If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, trying local Hawaiian food is an absolute must. Hawaii’s food scene is incredibly diverse, shaped by generations of plantation workers who brought flavors from Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea, and beyond creating a unique fusion you won’t find anywhere else.
There’s so much to try here, and trust me, you won’t get bored. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are bold yet balanced, and every dish tells a story. One bite of Huli Huli chicken, and you’ll forget all about plain grilled chicken. I know I did!
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you should eat in Hawaii, along with where to find it. Food is a huge part of Hawaiian culture, offering a glimpse into its history and the evolution of its iconic fusion cuisine, often referred to as Hawaiian or Polynesian-inspired cuisine.
Hawaii Breakfast Staples
Classic Breakfast Plate
Hawaiians are basically the Bengalis of the USA; they can eat rice at any time of day. 🤣 One of the most popular breakfast dishes in Hawaii is the classic breakfast plate, comprising rice, eggs, and meat (Spam or Portuguese sausage). You can stop by any cozy diner on any of the islands, and you’ll likely find this local favorite. It’s classic plantation-era comfort food, born from Hawaii’s mix of Japanese, Portuguese, and American influences, savory, simple, and oh-so-satisfying to start the day.
Did you know that McDonald’s in Hawaii has a special menu? They serve local favorites like Spam and eggs, taro pie, and even saimin. We stopped by one morning and loved it!
Where: Sandy’s Drive-in, Kealakekua (Big Island)
Loco Moco
Another classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate! Created in Hilo in the 1940s, loco moco layers a juicy hamburger patty and fried egg over rice, all drenched in savory brown gravy. It tells the story of Hawaii’s diner culture, homegrown, hearty, and meant to feed hungry locals after surf sessions or early farm mornings.
Where: Sandy’s Drive-in, Kealakekua (Big Island)
Macadamia Nut Pancakes
If you’re a pancake fan, you have to try macadamia nut pancakes with a Hawaiian twist! Popularized by spots like Boots & Kimo’s in Kailua, Oahu, these fluffy pancakes are often served with their famous banana macadamia nut topping. What makes them unique is the use of tropical fruit syrups like coconut, passion fruit, guava, or pineapple, pure island sunshine on a plate.
Where: Ken’s House of Pancakes, Hilo (Big Island)
Saimin
Hawaii’s version of ramen, saimin came to life on sugar plantations, where Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino workers shared food traditions. A comforting bowl of noodles with green onions, Spam or char siu, and a light broth, this dish is local nostalgia in every sip. The broth is closer to pho, clear and mild, but perfect as a light, easy-on-the-stomach breakfast.
Where: Ken’s House of Pancakes, Hilo (Big Island)
Açaí Bowl
Imported from Brazil but embraced wholeheartedly by Hawaii’s surf and wellness crowd, the açaí bowl is a colorful blend of frozen açaí berries topped with granola, banana, and tropical fruits. Light, refreshing, and perfect after a morning swim.
Where: Choice Health Bar, Paia (Maui)
Hawaii Desserts
Macadamia Nut & Coconut Ice Cream
Hawaiian ice cream flavors are tropical, creamy, and indulgent, often made with local staples like macadamia nuts, coconut, or a combination of both. These ice creams aren’t just delicious; they capture the sweetness of island life in every bite. You can enjoy them on their own or paired with shave ice for a creamy, icy combo.
Where: Hilo (Big Island) & Road to Hana (Maui)
Shave Ice
This icy treat arrived with Japanese plantation workers and evolved into the rainbow-hued favorite you’ll find today, drenched in fruity syrups and often topped with mochi or ice cream underneath. Perfect for a warm, beachy afternoon! It’s one of the most popular desserts in Hawaii and is found almost everywhere, especially near beach areas.
Where: Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, Wailuku (Maui)
Haupia Pie
A creamy, coconut-based dessert that blends Native Hawaiian tradition with a modern twist. Haupia itself is a classic coconut pudding often served at luaus, but when layered into a flaky pie crust, sometimes topped with chocolate or whipped cream, it becomes the beloved haupia pie. Sweet, silky, and refreshing, it reflects the fusion of Hawaiian ingredients and Western pie-making traditions. Perfect for a post-beach treat or an afternoon café stop.
