Say you’ve got one free night in Waikiki and you book Kai Market for dinner at about $85 per adult, kids roughly half, before tax and tip, then aim for a lanai table 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. You show up early to dodge the 6:15 to 7:30 pm crush, start at the chilled bar for poke, oysters, and crab, skip the pricey cocktails, then save room for lilikoi cheesecake and warm bread pudding, but timing the buffet is the trick that makes or breaks it…
Key Takeaways
- Expect about $45 breakfast, $55 lunch, and $85 dinner per adult before tax and tip; kids are roughly half; holiday pricing varies.
- Book 5–7 days ahead in winter or 2–3 in shoulder weeks; request a lanai table and arrive 10 minutes early.
- Go 30–45 minutes before sunset for lagoon views and calmer dining; avoid the noisy 6:15–7:30 pm peak window.
- Start with poke and chilled seafood, then hit the carving station for prime rib or roast pork; ask for an end cut.
- Save room for the dessert bar and soft-serve; skip dinner rolls; cocktails and specialty coffee cost extra, so choose water or iced tea.
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Kai Market Honolulu Prices (By Meal + What’s Included)
If you’re trying to decide whether Kai Market is worth it, start with the prices by meal because the value swings a lot depending on when you go. Breakfast usually runs about $45 per adult, lunch about $55, and dinner about $85, before tax and tip, with kids roughly half. Expect seasonal pricing around holidays, so check the current menu online. If you’re planning a busy sightseeing day, you can compare the buffet cost to how much you’d save on attractions with a Honolulu Go City Pass to decide where to splurge.
What’s included feels generous: poke and chilled seafood, a carving station, local salads, hot entrees, and a dessert bar with soft serve. You’ll pay extra for cocktails and specialty coffee, so stick to water, iced tea, or juice unless you’re splurging. You’ll also find clear dietary options, including gluten free items, vegetarian plates, and staff who’ll point out allergens. Bring cash for gratuity.
Hotels to compare for this guide
Compare a few stay options before you choose your base.
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
A central beachfront Waikiki resort with ocean views, resort pools, and easy access to Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Hawaiian Center.
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OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
A beachfront Outrigger resort with a strong location near Waikiki Beach Walk and a classic Hawaii vacation feel.
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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach
A historic beachfront Waikiki resort with classic architecture, spa amenities, and strong appeal for romantic or luxury stays.
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Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach
A centrally located Waikiki hotel near the beach and International Market Place with broad visitor appeal.
Check ratesBest Time to Go to Kai Market Honolulu (Reservations, Crowds, Sunset)
Usually, the sweet spot at Kai Market is an early dinner reservation timed about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset, when the light turns the Ko Olina lagoon glassy and you can actually hear the palms over the buffet clatter. For a broader Waikiki evening plan, you can pair Kai Market with a stroll past the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort after dinner to compare beachfront vibes and dining options.
Book that slot 5 to 7 days out in winter, 2 to 3 days in shoulder weeks; those are your reservation tips.
Request a lanai table for sunset viewing, and show up 10 minutes early to check in.
Arrive at opening to dodge the 6:15 to 7:30 pm crush, when the room gets loud and lines slow.
If you can’t shift earlier, step outside after you’re seated.
Bring a light layer for the lagoon edge, and skip the lobby bar if you’re chasing color.
What to Eat at Kai Market (Seafood, Carving, Desserts)
Lock in that sunset table, then make your first lap count because the best trays disappear fast once the 6:15 to 7:30 pm crowd settles in.
Reserve a sunset table early, make your first lap count before the 6:15–7:30 rush clears the best trays.
Start at the chilled bar for poke, oysters, and crab, then ask which catches follow seafood sustainability programs. Grab a small plate, you’ll want seconds, and pair it with a crisp local beer you’ll pay about $10 for. If you like island-brewed beers, you’ll find styles similar to those poured at Kona Brewing Company Oahu, known for easy-drinking lagers and island-inspired ales.
Next, hit the carving station. Watch the chef’s carving techniques on prime rib and roast pork, then request an end cut for deeper crust.
Skip the limp dinner rolls, save room for lilikoi cheesecake and warm bread pudding with coconut sauce.
Bring a light layer, the dining room runs cool near the AC vents. Dessert line spikes after 8 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parking Validated at Sheraton Waikiki for Kai Market Diners?
Usually, you won’t get parking validation at Sheraton Waikiki just for Kai Market dining; call to confirm. Check valet policies for rates and time limits, or use nearby garages for cheaper self-parking on busy nights.
Does Kai Market Accommodate Food Allergies and Special Dietary Requests?
Better safe than sorry: you’ll find Kai Market can accommodate food allergies and dietary requests if you tell staff early. You can ask about allergen labeling, request substitutions, and sometimes arrange custom menus for sensitivities.
What Is the Dress Code for Kai Market Honolulu?
You can dress Resort casual at Kai Market Honolulu, think sundress, polo, neat shorts, or lightweight slacks. For dinner, lean Smart casual: closed-toe shoes and a collared shirt work well. Skip swimwear, cover-ups, and flip-flops please.
Are Kids’ Discounts Available, and What Ages Qualify?
You’ll usually find kids’ discounts, but they vary by season, ask when you book. Children pricing often uses Age brackets, and you may see Family packages. Sometimes Complimentary kids eat free with paying adults at dinner.
Can You Bring a Birthday Cake or Request Special Celebrations?
You can bring a birthday cake, but you’ll need prior approval and storage arrangements. You can also request custom dessert plating, buy private celebration tickets, or add surprise packages for candles, décor, and staff singing.
Conclusion
You’ll pay about $45 breakfast, $55 lunch, or $85 dinner before tax and tip, so time it right. Reserve a lanai table 30 to 45 minutes before sunset, then arrive early because the 6:15 to 7:30 pm rush really does strip the trays, proving the theory that buffets reward early birds, not late grazers. Start at the chilled bar for poke, oysters, crab. Skip extra cocktails, bring a light layer, save space for lilikoi cheesecake.
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