Fun Places to Enjoy a Date in Hawaii

When it comes to planning the perfect date night for you and your significant other, there are plenty of choices. Maybe you’re looking to go all out and experience the perfect romantic evening at a five-star restaurant. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something more casual and low-key.

Whatever your preference, you really can’t go wrong if you go out on a date in Hawaii. Between the gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, and laid-back atmosphere, Hawaii is full of places best experienced when shared with someone special. To provide you with some memorable stops, however, we’ve prepared this list of top-rated attractions and eateries that will make your night just a bit more special.

Want to make sure you’re completely prepared for your next date night? Then download some GiftYa electronic e-gift cards to the locations below directly onto your debit card. It’s a safe, secure way for you to eat at and enjoy these memorable places.

Dave’s Ice Cream at the Ilikai

Taste the sweet flavors of Hawaii at Dave’s Ice Cream at the Ilikai

1777 Ala Moana Blvd. | Waikiki/ daveshawaiianicecream.com

Ice cream and date nights always go along well. Whether you just want to grab a quick treat or end a fancy dinner with a tasty dessert, knowing where to find a good ice cream shop inevitably comes in handy.

And if that ice cream shop is Dave’s Ice Cream at the Ilikai, you and your date will be able to experience something truly special. For over 30 years, this ice cream store has been serving locals and tourists their specialty ice creams, made fresh every day on Oahu. With over 50 amazing flavors to choose from — including innovative ones like Azuki Bean, Kulolo, and Ube — you’re sure to find frozen treats here that you can’t find anywhere else.

As if this wasn’t enough, this Dave’s Ice Cream is located at the lobby level of Ilikai Hotel and Luxury Suites, letting you enjoy your ice cream in some very beautiful surroundings with warm service. More than just your ordinary ice cream shop, Dave’s Ice Cream provides the perfect place to spontaneously take your date for the delicious flavors of Hawaii.

“We bought ice cream for one of the nights we were staying in the Ilikai hotel and needed something sweet. We would walk by and the smell of their waffle cones being made was amazing we had to get some one night. Would recommend to anyone that’s staying on this side of Waikiki!” — Yelp Review

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South Shore Grill

Enjoy gourmet flavors in beautiful Diamond Head

3114 Monsarrat Ave. | Diamond Head/ southshoregrill.com

Drop in to South Shore Grill at Diamond Head in Honolulu and you’ll be able to order some of the best fish tacos and sandwiches in Hawaii. Established in 2005, this popular eatery has been applauded for providing “quick food with a gourmet twist” by the Honolulu Advertiser and was voted one of Hawaii’s Best Restaurants. Whether you and your date are in the mood for some burritos, burgers, or plate lunches, South Shore Grill has you covered.

Perfect for people who love the outdoors, South Shore Grill offers a nice place to eat before spending the day sightseeing. If you’re planning on hiking Diamond Head Summit Trail or visiting any of the other local sights, be sure to make this low-key eatery one of your stops!

“We took a leisurely walk to South Shore Grill on the last night of our trip, and we were so pleased to have gone even just a little bit outside of the touristy Waikiki bubble!” — Yelp Review

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Honolulu Bistro

Organic vegan juices, exotic coffee, grilled cheese and more at Honolulu Bistro

333 Ward Ave | Kaka’ako/ honolulubistro.com

A family-owned small business, Honolulu Bistro offers one of the best juice bars for health-conscious couples. Come enjoy the all-natural flavors of their organic vegan juices with no added sugars, dairy, fillers, or artificial flavors. With names like Power Green and Four Seasons, you’ll be able to enjoy a healthy blend of orange, apple, carrot, turmeric, and guava juices in a delicious way.

If you’re looking for something a bit more caffeinated, this bistro also serves up some excellent coffee drinks, including the Black Amanda (Kona and Maui coffee plus real coconut and rich cocoa) and the Exotic Prince (coffee with organic whey protein powder). The baristas are also happy to add some specialty items to their drinks, including protein powder, coconut milk, and extra fruits and vegetables.

Still, the one thing that separates Honolulu Bistro from your run-of-the-mill juice bar or coffee shop is its signature gourmet grilled cheese menu. From classic American grilled cheese on white bread to the flavorful pesto delux with mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomato, to the flavorful chipotle chicken, you’re sure to find something to please the cheese lover in your life. Spend an afternoon touring the charming Ohana Hale Marketplace before sharing a memorable lunch at this popular bistro.

“Service with aloha! This bistro never disappoints. There’s so much good stuff to pick from in Ohana Hale Marketplace but we keep returning to Honolulu Bistro.” — Yelp Review

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Yard House

The go-to place for food and beer lovers

226 Lewers St. | Waikiki/ yardhouse.com

Located on Waikiki Beach Walk, The Yard House makes an excellent place to enjoy date night if you love beer. Choose from over 100 draft brews and an equally impressive number of craft cocktails. You’ll find local, domestic, and imported brews here, making this a can’t-miss stop on your vacation itinerary.

It’s not just about the alcohol here, though. As if having over 100 different types of beer wasn’t enough, the menu at the Yard House also boasts over 100 made-from-scratch food items, including the popular Poke Nachos, Lobster Garlic Noodles, Fried Calamari, and Tomato Bisque. All of these selections make the Yard House the perfect place to go for beer and food lovers. Infuse your date night with great food, classic rock music, and an excellent vibe you’ll remember for years to come.

“The Yard House is an excellent place to eat in Waikiki, the wait time can be long depending on which hour you go, but it is open until 1am! And definitely worth the wait. The food is great, waiters and host are very friendly, and the bar is always open to drink.” — Yelp Review

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Kua Aina-Haleiwa

Visit the original island location of an international burger franchise

66-160 Kamehameha Hwy. | Haleiwa/ kua-ainahawaii.com

Want to just enjoy some great burgers in an island setting? Kua Aina-Haleiwa is the place to go. While this restaurant now boasts locations in Japan, London, and Taipei, its roots come from the small historic town of Haleiwa. You’ll find a casual atmosphere here, where the burgers are cooked to order and flame grilled over, appropriately enough, lava rock.

Make this outing more fun by customizing your burger with special toppings like avocado, pineapple, bacon, and Ortega chilis. You’ll also be able to order some other tasty sandwiches like the roast beef & avocado, grilled fish, and teriyaki chicken. Come to the place where it all began and learn what makes Kua Aina-Haleiwa so special.  

“Great food. I had a bacon cheeseburger and my girlfriend had a teriyaki chicken sandwich, both were absolutely amazing. Anyone who wants a great burger should give this place a try.” — Yelp Review

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Castaway Cafe

Castaway Café offers some date night views to remember

45 Kai Ala Dr. | Lahaina/ cohnrestaurants.com

Hawaii may be full of amazing sights and attractions wherever you and your date end up, but we’re betting you’ll find Castaway Café just a bit more memorable than your average restaurant or eatery. That’s because the outdoor area here provides a breathtaking view of the beach and Hawaii’s natural splendor. You can even see humpback whales breaching in the ocean if you come at the right time, making your date night one to remember.

Food-wise, Castaway Café offers nice selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Diners love the Big Island Omlette, Mahi Mahi Cobb Salad, and fresh catch of the day. You’ll also be able to toast with glasses of white, red, and sparkling wine, or order specialty mai tais and pina coladas along with your favorite domestic and imported beers.

“We came one evening for dinner while staying down the beach at the Sheraton. While seated, we watched humpback whales breaching and blowing in the distance.” — Yelp Review

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