Must Try Foods While Visiting Hawaii!
Hawaii isn’t just about gorgeous beaches and stunning views—it’s also a food lover’s dream come true. The islands are a melting pot of flavors, mixing traditional Hawaiian ingredients with influences from Asia, Europe, and beyond. If you’re heading to Hawaii, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the local eats.
Here are our top five Hawaiian foods you’ve got to try to get the full island experience!
Poke
What It Is: Poke (pronounced "poh-kay") is a Hawaiian dish featuring raw fish, usually tuna or salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes and marinated in a savory mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. Often served over rice, poke is both full of flavor and so refreshing.
Why You Should Try It: Poke is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and a must-try for seafood lovers. Each poke bowl can be customized with ingredients like avocado, seaweed, and spicy mayo. Spicy Ahi is a personal favorite of ours!
Where to Find It: Poke can be found at most local markets, seafood restaurants, and poke shops across the islands. For an authentic experience, try visiting a local fish market and don’t sleep on Foodland poke!
Loco Moco
What It Is: Loco Moco is a hearty Hawaiian comfort food made with a bed of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and a generous pour of brown gravy. It's a dish that’s beloved all over Hawaii!
Why You Should Try It: Loco Moco is the epitome of Hawaiian comfort food—rich, filling, and delicious. It’s a great way to experience the local culinary twist on classic American diner food.
Where to Find It: Loco Moco is commonly available at local diners, casual eateries, and Hawaiian-style breakfast spots. It’s a popular dish on many local breakfast and brunch menus!
Kalua Pork
What It Is: Kalua Pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow-roasting a whole pig in an underground oven called an imu. The result is tender, smoky, and flavorful pulled pork that’s often served at luaus and special gatherings.
Why You Should Try It: Kalua Pork is a taste of Hawaiian culture and tradition. The unique cooking method creates a smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate with conventional cooking. It’s a dish rooted in Hawaiian history and one that offers a true taste of the islands.
Where to Find It: Kalua Pig is often featured at luaus, Hawaiian-themed restaurants, and local potlucks. Look for events or venues that offer traditional Hawaiian feasts to enjoy this authentic dish!
Spam Musubi
What It Is: Spam Musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack made by pressing a slice of Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with a strip of seaweed. It makes the perfect cheap beach snack!
Why You Should Try It: Spam Musubi represents the unique blend of Hawaiian and Asian culinary influences. Its combination of savory Spam and seasoned rice, wrapped in seaweed, makes for a delicious and convenient snack or meal!
Where to Find It: Spam Musubi is widely available at local convenience stores, supermarkets, and specialty food shops. Not to mention that they only cost around $3!
Haupia
What It Is: Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, resulting in a creamy, coconut-flavored pudding. It’s often served chilled and can also be found in pie form.
Why You Should Try It: Haupia is a delightful way to end your Hawaiian meal with a touch of tropical sweetness. Its smooth, creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor offer a refreshing contrast to more savory dishes.
Where to Find It: Haupia can be found at many Hawaiian restaurants and dessert shops. It’s also a popular choice at luaus and local celebrations!
Hawaii’s food scene is as awesome as its scenery. From the fresh flavors of poke to the comfort of loco moco, every dish is packed with island vibes. So when you’re in Hawaii, dive into these top five eats and enjoy the delicious blend of local flavors that make the islands so special. Happy eating!
We can’t wait for you to experience all that Hawaii has to offer! Visit our reception desk if you have any questions about making the most of your island experience! See you soon!