Where: Coconut Grill, Hilo (Big Island)
Cream Horn
A pastry imported through European baking traditions but embraced warmly by Hawaiian bakeries. With its crisp golden shell filled with whipped cream or vanilla custard, the cream horn bridges old-world sweetness and modern island indulgence, perfect alongside a cup of Kona coffee. This dessert reminded me of Indian cream rolls and took me on a little nostalgia trip.
Where: Stillwell’s Bakery & Cafe, Wailuku (Maui)
Malasada
These pillowy, sugar-coated doughnuts were brought by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira in the 19th century and are now a staple at bakeries across Hawaii. Hot, soft, and sometimes filled with custard, they’re impossible to stop at just one. One of the best variations is taro malasada, blending Hawaiian flavor with Portuguese roots.
Where: Leonard’s Bakery, Honolulu (Oahu)
Coconut Taro Pudding
This is a contemporary spin on traditional Hawaiian flavors. Combining creamy coconut milk with taro root, this pudding pays homage to ancient Polynesian staples while adding a modern dessert twist. It’s lightly sweet, gorgeously colored, and full of earthy island flavor.
Where: Byodo-In Temple, Ahuimanu (Oahu)
Dole Whip
First introduced at the Dole Plantation on Oahu, this pineapple soft serve became a global phenomenon. Smooth, dairy-free, and perfectly tangy, it’s Hawaii’s answer to sunny-day refreshment, the kind of treat you can’t help but photograph before diving in. You don’t have to visit the Dole Plantation to try this. Just stop by any convinience store and you’ll find a self-serve Dole whip vending machine.
Where: Any convenience store in Honolulu (Oahu)
On-the-Go Island Favorites
Spam Musubi
A local legend that blends Japanese onigiri tradition with Hawaii’s love for Spam (a WWII-era staple turned island icon). It’s simple, rice, grilled Spam, and seaweed, but makes for the ultimate beach or road trip snack.
Where: My favorite was from the Sandy’s Drive-in (Big Island)
Poke
Dating back to Native Hawaiian fishermen who seasoned their catch with sea salt and seaweed, poke (which literally means “to slice”) has evolved with Japanese-inspired flavors like soy and sesame. Fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed with a scenic ocean view. The most common form of poke is Ahi Tuna, but you can also find shrimp and salmon at some places.
Where: Coconut Grill, Hilo (Big Island)
Banana Bread
You’ll find banana bread everywhere, from roadside farm stands to coastal cafés. It’s a Hawaiian twist on an American staple, made with sweet local bananas and island warmth. One of the most famous spots is Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread stand on the Road to Hana. It closes by 3 PM, we missed it but let me know in the comments if you try it!
Where: My favorite was from the banana bread stand near Twin Falls in Road to Hana (Maui)
Fresh Fruits
From pineapples to papayas and mangoes, Hawaii’s fruit culture is rooted in both ancient Polynesian crops and global influences brought by settlers. It honestly reminded me of India, grabbing fresh fruit from roadside vendors, pure nostalgia. And trust me, the fruits here taste nothing like what you find in U.S. grocery stores, you have to try them to believe it.
Apple Banana
A small, sweet banana variety unique to Hawaii, named for its subtle apple-like flavor and creamy texture. It’s a great healthy snack to carry around and also keeps you full. You’ll also find them in smoothies, pastries, and pancakes.
Hawaii Chips and Cookies
While road-tripping across the Hawaiian Islands, we came across plenty of local snacks, from chips to cookies, made with locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommend stopping by a few grocery stores to stock up on snacks for the road.
Our favorite picks were spiced macadamia nuts by Moana Loa, shortbread cookies from Punaluʻu Bake Shop, and Maui Onion potato chips by Maui Style.
Lunch & Dinner Specials
Luau Plate
A feast that celebrates the roots of Hawaiian culture. You get to sample multiple specialties on one plate, typically kalua pork or pork lau lau, poi, lomi salmon, and haupia. Some versions also include rice and sweet potato salad. It’s the kind of meal meant to be shared, slow, joyful, and deeply cultural.
Where: Coconut Grill, Hilo (Big Island)
Hibachi Boneless Chicken
A popular lunch plate inspired by Japanese grilling styles. Hibachi chicken is marinated in island flavors and cooked over open flames, smoky, tender, and often served with a creamy yum-yum sauce.
