant shines with dishes like the tea leaf salad, a vibrant mix of textures (crunchy nuts, fresh tomatoes, earthy tea leaves) and deeply aromatic curries that perfume the air with turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass.
7-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel
Mon–Sat 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4. Roots and Greens
Located in Ala Moana Center’s Makai Market, this bright and modern eatery lets you build your own salad or grain bowl with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The crisp greens, juicy roasted vegetables, and creamy hummus drizzles make every bite both satisfying and energizing. Vegan options are clearly labeled, so you can customize your bowl with ease.
10-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel
10:30 am to 7:00 pm
5. Down to Earth Organic & Natural
More than just a health food store, Down to Earth offers a selection of freshly made vegetarian and vegan dishes perfect for take-out or a quick lunch. Try the tofu musubi, a local twist on a classic snack with savory tofu in place of spam, or the purple sweet potato salad, which is as beautiful as it is nourishing. Everything is made from scratch with a focus on organic, wholesome ingredients.
8-minute drive from Waikiki Resort Hotel
6 am to 10 pm
6. The Sunrise Shack
Founded by a group of surfer friends, The Sunrise Shack radiates laid-back island vibes. The menu bursts with tropical superfoods. Think acai smoothie bowls piled high with granola and papaya, bright yellow turmeric lattes, and hearty sourdough toasts layered with avocado.
6-minute walk from Waikiki Resort Hotel (Twin Fin Branch)
Daily 6 am to 8 pm
Stay, Savor, and Soothe Your Soul
With so many vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafes just minutes from Waikiki Resort Hotel, it’s never been easier to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals during your island getaway. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to mix in more meat-free options, these local favorites will leave you feeling satisfied and inspired.
If you’re looking for even more plant-based dining, check out our guide to Vegan Restaurants in O‘ahu for additional spots across the island.
After a day of exploring Honolulu’s vibrant food scene, come back to the comfort of your ocean-view room, relax with a sunset yoga session, or sip a cocktail at the bar, all just steps from Waikiki Beach.
Book your stay at Waikiki Resort Hotel and make every meal part of your Hawaiian adventure.