Hawaii Food Bucket List: 17 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

Hawaii's Ultimate Food Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes and Drinks

In this episode of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, Marcie, a Hawaii travel expert, guides listeners through an ultimate Hawaii food bucket list featuring 17 iconic Hawaiian dishes and drinks that are a must-try for any Hawaii vacation visitor. This comprehensive Hawaii food guide covers everything from fresh poke and loco moco to malasadas and shave ice, perfect for first-time Hawaii visitors and Hawaii vacation planning.

Marcie offers Hawaii travel tips on where to find the best versions of Hawaiian food and how to enjoy them like a local during your Hawaii vacation. Whether you're exploring Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, this Hawaii food guide is your handy companion to experiencing Hawaii's rich and diverse Hawaiian cuisine to the fullest.

Perfect for Hawaii family travel and food enthusiasts, learn about traditional Hawaiian dishes, local Hawaii food favorites, Hawaiian desserts, and refreshing Hawaiian drinks across the Hawaiian Islands. Essential Hawaii travel tips for experiencing authentic Hawaii food scene and Hawaiian cuisine during your Hawaiian vacation.

This Hawaii travel guide ensures you don't miss any iconic Hawaii food experiences across all the Hawaiian Islands.

00:00 Welcome to Hawaii Travel Made Easy

00:35 The Ultimate Hawaii Food Bucket List

01:09 Poke: The MVP of Hawaiian Cuisine

02:49 Loco Moco: Hawaiian Comfort Food

04:29 Kalua Pork: A Luau Favorite

06:05 Laulau: Traditional Hawaiian Dish

07:19 Local and Fusion Favorites

10:50 Hawaiian Desserts: Sweet Treats

14:57 Refreshing Hawaiian Drinks

18:25 Conclusion and Insider Tips

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Blog posts related to this podcast

• Where to Find the Best Shave Ice on Maui: 9 Delicious Spots to Try
• 9 Delicious Places for the Best Shave Ice on Oahu
• 21 Mouth-Watering Places with the Best Poke in Oahu
• Where to Find the Best Poke on Maui?

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About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

