Hawaii is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and unique food culture that combines flavors from Polynesian, Asian, and American influences. From fresh seafood to hearty comfort foods, Hawaiian dishes capture the tropical essence of the islands.
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Some must-try foods showcase Hawaii's vibrant culinary scene, whether you're visiting Hawaii or want to try Hawaiian cuisine from home. Here’s a guide to delicious Hawaiian foods you don’t want to miss.
Poke
Poke is a Hawaiian classic featuring diced raw fish, usually ahi (tuna), marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. This dish is often garnished with seaweed, sesame seeds, and avocado for added texture and flavor. It's refreshing, light, and packs a rich umami taste that fans of sushi and seafood will love.
Poke bowls have become popular worldwide, but nothing compares to fresh Poke in Hawaii. This dish highlights Hawaii's access to fresh fish and the influence of Japanese cuisine on the islands. For vegetarians, poke can also be made with other types of fish, like salmon or tofu.
Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a hearty comfort food Hawaiians enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It starts with a bed of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty and a fried egg, and smothered in brown gravy. Each bite combines the flavors of savory meat, creamy egg yolk, and rich gravy.
This filling dish is often served at local diners and plate lunch spots across the islands. Loco Moco originated in Hawaii in the 1940s as an affordable meal for young locals, and it’s been beloved ever since. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy hunger and fuel a day of island adventures.
Kalua Pig
Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish that involves slow-cooking a whole pig in an underground oven called an “imu.” The pig is wrapped in banana or ti leaves, then roasted for hours until the meat is tender and smoky.
Kalua pig is typically served shredded and is a staple at Hawaiian luaus, where it’s often enjoyed with poi and other traditional sides. The unique cooking method gives the meat a smoky flavor that pairs well with its natural sweetness. Kalua pig can be eaten alone or in sliders, tacos, or even salads. It’s a must-try dish that gives an authentic taste of Hawaiian tradition.
Poi
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root, a starchy plant that has been a dietary staple in Hawaii for centuries. The taro root is steamed and pounded until it becomes a smooth paste. Poi has a slightly sour taste and pairs well with savory dishes like kalua pig and lomi lomi salmon.
For many Hawaiians, poi is a culturally significant comfort food that connects them to their ancestors. While its taste might be acquired for some, trying poi offers a unique experience of Hawaiian cuisine. It’s rich in nutrients and is highly valued for its health benefits.
Spam Musubi
Spam musubi is a popular snack in Hawaii. It combines rice, Spam, and nori (seaweed) in a portable, sushi-like form. The Spam is often marinated in soy sauce and sugar, giving it a savory-sweet flavor, before being placed on top of a block of rice and wrapped with nori.
Spam musubi is a favorite for on-the-go snacking and is available at convenience stores and delis across the islands. This snack reflects Hawaii's love for Spam, which dates back to World War II when meat was rationed. It’s a tasty, unique treat and a fun twist on traditional Japanese music.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Lomi Lomi salmon is a refreshing dish made with salted salmon, diced tomatoes, onions, and green onions. Traditionally, this dish is prepared by massaging, or "lomi lomi," the ingredients together by hand, which is how it gets its name. The flavors are light and tangy, making it a great pairing with more decadent dishes like kalua pig or poi.
Lomi Lomi salmon is often served chilled, making it especially enjoyable in Hawaii’s warm climate. The dish reflects the influence of both Polynesian and Western flavors in Hawaiian cuisine. It’s a great choice for seafood lovers looking to try something different.
Haupia
Haupia is a coconut milk-based dessert with a smooth, jelly-like texture. This dessert is commonly served in small cubes and is a staple at Hawaiian luaus and family gatherings. Haupia is refreshing, with a light sweetness and a creamy coconut flavor.
The dessert has a simple ingredient list: coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Its cooling nature makes it perfect for a tropical setting. Many people enjoy haupia as a topping on pies or cakes, but it’s delicious on its own, too.
