Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii
Admittedly, I was a little worried about what I would eat when traveling to Hawaii for two weeks. After returning from my two week trip in Hawaii, I can truly say Hawaii is a food paradise! Your taste buds will be on cloud 9 next to the rainbow that you will inevitably see. Sharing my favorite dishes I’ve eaten while I was there. I’ll be sure to put the name of the location where I purchased it from. Some prices included. Here are my Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii:
1. Garlic Shrimp
The North Shore is one of my favorite areas of Oahu Island. It’s a surfer’s paradise, a turtle lover’s dream, and a foodie’s oasis. One of the most popular lunch spots for tourists to visit are the garlic shrimp trucks. Giovanni’s is by far the most popular… the line was wrapped around and the parking lot was a zoo. This truck is right next to Giovanni’s though and we walked right up and ordered. So if the line is too long, head on over to Zane’s. I recommend them! They’re served simply with rice and minced garlic and side salad. The meal with a drink cost about $15.00.
2. Dole Pineapple Whip
On a hot day, Dole Pineapple Whip hits all the right spots. Add additional crushed pineapples in for good measure. Make sure to complete the world’s largest maze beforehand. Then you’ll have something to celebrate with afterwards. You can of course find this at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu Island. Dole whip with topping: $6.95.
3. Kalua Pork + Purple Yams
Pork and fish definitely seem to be the two biggest proteins used in food. Within two weeks, I have had more than my fair share of kalua pork. It’s delicious and smoky. You can eat the kalua pork with just cabbage and the fixins’ (rice and mac salad). I’ve seen it eaten on a bun with a sweet and tangy sauce. I’ve also eaten it with kim chi. As you can see, there’s many ways to devour this deliciousness. Below, you’ll see kalua pork topped on eggs benedict for breakfast. YUM! This was at Cinnamon’s, in Oahu Hawaii. Here is a link to their menu. They are home to one of the Top 10 Pancakes in America apparently! It looked like way too much food so I didn’t even attempt to add pancakes.
Also, note the purple yam on the left side. That’s another popular item to eat there. You’ll find lots of chips made from them and can buy them as snacks. They taste almost like a sweet potato. The price: $14.25.
The second picture is from Paradise Cove Luau in Oahu. The kalua pork was topped with a tangy BBQ sauce.
4. Mai Tai
You knew it was coming. Technically, the mai tai did not originate in Hawaii but it certainly is a popular drink there. You can learn more about Trader Vic, the man who came up with the mai tai, HERE. If you attend a luau, the odds are good you will be served a mai tai. This picture came from Paradise Cove Luau in Oahu. Cheers!
5. Lau Lau + Lomi Salmon
En route to the Kualoa Ranch in Oahu, I stopped at this little stand along the highway. Waiahole Poi Factory served up local Hawaiian far like lau lau, poi, and coconut ice cream in outdoor seating. Lau lau (sometimes written as one word Laulau) is essentially shredded kalua pork wrapped in taro leaf. Often served with a side of rice and lomi salmon. Lomi salmon is cold and refreshing. Tastes similar to salsa because it’s essentially tomatoes, onions in a citrus base. Of course chunks of salmon are thrown in as well but it doesn’t taste too fishy. Price was just $7.50.
When driving around, you’ll notice plenty of handwritten signs that read Lau Lau so definitely stop by and sample. Here is a link to their beautiful website.
6. Banana Bread
You have to enjoy delicious banana bread at some point on your Hawaiian journey. I bought my hunk of warm and sweet banana bread on the side of the road on the Road to Hana in Maui. There are quite a few food stands set up along the Road to Hana, but this batch came from Aunty Sandy’s ($6.25). At this stand, you can also enjoy shave ice, chili dogs, and pork sandwiches. I was initially worried that the Road to Hana would be a food desert and I’d be stranded without snacks. Maybe many years ago… but now there are TONS of food stands along the way. You won’t go hungry while chasing waterfalls, checking out the birds, and swerving around the road’s curves.
Check out my tips and advice on the Road to Hana here.
7. Poke + Kalbi Ribs
My first time trying poke (pronounced po * kay) was on The Big Island at Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill. I’ll admit I was not a fan of poke even though I wanted to be. It’s odd because I love ceviche which is a similar concept of raw fish in a marinade. But for some reason, this just didn’t hit too well going down. I do still believe it’s one of the top 20 quintessential foods to try in Hawaii. You may find that you even like it!