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Transcript

0:01

Aloha and welcome back to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. I'm Marcy, your go-to Hawaii travel expert, and today's episode is a real treat. Literally, we're diving into one of my favorite parts of visiting Hawaii. The food. Now Hawaiian food isn't just tasty, it's a full on flavor adventure. It's where fresh island ingredients meet cultural influences from all over the world. Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Chinese, you name it. And whether you're exploring Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the big island, the food scene is bursting with must try bites and sips. So in this episode, I'm sharing my ultimate Hawaii food bucket list, 17 iconic dishes and drinks. You've absolutely gotta try while you're here. From plate lynches to shave ice to local coffee and cocktails, i'm covering all the foodie favorites. That'll level up your trip. If you're the type of traveler who plans your itinerary around where you're eating next, same here. You'll definitely wanna take notes or receive this one for later. All right. Ready to eat your way through Hawaii. Let's get into it. Alright, let's kick off this food bucket list with the real MVP of Hawaiian Cuisine Poke. If you've been to Hawaii before, you already know this dish is everywhere and for good reason. Poque, which is pronounced poque, not pokey, not poke, is basically cube raw fish, usually ahi tuna that's marinated in a super flavorful sauces like soy sauce, sesame oil, and Hawaiian sea salt. It's fresh, savory, and totally addictive. You'll see it everywhere from grocery store deli counters to farmer's markets to fancy restaurants. Some of my favorite spots, Ono Seafood on Oahu is legendary people line up for a reason. Tamara's on Oahu and Maui is actually a liquor store with an amazing poke counter inside. So good. And Suisan Fish Market on the big island is a longtime local favorite with tons of variety. If it's your first time trying Poke, go for something like Spicy Ahi or show you Ahi. There's super popular and a great starting point, and if you're more adventurous, try Taco Poque. That's Octopus or LIMU Poque, which features the native Hawaiian seaweed and has a more traditional flavor profile. What I like is how poque bowls are totally customizable. You can add rice avocado for, which is like a sesame seaweed seasoning, or even crispy onions and garlic chips. It's like the Hawaiian version of a Build Your Own Sushi. So fun and so good. My pro tip is always go where the locals go and look for places with a high turnover. You want that fish to be super fresh. If it looks dried out or has been sitting out too long, skip it. Fresh Poque is silky, flavorful, and honestly one of the best things you'll eat in Hawaii. All right, let's move on to one of the most iconic and totally satisfying Hawaiian comfort foods out there. Loco MoCo, if you've never heard of it, picture this, A scoop or two of white rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty smothered in rich brown gravy and crowned with a perfectly fried egg. When that runny yolk mixes into the warm gravy and rice chef's kiss, it's cozy filling, and basically Hawaii's version of a big hug on a plate. This dish was actually invented on the big island. So if you're there, make a stop at Cafe 100 in Hilo. They've been serving up local MoCo for decades. On Oahu. Rainbow Drive-in is a local favorite, and over on Maui Duck Kitchen is known for their massive flavorful portions. While it might sound like a heavy breakfast and it totally can be, locals eat local moko anytime of day breakfast, lunch, or even a late night bite after a day of beach hopping or hiking. It's one of those dishes that just hits the spot no matter when you order it. And here's the fun part. There are so many variations. Some spots switch up the patty with teriyaki chicken, kalu of pork, or even garlic shrimp. I've even seen versions made with fried rice or chopped with crispy onions for extra crunch. Wanna get fancy? A few upscale places offer gourmet loko MoCo, like Wagyu beef and truffle gravy. Um, yes, please. My pro tip is if you're a sauce lover like me. Ask for extra gravy because there's no such thing as too much when it comes to this dish. And if you see a local mocha with spam or fried rice on the menu, go for it. You're in Hawaii. Live a little. All right. We gotta talk about one of the all stars of Hawaiian cuisine, Kalu pork. You really can't come to Hawaii and not try it. This is a smoky, tender, shredded pork that shows up at just about every luau. And once you've had a bite, you'll know why. Traditionally, it's cooked in an emu, which is an underground oven lined with hot stones and covered in banana leaves. That slow cooking process infuses the pork with this amazing, smoky, earthy flavor that's unlike anything else. You'll often see klu pork as part of a Hawaiian plate lunch paired with white rice and mac salad, or served buffet style at Luaus. If you're on Oahu, definitely check out Helena's Hawaiian food or grab a plate at Mike's Huli chicken food truck where they sometimes serve it with their signature Hulu Hli sauce, which is sweet, tangy, and absolutely mouthwatering On Maui, you'll find delicious versions at roadside Hulu H chicken stands. And if you're on the big island, ka Lois Super J's is a hidden gem. Their Kalua pork with freshly made poi is as traditional as it gets. And locals love it if you're staying in a condo or vacation rental. You can also grab pre-cooked Kalua pork at places like Foodland or Time Supermarket. Super handy for building your own Hawaiian plate. Lunch at home and keep an eye out for creative Takes like Kalu pork tacos or sandwiches topped with slaw, and they're popping up on a lot of menus and are so good. My pro tip is order a full Hawaiian plate lunch with Kalu pork poi, and mac salad for the full local experience. And if you're at a luo, head to the buffet line Early. Kalu pork is always the first thing to go. Now, if you wanna take things a step further into traditional Hawaiian food culture, let's talk about La la This dish is one of those super comforting, no frills Hawaiian classics that's all about flavor and tradition. La la is made by wrapping pork, chicken, or fish in layers of tarot leaves, and steaming it for hours until everything is melting your mouth tender. The tarot leaves get this rich, almost