24 Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Hawaii, HI

Unlike most Honolulu diners, Eggs 'N Things has served breakfast all day since 1974, drawing equal crowds of locals and tourists. Its Waikiki location on Kalakaua Ave stays busy for good reason: macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup are a signature. The menu leans American breakfast with Polynesian touches, plus tofu and grilled veggies for healthier options. Expect a wait, often 30 to 40 minutes, but the pager system lets you explore nearby. Servers are friendly and fast, making the short delay worthwhile. For a quieter visit, try a weekday morning. A second location sits across from Waikiki Beach.

You'll find a mix of locals and tourists alike, all drawn to the legendary malasadas. Leonard's Bakery has been a Honolulu staple since 1952, and its Portuguese donuts are so iconic that any Hawaii local knows exactly who Leonards is. The malasadas are best eaten fresh they practically dissolve on your tongue. It's a budget-friendly spot, and the European-style treats keep people coming back. The bakery is a short drive from Waikiki on Kapahulu Avenue, the same street as Hula's Bar. Parking can be tricky, but it's worth the effort. Note that Yelp lists this location as possibly permanently closed, so check current status before heading over.

Orchids sits oceanfront at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki, with floor-to-ceiling French doors opening to cool breezes. It serves Polynesian seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner amid an abundance of orchids. The vibe is casually elegant, with outdoor seating on the beach edge. Reviews call the food phenomenal and the setting incredible, dubbing it a 'must eat at' spot. Reservations are recommended given its popularity. The Sunday brunch is a highlight. With 51 photos and 1227 Yelp reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it's well-regarded. Prices are $$$, but the experience is worth it. If waitstaff recommends a dish, trust that it's good. For a more casual bite nearby, try Rainbow Drive-In.

Betty's Beach Cafe sits in Lahaina as a gay-friendly spot for a burger or a drink. It's open daily from 8am to 8pm, with a full bar and a straightforward American menu that includes breakfast and seafood options. The vibe is casual, and the outdoor setting offers a view of the area. Regulars know the service and food quality can be uneven, especially at busy times. You'll find a mix of travelers killing time before a flight and locals grabbing a bite. If you want a different experience nearby, Rainbow Drive-In is another casual option.

Anyone wanting a classic Waikiki sunset experience without the resort formality will like House Without a Key. This open-air restaurant and bar sits on the grounds of the Halekulani Hotel, right on Waikiki Beach. It's named after a 1925 Charlie Chan novel and preserves the hotel's century-old tradition of cocktails and live music under a Kiawe tree. The menu covers American, seafood, and Polynesian dishes, though many visitors come just for drinks and appetizers. Casual attire is fine. The nightly entertainment is the main draw: Hawaiian music and hula dancers perform as the sun sets over the Pacific. Arrive just before sunset to grab an outdoor seat. Breakfast is served, but the sunset cocktail hour is the sweet spot. It's one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the Halekulani's atmosphere, since you can order just a sandwich and a drink. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests and savvy locals. If you want another classic Honolulu meal, Rainbow Drive-In is a nearby spot for plate lunches.

You'll notice the view first: Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach stretch out from every table. LuLu's Waikiki is a casual American spot in Waikiki, known for Loco Moco and praised by regulars for eggs benedict (especially at sunrise) and garlic ahi. It's open daily from 7am to midnight, with Monday hours extending until 2am. It's a tourist-friendly family spot, so expect a lively crowd any time. The Sunday brunch is popular. If you're looking for something nearby, House Without a Key offers a different vibe with live Hawaiian music.

Best for anyone craving exceptional, made-from-scratch Polynesian and breakfast fare in a no-frills setting. Liliha Bakery has been a Honolulu mainstay since 1950, with bakers using time-honored methods and everything made from scratch. The cafe serves a full breakfast and lunch menu alongside the bakery items, but it's the pancakes that steal the show: a local friend called them the best in the world, and you'll likely agree. There are only about a dozen seats, so expect a wait during peak times. Come early or on a weekday to snag a spot without the crowd. The bakery also offers pastries and pies to-go, making it a great stop for a quick bite or dessert. It's located near Aipaako St in Honolulu, easy to reach from Waikiki. If you're exploring the area, you can walk to Rainbow Drive-In for another local favorite.

