A Foodie’s Guide to Hawaii

Hawaii will forever be one of my favorite travel destinations, and much of that is attributed to the food. From tropical treats to smoky bbq, Hawaii has a range of delicious dishes suited for any adventurer. For the foodies, here’s a guide to the top dishes you should try on your trip to the island paradise.

The Sunrise Shack

Located on Hawaii’s North Shore, the Sunrise Shack is the number one recommendation of my foodie’s guide. With a variety of smoothies and bowls, the Sunrise Shack is the perfect option for a tropical breakfast right on the beach.

I’ve tried the monkey bowl and the tropical bowl and highly recommend them both. For those looking for a bit of a heavier bite to start their day, look no further than the monkey bowl. A classic spin on the peanut-butter banana combo, the monkey bowl is topped with banana, peanut butter, coconut flakes, and chocolate almonds with a peanut butter and banana smoothie base.

The tropical bowl lies a bit on the lighter side and is the perfect way to start a day on the beach. With a base of a mango, pineapple, and banana smoothie, the bowl is topped with fresh pineapple, pitaya sauce, granola, coconut flakes, and honey. The only way to describe it is a burst of fresh tropical flavor leaving you refreshed and energized for your day in the North Shore.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Yes, the famous garlic shrimp has made it’s way to the foodie’s guide. With locations in Kahuku and Haleiwa, Giovanni’s has become famous for it’s decadent, juicy jumbo garlic shrimp served with rice and heaps of garlic butter. For a taste of the ocean packed with spice and garlicky-goodness, make sure to stop by.

Liliha Bakery

A bakery with locations across Honolulu, Liliha Bakery is the way I start my foodie adventure every time in Hawaii. Though I’ve tried an assortment of treats from the original Liliha on Kuakini Street in Honolulu, including the Guava roll, maple bacon donut, and eclairs, my absolute favorite is the Liliha coco puff. Filled with a rich chocolate cream and topped with macadamia Chantilly frosting, Liliha bakery has become famed for its coco puffs, and they’re a treat craved every trip to the island.

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Located in the town of Haleiwa, Hawaii, Matsumoto Shave Ice is a fun stop for the whole family to enjoy a cool, tropical treat in the midst of your travel day. With lines wrapping around the corner, Matsumoto’s is one of the most famous shave ice spots in Hawaii, but trust me, it’s well worth the wait. With flavors ranging from classic rainbow to signatures such as the lemon, blue pineapple, and coconut combo, Matsumoto’s has a range of flavors suited to any adventurer.

Kalua Pork

A luau and backyard bbq favorite, kalua pork is my top savory dish I’ve had while in Hawaii. Traditionally cooked in an earth oven, kalua pork is one of Hawaii’s most traditional dishes, simply made with pork roast and Hawaiian sea salt, and is often served with accompanying classics such as poi, mac salad, cabbage, and rice. To learn more about the traditional preparation, click here.

Rainbow Drive-In

Rainbow Drive-In is one of the most iconic spots to get classic Hawaiian-style plate lunches such as loco moco. Though simple in nature, composed of hamburger patties topped with eggs and gravy, all on top of a scoop of rice with a side of classic mac salad, loco moco is the perfect dish to rejuvenate after a long day away. The epitome of Hawaiian comfort, Rainbow Drive-In is a must stop destination.

McDonald’s – Haupia Pies

Okay, okay. I know that you can get McDonald’s anywhere. And while I’m not the biggest fast-food fan, I always love visiting local McDonald’s on my travels to see the different dishes catered to certain cultures of the destination. And in this case, McDonald’s has one of the best quick Hawaiian sweet treats: the fried haupia pie. Filled with a creamy haupia (coconut) pudding, the pie is fried to a flaky crisp, but not too sweet, leaving room for plenty more Hawaiian delicacies for the day.

Ube Tarts (Really Ube Anything, It’s That Good)

A popular purple yam having just a tint of earthy sweetness, ube is one of the most widely used ingredients in Hawaii, with restaurants popping up that only feature dishes made with the vibrant veggie. To get a taste of ube as the star of a sweet treat, stop by Ubae bakery! Located in Honoulu, Ubae bakery has repeatedly been voted as Hawaii’s best ube, and is home to one of the best desserts I’ve ever had on my travels … the ube tart. A rich, nutty ube cheesecake sitting on top of a buttery shortbread tart shell, the dish is simply a must-try on your stop.

Spam Musubi

When crafting a foodie’s guide to Hawaii, spam has to make it on the list eventually, as it’s a household Hawaiian staple. If you’re looking for a more authentic way to try to delicacy that’s also perfect for a picnic or lunch on the go, look no further than spam musubi. Consisting of rice topped with marinated spam, all wrapped in Nori, spam musubi is a classic Hawaiian dish that’s worth the try. Often found at local 7-Elevens, spam musubi can be found all across the state as a local’s favorite.

Marugame Udon

Located in the heart of Waikiki, Marugame Udon is one of the more unique recommendations on the list, and is known for (you guessed it), it’s udon bowls. With a variety of broths and toppings to choose from, Marugame Udon is a great stop to experience handcrafted cuisine.

Manapua

An adaptation of the Chinese classic, Manapua comes in a variety of flavors, and is essentially filling wrapped in a steamed bun, with flavors such as pork, curry chicken, coconut, and sweet potato. Char Hung Sut in Chinatown is one of the top manapua restaurants in Hawaii, with a variety of flavors steeped in tradition. Whether you’re looking to grab a few for a savory lunch or try one for a quick on-the-go snack, be sure to add this local favorite to your foodie list.

Though there are so many dishes you simply have to try in Hawaii, these are some of my personal favorites and must-try’s. If you have any questions about any of these foodie recommendations, be sure to visit our travel questions page. Any recommendations on restaurants and dishes to try next time? Let us known in the recommend an adventure form!