buttery texture, kind of like cooked spinach, but even more flavorful, and the meat inside just soaks up all that earthy goodness. Traditionally, LA la was cooked in an emu right alongside the Kalua pig, but today, most places steam it still. That flavor so good. It's usually served as part of a plate lunch with sides like poi, Lummi, salmon and rice. If you're on Oahu swing by Young's Fish Market, it's a local go-to for La la and they've got both pork and chicken versions over on the big island. Once again, super j's makes a killer, la la. And on Maui, check out poi by the pound for an authentic la la plate that'll have you licking your fingers. My pro tip is if you're unsure about the tarot leaves, don't let them scare you off. Think of them like slow braised greens, and if you're feeling bold, add a splash of chili pepper water on top. It brings out all the flavors with a spicy little kick. Hawaii's culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, blending traditional island ingredients with influences from all around the world. Let's dive into some local and fusion favorites that showcase this delicious diversity. Spam is a big deal in Hawaii, and spam musabi is a snack you can't miss. Picture this. A slice of grilled spam pushed to top a block of rice all wrapped together with a strip of nori, which is seaweed. It's like sushi's laid back cousin. You'll find it everywhere from convenience stores to food trucks. Seven 11 Hawaii is surprisingly renowned for their take, but for a wider variety, Musabi Cafe Ea Sume on Oahu offers creative twists on this local favorite. Whether you're heading to the beach or need a quick bite between adventures, spam Musabi is a perfect grab and go snack. When hunger strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a hardy plate Lunch. This quintessential Hawaiian meal typically includes two scoops of rice. A scoop of creamy macaroni salad, and a protein of your choice. Think teriyaki chicken, beef, kby ribs, or mahi mahi. It's a filling flavorful feast that won't break the bank. You can find plate lynches at numerous spots around the islands from small mom and pop shops to food trucks. Ol Hawaiian barbecue serves at these classic statewide while rainbow drive-in on Oahu and Mark's Place on Kauai are beloved for their unique local flavors. For the indecisive eater, a mixed plate offers multiple proteins on one plate because why Choose just one follow the enticing aroma of smokey grilled meat, and you'll likely find yourself at a Hulu HLI chicken stand. Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and cooked over an open flame. This chicken is continuously turned. Hli means turn in Hawaiian. To achieve that perfect char roadside vendors, especially along Maui's Hana Highway, serve up some of the best Hulu Hli chicken on Oahu. Mike's Hui Chicken on the North Shore is a must visit. Arrive early once they sell out, you're out of luck craving something warm and comforting. Simon is Hawaii's answer to ramen, a noodle soup influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino culinary traditions. A steaming bowl typically features thin noodles swimming in a light, yet flavorful broth, chopped with green onions, slices of spam, and fish cake. For an authentic experience, head to Shiro Simon Haven on Oahu or ura Simon on Kauai, both serving this beloved dish for decades. Even McDonald's in Hawaii offer Simon a testament to its deep rooted popularity. Brighten your plate with omi OMI salmon, a refreshing side dish that compliments many Hawaiian meals. This chilled salad combines salted salmon with diced tomatoes, onions, and green onions, resulting in a salsa like medley. That's both tangy and savory. It's a staple at luaus and often accompanies traditional dishes like Kalu Pork and poi, the name omi. OMI means to massage in Hawaiian. Referring to the traditional hand mixing method used to prepare this dish for a portable treat, man Pua hits a spot. These fluffy buns, reminiscent of Chinese B, are filled with savory or sweet fillings, such as chasu pork, curry chicken, or black sugar. They're a local favorite for quick snack or light meal. You can find them at convenience stores like seven 11 Hawaii or specialty bakeries such as Royal Kitchen on Oahu, whether you prefer them steamed or baked to a golden brown man. Pua is a tasty testament to Hawaii's multicultural culinary landscape. Alright, let's switch gears and talk about something that's near and dear to my heart. Dessert Hawaii knows how to do sweets, and whether you've got a full on sweet tooth or just want something iconic, this list is gonna make your taste buds very happy. Let's kick things off with one of Hawaii's most beloved treats Malasadas. These fluffy sugarcoated Portuguese donuts are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and downright addictive when they're fresh out of the fryer. If you're on Oahu, Leonard's bakery is the go-to spot. Yes, there will be a line, but trust me, it moves fast and it's totally worth it. They're open daily from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM and here's an insider tip. They now take phone orders for pickup if you order at least a dozen and give them an hour's notice if you're exploring the big island text drive-in and Hoka is legendary for their pillow weave. Malasadas. And on Oahu's quieter side pipeline bake shop in Kaimuki is a hidden gem with awesome flavors. They complain around a dollar 70 each, or filled with local favorites like Ha P, which is Coconut li Lacoy, which is passion, fruit, and even custard or chocolate at about$2 and 10 cents each. My advice. Grab a few varieties. You'll definitely want more than one. My pro tip. For a no weight experience, check out the Leonard's bakery food trucks around Oahu at shopping centers like Wale, Pearl Ridge, Windward Mall, and Coco Marina. They serve the same amazing malasadas without the big crowds. Next up is a creamy coconutty dream called How Pia, it's a traditional Hawaiian dessert that's kind of like a cross between pudding and gelatin. You'll often see it. You'll often see it served in square blocks at Luaus or on Hawaiian plate Lynches. One of the most famous ways to try Ha p is in chocolate ha pie from Ted's Bakery on Oahu's North Shore. Think silky chocolate and coconut layers nestled in a flaky crust. It's as decadent as it sounds. Some breakfast spots get creative and turn Hal Pia into pancake toppings while