2025 Oahu Restaurant Round-Up: Where to Eat After Your PROposal

2025 Oahu Restaurant Round-Up: Where to Eat After Your PROposal

You’ve just heard the word “yes.” The ring is on, the champagne has popped, and your heart is still racing. After such an unforgettable PROposal in Hawaiʻi, the celebration doesn’t have to end on the beach or mountaintop. One of the best ways to savor your first moments as an engaged couple is over a memorable meal at one of Oahu's top resturants.

Oahu is home to some of the most romantic dining experiences in the state of Hawaii, from fine dining by candlelight to casual local favorites that feel like home. Whether you want elegant French cuisine, a chef-driven tasting menu, or an oceanfront happy hour with island classics, here are our top picks for where to eat after your PROposal in 2025.

Michel’s at the Colony Surf – Classic Beachfront Romance

If you’re envisioning a timeless, elegant meal by the water, Michel’s at the Colony Surf is hard to beat. Nestled right on the sands of Waikiki, this French fine-dining institution has been hosting romantic dinners since 1962.

Local Favorites: Start with their iconic Lobster Bisque à la Michel’s, flamed tableside in cognac, or the Ahi Tartare with tobiko and crème fraîche. For your entrée, indulge in Beef Wellington with foie gras and truffle demi-glace, or the Seafood Bouillabaisse filled with lobster, mussels, and clams. Finish with a decadent Chocolate Soufflé or Bananas Foster, both prepared tableside for a touch of drama.

Cocktails & Wine:Michel’s is as much about the presentation as the flavors. Their Smoked Old Fashioned and Campfire Manhattan arrive in a swirl of tableside smoke, while cocktails like the Hibiscus Martini and Sunset Daiquiri bring a tropical note. Pair your meal with selections from a wine list curated by master sommeliers.

Perfect For: Couples who want to relive the glamour of old Hawaiʻi and toast to their engagement in style.

Senia – Modern & Intimate

For couples looking for a culinary adventure, Senia in downtown Honolulu delivers. This celebrated restaurant blends Hawaiʻi’s local flavors with modern technique, offering both an à la carte menu and an intimate Chef’s Counter tasting menu.

What to Order:Favorites include Kalua Pork & Cabbage Croquettes, Smoked Ahi Cigars, and Venison Tartare. For a more immersive experience, book the Chef’s Counter on a Friday or Saturday night and enjoy a tasting menu crafted right in front of you — each dish an artful surprise.

Cocktails & Extras:While Senia doesn’t have a dedicated cocktail program, you can begin or end your night at Podmore, its sister bar just around the corner, known for elegant, innovative drinks in a stylish setting.

Perfect For: Food-loving couples who want their first meal as fiancés to be creative, memorable, and a little unexpected.

Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens – Laid-Back Island Style

One of our favorites. If you ask us the best way to celebrate is with comfort food in a breathtaking setting. Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe is a local favorite, tucked away in lush greenery with mountain and garden views. Note: This resturant does not take reservations so put your name in with the host and go enjoy the botanical gardens attached to the property while you wait.

What to Order:Start with Black & Blue Ahi or Coconut Shrimp. Entrees range from fresh grilled fish with macadamia nut pesto to hearty Prime Rib and Kalbi Ribs. For dessert, try the Lilikoi Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Mousse Pie — both perfect for sharing.

Cocktails & Happy Hour:Haleiwa Joe’s offers a full bar with island-inspired cocktails and local beers. Even better, their happy hour (Mon–Fri, 4:30–6:30 pm) includes $3 off pupus like fish tacos, wings, and prime rib sliders — a great choice if you want a more casual but celebratory meal.

Perfect For: Couples who want to kick back, soak in the aloha spirit, and enjoy generous portions in a tropical garden escape.

53 By The Sea – Oceanfront Elegance

One of the few resturants on the Ocean in Honolulu its has sweeping staircase, grand architecture, and panoramic ocean views, 53 By The Sea feels like it was built for engagement celebrations. The setting is pure romance, especially at sunset when the lights of Diamond Head and Waikīkī sparkle in the distance.

What to Order:Signature dishes include Lobster Gnocchi, Miso Butterfish, and Surf & Turf with tender beef and buttery lobster tail. For dessert, the Lilikoi Cheesecake is as photogenic as it is delicious.

Cocktails & Wine:53’s cocktail menu leans modern and tropical — think lychee martinis and handcrafted sours — with a curated wine list to match.

Perfect For: Couples who want a glamorous, cinematic dining experience to match the magic of their PROposal.

Hau Tree – Beachside Modern Romance

Just steps from the sand in Waikiki nestled up agains Kaimana beach, Hau Tree offers a romantic yet relaxed dining experience under the shade of its iconic hau tree. The newly reimagined restaurant has become a stylish favorite for couples who want the beauty of the beach with a modern menu.

What to Order:The Smoked Marlin Dip is a perfect starter, followed by dishes like Hawaiian Catch with Seasonal Vegetables or Duck Confit Fried Rice. End with the Hau Tree Sundae for a playful finish.

Cocktails & Happy Hour:Known for inventive cocktails, Hau Tree highlights flavors like hibiscus, lilikoi, and coconut. Their wine and champagne selection also pairs beautifully with a beachside sunset toast. While not a traditional happy hour spot, the atmosphere is best enjoyed at golden hour.

Perfect For: Couples who want the romance of Waikīkī without the formality — toes in the sand, champagne in hand.

Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai – A Local Legend

For a blend of island flavors and fine dining pedigree, head to the original Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai, where Roy Yamaguchi first launched his globally recognized brand of Hawaiian fusion cuisine. The oceanfront setting makes it extra special for post-PROposal celebrations.

What to Order:Start with Szechuan Baby Back Ribs or Roy’s Canoe Appetizer for Two. Signature entrées include Misoyaki Butterfish, Hibachi Grilled Salmon, and the Roy’s Trio featuring butterfish, short rib, and fish of the day. Don’t miss the Chocolate Soufflé, a dessert as iconic as the restaurant itself.

Cocktails & Happy Hour:Roy’s offers a full bar with island-inspired cocktails. Their happy hour, known as Aloha Hour, features discounted drinks and small plates — perfect if you want a lively yet upscale atmosphere.

Perfect For: Couples who want a taste of Hawaiʻi’s culinary history in a setting that combines local warmth with fine dining.

The First Meal of Forever

Your PROposal in Hawaiʻi is just the beginning of your love story, and the first meal you share as an engaged couple should be just as unforgettable. Whether you’re raising a glass over candlelight at Michel’s, savoring creative flavors at Senia, or laughing over prime rib at Haleiwa Joe’s, Oahu offers endless ways to celebrate.