Welcome to Honolulu, the vibrant heart of Hawaii, where the culinary scene is as diverse and breathtaking as the island landscapes. If you’re wondering What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu, prepare for an incredible journey through flavors that tell stories of Polynesian traditions, Asian influences, and local innovation. Honolulu’s food scene is a delicious melting pot, offering everything from traditional Hawaiian feasts to modern fusion creations. Getting to know the local cuisine is essential for experiencing the true spirit of Oahu.
Discovering the Culinary Delights: What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu
Oahu is a paradise not just for beach lovers and adventurers, but for foodies too. The dishes here are a direct reflection of the island’s history and diverse population, brought together by waves of immigrants who shared their culinary heritage. From fresh seafood caught daily to unique sweet treats you won’t find anywhere else, figuring out What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu is half the fun of your trip. This guide will take you through some absolute must-try foods and where to find them.
Must-Try Foods in Honolulu, Hawaii
Mini Hawaiian Glossary
Here are some basic terms you might encounter while exploring the food scene:
- Grinds or grindz: Food
- Kane: Man
- Keiki: Child (often seen on menus for child-sized portions)
- Lānai: Balcony or porch
- Lilikoi: Passion fruit
- Moana: Ocean
- ‘Ono or onolicious: Delicious
- Pupus: Appetizers
- Pau Hana: Happy hour (pau means finished, hana means work)
- Wahine: Woman
1 – Leonard’s Bakery’s Malasadas
When asking locals What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu, Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas is almost always at the top of the list. A malasada is a Portuguese donut without a hole, fried to perfection. Leonard’s elevates this simple pastry with a perfectly light dough and serving them hot. You can choose from various flavored sugars or delightful cream fillings like custard.
These pastries are incredibly popular, often resulting in a queue, but they are absolutely worth the wait. They come in a charming pink box, making them instantly recognizable and a great photo opportunity. You can even grab some merchandise while you’re there! Leonard’s Bakery is located near Kaimuki, easily accessible from Waikiki.
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Leonard’s Bakery Malasadas in Pink Box
- Where to find it: Leonard’s Bakery, Kaimuki
2 – Poke
Poke is arguably Hawaii’s most iconic dish, and a definite answer to What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu. This dish features diced raw fish (most commonly ahi tuna) seasoned with various ingredients. It can be served simply as is, or over rice or salad, creating a “poke bowl.” The variations are endless, incorporating sauces like shoyu, spicy mayo, or volcano sauce, and mix-ins like green onions, ginger, seaweed, and nuts.
Finding your favorite poke spot is part of the fun. Many places offer customizable bowls. Maguro Spot in Waikiki is known for its great price and speed, perfect for a quick snack. Sato Seafood, also in Waikiki, offers unique options like macadamia aburi salmon. For a truly flavor-forward experience, Poke Fix is a popular choice with carefully balanced toppings and fresh ingredients.
Maguro Spot Poke Bowl
- Where to find it: Maguro Spot (Waikiki), Sato Seafood (Waikiki), Poke Fix (Waikiki), Tanioka’s (Waipahu), K.Bay Bros Fish & Ice (Kaneohe).
3 – Paalaa Kai Bakery’s Snow Puffys
Heading towards the North Shore offers a chance to discover local gems like Paalaa Kai Bakery in Waialua. Their signature creation, the Snow Puffy, is a must-try sweet treat. This pastry features layers of delicate puff pastry generously filled with a thick layer of vanilla custard, finished with a chocolate pattern and a dusting of icing sugar.
The friendly service and steady stream of locals highlight the bakery’s popularity. The Snow Puffy is a unique invention that provides a delightful combination of flaky pastry and rich, creamy custard. It’s a perfect stop when exploring beyond the immediate Honolulu area.
Snow Puffy at Paalaa Kai Bakery
- Where to find it: Paalaa Kai Bakery, Waialua
4 – Halekulani’s Coconut Chiffon Cake
For a touch of elegance and a legendary dessert, the Coconut Chiffon Cake at the Halekulani Hotel is an absolute must-try in Waikiki. Developed in the 1950s, this signature cake has achieved celebrity status. Ordering a slice feels like an event, with other diners often expressing admiration.
The cake is known for its incredibly light and airy chiffon texture, infused with delicate coconut flavor. It’s said that the recipe only truly works when made on the hotel premises. You can enjoy a slice at any of the hotel’s dining venues, including the famous House Without A Key outdoor bar, perhaps paired with a coconut cake martini during sunset.
Coconut Chiffon Cake at Halekulani Hotel
- Where to find it: Halekulani Hotel, Waikiki
5 – Mai Tai Cocktails
While not a food, the Mai Tai is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience and a perfect companion to many meals, especially during sunset. This rum-based cocktail is ubiquitous in Honolulu bars. While everyone has their favorite, the Halekulani’s version is highly regarded for using lime juice instead of pineapple juice, resulting in a more refreshing taste.
