Where to Go After Your Oahu Elopement or Intimate Wedding


Planning a wedding or elopement in Waikiki, Oahu is magical — but what comes after the ceremony?


Whether you’re envisioning a romantic dinner for two, a beachfront brunch the morning after, or a private reception with your closest guests, here are the best restaurants in Waikiki and beyond to celebrate your wedding day in style.


As a local Oahu wedding photographer at SarahHawaiiPhoto.com, these are the spots my couples consistently love.





🌺 Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots After Your Wedding (Waikiki & Nearby)



Perfect for: morning-after brunch, sunrise elopements, casual celebrations

Guest-friendly: Yes (great for small groups)

Reservations: Recommended for weekends



1. 

Hau Tree

 (Kaimana Beach – just outside Waikiki)



If you want dreamy oceanfront vibes without the chaos of central Waikiki, this is it.


  • Beachfront setting under the iconic hau trees
  • Elevated island cuisine
  • Gorgeous for post-wedding brunch photos
  • Ideal for couples + up to 10–12 guests



✔ Reservations strongly recommended

✔ Guest-friendly

✔ Mid to upscale pricing


This is a top-tier choice for an elegant but relaxed morning-after celebration.





2. 

Orchids

 (Halekulani Hotel, Waikiki)



If you want classic, timeless, white-tablecloth luxury brunch — this is your spot.


  • Oceanfront terrace
  • Refined service
  • Perfect for intimate wedding brunches



✔ Reservations required

✔ Guest-friendly (great for small groups)

✔ Upscale pricing


Very “just got married in Hawaii” energy.





3. 

Koko Head Café

 (Kaimuki – outside Waikiki)



For foodie couples who want something trendy and fun.


  • Creative island brunch
  • Casual but high-quality
  • Best for couples or very small groups



✔ Limited reservations

✔ Better for 2–6 guests

✔ Moderate pricing


This is a great option if you’re staying outside Waikiki or want something less touristy.


Panoramic view of a rugged coastline with waves crashing against rocky cliffs and sandy beaches under blue skies.
A wedding couple poses on a dramatic Hawaiian beach with crashing waves and volcanic rocks.


🌊 Best Lunch Spots for a Wedding Celebration in Waikiki



Perfect for: mid-day elopements, small receptions

Guest-friendly: Yes (depending on group size)

Reservations: Highly recommended





1. 

House Without A Key

 (Halekulani, Waikiki)



Live Hawaiian music, sunset hula, and ocean views.


  • Indoor/outdoor seating
  • Romantic but relaxed
  • Beautiful for wedding-day dinner or late lunch



✔ Reservations recommended

✔ Guest-friendly

✔ Mid to upscale


This one feels iconic Waikiki without being overly formal.





2. 

Hula Grill Waikiki



Right on the beach with Diamond Head views.


  • Fun, celebratory vibe
  • Great for larger small groups
  • Easy for guests staying in Waikiki



✔ Reservations strongly recommended

✔ Very guest-friendly

✔ Moderate pricing


This is one of the easiest places logistically for visiting guests.





3. 

MW Restaurant

 (Outside Waikiki – worth it)



If you’re food-obsessed and want something elevated but not stuffy.


  • Modern Hawaiian cuisine
  • Incredible desserts
  • Intimate atmosphere



✔ Reservations required

✔ Great for 2–12 guests

✔ Upscale


Perfect for couples who want something refined but local.


A couple in white attire poses together on rocky coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean during a photo session.
Couple walking hand in hand on a tropical beach with palm trees and blue ocean waters in Hawaii.
A group gathers on a sandy beach as waves crash behind them during an outdoor celebration.


🌅 Best Romantic & Fancy Dinner Restaurants in Waikiki for Your Wedding Night



Target keyword: Best restaurants in Waikiki for wedding dinner


This is your “we just got married” dinner.





1. 

La Mer

 (Halekulani)



This is the most luxurious dining experience in Waikiki.


  • AAA Five Diamond fine dining
  • French-inspired cuisine
  • Ultra romantic
  • Best for just the couple or 2–4 guests



✔ Reservations required well in advance

✔ Not ideal for larger groups

✔ Luxury pricing


If you want unforgettable and elegant — this is it.





2. 

53 By The Sea

 (Outside Waikiki, near Ala Moana)



Huge ocean views with Diamond Head backdrop.


  • Dramatic, upscale setting
  • Great for larger intimate receptions
  • Private dining options available



✔ Reservations required

✔ Guest-friendly (larger groups possible)

✔ Upscale


Amazing for sunset wedding dinners with guests.





3. 

Hy’s Steak House

 (Waikiki)



Classic, old-school romantic steakhouse.


  • Dim lighting
  • Intimate booths
  • Celebratory vibe



✔ Reservations recommended

✔ Great for small groups

✔ Upscale but not ultra-luxury


Perfect if you want cozy, candlelit, celebratory energy.





✨ Tips for Booking a Wedding Dinner in Waikiki



As an Oahu wedding photographer who works with couples year-round, here’s what I always recommend:


  • Reserve at least 2–4 weeks in advance (longer during peak wedding season).
  • Mention you’re celebrating your wedding — many restaurants will offer something special.
  • Keep group size under 12 unless you’re booking private dining.
  • Plan your ceremony timeline with dinner reservations in mind (sunset traffic in Waikiki is real).






Final Thoughts



Whether you’re planning a luxury dinner for two or a small wedding reception in Waikiki, Oahu offers some of the most romantic dining experiences in Hawaii.


If you’re still planning your elopement or intimate wedding in Waikiki and want help creating a timeline that flows perfectly into your celebration dinner, I’d love to help.


Because your wedding day shouldn’t end at the ceremony — it should end with amazing food, ocean views, and that “we just did that” feeling.