Where: Coconut Grill, Hilo (Big Island)
Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp is hugely popular in Hawaii, especially along Oahu’s North Shore, where the famous shrimp trucks serve it sizzling hot. The secret? Garlic, lots of it. Sautéed in butter until golden, this dish is incredibly flavorful (and addictive).
Where: Yummy Huli Huli Chicken, Kaneohe (Oahu)
Mochiko Chicken with Tomato Onion Lomi
A Japanese-inspired dish featuring crispy, bite-sized chicken marinated in mochiko flour. It’s often paired with lomi, a refreshing Hawaiian tomato-onion salad that perfectly balances the richness.
Where: Tin Roof, Kahului (Maui)
Tacos from Shaka Tacos
Mexican street tacos with a Hawaiian twist, think grilled fish, fresh pineapple salsa, and crunchy island slaw. Add unique sauces like chili mango or pineapple verde, and you’ve got the perfect beachside bite.
Where: Shaka Tacoz, Ali‘i Dr (Big Island)
Pork Kalua
A deeply traditional Hawaiian dish cooked imu-style (underground and slow-smoked). The result is tender, smoky pork that melts in your mouth. You’ll find it in luau plates, tacos, or served simply with rice, and it’s incredible in every form.
Where: Randy’s Huli Chicken and Ribs, Kealakekua (Big Island)
Huli Huli Chicken
One of Hawaii’s most popular roadside dishes. Invented by a local rancher in the 1950s, this chicken is cooked over open flames and basted with a sticky-sweet glaze (“huli” means “to turn”). While similar versions exist, authentic Huli Huli chicken is all about that smoky, rotisserie-style preparation.
Where: Yummy Huli Huli Chicken, Kaneohe (Oahu)
Mahi Mahi Grilled Fish
A staple of Hawaiian seafood cuisine, mahi mahi (meaning “strong fish” in Hawaiian) is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. Usually grilled with butter, lemon, and herbs, this dish reflects local fishing traditions and simple island cooking, fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed oceanfront. Most restaurants serving grilled fish use mahi mahi, and its tender, buttery texture pairs perfectly with these flavors.
Where: Big Island Fireart, Waikoloa Village (Maui)
Poi
Made from pounded taro root (kalo), poi is one of Hawaii’s most sacred and traditional foods, dating back over a thousand years to Polynesian settlers. It has a thick, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that symbolizes the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and their land. To locals, poi isn’t just food, it’s heritage in a bowl, often served alongside kalua pork or lomi salmon.
Where: Waiahole Poi Factory, Kaneohe (Oahu)
Hawaiian Coffee & Drinks
POG Drink (Passion Fruit-Orange-Guava)
This vibrant juice blend, invented in Maui in the 1970s, is tropical Hawaii in a cup. Sweet, tangy, and instantly refreshing. If you’re flying to Hawaii, try ordering a POG during your inflight service, it’s the perfect start to your trip.
Mai Tai
A quintessential island cocktail originally inspired by California tiki culture but perfected in Hawaii’s breezy bars and beach resorts. Made with rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. Mai Tai captures the vibrant tropical spirit with every sip, sweet, tangy, and sunset-ready, and a must-try in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Coffee
Hawaii is the only place in the USA where coffee is commercially grown, so trying Hawaiian blends is a great way to understand their flavor profiles, especially if you’re not doing a coffee farm tour. Most of the coffee here is grown in the rich volcanic soil of the Big Island, particularly in the Kona region, and is known for its smooth, aromatic, and slightly nutty flavor.
Although we didn’t have time to visit a coffee farm, we did try a variety of Hawaiian coffee blends at different cafés, here’s a list of the ones we loved apart from the classic Kona Coffee.
- BerryBird Coffee – try their Dirty coffee
- Maui ‘Oma Coffee Roasting Co. – try the white mocha lavender latte
- Hawaiian Paradise Coffee
- Leoda’s Coffee
- Mālama Coffee
If this post made you crave Huli Huli chicken and haupia pie by the beach, I’ve got you covered! Check out my other Hawaii blog posts [coming soon] to help you plan your trip without breaking the bank. You can also watch my Hawaii YouTube video, where I share my full itinerary across three islands.
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