By Sarah Burchard
24 April, 2026
Strawberry Bingsu at Boba Bing! inside Midtown Eats. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
It seems like there is a new restaurant opening every week on Oʻahu. With the amount of shopping and places to eat on this island you will never run out of new spots to check out. This year, we saw the rise of Midtown — that area between Mōʻiliʻili and Kakaʻako near Ala Moana Mall that never really had a name — and its new food hall Midtown Eats.
We saw a rise in wellness offerings, not only in the resorts but with independent wellness centers and at yoga studios increasing their offerings to include modalities such as contrast therapy and IV treatments. We also saw a complete refresh of the 1960’s Pagoda Hotel — located in what’s now called Midtown — and the Moana Surfrider turned 125 years old! It felt like every hotel was either going through a massive refresh or expanding their offerings with new spas, cultural centers and renovations. Here’s what’s new this summer.
Asatoʻs Waikīkī inside the new Kings & Queens Shop at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Adez Steakhouse & Lounge — Swanky new dinner spot on Kapahulu Avenue.
Asato’s Waikiki — Sherbert, candies and more in local flavors. Omakase-style dessert tasting menu. Nominated for a James Beard Award this year. Located at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Bahn Mi Paradise — Vietnamese sandwich shop on Keʻeaumoku Street.
The Broth Bar — Ramen bar in Kāhala.
Chill N Grill — Northern Chinese skewer house in Kakaʻako.
Dahan Skewer — Mongolian-style skewers on Kapahulu Avenue.
Daji Spicy Pavilion — Guizhou cuisine in Chinatown.
Domodomo Hawaiʻi — Japanese handrolls in ʻEwa Beach.
Dotted Line — New Adult Happy Meal for $25. Choice of burger, tuna melt, chicken kaarage or caesar salad with fries and a cocktail or glass of wine. Located downtown inside the AC Hotel.
Hau Tree's new Kaimana by Morning experience
Includes an oceanfront breakfast for two at Kaimana Beach Hotel's Hau Tree restaurant or fresh bakery items from Sunset Provisions and a curated playlist by Four-Time GRAMMY winner Kalani Pe’a.
Breakfast at Hau Tree. Photo courtesy of at Kaimana Beach Hotel.
K-Town at Youme Mart — Korean food hall coming soon to Keʻeaumoku Street.
Makanai — Coffee shop by day, restaurant by night in Makiki.
Midtown Eats in The Park — New Food Hall on Ke‘eaumoku Street. Sports bar and wide variety of cuisines including Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Mexican.
Mokihana Haus — Local craft beer bar with live music in Kaimukī.
Okazuya at Diamond Head — High-quality bentos by acclaimed chef Jason Peel.
Okome Tendon & Poke — Tempura and poke in Kakaʻako.
Pewa by Pono Potions — Coffee shop + sleek and comfy pau hana spot in Chinatown.
Please Come Again Ice Cream Cart at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach — Locally-made premium scoops made with local ingredients. Open daily at the hotel's pool bar SWELL. Try its new flavor ,exclusive to the property, the ‘Alohilani Wave, made with Maui Gold pineapple, coconut and blue spirulina. Additional flavors include Buko Pandan Matcha, Vanilla Milk, Graham Cracker Caramel and Mango Sticky Rice.
Alan Wongʻs — Co-founder of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine is back, this time his signature restaurant is located inside The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
The Adult Happy Meal at The Dotted Line. Photo courtesy of The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki.
Pigeonhole — Craft cocktails and pupu in Chinatown. Open late night.
Sin-Ice-Stir — Premium shave ice with unique flavor combinations, including savory and spicy offerings. Located at The Twin Fin Hotel.
Waiānuenue Food Trucks — Located at 1110 University Ave, daily 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Matcha & Musubi — Located inside Hotel Renew.
Tous les Jours Bakery & Cafe — French-Korean inspired baked goods. Located inside Youme Mart on Keʻeaumoku Street.
Waikiki Snack Store - Northern Chinese snack shop.
Photo courtesy of House of Mana Up at Royal Hawaiian Center.
Kings & Queens - Locally-owned apparel and beach gear shop, featuring several Hawaiʻi surf brands and Asato Family Shop. Located inside Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Rum & Chocolate Tasting at House of Mana Up - Waikīkī’s House of Mana Up at Royal Hawaiian Center now offers a rum and chocolate tasting experience in partnership with Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum and Mānoa Chocolate Hawaii. The guided, 30‑minute tasting includes a curated selection of classic and cocktail pours of Hawaiian Agricole rum paired with handcrafted bean‑to‑bar chocolates, offering insight into each maker’s story and craft. Tastings are available daily. Reservations are recommended.
