The Best Hawaiian Food to Try Across All the Islands
It’s no secret Hawaiian food is some of the tastiest and most underrated food on the planet. From fresh fish to fresh fruits, Hawaii has a diverse culinary scene with influences from various international cuisines (especially Asian). Eating out in Hawaii is less of a luxury dining experience and more of a intimate cookout. Regardless of the over abundance of street food, the quality, freshness, and flavor of each dish is serious. Here’s the most iconic signature Hawaiian food to try on your next trip to Hawaii!
1. Poke
Nothing is more quintessential to the Hawaiian food experience as a Bowl of Poke. This marinated bowl of fresh, cubed fish over a bed of rice is without a doubt the best thing you’ll taste in Hawaii. One of our favorites was on the island of Oahu called Maguro Spot.
2. Kalua Pork
Kalua pork is another iconic Hawaiian dish consisting of slow-roasted shredded pork. We tried some delicious pork cooked in an underground imu at the famous Old Lahaina Luau in Maui.
3. Garlic Shrimp
This simple meal is a staple of Oahu’s North Shore street food scene. Despite the mess, the shrimp scampi pan fried in butter, garlic, and chill is always a delicious snack.
4. Lomi Salmon
Lomi lomi is a common side dish consisting of salted salmon mixed with diced tomatoes and onions.
5. Ono Fish & Mahi Mahi
Ono fish (translated to delicious) is one of the freshest, firmest, steak-like seafood dishes on Hawaii. Mahi mahi is an iconic Hawaiian fish renowned throughout the world for its delicious flavor. Try them at Paia Fish Market in Maui.
6. Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a hearty Hawaiian comfort food made from a bowl of rice and 2 hamburger patties slathered in gravy and topped with 2 over easy eggs. It originated in Hilo town on The Big Island, and Hawaiian Style Cafe is the perfect place to try it.
7. Huli Huli Chicken
Literally translating to turn over, Huli huli chicken is a variation of teriyaki chicken marinated in pineapple juice and a sweet soy glaze. It’s a common roadside grilled snack along the Road to Hana in Maui.
8. Saimin
Saimin is the Hawaiian version of a Japanese influenced ramen bowl. We had a delicious one at the Tinroof in Maui.
9. Laulau
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian food made from pork wrapped in taro leaves and slow steamed until tender.
10. Spam Musubi
A close cousin to the Japanese onigiri, Musubi is a grilled spam glazed with soy and sugar wrapped atop a piece of rice with seaweed. It makes for the perfect snack! Our favorite one was at Iyasumi in Waikiki Beach.
11. Manapua
Another East Asian inspired snack, Manapua is essentially a soft steamed bun filled with sweet pork.
12. Mac Salad
Mac salad is THE go-to side dish at most Hawaiian restaurants. It includes creamy macaroni salad mixed with chopped vegetables. I was never disappointed with this Hawaiian dish, even after trying it everywhere.
13. Poi
Poi is admittedly more of an acquired taste but was nevertheless an essential part of any traditional Hawaiian food tour. It is taro root (a starchy, tropical, root vegetable) pounded into a a smooth, sticky, gelatinous texture.
14. Banana Bread
Maybe banana bread is not native to the lands of Hawaii, but they sure have adopted it as one of their own. This sweet, moist, snack is some people’s entire reason for driving the Road to Hana (Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread is 10/10).
15. Malasad
Malasadas are a light, fluffy Portuguese-style fried doughnut rolled in sugar. They even sell them at the 7-11s!
16. Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Adding to the extensive list of delicious Hawaiian sweets with the classic shaved ice. It’s just a simple cup of finely shaved ice drenched in fruit syrups but undeniably refreshing! Even the smallest keiko cups are massive so best to share with a friend.
17. Dole Whip
A Dole whip is a creamy pineapple soft serve that is cold, tangy, and sweet. The best place to try it is at the Dole Plantation in Oahu!
18. Kona Coffee
Kona Coffee is a smooth, low acid coffee grown on the volcanic slopes of Hawaii’s Big Island. If you’re a coffee lover, sign up for a tour to taste this world class beverage for yourself.
19. Mai Tais
Regarded as one of the most famous tropical drinks in the world, a Mai Tai is a mixture of rum, lime, orange liqueur, and almond syrup. Sign up for a Lu’au and you can try an unlimited amount of these.
20. Fresh Pineapple
Ironically pineapples are not native to Hawaii, but they have still somehow become the fruit most synonymous with Hawaiian culture. They are juicy, fresh, and delicious though!
21. Plate Lunch
Not technically a specific Hawaiian food, plate lunch is more of an idea that persists in the everyday local grab-and-go lunch food scene. It consists of a protein, rice, and mac salad which makes for the perfect takeout meal.
A big part of understanding Hawaiian culture is by tasting the island’s diverse cuisine. Hawaiian food has quickly become one of my favorite options, especially after completing this food tour. For fresh seafood, fresh fruits, and savory meats Hawaii is definitely top tier. A great way to try a wide variety of the food all at once is by attending a lu’au! I’m still dreaming of the day I can taste a poke bowl of Hawaii’s caliber. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, check out his travel guide. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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