Practical travel guide for Honolulu, United States
Food Guide in Honolulu
Hawaiian Cuisine & Dining Guide
Must-Try Hawaiian Dishes:
Poke (POH-kay): Raw fish (usually ahi tuna) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. Best at: Ono Seafood, Foodland Farms poke bar, Maguro Brothers.
Plate Lunch: Local comfort food consisting of two scoops rice, macaroni salad, and protein (kalua pig, chicken katsu, teriyaki beef). Best at: Rainbow Drive-In, Ono Hawaiian Foods, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.
Kalua Pig: Pork slow-cooked in underground imu oven, shredded and smoky. Traditionally served at luaus or plate lunch spots.
Loco Moco: Rice topped with hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. Hearty breakfast/lunch dish. Best at: Liliha Bakery (24/7), Rainbow Drive-In.
Spam Musubi: Slice of grilled Spam on rice wrapped in nori seaweed. Ubiquitous convenience food found at ABC Stores, 7-Eleven, supermarkets.
Haupia: Coconut milk-based dessert, similar to pudding. Often found at luaus or as pie filling at Ted's Bakery.
Malasadas: Portuguese fried dough similar to donuts, often filled with custard or haupia. Best at: Leonard's Bakery (the original since 1952).
Shave Ice: Finely shaved ice with flavored syrups (not snow cone). Add ice cream and azuki beans for deluxe version. Best at: Matsumoto's (North Shore), Waiola Shave Ice, Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha.
Laulau: Pork and fish wrapped in taro and ti leaves, steamed until tender. Traditional Hawaiian dish at Helena's Hawaiian Food (James Beard Award winner).
Poi: Mashed taro root, traditional Hawaiian staple. Acquired taste with slightly sour flavor. Try at Highway Inn or Helena's Hawaiian Food.
Seafood Specialties:
Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna): Served as poke, sashimi, or seared. Ultra-fresh at fish markets and poke shops.
Ono (Wahoo): Mild white fish, excellent grilled or fried. Restaurant favorite.
Mahi-Mahi: Sweet, firm fish perfect for grilling or fish tacos.
Garlic Shrimp: North Shore specialty. Best at: Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Fumi's Kahuku Shrimp.
Opihi: Hawaiian limpets (shellfish), considered delicacy. Try at traditional Hawaiian restaurants.
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites:
Acai Bowls: Brazilian superfood bowls topped with granola, fruit, honey. Popular post-surf meal. Best at: Diamond Head Cove Health Bar, Haleiwa Bowls.
Pancakes with Mac Nut Sauce: Pancakes topped with macadamia nut syrup. Best at: Boots & Kimo's (Kailua), Bills Waikiki.
Portuguese Sausage & Eggs: Spicy linguiça sausage with rice and eggs. Local breakfast staple at diners.
Budget-Friendly Dining:
Food Trucks: Authentic and affordable. Concentrations at Kam Bowl (food truck row), various beaches. Expect $10-15 per meal.
Sushi Sho: Omakase-style Japanese sushi, intimate setting. $$$$$
Dining Tips & Etiquette:
Reservations: Essential for popular restaurants, especially during peak season. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for fine dining, 3-5 days for casual spots.
Tipping: 18-20% standard for good service, 15% minimum. Some restaurants add automatic gratuity for large parties.
BYOB: Some restaurants allow bringing your own wine (corkage fee $15-30). Confirm when booking.
Happy Hour: Many restaurants offer discounted pupus (appetizers) and drinks 3-6 PM. Great way to try expensive restaurants affordably.
Local vs Tourist Pricing: Restaurants in Waikiki charge premium prices. Drive to residential neighborhoods (Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Kailua) for better value.
Food Allergies: Most restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions. Inform server of allergies/preferences when ordering.
Dress Code: Most restaurants are casual (island casual = aloha shirt, nice shorts). Fine dining may require collared shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes.
Local Beverages:
Kona Coffee: Premium Hawaiian coffee from Big Island. Order at breakfast spots and cafés.
POG Juice: Passion fruit-Orange-Guava blend. Hawaiian classic available everywhere.
Mai Tai: Rum cocktail supposedly invented in Hawaii. Try at House Without A Key or Duke's.