From popular North Shore shrimp to elegant cocktails in Waikiki and modern sushi in Ward, here are 8 new or relocated restaurants and cafes that opened in Honolulu this May. Be sure to add these hot spots to your foodie list during your Hawaii trip!
🦐 FUMI’S (Ala Moana Center)
The iconic garlic shrimp truck from Kahuku is back—this time inside Ala Moana Center’s Makai Market food court.
FUMI’S reopened under new ownership, preserving the original rich flavors while adding four new creative shrimp dishes. Each item packs bold taste but lets the shrimp and sauce flavors shine.
Menu Highlights:
・Original Garlic Butter Shrimp
・Hot & Spicy Shrimp
・Lilikoi Lemon Shrimp (cold)
・Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp
・Orange Shrimp
・Coconut Shrimp
From loyal fans to first-timers, everyone will love the elevated FUMI’S experience in this accessible new location.
📍 Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📞 Phone: 808-400-0522
🔗 Instagram: @fumiskahukushrimp
🍽️ SERA (Kapiolani Blvd)
Previously known as MARA, this restaurant has been reimagined as SERA, a Mediterranean concept located on the first floor of the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa.
Photo: SERA
Currently in its soft opening, SERA blends the flavors of Greece, Italy, and Spain with fresh Hawaiian ingredients. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Arnold Corpuz, who touches each plate to ensure that they are full of character and aesthetically presented. It is an ideal venue for special dinners, leisurely brunches, or even a stylish breakfast.
Photo: SERA
📍 Address: 1390 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
🔗 Website: serahonolulu.com
🔗 Instagram: @serahnl
🍸 The Lei Stand Waikīkī
This refined adult-only cocktail bar has relocated from Chinatown to the stylish Romer House Waikīkī.
Step through an arched entrance into a lush, neon-lit space filled with tropical plants and a magical ambiance. The bar’s signature drinks are inspired by the spirit of “lei” – love, aloha, and connection.
Try the refreshing “Soup Soup,” made with coconut water as you marvel at the handcrafted leis crafted by local artisans—available for purchase on-site. This is a perfect hideaway for a romantic or classy night out.
📍 Address: 415 Nāhua St, Honolulu, HI (Inside Romer House Waikīkī)
🕒 Hours: Sun–Thu 5:00 PM–12:00 AM, Fri–Sat until 2:00 AM
📞 Phone: 808-795-8012
🔗 Website: The Lei Stand
🔗 Instagram: @theleistand
🍣 GINZA sushi (Ward Village)
The beloved GINZA Sushi moved from Ala Moana Blvd to a sleek new location within the Ward Entertainment Center.
Photo: @ginzasushiward
Now featuring a chic, modern Japanese interior, this restaurant offers traditional nigiri, creative rolls, poke bowls, udon, and combo sets. Whether you’re dining solo or with family, there’s something for everyone.
📍 Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd #609, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: Mon–Thu & Sun 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM / Fri–Sat until 10:00 PM
📞 Phone: 808-593-9797
🔗 Instagram: @ginzasushiward
☕ Brunch Spot (Waikiki)
Located in the heart of Waikiki, Brunch Spot offers classic brunch staples made with fresh ingredients and a health-conscious twist.
Photo: @brunchspotwaikiki
Try the fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, or avocado toast—and complement the dishes with 100% Kona coffee, brewed fresh daily. A favorite among both tourists and locals for its generous portions and satisfying flavors, this café is perfect for a sun-filled morning bite.
Photo: @brunchspotwaikiki
📍 Address: 2480 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📞 Phone: 808-369-7602
🔗 Yelp: Brunch Spot
🥢 Kevin’s Kitchen (Beretania)
Chef Kevin Lee, formerly of Harbor Village Cuisine, now owns and operates Kevin’s Kitchen on Beretania Street, offering authentic Hong Kong cuisine.
Photo: Yelp
From BBQ meats to teppan plates and hot pots, the menu is expansive. The roast duck is especially notable—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. From 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, enjoy discounted plates and lunch sets. Dine-in or take out formats are available.
Photo: Yelp
📍 Address: 1296 South Beretania St #106, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
📞 Phone: 808-888-3689
🔗 Website: kevinkitchenhi.com
🍗 bb.q Chicken (Waikiki Shopping Plaza)
Korea’s famous fried chicken chain opened in Waikiki!
Photo: Yelp
bb.q Chicken is known for double-frying its chicken in extra virgin olive oil to achieve a crispy skin and juicy meat. Sauce choices include Golden Fried, Honey Garlic, and Soy Garlic. Everything is cooked to order, so expect a little bit of a wait—but it is certainly worth it.
📍 Address: 2250 Kalakaua Ave #114, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
📞 Phone: 808-200-2693
🔗 Website: bbdotqchickenhawaii.com
🍰 Green Island Cheesecake (Chinatown)
A charming dessert shop in Chinatown specializing in Japanese-style cheesecakes and Portuguese egg tarts opened along Hotel Street. The cakes are light and creamy, with a tempered sweetness. They are available in classic and seasonal flavors like matcha, taro, brown sugar, and mango.
The egg tarts are buttery, flaky, and addictive. Try the Honeymoon Bun, a flaky pastry revealing mochi and coconut on the inside.
Photo: @greenislandcheesecake
📍 Address: 119 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI
🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🔗 Instagram: @greenislandcheesecake
The restaurant openings in May will satisfy every palate, those seeking breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. Whether you are seeking something European/Mediterranean or Asian, or cocktails or desserts, the new spots in town are sure to please.
