The Surfing Pig Hawaii is a gastropub-style restaurant at 3605 Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki, the neighborhood just inland from Diamond Head that many locals consider Honolulu’s most interesting dining strip. It pairs contemporary Hawaiian and global plates with hand-crafted cocktails and wine, and it draws a steady crowd of residents, surfers coming off the South Shore, and visitors willing to venture beyond Waikiki.
The kitchen leans inventive, blending local flavors with American comfort food and shareable, tapas-style small plates. Brunch, lunch, and dinner each pull a different crowd, and the bar program gives cocktails as much attention as the food. The restaurant also runs the IYKYK speakeasy, an exclusive bar inside the venue that books separately. It’s a strong choice for date night or a long evening with friends. Diners rate it highly, with a 4.8 from more than 1,500 reviews on Restaurant Guru.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekend brunch and Friday and Saturday dinners fill up fastest, so reserve ahead or aim for a weekday lunch for a quieter table. Speakeasy reservations are taken by phone only, so call (808) 744-1992 before you go rather than expecting to walk in. You can also order takeout or delivery directly from the restaurant. Street and lot parking along Waialae Avenue can be tight at peak hours, and TheBus routes on Waialae connect Kaimuki to Waikiki in about 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, walk the avenue’s cafés and bakeries, or drive a few minutes to Diamond Head and Kapahulu.
