Close your eyes and picture Hawaii—not just the swaying palms or golden beaches, but the smell of smoky Kalua pig drifting through the air, the vibra
Close your eyes and picture Hawaii—not just the swaying palms or golden beaches, but the smell of smoky Kalua pig drifting through the air, the vibrant colors of freshly made poke bowls, and the first sweet bite of a fluffy malasada. Food in Hawaii is more than a way to fill your stomach—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and community.
Hawaii’s culinary scene is a rich blend of flavors and histories, deeply rooted in its Polynesian heritage and enriched by generations of Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Portuguese, and Korean influences. This melting pot of cultures has given rise to a cuisine unlike any other in the world—where sushi meets spam and tropical fruits are found in everything from sauces to desserts.
In this blog, we’re diving into what food Hawaii is known for—from the best food in Hawaii loved by locals to the iconic dishes tourists can’t stop talking about. Whether you’re planning your first island trip or just hungry to learn more, here are the top 10 Hawaiian foods you absolutely need to try.
A Look Into Hawaiian Cuisine
Hawaiian cuisine is a beautiful dance between tradition and innovation. On one side, you have ancient dishes rooted in Polynesian customs, like poi, laulau, and kalua pig—recipes passed down through generations, often prepared using time-honored methods like underground ovens (imu) and wrapped taro leaves. These traditional foods are deeply spiritual, often served during celebrations, ceremonies, and family gatherings.
Then there’s the local-style fusion food—a vibrant culinary remix that reflects Hawaii’s multicultural past. Think Japanese bento boxes with a Hawaiian twist, Filipino adobo served at beachside barbecues, or even a simple Spam musubi, a mashup of American convenience and Asian influence that’s become a local legend. This blending of cultures didn’t just happen—it evolved from plantation life, where immigrants from all over the world worked, lived, and eventually cooked together.
What ties both traditional and modern Hawaiian foods together is a shared love for fresh, local ingredients. The islands are blessed with an abundance of flavor: ahi tuna straight from the ocean, sweet Maui onions, earthy taro, and sun-ripened tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and lilikoi (passion fruit). These ingredients don’t just elevate the dishes—they define them.
Whether you’re savoring a classic plate lunch or a gourmet poke bowl with avocado and seaweed salad, you’ll taste Hawaii’s landscape in every bite. And that’s what makes food in Hawaii so unforgettable—it’s both a history lesson and a tropical escape on a plate.
Top 10 Hawaiian Foods You Must Try
1. Poke
You haven’t truly tasted food in Hawaii until you’ve had poke (pronounced poh-keh). This beloved dish features cubed raw fish, usually ahi tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, seaweed, onions, and more. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
Fun Fact: Poke has been around for centuries, originally made by native Hawaiians using reef fish seasoned with sea salt and crushed kukui nuts.
Nothing beats grabbing a poke bowl at local spots like Ono Seafood (Oahu) or Da Poke Shack (Big Island), some even let you build your own with over a dozen toppings.
2. Kalua Pig
Smoky, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, Kalua pig is the star of any traditional luau. It’s traditionally cooked in an imu, a Hawaiian underground oven where the whole pig is slow-roasted over hot stones and covered with banana leaves.
Did You Know? Preparing kalua pig in an imu can take up to 8 hours—it’s truly a labor of love.
Modern versions are made in smokers or crockpots, but if you want the full experience, book a luau dinner or check out local favorites like Helena’s Hawaiian Food on Oahu.
3. Loco Moco
Comfort food at its finest, Loco Moco is a local invention that layers white rice, a hamburger patty, savory brown gravy, and a fried egg. It’s hearty, satisfying, and hits the spot any time of day.
Fun Fact: Loco Moco was first created in Hilo in the 1940s by a café trying to feed hungry teens something affordable and filling.
You can find it nearly everywhere—from greasy spoon diners to upscale brunch spots.
4. Poi
Often misunderstood by visitors, poi is a traditional Hawaiian staple made from pounded taro root. Its consistency is pudding-like, and the flavor is earthy and slightly sour.
Cultural Insight: Poi isn’t just food, it’s considered sacred. In Hawaiian tradition, when poi is served, arguments at the table are said to cease out of respect for the ancestors.
Try it fresh at a luau or with salty dishes like Kalua pig to balance the flavors.
5. Haupia
Light, creamy, and coconutty, haupia is a beloved Hawaiian dessert with a firm, jelly-like texture, often served in squares.
Did You Know? Haupia is so iconic in Hawaii that you’ll even find haupia pie, a delicious fusion of chocolate and coconut, at bakeries like Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore.
It’s a perfect way to end a hearty Hawaiian meal.
6. Lau Lau
Lau Lau is a flavorful bundle made by wrapping pork, fish, or chicken in taro leaves and steaming it to tender perfection.
Fun Fact: Traditionally, lau lau was cooked in an imu alongside Kalua pig. The taro leaves become so tender they practically melt in your mouth.
Today, you’ll find this dish at Hawaiian plate lunch spots and local markets like Young’s Fish Market in Honolulu.
7. Spam Musubi
Hawaii’s obsession with Spam might surprise visitors, but it’s a genuine part of the local food scene. Spam musubi is a slice of grilled Spam on rice, wrapped with nori.
