Must-Try Hawaiian Foods & Where to Find Them
Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure, because the food scene in Waikiki and Honolulu is as diverse and exciting as its landscapes! From traditional Hawaiian feasts to innovative Pacific Rim cuisine and international flavors, there's something to tantalize every taste bud.
No trip to Hawaiʻi is complete without indulging in authentic local dishes. These are some of the flavors that define our islands:
🐷 Kalua Pig
This is a staple at any lūʻau. Traditionally, a whole pig is seasoned with sea salt, wrapped in ti or banana leaves, and slow-cooked for hours in an underground oven called an imu. The result is incredibly tender, smoky, shredded pork.
Where to find: Helena's Hawaiian Food (legendary and worth the drive!) or as part of a "plate lunch."
🌿 Laulau
Another traditional favorite, laulau consists of pork (and sometimes chicken or fish) wrapped in luau (taro) leaves and ti leaves, then steamed until tender. The leaves impart a unique, earthy flavor.
Flavor profile: Earthy, tender, and deeply satisfying traditional dish.
🍅 Lomi Salmon
A refreshing side dish made from salted salmon that's diced and mixed with fresh tomatoes and onions. It's a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes.
Perfect for: Balancing heavier dishes with fresh, light flavors.
🐟 Poke
You've probably seen poke bowls everywhere, but Hawaiʻi is where it all began. Poke (pronounced POH-keh) means "to slice or cut" and traditionally features cubes of raw ahi (tuna) seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, limu (seaweed), and inamona (roasted kukui nut).
Local favorite: Ono Seafood in Kapahulu for incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth ahi poke.
🍙 Spam Musubi
Don't knock it 'til you try it! This iconic Hawaiian snack consists of a slice of grilled Spam atop a block of rice, wrapped together with a strip of nori (seaweed). It's salty, savory, and surprisingly delicious.
Where to try: Musubi Cafe Iyasume offers a huge variety from classic to creative. Perfect beach snack!
🍩 Malasadas
These Portuguese-style doughnuts are a beloved treat in Hawaiʻi. Deep-fried until golden brown, generously coated in sugar (sometimes filled with custard or fruit creams), and best eaten warm.
Must-visit: Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue, serving fresh and hot since 1952. Expect a line!
🍧 Shave Ice Experience
Not to be confused with a snow cone! Hawaiian shave ice has a uniquely fine and fluffy texture, like freshly fallen snow, that absorbs the colorful fruit syrups beautifully. Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice is renowned for its ultra-fine ice and syrups made with real fruit and pure cane sugar. Many places offer toppings like a "snow cap" (drizzled condensed milk), ice cream at the bottom, or mochi balls.
Waikiki & Honolulu Dining Guide: From Food Trucks to Fine Dining
Beyond the traditional must-tries, Honolulu's dining scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from casual local eats to world-class fine dining experiences.
🚚 Casual & Local Eats
Plate lunch spots are a cornerstone of local food culture, typically offering a scoop or two of white rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a main entrée like teriyaki chicken, katsu, or Kalua pig.
Food trucks at Ohana Hale Waikiki food truck park on Kalākaua Avenue offer diverse cuisines.
🍽️ Mid-Range Options
Waikiki and Honolulu are packed with restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood and contemporary American to Japanese, Italian, and more.
Explore areas like Kaimuki, Kapahulu, and Chinatown for many local favorites.
🌟 Fine Dining
For special occasions, Waikiki offers exceptional fine dining experiences with breathtaking ocean views and world-class cuisine.
53 By The Sea and La Mer at Halekulani offer unforgettable dining experiences.
Fine Dining Highlights
53 By The Sea
Located near Kakaʻako Waterfront Park, renowned for spectacular views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the ocean. They specialize in Hawaii Regional Cuisine, combining local ingredients with fresh seafood and prime meats, all served in an elegant setting featuring an iconic grand staircase.
La Mer at Halekulani
Consistently ranked as one of Hawaiʻi's top restaurants, La Mer offers exquisite French cuisine inspired by local and tropical ingredients, with stunning ocean views from within the luxurious Halekulani hotel. The epitome of fine dining and romance.
🍽️ Food Guide
- Plate Lunch: $8-15
- Poke Bowl: $12-18
- Malasadas: $1-3 each
- Fine Dining: $75-150 pp
🥬 Farmers Markets
- KCC Saturday Market
- Waikiki Monday/Wednesday
- Fresh tropical fruits
- Local artisan products
Fresh & Local: Farmers Markets
For a true taste of Hawaiʻi's agricultural bounty and a chance to support local farmers and artisans, visiting a farmers market is a wonderful experience.
🥭 KCC Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning (typically 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM) at Kapiʻolani Community College, near Diamond Head, this is one of Oʻahu's premier farmers markets. You'll find a vibrant array of fresh tropical fruits, colorful vegetables, fragrant flowers, locally made honey, jams, baked goods, and unique handcrafted items.
Special feature: Many food vendors offer delicious ready-to-eat meals, showcasing farm-to-table cuisine in a bustling, lively atmosphere.
🏨 Waikiki Farmers Market
For those staying in Waikiki, this market offers a convenient option. It typically takes place on Monday and Wednesday evenings (around 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) on the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency.
Perfect for: Convenient shopping for local produce, ready-to-eat treats, and artisan products without leaving Waikiki.
Visiting these markets is not just about shopping; it's about experiencing the local culture, tasting fresh flavors, and finding unique souvenirs that truly represent the islands.
Waikiki After Dark: Nightlife & Entertainment
When the sun dips below the horizon, Waikiki transforms, offering a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone. From sultry live music venues and chic cocktail lounges to energetic nightclubs, the evening is just beginning.
🎵 Live Music Venues
Blue Note Hawaii
Hawaiʻi's premier live music venue at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Intimate jazz and dinner club with world-class talent.
Kani Ka Pila Grille
At Outrigger Reef, features premier contemporary Hawaiian musicians every night. Relaxed, open-air setting.
Duke's Waikiki
Iconic beachfront venue. Henry Kapono plays every Sunday afternoon for over 20 years!
🍸 Bars & Lounges
The Lewers Lounge (Halekulani)
Elegant and classic lounge with classic cocktails and contemporary live jazz music.
Arnold's Beach Bar
Classic tiki bar vibe, known for its laid-back atmosphere and tropical drinks.
Barefoot Beach Cafe
Near Queen's Beach, casual spot for drinks with your toes practically in the sand.
💃 Nightclubs
The District Nightclub
Near Ala Moana Center, classic nightclub with three bars, spacious dance floor, and top DJs. Open until 4 AM.
Playbar Waikiki
On Kūhiō Avenue, draws a younger crowd looking to dance with nightly drink specials.
🎤 Unique Experiences
Wang Chung's Karaoke Bar
Legendary and quirky spot on Koa Avenue with welcoming vibe and extensive song list.
In Between Waikiki
Inclusive LGBTQ+ friendly bar on Lauula Street with drag shows and karaoke.
Late-Night Eats
When those late-night cravings hit after an evening out, Waikiki has you covered with spots perfect for satisfying hunger after a night of fun.
Marukame Udon
Fresh, handmade udon noodles
Steak Shack
Affordable steak plates
Ramen Nakamura
Famous for oxtail ramen