Aloha State Eats: Where to Eat on the Hawaiian Islands
When some people think of eating in Hawaii, they think of a luau, with hula girls and kalua pig with poi. But there’s so much more to the 50th state. Here are 25 favorite local dishes and drinks around Hawaii, and the best places to get them.
Welcome to the Aloha State
Hawaii has long been beloved for its beaches and mild climate. Those same attributes make for fantastic food, including line-caught fish, tropical fruit and tiki cocktails ideal for enjoying at sunset by the beach. Here are a few of the islands' most-iconic dishes, and the best places to try them.
Kona Coffee: Daylight Mind Coffee Company
Go to: Daylight Mind
Shave Ice: Ululani’s
Go to: Ululani’s
Hula Pie: Duke’s Waikiki
Go to: Duke's Waikiki
Garlic Shrimp: Romy’s
Go to : Romy's
Loco Moco: Cafe 100
Go to: Cafe 100
Strawberry Mochi: Two Ladies Kitchen
Go to: Two Ladies Kitchen
Poke: Da Poke Shack
Go to: Da Poke Shack
Pipikaula: Helena’s
Go to: Helena's Hawaiian Food
Coco Puffs: Liliha Bakery (two locations)
Go to: Liliha Bakery
Mahi Mahi: Roy’s (several locations)
Go to : Roy's
Saimin: Sam Sato’s
Go to: Sam Sato’s
Pancakes: Moke’s Bread & Breakfast
Go to: Moke’s Bread & Breakfast
Manapua: Sing Cheong Yuan
Go to: Sing Cheong Yuan
Oxtail Soup: Asahi Grill
Go to: Asahi Grill
Malasada: Champion
Go to: Champion
Plate Lunch: Rainbow Drive-In
Go to: Rainbow Drive-In
Mai Tai: The Mai Tai Bar
Go to: The Mai Tai Bar
Fried Rice: Side Street Inn (two locations)
Go to: Side Street Inn
Crack Seed: Kaimuki Crack Seed Store
Go to: Kaimuki Crack Seed Store
Poi: Old Lahaina Luau
Go to: Old Lahaina Luau
Spam Musubi: Da Kitchen (multiple locations)
Go to: Da Kitchen
Lilikoi Pie: Hamura’s Saimin
Go to: Hamura’s Saimin
Pineapple: Frankie’s Nursery — Chef Chai
Go to: Chef Chai
Hot Bread: Kanemitsu’s Bakery
Go to: Kanemitsu’s Bakery
Mango
Go to: Makaha Mangoes