Enjoying a Mai Tai at House Without A Key at the Halekulani during sunset, accompanied by Hawaiian music and hula dancers, is an iconic Waikiki experience. Other notable places for Mai Tais include Monkeypod Kitchen and The Royal Hawaiian. It’s the quintessential tropical drink to sip while you consider What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu next.
Mai Tai Cocktails at Halekulani Hotel
- Where to find it: The Halekulani Hotel (Waikiki), Monkeypod Kitchen (Waikiki/Ko Olina), The Royal Hawaiian (Waikiki), and most other bars.
6 – Liliha Bakery’s Coco Puffs
Liliha Bakery is a Honolulu institution, baking beloved pastries since the 1950s. While they offer a wide variety of baked goods, their Coco Puffs are legendary. These soft choux pastry balls are generously filled with a rich chocolate “pudding” and topped with a unique “chantilly” frosting.
This chantilly topping is not traditional whipped cream but a rich mixture of sugar, egg, evaporated milk, and butter with a distinct, slightly salty flavor that makes the Coco Puffs incredibly addictive. The addition of this topping is credited with their immense popularity. Liliha Bakery has multiple locations, including a convenient cafe in the International Marketplace in Waikiki.
Liliha Bakery Coco Puff
- Where to find it: Liliha Bakery (multiple locations, including International Marketplace, Waikiki)
7 – Shrimp Trucks
A culinary adventure outside of downtown Honolulu, but easily reachable, involves driving up to the North Shore to sample the famous shrimp trucks. Lined along Kamehameha Highway (Route 83), these casual food trucks specialize in one thing: delicious shrimp plates. The classic preparation is garlic butter shrimp, served over rice, but many variations exist.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is arguably the most famous, but Hono’s, Jenny’s, and Da Bald Guy are also popular choices in areas like Kahuku and Haleiwa. These trucks offer a quintessential laid-back Hawaiian dining experience. Enjoying a plate of fresh, succulent shrimp outdoors is a memorable part of any Oahu trip.
Jenny’s Shrimp Truck Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Where to find it: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck (Kahuku, Haleiwa), Hono’s Shrimp Truck (Haleiwa), Jenny’s Shrimp Truck (Haleiwa), Da Bald Guy (Kahuku).
8 – Shave Ice
Shave Ice (note: no ‘d’ at the end!) is Hawaii’s answer to a snow cone, but far superior. Introduced by Japanese immigrants, it’s made from finely shaved ice (not crushed) and flavored with colorful syrups. While the North Shore is famous for it, you can find excellent shave ice throughout Honolulu.
The key to great shave ice is the texture of the ice and the quality of the syrups, which can range from vibrant commercial flavors to natural fruit purees. Popular additions include a scoop of ice cream at the bottom, sweet adzuki beans, mochi, or a drizzle of condensed milk (“snow cap”). Waiola Shave Ice and Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha are highly recommended spots. It’s the perfect sweet treat to cool down.
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
- Where to find it: Waiola Shave Ice (Honolulu), Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha (Honolulu), Matsumoto’s Shave Ice (North Shore), and many other locations.
9 – Kalua Pig
Kalua pig is a staple of traditional Hawaiian feasts (luaus) and a dish steeped in history. Traditionally, a whole pig is seasoned and cooked underground in an imu (earth oven), resulting in incredibly tender, smoky, pulled pork. The smoky flavor often comes from Kiawe wood and the pork is wrapped in banana leaves during cooking.
It’s typically served shredded into fine threads. While experiencing a full luau is one way to try kalua pig, you can also find it at traditional Hawaiian restaurants like Highway Inn or Helena’s Hawaiian Food. It’s a must-try for a taste of authentic Polynesian cooking techniques.
Highway Inn Tasting Platter with Kalua Pig
- Where to find it: Highway Inn (multiple locations), Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu), Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu).
10 – Laulau
Another dish showcasing the importance of taro in Hawaiian cuisine is Laulau. This dish consists of succulent pieces of pork shoulder and often salted butterfish, wrapped first in tender luau (taro) leaves and then secured within larger taro or ti leaves. The bundles are then steamed for several hours until the meats are falling apart and the taro leaves are soft and edible.
When you unwrap a Laulau, you find a rich, moist filling with deep flavors. The cooked taro leaves add a unique texture and slightly earthy taste. Like Kalua Pig, Laulau is a traditional dish found at Hawaiian restaurants and luaus, offering a true taste of the islands’ heritage.
- Where to find it: Highway Inn (multiple locations), Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu), Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu).
11 – Poi
Poi is perhaps the most unique and debated traditional Hawaiian food. It’s made from the corm (root) of the taro plant, steamed or baked, and then pounded into a paste, often thinned with water to varying consistencies. This results in a thick, purplish substance that has a mild, slightly tangy, often fermented flavor.