SHA ice stands. Drizzle it on for a tropical twist. And if you're a DIY type, Hal Pia is super simple to make at home with just coconut milk, sugar, and corn starch. My pro tip love coconut. Look for Hal Pia filled Mais adas, how Pia milkshakes, or even how Pia topped cakes while you're island hopping. Now let's talk about the ultimate Hawaiian refreshment shave ice. And no, it's not a snow cone. Hawaiian shave ice is so soft and fluffy, it practically melts in your mouth, and the syrup levels are next level. On Oahu head to Matsu. Motos in Hava, iconic, and totally worth the weight. They've been family owned since 1951 and still serve over 1000 servings daily with 40 plus flavors on Maui U Lui's is a fan favorite with tons of tropical flavors like mango, coconut, and passion fruit. And on Kauai wishing well Shave ice not only tastes amazing, but has that laid back surfer town vibe. We all love. Want to level it up? Locals love adding zuki beans, mochi balls, or a scoop of ice cream underneath it. And don't forget the snow cap. A drizzle with sweetened condensed milk on top that takes it from mm to whoa. My pro tip, feeling bold. As for leaking Moy powder, a salty sweet plum flavor sprinkled on top. It's a true local favorite. If you love Chewy, rich desserts, butter mochi is gonna be our new obsession. It's like if mochi and cake had a delicious baby. Made with sweet rice flour, coconut milk, and butter. It's slightly crispy on top and perfectly chewy. Inside you'll find butter, mochi and bakeries, local grocery stores, and at farmer's markets all over the islands On Oahu, li Bakery is a local favorite. While two ladies kitchen on the big island and Te Komodo store and bakery on Maui are known for their legendary mochi treats. Sometimes you'll find fun twists like chocolate ube or matcha butter mochi. And if you spot butter, mochi topped with Hal P. Grab it like immediately. My pro tip, if you love Bries or Chewy desserts, butter mochi is your jam. It pairs perfectly with a cup of Kona coffee for the ultimate island style treat. Break. Now that we've covered all these tasty eats, let's talk about what you'll want to sip on while you're soaking up the sun. Hawaii isn't just about the food. The drinks are a whole vibe too, and they're part of the island experience. First up, let's top coffee, because if you're a coffee lover, Kona coffee is gonna blow your mind. It's grown on the slopes of Hula la and Una Loa on the big island where rich volcanic soil and perfect climate conditions create a coffee that smooth, low acidity and full of flavor, think notes of chocolate nuttiness, and even a little fruitiness. It's like Hawaii in a cup. If you're on the big island, I highly recommend taking a tour at one of the local farms. Greenwell Farms and Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation are both fantastic. You'll get to walk through orchards, see the roasting process, and of course, sample the freshest brew straight from the source, not heading to the big island. No worries. You can still get a great cup on Oahu or Maui. Stop by Kona Coffee purveyors and Waikiki. The pastries there are amazing too. Or Island Vintage Coffee, which has multiple locations and serves 100% Kona. And here's the catch. When buying Kona Coffee, always read the label. Kona Blend might sound fancy, but it can be as little as 10% Kona beans. You want the real deal? Look for 100% cone of coffee on the label in my pro tip. Wanna bring some home? Go for the whole beans instead of ground to keep it fresh, longer. And if you fall in love with it, like I did, many farms offer subscriptions. So you can have Kona Coffee delivered right to your door even after your trip ends. Okay? Not a coffee person, no problem. Let's talk about one of the most iconic drinks in Hawaii, pog, which stands for Passion Orange and Guava Juice. It's fruity, tropical, and tastes just like vacation in a glass. Seriously, one sip and you'll feel like you're on the beach, even if you're just sitting at breakfast. You'll find pog everywhere from grocery store shelves and seven 11 fridges to hotel breakfast buffets. And if you're brunching, ask for a pog mimosa or even a tropical twist on a Mi Tai Mi Pro Tip is Hawaiian Airlines actually serves pog on their flights. So if you're flying with them, be sure to ask when the drink cart rolls by. And if you fall in love with it, grab a bottle from the store and toss it in your hotel fridge for those chill morning sips. And now the drink you've probably been waiting for. Let's talk about the Mi Thai. This is the Hawaiian cocktail you're gonna have, if you're gonna have one adult beverage on your trip, make it a mi Thai. It's rum based, tropical and often includes lime juice, orange liqueur, and or is that syrup? And depending on where you get it, you might get an extra hint of pineapple or passion. Fruit Monkey Pod Kitchen on Maui and Oahu is famous for theirs. It has this dreamy lilo coy foam on top that's tangy and creamy and ugh, just chef's kiss. Another great spot is Dukes and Waikiki. There's something magical about sipping a my tie with the sunset and the sound of the waves in the background. If you're heading to Kauai, check out Tahiti Noi and ha lei. It's got those chill old school island vibes, and on the big island lava. Lava Beach Club is right on the sand and you can sip with your toes in the ocean. My pro tip is always look for a dark rum float. It adds an extra layer of depth and that little kick that makes it extra memorable. And if you love it, try recreating it at home with a bottle of Khanna or old Laina Bram. And that wraps up my Hawaii food bucket list. Whether you're craving fresh poque, sweet malasadas, or a refreshing shave ice, Hawaii's food scene is unforgettable. Just remember some of these iconic spots get busy. Rainbow Drive-in now has three locations on Oahu to serve their famous plate lunches. Leonard's has those convenient malasada mobile trucks around the island, and places like Matsumoto are definitely worth the wait for that perfect shave ice experience. Want even more insider food recommendations? Check out my Hawaii travel guides and itineraries. They include all my favorite places to eat so you can experience Hawaii like a pro. I'll drop links in the show notes. If you love this episode, please subscribe and leave a review and share it with other fellow foodies. Mahalo for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode. Aloha.