This particular poke bowl was the “SWEETIE” option. There were about 5 or 6 different poke bowl flavoring options. You’ll also likely encounter several fishermen along the road selling fresh poke. That may be worth a try too.
Also, if you’re going to visit Umeke’s Fish Market, try the Kalbi ribs. That’s the dish I ordered and LOVED. Ribs are so tender and juicy.
8. Mac Salad
One of the most popular side dishes here is the mac salad. Usually, when you buy a “plate lunch” your protein will come with two scoops of rice and a scoop of mac salad. Below, this photo was from the buffet at Paradise Cove Luau in Oahu. This definitely belongs as one of the Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii.
9. Acai Bowl
Acai bowls are not just beautiful to look at on social media. They are delicious and a great way to start your morning (and your Hawaiian mornings will likely start EARLY)! For this beautiful and filling acai bowl, check out Sunrise Shack in the North Shore of Oahu Island. There’s also a location on Waikiki Beach I believe. Their menu is pretty simple… they offer coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, and small bites like avocado toast and salads.
I had the Acai Bowl mixed with the Blue Dream Bowl topped with granola and almond butter. This sunrise shack offers seating out back where you’ll be surrounded by chickens. There were tons of baby chickens walking around with their mama. Me and the mama aren’t cool though because she stole a chunk of pineapple from my bowl. #rudeaf
10. Ono Fish
The ono fish is technically called Wahoo. According to a quick search, looks like the Ono fish is a prized catch due to its speed. Ono fish was my favorite fish that I’ve sampled here. White fish with a great texture and subtle flavor. I had it cajun style so it had some kick too it. Served with a side of french fries, salad, and tartar sauce.
This was purchased from Paia Fish Market in Lahaina, Maui Island. What I loved about Paia Fish Market is that it’s community seating. So you’ll sit next to people and get to spark up a convo. My fiance and I sat next to this lovely couple who has a summer home in Maui. They were one of the first few people who knew about our engagement. Such a neat restaurant and I secretly wish more restaurants were like this. We exchanged business cards and keep in touch!
I never even heard of the Ono fish until I got to Hawaii. If I ever see it offered on the mainland, I may have to order it.
11. Mahi Mahi
Continuing on my Paia Fish Market post from above, my fiance ordered the grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich from there and I wanted to add this to the list. Mahi Mahi (or common dolphinfish) is a popular fish served in Hawaii. Delish!
12. Macadamia Nuts
Do yourself a favor and order anything that comes with Macadamia nuts on it. Ice cream topped with macadamia nuts? Delicious! Chocolate covered macadamia nuts? I’m here for it. My two favorite desserts while in Hawaii were topped with macadamia nuts.
The first dessert (Kimo’s Original Hula Pie) was ordered at Duke’s Canoe Club on Waikiki Beach in Oahu. Chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted mac nuts, whipped cream. The second dessert pictured (Chocolate Pot de Creme) was ordered at Aloha Mixed Plate in Maui. A layer of chocolate cake soaked in coconut cream, topped with rich chocolate pudding, rice cracker crunch, strawberry puree & whipped cream.
When driving along The Big Island, we actually passed by a macadamia nut farm. May be worth a stop.
13. Poi
“Try the grey stuff it’s delicious” – Beauty and the Beast
NOPE! Not in Hawaii… the gray stuff is NOT (I repeat NOT!) delicious. I’m not sure how something can be flavorless and also gross at the same time. Yet somehow poi manages to achieve that. Poi is a traditional staple in Hawaii and made of the underground stem root of taro. My recommendation is to try it if it’s already included in something. For example, poi was out there on the buffet to try at Paradise Cove luau in Oahu. Would I spend extra money purchasing it? Probably not.
It is something to try and say you’ve done it though. Did you even go to Hawaii if you didn’t taste poi?
14. Fresh Fruit
Moving along with our list of “Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii”… This goes without saying but in a tropical destination that is filled with fresh fruit, take full advantage. Additionally, order up all of the smoothies you can! This smoothie was purchased at Belle Surf Cafe in Maui. Belle Surf Cafe has hipster vibes. I believe this was called the Aloha Kiss.