Interesting Fact: Hawaii consumes more Spam per capita than any other U.S. state—over 7 million cans per year!
This grab-and-go snack is perfect for beach days, hikes, or post-surf cravings.
8. Malasadas
Originally brought over by Portuguese immigrants, malasadas are deep-fried dough balls rolled in sugar, often filled with sweet cream or fruit flavors.
Did You Know? Malasadas are traditionally eaten on Malasada Day (Hawaiian Mardi Gras), the day before Lent begins.
The best-known spot? Leonard’s Bakery, where lines form daily for these golden, sugary pillows.
9. Saimin
A bowl of saimin is Hawaii’s answer to noodle soup. This comfort classic combines soft egg noodles in a savory broth with toppings like fish cake, green onions, and sometimes Spam or egg.
Cool Fact: Saimin was developed during Hawaii’s plantation era and reflects the mix of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Hawaiian culinary influences.
You’ll find it on the menu at many local diners, including the beloved Zippy’s chain.
10. Huli Huli Chicken
“Huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian, and this dish gets its name from the rotating method used to grill the chicken over open flames. Huli Huli chicken is marinated in a sweet-and-savory sauce with pineapple, soy, and ginger before it’s grilled to juicy perfection.
Interesting Tidbit: Huli Huli chicken became a statewide phenomenon after being introduced at a 1950s fundraiser. It was such a hit, it became a local staple.
Look for roadside stands with smoky grills—you’ll be drawn in by the irresistible aroma before you even see the sign. For a cozy sit-down experience, check out the flavorful grilled options at Kalapawai Cafe and Deli, a local favorite known for blending island comfort with culinary charm.
Hawaiian Foods You’ve Never Heard Of (Bonus!)
While dishes like poke and Kalua pig get all the love, there’s a whole world of lesser-known Hawaiian foods waiting to be discovered. These under-the-radar gems are often the dishes locals grew up eating—simple, delicious, and packed with cultural history. If you’re a true foodie or just love going off the beaten culinary path, these hidden flavors of Hawaii are a must-try.
Opihi (Hawaiian Limpets)
Often called Hawaii’s “seafood caviar,” opihi are small shellfish that cling to rocks along the shoreline. They’re eaten raw and fresh, with a salty, briny flavor that locals describe as “a taste of the ocean.” Gathering opihi is dangerous due to rough waves, so it’s a prized delicacy not found in every restaurant.
Local tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll spot them at family gatherings or traditional Hawaiian parties—not tourist menus.
Chicken Long Rice
Despite the name, this isn’t a rice dish. It’s a comforting bowl of clear mung bean noodles simmered in a light ginger-chicken broth, often served at luaus or alongside rice. It’s simple, soothing, and full of flavor—a cross between soup and stir-fry.
Cultural note: It’s considered a Hawaiian-style adaptation of Chinese cuisine, and a popular favorite among locals of all ages.
Manapua
Imagine a Hawaiian take on the Chinese bao bun. Manapua are large, fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet or savory ingredients like char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), curry chicken, or even Ube (purple yam). They’re a favorite snack sold at bakeries, food trucks, and even 7-Elevens across the islands.
Fun Fact: In Hawaii, there’s even a term—“manapua man”—for the food truck vendors who would bring hot buns to neighborhoods daily.
Lomi Salmon
Often served as a side dish, lomi salmon is a cold tomato and salted salmon salad mixed with onions and sometimes chili pepper. It’s refreshing, tangy, and typically accompanies traditional dishes like poi and lau lau.
Did You Know? Despite being called “salmon,” this dish has roots in the arrival of salted fish from the Pacific Northwest—another sign of Hawaii’s global culinary fusion.
Butter Mochi
A sweet treat you’ll only find in Hawaii, butter mochi combines the chewy texture of Japanese mochi with the rich, buttery flavor of a cake. Made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk, it’s slightly crispy on top and gooey in the center—totally addictive.
Bonus tip: Find it at local bake sales, potlucks, or small-town bakeries.
Encouraging the Culinary Adventurer
Hawaiian cuisine is so much more than poke bowls and shaved ice. Digging deeper into the local food scene reveals how diverse cultures and traditions have shaped these unique island flavors. From ocean-foraged snacks to fusion desserts, there’s always something new to taste and experience.
So next time you’re in Hawaii—or browsing the menu at a Hawaiian restaurant—skip the obvious just once and try one of these hidden gems. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite dish.
Final Thoughts: Food in Hawaii is More Than Just a Meal
In Hawaii, food isn’t just something you eat—it’s something you share. It brings families together, celebrates tradition, and tells the story of a community that’s deeply rooted in hospitality, culture, and love. Whether it’s the humble Spam musubi picked up from a corner store or the slow-roasted Kalua pig served at a family luau, every bite is part of Hawaii’s identity.
Many Hawaiian dishes carry the legacy of generations—honoring native traditions while embracing the flavors of immigrants who’ve made the islands their home. It’s this unique blend of old and new, local and global, that makes food in Hawaii so unforgettable.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the islands, don’t just stick to what’s popular—dive deeper into the local food scene. Venture into roadside stands, talk to the auntie cooking behind the counter, and explore flavors you’ve never tried before. And if you’re not planning a trip just yet, try out Hawaiian restaurants near you or look up authentic recipes to bring the aloha spirit to your own kitchen.