Best suited for anyone craving a true local Hawaiian plate lunch without the tourist markup. Rainbow Drive-In has been serving iconic comfort food since 1961, and it's where locals head the moment they return to Honolulu. The standout is the pork cutlet with two scoops rice and one scoop mac salad, a combination so beloved it's practically a homecoming ritual. The place is simple, with outdoor seating, and the prices are genuinely budget-friendly. You'll find breakfast served all day, and the menu covers everything from hot dogs to Polynesian-style plates. It's located just off Kapahulu Ave, about half a mile from Hula's Bar, making it an easy stop if you're exploring Waikiki. The vibe is no-frills and efficient, so don't expect white tablecloths. Peak lunch hour can get busy, but the line moves fast. If you want a taste of what Hawaiians crave, this is it.

You'll find a mix of design-savvy locals and travelers at Stage Restaurant, perched on the 2nd floor of the Honolulu Design Center. The space feels like a high-end Manhattan spot, with a modern cosmopolitan vibe. The kitchen focuses on contemporary Asian-American cuisine, using locally-grown ingredients. Their wine list is a standout, with over 500 labels to choose from. Dinner starts at 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. The calamari crusted in graham cracker and the excellent pork chop are mentioned in reviews. There's also a wine bar inside, perfect for a lighter bite. Regulars recommend stopping by for a snack and a glass of wine rather than a full meal.

You might expect a touristy Thai spot in Waikiki, but Siam Square is a local favorite that keeps people coming back. It's a full-bar Thai restaurant with over 990 Yelp reviews and a solid 4/5 rating. The Pad Thai and cashew nut stir fry get regular praise. The wait can be long, and service isn't always fast, but regulars say it's worth it. Located beside Bacchus on Kuhio Boulevard, it's an easy stop after a day at the beach. Go on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals sharing tables, and the vibe is casual and efficient.

You'll immediately notice the warm, unfussy atmosphere at this neighborhood Thai spot. Chiang-Mai Thai Cuisine specializes in Northern Thai food, distinct from the more common Bangkok-style dishes. Honolulu Magazine has repeatedly voted it one of the best Thai restaurants in Honolulu, and regulars keep coming back for consistent quality. The restaurant sits a short walk from Waikiki, making it an easy choice for a relaxed dinner. Service is fast and friendly. Weekend hours are dinner only, so plan accordingly. If you're staying in Waikiki, it's a great alternative to pricier hotel restaurants like those at House Without a Key.

In Honolulu, Zippy's Dillingham is a fast-casual chain known for its eclectic menu mixing American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian dishes. Its signature Original Recipe Chili is a local staple, and the attached Napoleon's Bakery offers fresh pastries and donuts. Reviews are mixed, with a 2.5-star Yelp rating, so expectations should be modest. The restaurant is open from 6am daily, closing at 10pm most nights but extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It's a practical stop for a quick, affordable meal, though service and consistency have drawn criticism.

In the Puna District of Pahoa, Ning's Thai Cuisine is a local favorite for authentic Thai flavor. The cook grows many of the herbs and vegetables organically in their own garden, and they don't hold back on spice—you've been warned. Whether you go for the shrimp summer rolls or the pineapple curry, you'll find vegetarian and meat options that are clearly prepared with care. Parking can be tight, so plan ahead. If you're staying at Gay Hawaii Guest House on the Kalapana Coast, pick up a discount coupon before you go. It's a casual spot where regulars come back week after week, and the Thai iced tea made with coconut milk is a standout.

Zippy's Kailua is open daily from 6am, closing at 10pm most nights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. This combination fast-food and casual dining chain offers a broad menu that blends American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian cuisines. Its signature dish is the Original Recipe Chili, and there's a Napoleon’s Bakery on site for fresh baked goods. The Kailua location is a local go-to for a quick bite any time of day. Yelp lists it under diners, hotdogs, and comfort food, though the vibe is unpretentious and family-friendly. With two ratings on file, it's not heavily reviewed, but the chain is well-known across Hawaii. If you're exploring Kailua, you might also check out nearby Rainbow Drive-In for another local classic.

Zippy's Ewa serves a mix of American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian food. Its signature dish is the Original Recipe Chili. There's also a Napoleon's Bakery on site if you want pastries or donuts. This is a fast-food and casual dining spot in Leeward Oahu. It's open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The Yelp rating is a modest 2.7 out of 5 from 625 reviews. You'll find it in the Ewa Beach area.