Shave Ice
Shave ice is Hawaii’s answer to a refreshing summer treat, and it’s much more than just a snow cone. Finely shaved ice is topped with flavored syrups like mango, guava, and coconut, often layered over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or azuki beans.
Shave ice is colorful, refreshing, and customizable, with dozens of flavor options to choose from. It’s a fun treat while strolling on the beach or cooling off in the shade. Many places also offer tropical fruit toppings like pineapple and lychee to enhance the flavors. Shave ice is a must-try for any visit to Hawaii.
Manapua
Manapua, or Hawaiian steamed buns, are large, fluffy buns filled with savory fillings like char siu (Chinese barbecue pork). These buns reflect Hawaii’s blend of cultures, influenced by Chinese cuisine but uniquely adapted to local tastes.
Manapua can be found at bakeries and convenience stores and makes a satisfying, portable snack. It comes in both steamed and baked varieties, with fillings ranging from traditional pork to chicken curry. Manapua is a delicious reminder of Hawaii’s cultural diversity and flavorful food history. Each bite offers a warm, savory taste of the islands.
Saimin
Saimin is a noodle soup dish inspired by Japanese ramen, Chinese mein, and Filipino pancit. It’s a popular comfort food in Hawaii, with a savory broth, soft noodles, and toppings like green onions, Spam, kamaboko (fish cake), and boiled eggs. Saimin is often enjoyed at family gatherings or local diners, making it a beloved part of everyday life.
Saimin can be customized with different toppings, making it suitable for a variety of tastes. It represents Hawaii's multicultural culinary influences in a cozy bowl, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a warm, satisfying meal.
Malasadas
Malasadas are Portuguese-style donuts, typically fried to a golden brown and dusted with sugar. These treats have a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside that’s hard to resist. Brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are often enjoyed during special occasions or as an indulgent snack.
Some malasadas are filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical fruit flavors like lilikoi (passionfruit). They’re particularly popular at bakeries across the islands. Malasadas are a sweet reminder of Hawaii’s multicultural influences.
Laulau
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish in which meat, typically pork, is wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender. The taro leaves give the meat a unique, earthy flavor, and the steaming method keeps it moist and flavorful. Other meats like chicken or fish can be included, and it’s often enjoyed with poi and rice.
This dish showcases the island's traditional cooking methods and ingredients. It’s commonly served at Hawaiian luaus and family gatherings. Trying laulau gives a taste of authentic Hawaiian flavors and techniques.
Huli Huli Chicken
Huli Huli chicken is a Hawaiian-style barbecued chicken marinated in a sweet, tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s often cooked over an open flame, giving it a smoky, caramelized flavor. The word “huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, reflecting how the chicken is often turned as it cooks.
This dish has a delicious tropical flavor that’s hard to resist. Huli Huli chicken is popular at local gatherings, barbecues, and fundraisers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Taro Chips
Taro chips are a crunchy, flavorful snack made from thinly sliced taro root. The taro is seasoned and fried until crispy, making them a tasty alternative to potato chips. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often seasoned with a bit of salt.
These chips are a popular snack in Hawaii, and they are found in markets and gift shops across the islands. Taro is a staple crop in Hawaii and has been used in Hawaiian cooking for centuries. Taro chips are a delicious way to experience a traditional Hawaiian ingredient.
Opihi
Opihi is a type of limpet, a small shellfish that clings to rocks along Hawaii’s coastline. Known for its briny, slightly chewy texture, locals enjoy Opihi as a delicacy, often eaten raw with a dash of shoyu (soy sauce). It’s a unique seafood experience with a distinctive taste that reflects the flavors of the ocean.
Harvesting Opihi is challenging due to its location on rocks exposed to the waves, making it a prized catch. Opihi holds cultural significance and is often shared at family gatherings and special events. Trying Opihi offers a true taste of Hawaii’s wild flavors.
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