Gluten-Free Oahu: The Best Of Honolulu, Waikiki, and more

Oahu is the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain. It’s also pretty easy to eat Gluten-Free on Oahu.

The locals on other islands will tell you how crowded Honolulu is. In comparison to Kauai and Maui, yes, it’s packed. It’s not crowded like New York City or other major US cities. The good news for us celiacs is that typically, the more people there are, the more gluten-free friendly a place is.

We had the lowest expectations for Oahu, and that wasn’t fair. There are so many things to do in Oahu. It over-delivered, and we should’ve been more optimistic!

Eating gluten-free on Oahu was very easy. Staying in Waikiki, we were within walking distance from most restaurants for dinner. We had no problems finding great food.

Just remember, my celiac isn’t your celiac or gluten-free journey (or anyone else’s). Some of the things I’m comfortable with, you may not be, and you may have a different experience with the restaurants than I did. I hope you do because I had a great experience! But, you do you, no judgment and no pressure. I hope to shed some insight to make your planning easier.

Gluten-Free Waikiki and Honolulu

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Resort

The resort was nice, but it wasn’t my favorite of the trip. There is just so much packed into such a small area. That’s just Waikiki, though. The Tropics Bar and Grill on the property was very knowledgeable about celiac disease.

They even had house-made gluten-free macadamia nut crumble I could order on top of my acai bowl. I’m glad my waiter was so confident because I was skeptical! He was patient with me and reassuringly answered my questions.

The acai bowl here was sweet, but it was a solid option for breakfast. There are several restaurants within walking distance from Waikiki that would’ve been good options too.

Pu’uwai Aloha Bakery

1670 Lusitana St
Honolulu, HI 96813

Pu’uwai Aloha Bakery is a dedicated gluten-free bakery and is an oasis in Hawaii. I tried so many things and loved all of them.

Find them at the address above or look for them at farmer’s markets in Honolulu.

The passionfruit loaf and passionfruit thumbprint cookie were my favorite things, but I love anything passionfruit, so I’m partial.

The owner was sweet and didn’t seem too flustered when I struggled to decide what I wanted. She was super cool to chat with if you get the chance!

Noi Thai Cuisine

2301 Kalakaua Ave C308
Honolulu, HI 96815

Noi Thai is on the upstairs level of a mall on the main stretch in Honolulu. It was a close walk to our hotel, and the pad thai was delicious. The food here was more upscale than in the other Thai places we ate at. It wasn’t necessarily better, but just a different environment. I often need a nice safe pad Thai, so this place came through for me.

La Birria Taco Truck

501-555 Cooke St
Honolulu, HI 96813

La Birria is one of many restaurants in Honolulu that aren’t dedicated to gluten-free but are super close to it! These tacos are incredible! The tacos and consommé are all gluten-free. You order 3 tacos at a time. The hellfire tacos are super spicy, but I didn’t find the regular tacos to be too bad. They are crunchy, and the consommé is a fun addition. The taco truck is in the parking lot of a mall. Don’t be scared off by that, though. These are some of the best tacos you will ever eat!

Banán

2301 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815

Banán is an ice cream dessert made out of bananas. It is unique to Oahu and is dedicated gluten-free, so order away! There are lots of toppings to pick from, which can be overwhelming!

lan some time to look over the menu if you struggle to decide.

The company has a great mission, too. Try to go and support a business that supports their island and the gluten-free community!

This is a cult favorite that many people love. It wasn’t my favorite of all time, but I must’ve ordered poorly. Regardless, it’s a must-try when you’re in Waikiki.

Poke Bar

226 Lewers St # L106
Honolulu, HI 96815

It’s had to find a Poke Bowl that is reliably gluten-free where I live, and Poke Bar opened up a new world for me! Poke Bar is a build-your-own style place. The staff was very knowledgeable about what I could have. They helped ensure I didn’t pick anything that would make me sick (I was even able to avoid sesame!)

As a bonus, some cute shops are nearby for before or after your meal. My favorite was a sustainable shop called Keep It Simple Honolulu.

Hike Hawaii

1956 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815

Hike Hawaii is a little cafe inside the Double Tree in Waikiki. There are some mixed reviews about their gluten-free sandwiches and wraps. I ordered an acai bowl; are you noticing the pattern here?

The Mauna Loa Bowl and kombucha were perfect for brunch!

The Hemptuary

2113 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815

This is an odd restaurant pick, but they had vegan dole whip shakes that were also gluten-free. Besides the night we tried banán, we had a pineapple dole whip shake for dessert every night.

This little shop is close to the resorts in Waikiki. We literally walked right by it each night after dinner and had to stop.

Chains and Other options

There were a ton of options for gluten-free eating on Oahu. It was extra convenient that some restaurant options were within walking distance from our hotel.

This is the only island we can say that about! You won’t go hungry!

There is also a California Pizza Kitchen on the main mall strip in Waikiki.

This is a chain, so I struggle to recommend it outright, but in a pinch, it can work. I ended up with a pizza one night when my husband wanted something I couldn’t eat that was nearby. We both ordered take-out and ate in one of the parks.

Other chain restaurants have gluten-free options as well. I just try to avoid them for the local options. I find they’re usually better!

Gluten-Free Oahu – Everywhere outside of Honolulu

Maui Mikes Fire-Roasted Chicken

Enchanted Lake Center
Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

96 S. Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii

Maui Mike’s may have been my favorite restaurant of the whole trip. Almost the entire menu is gluten-free, including the sides.

They have buns, but I don’t know why you’d eat this chicken on a bun even if you could.

I had a half-chicken and fries.

The first time I made the mistake of getting sweet potato fries. The regular fries are thin and get so crispy. They are the best option. Thin and crispy fries go perfectly with the perfectly roasted chicken.

Make sure to eat here when traveling on Oahu; you won’t regret it!

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

This food truck has a few different locations. We went to a location with other food trucks near the north shore.

The menu isn’t dedicated to gluten-free, but it’s close. The garlic shrimp is something Oahu is known for.

The white food truck may not inspire confidence, and there may be a line but push on!

I got shrimp with two scoops of rice. It’s delicious and messy and one of the few “must try” foods celiacs can try. Go nuts!

Gluten-Free Oahu

Oahu is a great option for celiacs looking to travel to Hawaii. Honolulu is bigger than other cities in Hawaii but the trade-off is that you’re within walking distance of restaurants.

Let me know what you think or where to try on my next visit!

Check out my gluten-free experience on each of the islands:
All 4 Major Islands
Kauai
Maui
Big Island

Check out my travel experience on each of the islands:
Kauai
Maui
Big Island
Oahu