Melin: a headwear label specializing in breathable, moisture-wicking, water-repellent caps opened at Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī.
Gorjana: A Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand known for its alphabet necklaces and stackable rings, will open its first Hawaiʻi boutique at Ala Moana Center in July 2026.
International Shoppes (iShoppes): A New York-based duty-free retailer, took over the former DFS spaces at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. They'll also open two additional specialty retail shops in the Mauka Concourse of Terminal 1, with a focus on locally made Hawaiian products alongside international brands.
DFS closed in the Airport and Waikīkī after 63 years in business in Hawaiʻi.
Neiman Marcus is closing in Ala Moana Center.
Contrast therapy sauna and cold plunge at Lava Wellness. Photo courtesy of Lava Wellnness.
Lava Wellness — Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, contrast therapy, red light therapy, Somadome meditation pod, yoga, coffee & matcha shop. 1155 S King St, Honolulu, (808) 865-5282.
Serenity Spa — Facials and slimming body treatments using ultrasound cavitation — a non-surgical method of reducing cellulite and localized fat using ultrasound technology to break down fat cells below the skin. 1221 Kapiolani Blvd #415, Honolulu, (808) 202-2120.
Sunkissed Hawaiʻi — Spray tan, facials and skincare treatments, including clinical acne and anti-aging treatment, using ethically sourced botanical ingredients. 91-3633 Kauluakoko St #303, Ewa Beach, book online.
Honolulu Wellness — Massage chairs, BioX Light Therapy Steam Wet Sauna pods and Luna Light Therapy Sauna pods. 2131 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī, (808) 369-6232.
ʻAlohilani Waikiki Beach Resort — Fit Waikiki is ‘Alohilani Resort’s new holistic wellness center. Get personal training and complimentary group classes for hotel guests. On the 9th-floor rooftop deck, guests have access to batting cages and tennis courts. Afterward, visit the resort's IV lounge DRIP Hawaii to replenish fluids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids for overall health.
The junior suite at The Laylow. Photo courtesy of The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection.
The Laylow Waikiki, Autograph Collection just launched its O’ahu Road Trip Package, which allows you to explore the island at your own pace with Waikīkī as your home base. With insider knowledge from the property to help map out the perfect island road trip itinerary, you'll check out coastal drives, waterfall hikes, local food stops and more. Includes complimentary valet parking, a Laylow tote and beach towel, curated island playlists and road trip snacks. Available for stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day (four-night stay minimum).
Pagoda Hotel. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Known as "the local's hotel," The Pagoda Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels in Honolulu. The lobby and all rooms have been completely refreshed and rebranded with artwork by beloved local artists, such as Lauren Trangmar and Wall-to-Wall Studios. Located in Midtown, the hotel is a quick walk to Ala Moana Center, Ala Moana Beach Park, Midtown Eats (new food hall) and You Me Mart, a new Korean market with Tous ls Jours Bakery Cafe and a Korean food hall coming soon.
Learn how to make lei poʻo at Hyatt Waikikiʻs new cultural center. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. of
Learn more about Hawaiian culture, including lei-making, lauhala (weaving) and ʻohe kāpala (Hawaiian bamboo stamping) at Hyatt's new cultural center, Uluniu — named after the hotel's location, a former home to King Kalākaua and Queen Kapiʻolani.
Surf House 2.0. Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Hyatt Waikiki celebrates its 50th anniversary this July with new room packages and promotions (see below), a new Sunday brunch at SHOR with kamaʻāina 25% off discount through Labor Day and the reveal of Surf House 2.0 — a beachy junior suite with custom Alaia Boards by Lloyd Boards, views of iconic shore breaks, daily breakfast and 15% off private surf lessons and board rentals at Moniz Family Surf.
Photo courtesy of Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort and Spa celebrated its 125th anniversary on March 11. The Tower Wing, historic lobby, Vintage 1901 wine bar, and Banyan Wing have all been refreshed.
Photo by Kyle Rothenborg, courtesy of Courtyard By Marriott Waikiki Beach.
Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach has got a brand new look. The property just finished updating its open‑air lobby and lounge overlooking the salt water pool and all guest rooms. CRATE, a convenient grab‑and‑go concept. just opened, joining Courtyard's Mexican restaurant Aloha Amigo. Peppermint Café & Pool Bar and Ali‘i Coffee Co.