The Original Recipe Chili is a must-try at Zippy's Kahului, a chain that blends fast-food convenience with casual dining. It serves pan-Asian comfort food alongside American classics, all in one spot. The on-site Napoleon's Bakery adds fresh pastries and desserts. You'll find Zippy's near S Puunene Avenue in Kahului. It's open daily from 5am to 10pm, making it an easy option for early breakfast or late dinner. The menu offers something for everyone, including health-conscious choices.

Zippy's stands out among Honolulu restaurants by offering a wide variety of food combining American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian cuisine all under one roof. It's a hybrid fast-food and casual dining chain with many locations. Their signature dish is the Original Recipe Chili, and Napoleon’s Bakery is on site. You'll find it at Hunakai St in the Wai'alae-Kahala neighborhood. The hours are consistent daily from 6am to midnight. With a 3.1 Yelp rating from 590 reviews, it's a local staple for affordable eats. If you want a sit-down breakfast, check out nearby Liliha Bakery for their famous coco puffs.

Zippy's Kalihi is perfect for anyone craving a quick, affordable meal that spans American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian cuisines. This combination fast-food and casual dining spot is a local staple, known for its signature Original Recipe Chili. There's a Napoleon's Bakery on site for fresh pastries and baked goods. You'll find Zippy's open from 6am to midnight every day, making it a reliable choice for early breakfast or a late dinner. It's a casual, no-fuss spot where you can grab a bowl of chili or a plate lunch. If you're in the mood for another local classic, Rainbow Drive-In is just a short drive away.

In Kapahulu, Zippy's is a fast-casual chain serving a mix of American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian plates. Its Original Recipe Chili is the signature item, and Napoleon's Bakery is on site for pastries. It's a reliable spot for a quick, affordable meal. The dining area is straightforward, with counter service. Hours are consistent: 6am to 10pm daily. For a local breakfast or late dinner, it's a solid choice. You'll find a diverse crowd here.

et al. serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily starting at 7am, making it a rare fine-dining spot that works for an early meal or a late-night splurge on weekends when it stays open until 10pm. Tucked into a Kahala strip mall near the beach (a classic Hawaiian setting for great food), this award-winning restaurant blends cuisines you don't often see together: seafood, sushi, Polynesian, farm-to-table, and even its own Sunday brunch. The vibe is luxe but not stuffy, and the crowd is mixed gay/straight. Yelp reviewers rate it 4.1 stars from nearly 800 reviews, often noting the breakfast and brunch offerings alongside the more expected dinner dishes. Because it's open from 7am every day, you can grab a meal here before hitting the beach or after a night out. There's no dedicated parking, but the strip mall lot usually has space.

Most omakase spots in Honolulu keep things casual, but Sushi Ginza Onodera leans into tradition with a refined Japanese approach. This outpost of a Tokyo-born sushi house serves omakase-only dinners in an upscale, carpeted setting. It draws a mixed gay-straight crowd and skews luxe without being pretentious. It's a place where the fish and craftsmanship are the focus. Reservations are strongly recommended given the intimate seating. Weekend lunch hours (11am-3pm) are available Saturday and Sunday, offering a lighter omakase option from the same kitchen. If you're in the neighborhood, Rainbow Drive-In is a completely different scene — a classic plate lunch spot for a casual meal another time.

This spot is best for travelers who want a fast-casual yet polished meal that blends Vietnamese, Asian fusion, and Polynesian flavors. The Pig and The Lady is women-led and Michelin-rated, earning a 4.2 average from 123 Yelp reviewers. It's family-friendly and trans-friendly, with a lively, luxe atmosphere that works for lunch or dinner. If you're in the neighborhood, you could also check out Rainbow Drive-In for a local plate lunch. Hours vary by day, with lunch service daily and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Open daily from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm, Gannon's fits into a Maui day as a lunch or dinner spot with a view. Chef Bev Gannon's menu focuses on local seafood, and the restaurant overlooks the Wailea Gold & Emerald Golf Courses. It's a solid pick for a relaxed meal in Kihei.

You'll find a mixed crowd at Zippy's Kaneohe, a local chain spot that blends fast-food convenience with sit-down dining. The menu spans American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian dishes, but their Original Recipe Chili is the signature draw. An attached Napoleon's Bakery adds a dessert option. Hours run from 5am to midnight daily, making it a solid late-night stop. Yelp reviews give it a 2.6 rating from 496 reviews, so expectations should be tempered. If you're exploring Kaneohe, nearby Rainbow Drive-In offers another local favorite.