There were many options for milk here if you wanted to go with coffee:
- Whole
- Low-Fat
- Almond
- Coconut
- Macadamia
- Soy
Enjoy just sampling and eating all of the fresh fruit you can manage. While shopping at the Aloha Swap Meet in Oahu, I ordered a fresh coconut and drank the water while shopping. It was ice cold too. You can easily purchase fresh produce from groceries like Safeway and Foodland. Or, if you wanted to shop local I passed by a TON of farmer’s markets.
15. Ahi Tuna
Yellowfin is often marketed as ahi, from the Hawaiian ʻahi, a name also used there for the closely related bigeye tuna. I ordered a cajun spiced ahi tuna steak for breakfast at Eggs N Things in Oahu. Delicious. Served with eggs, home fries, and some sort of homemade salsa.
16. Malasadas
Malasadas have to make the list for the Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii. They’re sweet… they’re doughnut-y… they’re topped with powdered sugar. What could go wrong? The most popular spot to find them is Leonard’s Bakery in Oahu. That line though…
Instead I grabbed malasadas at Maikai Lani Malasadas, a local family shop. No restaurant, but it’s not needed. The malasadas were perfectly done (PIPING HOT). It tasted much more chewy than a doughnut. They usually come in a set of 6, which is MORE than enough for 2 people. I could barely finish 1. Here are photos of the doughy balls of heaven before the powdered sugar was added.
17. Spam Musubi
Spam musubi, in addition to poi, is not a favorite of mine. I’m glad I tried it but it tasted so funky. I felt like it wanted to be sushi so hard so my taste buds were just as confused as I was. Admittedly, I didn’t get past the first bite. It was purchased for $3.50 from a little convenience store in Hilo, Hawaii (The Big Island). So it wasn’t a huge waste of money.
18. Shave Ice
You know what you need to beat the Hawaiian heat? Shave ice! You read that correctly, it’s not “Shaved ice.” There’s an assortment of flavors to choose from mango, ilikai (popular flavor here), coconut, orange, lime, cherry, pineapple, and more.
Thanks to Obama, the line at Matsumoto’s in Oahu was wrapped around the door! Apparently that’s his favorite place for shave ice. So instead, I waited until I was all the way in Hilo (The Big Island) to sample some shave ice. They offered ice cream as an option in the bottom but that felt weird to me… so just stuck with the shave ice. It was about $6.00 for 3 flavors.
19. Portuguese Sausage
I don’t have any photos of Portuguese sausage so you’re just going to have to take my word for it. Usually sliced or cubed, you’ll find it for breakfast in many restaurants. It tastes similar to ham I’m used to but definitely thought it deserved to be featured on this Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii blog post! You might not have it where you live.
20. Asian food
I hate to end on a generic note, so my apologies. I just want to take a moment and appreciate all of the Asian influences encountered during my two week trip. Of course Japanese is the biggest Asian influence you’ll notice with dishes. There are many Japanese restaurants and top chefs who reside in Hawaii. You’ll find plenty of Vietnamese ramen shops set up along the way. There’s also lots of Thai restaurants for you to enjoy (at great prices!). So my hope is that if you visit Hawaii you enjoy lots of authentic Asian dishes. This Thai dish can be found on The Big Island, Royal Thai Cafe.
Additionally, make sure to visit the Byodo-In Temple in Oahu. That temple represents the peace between USA and Japan after Pearl Harbor. So basically what I’m getting at is soak up all of the Asian culture while not being on the Asian continent. Enjoy it. Savor it.
BONUS: Kona Coffee
As a thank you for stopping by, I’m adding a bonus… Kona coffee! Look… I’ve visited a coffee farm in the Andes Mountains in Colombia and tasted Blue Mountain coffee in Jamaica. Believe me when I say, I’ve sampled great coffee enough to know Kona is one of the best. If you find your way on The Big Island, definitely visit the Kona Coffee Center & Museum. They offer free cups of coffee – UNLIMITED cups at that.
I truly hoped you enjoyed this read on the Top 20 Things to Eat (and drink) in Hawaii! Am I missing any good food gems? Let me know in the comments below! Are you looking to travel to Hawaii soon (or any destination for that matter)? Shoot me an email: cassandra@accent-on-travel.net.
