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ALOHA MELT - Waikiki -BWorth Trying
355 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
· Restaurant, American restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1361 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Hole-in-the-wall grilled cheese spot delivering gooey, craveable melts and tomato soup with counter service; expect waits, limited seating, and occasional order accuracy issues.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Aloha Melt delivers excellent grilled cheese and tomato soup with genuine comfort-food appeal and strong value for Waikiki pricing. However, inconsistent execution on wait times and order accuracy, combined with tight seating and cramped conditions, prevents a higher grade. Best approached as a casual grab-and-go spot rather than a destination dining experience.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked off Royal Hawaiian Ave, this small counter spot serves grilled cheese with serious melt and crisp. Expect lines, sizzling-hot soup, and a few tables that fill fast. One visitor summed it up: "Perfectly gooey and comforting after a long flight." The mood is hole-in-the-wall casual, the pacing can be slow, and it is best treated as grab-and-go. The cooking is simple and satisfying: buttery bread, four-cheese blends, bacon and onions, and a spicy sriracha or classic aioli. Tomato basil soup shows up in many raves, and the Aloha Patty Melt is popular—though the beef is loose, not formed into a patty. Think comfort-first sandwiches made to order rather than culinary theater. For families, this is an easy win if your crew likes grilled cheese and tomato soup. Portions are hearty, prices are reasonable for Waikiki, and the 4 Cheese works for vegetarian eaters. Seating is tight and waits happen, so consider sharing, ordering ahead, or taking it to the beach for a low-stress picnic.
At a Glance
- Gooey grilled cheese with crispy edges and comforting tomato soup
- Affordable for Waikiki and very filling portions
- 15–30 minute waits common; limited seating
- Order accuracy and customer service can be inconsistent
- Beef is loose-ground, not a formed patty, which surprises some diners
What Sets It Apart
- extra-crispy cheese edge on melts
- robot order announcements noted by diners
- open-late comfort food in Waikiki
What People Love
- Big cheese pull and crispy edges
- Tomato basil soup that warms you up
- Simple menu done well
- Open-late convenience near hotels
- Spicy aioli and jalapeno add-ons
Points of Concern
- Waits of 15–30+ minutes during busy times; signs note made-to-order prep
- Limited seating; space can feel cramped and warm
- Occasional missed add-ons or wrong items; some unacknowledged guests at the counter
- Greasy or soggy sandwiches reported by a minority
- Vegetarian clarity: one review claimed soup had chicken base despite veg tag
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$20-26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose 4 Cheese for a reliable vegetarian option
- Pair any melt with soup for a full, comforting meal
- Add jalapeno and spicy aioli if you want heat
Perfect For
- Quick late-night comfort bite
- Beach picnic takeout
- Casual snack between shopping
- Cheese lovers craving a melt
Location Insights
Area: Touristy beachfront district with heavy foot traffic, late-night energy, and many casual eats serving visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, busy at most hours; standard tourist-area petty theft cautions.
Nearby: Near Royal Hawaiian Center, hotels, shops, and beach access; paid parking is common and tight.
WaikikiWaikiki offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries and fast food to upscale restaurants, catering primarily to tourists and visitors. The atmosphere is lively and tourist-oriented, with many venues focused on convenience and beach-friendly fare.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Tuesday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Wednesday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Thursday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Friday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Saturday10:00–14:00, 17:00–01:00
Sunday10:00–14:00, 17:00–23:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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