Photo courtesy of Kaimana Beach Hotel.
Sharpen your skills with a week of surf sessions at Kaimana Beach Hotel alongside World Longboard Surfing Champion, Kai Sallas. Can't stay for a whole retreat? Sallas also offers private surf lessons just steps from the hotel.
Photo courtesy of The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
Every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, Tapestry Collection by Hilton hosts its Waikiki Swim & Social Club Pool Party with DJs, cocktails and no cover charge.
Photo by Marco Garcia.
Marriott Waikiki Collection recently launched a self-guided walkable cocktail crawl called the Mai Tai Express. A punch card allows participants to track the bars they have visited and the mai tais they have sipped. Book a stay at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa to uncover which bars comprise this coveted crawl.
Prime rib at Favorite Son. Photo courtesy of The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki.
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki Prime Rib Night happens every Friday. Guests staying at the hotel receive 15% off. The hotel's restaurant Favorite Son has a new executive chef, Justus Kellehor, who comes from The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. His new menu features dishes such as Açaí Bowls, Haupia and Pineapple Overnight Oats and Breakfast Burritos for breakfast and ʻUlu and Artichoke Dip, Kimchee Reubens and Prime Rib French Dips for lunch and dinner. Live Entertainment Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Aloha-855 restaurant. Courtesy of Romer House Waikiki.
Experience "Le Petit Chef," a 3D dinner theatre experience, at Romer House Waikīkī. Between courses, your plate is transformed into a screen, whereupon Le Petit Chef entertains you with comical performances. As each new plate is presented to the table, the show moves into the background and the curtain goes up for guests to savor a 5-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing.
Photo courtesy of The Twin Fin Hotel.
Steps away from Waikīkīs iconic surf breaks, you'll find the Jamie O’Brien School of Surf Waikiki located at The Twin Fin Hotel. The Surf & Stay package includes free daily surfboard rental and a personalized group lesson by an expert local coach.
Photo courtesy of Ka La’i Waikiki Beach.
With views of Fort DeRussy Park Waikiki Beach and Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), Ka La’i Waikiki Beach offers walking distance to everything with quiet seclusion from the hustle and bustle of Kalākaua Avenue. The resort has been fully redesigned across three restaurants, spa, pool, wellness facility and 462 guest rooms and suites featuring a residential-style design with fully-equipped kitchens, washer/dryers and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean and skyline.
The adults-only infinity pool at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton.
Stay at all 3 The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts of Hawai‘i and receive up to 20% off. Reserve three to five nights at Waikiki Beach, Turtle Bay, and Kapalua to get these rates.
Kaimana Beach Hotel's Love Hawai’i promotion support local non-profits while you save 25% off flexible hotel rates, a waived amenity fee, 50% off nightly valet parking, and 10% off at Hau Tree and Sunset Provisions. Each night includes a $10 donation to support a local non-profit in the community.
Pagoda Hotel - The Meet Me At the Pagodoa special offers 30% off and waived parking fees for stays through December 18, 2026. Booking is available now through May 15, 2026. Rates start at $159 per night. For reservations, visit PagodaHotel.com or call (808) 941-6611.
The Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki's Service Industry Night — Industry professionals receive 50% off on Sundays from 8 p.m. to close.
ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach — The Endless Summer promotion offers 20% off the hotel's best flexible rate, a waived resort fee and a 1 p.m. late check out. Guests can also ge a complimentary ice cream treat at SWELL’s new Please Come Again ice cream cart and two beverages at the SWELL Pool
Deck during happy hour from 5-9 pm. Book now through Aug. 31 using promo code: ARSUM26
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa —
Golden Anniversary Package includes a $50 nightly resort credit, exclusive savings at SWIM Restaurant & Bar, SHOR Restaurant and The Buffet at Hyatt, 15% off Moniz Surf Lessons and 10% off Cabana and Daybeds, cultural activities at Uluniu and Kings and Queens boutique shop. Book with promo code: 50YEARS
50th Anniversary Kamaʻāina Package includes: 20% off select rooms, no resort fee, half off parking, discounts at onsite restaurants The Buffet at Hyatt, SWIM Restaurant & Bar and SHOR Breakfast Restaurant. Book with promo code: KAMA50
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Letter from the Editor
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Top Experiences
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Whatʻs New
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Plan Your Trip
Join our newsletter for travel inspiration, insider tips and the latest island stories.
By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from Hawaii.com. You can unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.
