Planning a trip to Oahu? Here’s a roundup of the latest openings across the island—from buzzworthy Waikiki restaurants to local-favorite cafés expanding into new neighborhoods, plus updates at the airport and new retail spots worth browsing.
🍳 Shark & Surf (Opening Soon)
A new restaurant is coming to the former Aloha Table location in Waikiki, and it’s shaping up to be a destination for classic Hawaii comfort food.
Expect local favorites like pancakes, loco moco, and garlic shrimp. One standout to try: their Dutch-style pannekoeken (thin pancakes) loaded with fresh fruit, making it a perfect dish for breakfast.
- 📍 2238 Lauula St, Honolulu
- ⏰ Tues–Sun 7:30 AM–2 PM (lunch from 10:30 AM; dinner coming later)
- 📅 Expected to open in April 2026
🍜 Mahalo Noodle (Now Open)
Located in Eaton Square just west of Waikiki, this casual spot specializes in Okinawan-style noodles, which is a rarity in Hawaii.
It’s a laid-back, self-service concept with both dine-in and takeout options. The menu includes Okinawa soba, tantanmen, miso ramen, and rice dishes.
- 📍 438 Hobron Ln, Honolulu
- 📅 Opened March 18, 2026
🌮 Jalapeño’s 808 (Coming Soon)
A new Mexican spot is opening inside the Royal Hawaiian Center food court (Paina Lanai). This new spot, already popular in Kailua, is Jalapeño’s 808. The eatery is known for burritos, tacos, and nachos with authentic flavors. The easy, casual menu options are perfect for those seeking a quick meal between shopping in Waikiki.
🍛 Tandoori Express (Now Open)
Now open at Ala Moana Center, Tandoori Express brings Pakistani and North Indian cuisine to Honolulu.
Menu highlights include butter chicken, samosas, and biryani. It’s a great option if you want something different from the more commonly found local Hawaii fare.
- 📍 1450 Ala Moana Blvd
- ⏰ Wed–Mon 10:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30 PM–8:30 PM
☕ Surfers Coffee Kaka‘ako (Now Open)
A favorite café from Wahiawa has expanded to the art district in Kakaʻako.
If you’ve heard about it but never made the drive, Surfers Coffee’s new location is much more convenient for those in town, being just about a 10-minute walk from Ala Moana Center.
- 📍 1019 Waimanu St
- ⏰ Currently Wed–Sat (soft opening hours vary)
- 📅 Grand opening: March 6, 2026
🍽️ Alan Wong’s (Legendary Comeback)
One of Hawaii’s most iconic chefs, Alan Wong, is making a comeback.
His namesake restaurant will reopen inside the The Kahala Hotel & Resort, taking over the former Hoku’s space. The original restaurant was a staple for 25 years before closing during the pandemic in 2020, so its return is exciting news for both locals and visitors.
- 📍 5000 Kahala Ave
- 📅 Opening March 25, 2026
🍷 The Counter at Miro (New Dining Experience)
A new concept from the team behind Café Miro opened in the former Leila space in Kaimuki.
This is a prix-fixe, multi-course counter experience, offers a more intimate and curated excursion in dining. It complements the original Café Miro, which also recently reopened with both prix-fixe and à la carte options.
- 📍 1108 12th Ave
- ⏰ Tues–Sat 6 PM–10 PM
🍜 The Broth Bar (Now Open)
A new ramen spot near Kahala Mall is drawing attention for its rich, creamy tonkotsu broth.
The Broth Bar’s signature bowl features tender chashu pork and a perfectly soft-boiled egg. They also serve crowd-pleasing sides like karaage, gyoza, and takoyaki.
Bonus: it’s BYOB for a few months, so inquire before going.
- 📍 4618 Kīlauea Ave
- ⏰ Wed–Mon 11 AM–2:30 PM, 5 PM–9:30 PM
🛍️ International Shoppes (Airport Update)
There will be a monumental change at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as DFS Duty Free closes their operations on March 31.
Replacing the various locations is International Shoppes, a long-established duty-free retailer founded in 1951. Travelers will still be able to shop duty-free before departure—just with a new operator.
Source: International Shoppes Official
Website
🏄 Boardriders Hawaii (Now Open)
A new surf shop opened in Waikiki near the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa.
Operated by Boardriders and backed by Authentic Brands Group, the store carries major surf brands like Billabong, Quiksilver, Roxy, and RVCA, all in one place. Plus, there are Hawaii-exclusive items too.
- 📍 101 Uluniu Ave
- ⏰ Daily 9 AM–9 PM
👕 LEILOW (Now at Prince Waikiki)
This streetwear boutique relocated to Prince Waikiki on the west end of Waikiki.
Known for its curated mix of original designs and vintage pieces (including brands like Stüssy), it’s a great stop if you’re looking for something unique beyond your typical souvenirs.
- 📍 100 Holomoana St
- ⏰ Sun–Thu 10 AM–6 PM, Fri–Sat 10 AM–8 PM
Final Take
From exciting restaurant openings to new retail locations, Honolulu continues to expand its allure in 2026. Whether you’re visiting Waikiki or exploring neighborhoods like Kaka‘ako and Kaimuki, there are plenty of new places to add to your itinerary.
If you’re heading to Oahu soon, consider mixing these fresh spots into your plans—you might just discover your new favorite.