Poi is traditionally eaten with other dishes like Kalua Pig, Laulau, and Lomi Salmon, acting as a neutral base or palate cleanser. Its texture and taste can be an acquired taste for visitors, but trying it is essential for a complete Hawaiian food experience. Some bakeries, like Kamehameha Bakery, even incorporate poi into delicious glazed donuts.
Poi in a Bowl
- Where to find it: Highway Inn (multiple locations), Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu), Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu), Kamehameha Bakery (Honolulu).
12 – Squid Lū‘au
Squid Lū‘au is another traditional Hawaiian dish utilizing luau (taro) leaves. The leaves are slow-cooked for hours until incredibly tender, then combined with onions, coconut milk, and squid. The result is a savory, dark green puree or stew with a rich, complex flavor profile brought out by the long cooking time and creamy coconut milk.
This dish reflects the resourceful nature of traditional Hawaiian cooking, using all parts of the taro plant and combining them with readily available seafood. It’s a dish with deep roots in the islands’ history and can be found at restaurants specializing in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
- Where to find it: Highway Inn (multiple locations), Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu), Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu).
13 – SPAM Musubi
SPAM Musubi is a perfect example of Hawaii’s unique culinary fusion, blending the island’s historical connection to canned meat with Japanese influences. SPAM became popular in Hawaii during WWII when it was a readily available protein source for soldiers and civilians. Combined with rice and nori (seaweed), it forms the beloved SPAM Musubi.
It’s essentially a slice of grilled or fried SPAM, often marinated in soy sauce and sugar, placed on a block of rice and wrapped with a strip of nori. Musubi Cafe Iyasume is a popular spot in Waikiki offering many creative variations beyond the classic, including avocado, bacon, egg, and eel. You can also find basic SPAM musubi at convenience stores and gas stations across the island – a quick, tasty, and inexpensive snack.
Assorted SPAM Musubi at Musubi Cafe Iyasume
- Where to find it: Musubi Cafe Iyasume (Waikiki, multiple locations), and most convenience stores.
14 – Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a quintessential Hawaiian comfort food dish. Said to have been created in Hilo in 1949 to feed hungry teenagers looking for an affordable, filling meal, it’s now a staple on menus across the islands. The classic version consists of a bed of rice, topped with a hamburger patty, smothered in gravy, and finished with a fried egg.
Many restaurants offer their own take on Loco Moco, experimenting with different types of rice (white, brown), burger patties (beef, wagyu, even fish or vegetarian), and variations on the gravy. Westman Cafe & Lounge in Waikiki serves a popular version with a wagyu patty and beef stroganoff gravy. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal any time of day.
Loco Moco at Westman Cafe and Lounge
- Where to find it: Westman Cafe and Lounge (Waikiki), and many other diners and restaurants.
15 – Butter Mochi
If you enjoy the chewy texture of mochi, you’ll likely fall in love with Butter Mochi. This dessert is a dense, cake-like confection made primarily from glutinous rice flour, butter, sugar, and coconut milk. It’s baked until golden and has a wonderfully sweet, slightly sticky, and intensely chewy texture.
Butter Mochi is a popular local snack and dessert, reflecting Asian culinary influences adapted with local ingredients. You can find it at local bakeries, particularly in areas like Chinatown. It’s also a popular item at potlucks and family gatherings. The simple combination of ingredients creates a surprisingly addictive treat.
Butter Mochi slices
- Where to find it: Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery (Chinatown), local supermarkets, and bakeries.
16 – Kona Coffee
Hawaii is the only state in the United States that commercially grows coffee, and Kona Coffee from the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island is world-renowned for its smooth, rich flavor. While grown on a different island, high-quality Kona Coffee and other Hawaiian coffees are readily available in Honolulu cafes.
Even if you’re not a regular coffee drinker, trying a cup of authentic Kona Coffee is a must-do experience. Many cafes offer various preparations, from simple black coffee to elaborate lattes. Kai Coffee is a popular chain with several locations in Waikiki known for serving quality Hawaiian beans, sometimes with local flavor twists like macadamia nut latte.
- Where to find it: Kai Coffee (multiple locations in Waikiki), local cafes specializing in Hawaiian coffee.
17 – Manapua
Manapua is Hawaii’s version of the Chinese char siu bao (steamed pork bun), adapted with local flair. While the steamed white bun is common, the baked version with a burnished brown exterior is also very popular in Hawaii. The filling is typically char siu (Chinese-style roast pork) in a slightly sweet sauce.
These substantial buns are a favorite grab-and-go snack or light meal. The name “manapua” comes from the Hawaiian “mea ono pua’a,” meaning “delicious pork stuff.” You can find manapua at local bakeries, crack seed stores, and some convenience stores, often alongside other dim sum-style items.
