A Foodie’s Guide to Hawaii: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Hawaii is more than just a tropical paradise, it’s a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and culinary traditions. From native Hawaiian staples to Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and Chinese influences, the islands offer a food scene as diverse as their landscapes. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling Oahu market or sipping fresh coconut juice on Maui’s coast, the islands invite you to taste something new and unforgettable. If you’re searching for must-try Hawaiian dishes, craving authentic local food in Oahu, or simply wondering where to eat in Hawaii, this guide will point you in the right direction.

The Foundation of Hawaiian Cuisine: A Cultural Mix

Hawaiian cuisine reflects centuries of cultural fusion. The original Polynesian settlers brought taro, sweet potatoes, and fish. Later waves of immigrants introduced soy sauce, rice, noodles, and spices, shaping the plate lunch, poke bowl, and loco moco into icons of island dining. 

Each island offers its own spin on traditional fare, but Oahu, as the most populous and urban island, serves as the epicenter of Hawaiian food culture.

Poke – Hawaii’s Signature Bowl

No trip to Hawaii is complete without trying poke (pronounced “poh-kay”), a traditional dish featuring raw, marinated fish, usually ahi tuna, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, limu (seaweed), onions, and chili flakes. Today, poke comes in dozens of variations, including spicy mayo, wasabi shoyu, and even cooked options like garlic shrimp or tofu.

Where to Eat in Hawaii:

• Ono Seafood (Honolulu, Oahu): A local favorite with fresh, made-to-order poke.
• Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors (multiple Oahu locations): Surprisingly good poke from the seafood counter of a wine shop.

Loco Moco – Comfort Food With Island Roots

This hearty dish was born in Hilo in the 1940s and has become a comfort classic. A true must-try Hawaiian dish, the loco moco layers white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and savory brown gravy. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect cure for jet lag or a long day of beach-hopping.

Where to Eat in Hawaii:

• Rainbow Drive-In (Honolulu, Oahu): A beloved institution known for its plate lunches and iconic loco moco.
• Cafe 100 (Hilo, Big Island): The birthplace of the loco moco and still serving dozens of variations today.

Kalua Pig – A Taste of Traditional Hawaiian Cooking

Slow-roasted in an imu (underground oven), a kalua pig is smoky, tender, and the star of any luau. The meat is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and cooked with ti leaves for hours, resulting in fork-tender pork that practically melts in your mouth.

Best Spots to Find It:

• Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu, Oahu): A James Beard award winner known for authentic Hawaiian dishes.
• Highway Inn (Waipahu and Honolulu, Oahu): Family-owned and famous for traditional Hawaiian meals.

Plate Lunch – The Working Man’s Feast

Born from plantation days when workers brought together elements from various cuisines, the plate lunch is a uniquely Hawaiian invention. Typically, it includes two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a protein like teriyaki beef, fried mahi mahi, or chicken katsu.

Where to Eat in Hawaii:

• L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Statewide): A chain that serves a classic version of the plate lunch.
• Yama’s Fish Market (Honolulu, Oahu): Home-style cooking with fresh seafood and Hawaiian specialties.

Spam Musubi – Hawaii’s Grab-and-Go Favorite

Yes, you read that right, Spam. Introduced during World War II, Spam became a pantry staple across Hawaii. Spam musubi is a portable snack made with grilled Spam over rice, wrapped in a strip of nori (seaweed), much like sushi. It’s salty, savory, and surprisingly addictive.

Where to Try It:

• 7-Eleven (Island-wide): Don’t knock it till you try it; the convenience store version is wildly popular.
• Musubi Cafe Iyasume (Waikiki, Oahu): Offers creative varieties like Spam with egg, avocado, or even eel.

Saimin – Hawaii’s Comforting Noodle Soup

Saimin is Hawaii’s version of ramen, born from a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino food traditions. The broth is typically lighter than Japanese ramen, and toppings include kamaboko (fish cake), green onions, Spam, and even scrambled eggs.

Where to Slurp It:

• Palace Saimin (Honolulu, Oahu): A nostalgic hole-in-the-wall that’s been serving classic saimin for decades.
• Shige’s Saimin Stand (Wahiawa, Oahu): A long-running local favorite with house-made noodles.

Malasadas – Portuguese Doughnuts With a Local Twist

Imported by Portuguese laborers in the 19th century, malasadas are deep-fried doughnuts rolled in sugar, often filled with haupia (coconut), custard, or lilikoi (passion fruit). They’re fluffy, rich, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Where to Eat Them:

• Leonard’s Bakery (Honolulu, Oahu): The most famous malasada stop in Hawaii.
• Tex Drive-In (Honoka’a, Big Island): A hidden gem with mouthwatering filled malasadas.

Haupia and Lilikoi Desserts – The Sweet Side of the Islands

No Hawaiian food tour is complete without dessert. Haupia, a coconut milk-based pudding, is a staple at luaus, while lilikoi (passion fruit) finds its way into everything from pies and cakes to syrups and drinks.

Must-Try Sweets:

• Haupia pie from Ted’s Bakery (North Shore, Oahu)
• Lilikoi cheesecake or tarts from The Hawaiian Pie Company (Honolulu, Oahu)

Where to Find the Best Local Food in Oahu

If you’re on Oahu and wondering where to get authentic Hawaiian food, you’re in luck. The island is home to a vibrant mix of mom-and-pop shops, food trucks, farmers markets, and high-end eateries. Here are a few standout locations:

Foodie Hotspots:

• Kaka‘ako Farmers Market: Fresh produce, local snacks, and artisan treats.
• Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (North Shore): Garlic shrimp plates that draw long lines and loyal fans.
• Alicia’s Market: A no-frills spot packed with poke, roast meats, and loyal locals.

A Few Local Food Tips for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first culinary trip to the islands, here are some quick tips to make the most of the experience:

• Try everything once: Some dishes may sound unusual (like poi or Spam), but you might be surprised by what you like.
• Go where the locals go: If you see a long line of locals, chances are it’s worth the wait.
• Explore beyond Waikiki: While there are good eats in tourist zones, many hidden gems are off the beaten path.

Savor the Spirit of Aloha Through Every Bite

Hawaiian cuisine is more than just food, it’s a celebration of history, family, and culture. Whether you’re tracking down the best poke bowl on Oahu or biting into a sugar-dusted malasada on the Big Island, you’ll find that every dish tells a story. With so many must-try Hawaiian dishes to discover and so much incredible local food in Oahu, the only question is: Where to eat in Hawaii first?

No matter where your appetite leads, you’ll leave the islands with a fuller heart and stomach.

Injured While Visiting Hawaii? Trust a Local Attorney Who Understands the Islands

If you’ve been injured while vacationing in Hawaii, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re far from home. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a Hawaii personal injury lawyer who understands the local laws, court systems, and unique challenges visitors often face. 

From dealing with unfamiliar insurance companies to arranging medical care while you’re still on the island, a local attorney can guide you every step of the way with compassion, clarity, and experience.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we’ve helped countless visitors and residents secure the compensation they deserve after serious injuries in Hawaii. Call us today at (808) 537-2525 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your rights and focus on healing.