Group Gathering for Dinner
Hello,
I am looking for suggestions for a group of 15 people (adults) for dinner with a beach setting or with a view of the ocean to eat at. I would like a casual dining place with burgers, pizza, sandwiches and such.
We will be in the Honolulu area but we can travel if we need to.
Thanks!
Great question! For a group of ~15 adults looking for a casual dinner with some ocean or beach setting in the Honolulu / Waikīkī area, you have a few really good options. Here are some places worth considering, plus tips for booking and for handling a larger group.
- Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikīkī) — This is one of your top picks: it’s a large, open-air restaurant at the Outrigger Reef with panoramic ocean views.
- The menu includes hand-tossed pizzas, a cheeseburger, and other creative island-inspired fare.
- There’s a lively, relaxed vibe that works really well for groups; plus, they have a full bar and craft beer selection.
- Because it’s a big space (around 13,000 sq ft), it’s more likely to accommodate a party of 15 than some smaller beachfront restaurants.
- Heads-up: for larger parties, check ahead about service charges or added gratuities — Monkeypod notes that they may add a service charge for bigger groups.
- Barefoot Beach Café — Very casual, right on the sand at Queen’s Surf Beach (Diamond Head end of Waikīkī).
- The menu is relaxed and approachable — sandwiches, beach-style fare, and local “grinds” rather than super fancy dishes.
- They have live Hawaiian music nightly, which makes for a fun, beachy group dinner.
- Seating can include picnic-style tables and even the adjacent lawn — good for larger groups, though reservations might be limited.
- Tiki’s Grill & Bar — Located at the Twin Fin Hotel (steps from the beach), this is a laid-back, open-air spot with a more island bar feel.
- The menu includes sandwiches, fresh grilled fish sandwiches, and other island-inspired comfort food.
- They have a fun, lively atmosphere with live music and a bar — great for a group wanting a more relaxed “hang out by the beach” feel.
- Because of its open-air layout and casual concept, it can often handle larger parties, though calling ahead to confirm is wise.
Additional Tips for Dining with a Group of 15:
- Make a reservation early. Even for casual spots, 15 people is a large party. Call ahead to each restaurant to check availability, especially for dinner.
- Ask about group menus. Some restaurants may offer set menus or “pupu-style” platters for large groups, which can simplify ordering and speed things up.
- Seat location matters. For Monkeypod, request tables near the glass/window wall for the best ocean view. For Barefoot, try to get lawn or patio seating.
- Transportation/parking. Keep in mind that Waikīkī parking can be tight — if your group is coming from different places, consider ride-shares or coordinating one drop-off point.
My Recommendation: Based on what you're looking for (burgers, pizza, sandwiches; casual but scenic): Monkeypod Kitchen is probably your best bet. Its size, menu, and ocean views make it ideal for a group of 15. Barefoot Beach Café is a great fallback if you want something very beachy and relaxed, though seating may be more informal. Tiki’s Grill is another solid choice for a beach-vibe bar & grill feel.
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