- Where to find it: Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery (Chinatown), local bakeries, and some convenience stores.
18 – Mochi
Mochi, the chewy Japanese rice cake, is incredibly popular in Hawaii and has been adapted into countless local forms and flavors. Beyond traditional sweet mochi filled with red bean paste, you’ll find mochi used in butter mochi cake (see #15), as a coating for fried chicken (mochiko chicken), and in unique local flavor combinations.
Izu’s Mochi is known for its traditional mochi with a Hawaiian twist, offering flavors like coconut macadamia and Kona coffee alongside classics. Mochi’s versatile chewy texture makes it a beloved base or addition to many Hawaiian desserts and snacks.
Assorted Mochi
- Where to find it: Izu’s Mochi (Kaka’ako Farmers Market), Asian supermarkets, and specialty mochi shops.
19 – Pink Pancakes
For a truly unique and Instagrammable breakfast experience in Waikiki, head to the Surf Lanai restaurant at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This historic “Pink Palace of the Pacific” serves its famous Pink Pancakes, a signature dish that has become a must-try.
These vibrant pink pancakes are typically flavored with guava and raspberry and served in a stack of three with haupia (coconut pudding) sauce, fresh berries, butter, and maple syrup. The pink color is often achieved using beet powder. They are known for their light and fluffy texture and tropical flavors, making for a memorable start to your day.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel Signature Pink Pancakes
- Where to find it: Surf Lanai at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Waikiki
20 – Haupia
Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and a thickener (traditionally pia or arrowroot, now often cornstarch). The mixture is cooked, cooled, and typically cut into small squares. It has a lightly sweet, refreshing coconut flavor and a texture similar to firm pudding or gelatin.
Haupia is a common accompaniment to traditional Hawaiian meals and is also used as a popular flavor and filling in other desserts across the islands. You’ll find haupia pie (Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore is famous for its Chocolate Haupia Pie), haupia malasadas, and haupia incorporated into cakes and pastries. It’s a simple yet essential taste of Hawaii.
Ted’s Bakery Chocolate Haupia Pie
- Where to find it: Highway Inn (multiple locations), Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu), Waiahole Poi Factory (Oahu), Ted’s Bakery (North Shore), bakeries, and luaus.
21 – Crack Seed Stores
Crack Seed stores are a unique type of local snack shop found throughout Hawaii. The name comes from “crack seed,” which refers to preserved fruits that have been cracked or pickled and flavored, often with Li Hing Mui powder (a sweet, salty, and tangy powder made from dried plums).
These stores sell a wide variety of snacks, including dried and preserved fruits, candies, gummies, and other treats, often sold by weight. They are a nostalgic part of local culture, particularly for children buying after-school treats. Exploring a crack seed store offers a glimpse into a distinct local food tradition and a chance to try unique flavors like Li Hing Mui.
Assorted Crack Seed snacks
- Where to find it: Kaimuki Crack Seed Store (Honolulu), and other local snack shops.
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu
What are the most iconic traditional Hawaiian foods to try in Honolulu?
Key traditional dishes include Kalua Pig (smoked pulled pork), Laulau (meat and fish wrapped in taro leaves), Poi (taro paste), and Haupia (coconut pudding). These are often found at luaus and traditional Hawaiian restaurants.
Is Hawaiian food expensive in Honolulu?
Like many tourist destinations, dining costs in Honolulu can vary widely. You can find very affordable eats at food trucks, local diners (like those serving plate lunches and Loco Moco), and bakeries. Higher-end restaurants and fine dining experiences will be more expensive, especially in Waikiki. Poke, SPAM musubi, and shave ice offer relatively inexpensive options.
Where can I find authentic local food beyond Waikiki?
While Waikiki has many options, venturing slightly out to neighborhoods like Kaimuki, Kapahulu, or exploring areas like Chinatown or the North Shore (for shrimp trucks and shave ice) can offer more local and potentially more authentic experiences. Looking for places popular with residents is often a good sign.
What is a plate lunch?
A plate lunch is a popular, casual meal in Hawaii consisting of a main protein (like chicken katsu, kalua pig, or BBQ beef), two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. It’s a hearty and affordable local staple found at lunch wagons and casual eateries.
Are reservations needed for restaurants in Honolulu?
For popular restaurants, especially in Waikiki or for dinner service, making reservations is highly recommended to avoid long waits. Casual spots, food trucks, and bakeries typically do not require reservations.
Planning Your Culinary Adventure: What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu
Exploring the food scene is an integral part of experiencing Hawaii. From traditional dishes rooted in Polynesian history to unique local creations born from a mix of cultures, What To Eat In Hawaii Honolulu offers an incredible variety of flavors. Don’t be afraid to try new things, venture beyond the tourist areas, and ask locals for their recommendations. Each bite tells a story of the islands’ rich heritage and vibrant community.