what to eat in honolulu: a foodie’s guide to local flavor
From fresh poke bowls to malasadas, here’s what (and where) to eat in Hawaii’s vibrant capital
If you’re heading to Honolulu, come hungry — because this city is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and coastal flavors that will surprise and delight you at every turn.
Honolulu isn’t just about sunshine and surf — it’s also a paradise for food lovers, blending Native Hawaiian traditions, Japanese and Filipino influences, and fresh island ingredients into something entirely its own.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more aloha, here’s what to eat in Honolulu, plus where to find it for a truly delicious trip.
1. Poke Bowls
What it is: Cubed raw fish (usually ahi tuna or salmon) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other flavorful additions, served over rice or greens.
Where to try it:
- Ono Seafood – Often called the best poke in town. Fresh, fast, and no-frills.
- Maguro Brothers – Tucked inside a Chinatown fish market. Super fresh and flavorful.
- Foodland – Yes, the local grocery store! Their poke counter is a local favorite, and they have numerous varieties of poke, including chicken as well as fish.
📝 Tip: Order a “shoyu ahi” or “spicy tuna” bowl with avocado on top for extra indulgence.
2. Loco Moco
What it is: A true comfort food — white rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and smothered in rich brown gravy.
Where to try it:
- Rainbow Drive-In – A local institution. Classic, no-frills, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food – A James Beard award winner, great for local plates.
- Liliha Bakery – Try their loco moco with a side of famous butter rolls.
📝 Tip: Great after a long beach day or before a hike.
3. Malasadas
What it is: Portuguese-style fried doughnuts, often rolled in sugar and filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical flavors.
Where to try it:
- Leonard’s Bakery – The most famous malasadas on the island. Expect a line, but it’s worth the wait.
- Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery – Creative flavors and ice cream too!
📝 Tip: Try the li hing mui (salty-sweet plum) sugar coating for a local twist.
4. Fresh Island Fruit
What it is: Juicy pineapple, mango, papaya, guava, lychee, and dragonfruit — grown locally and bursting with flavor.
Where to try it:
- KCC Farmers Market (Saturdays) – Sample fruit and fresh smoothies from local farms.
- Ala Moana Foodland – Their produce section is a tropical dream.
- Shave Ice stands – Many top it with fresh fruit or purées.
📝 Tip: Try fruit with a sprinkle of li hing powder or chili-lime salt like locals do!
5. Shave Ice
What it is: Hawaii’s version of a snow cone — ice shaved ultra-fine and topped with flavored syrups, condensed milk, mochi, and even ice cream.
Where to try it:
- Waiola Shave Ice – Legendary. Super fine texture and classic syrups.
- Island Vintage Shave Ice – Fancy versions with fresh fruit and lilikoi drizzle.
- Monsarrat Shave Ice – Great near Waikiki, often less crowded.
📝 Tip: Order it with a scoop of vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream underneath!
6. Plate Lunch
What it is: A local-style lunch plate with two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein like chicken katsu, kalua pork, or teriyaki beef.
Where to try it:
- L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – A local chain with consistently good plates.
- Highway Inn – A step above, with traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau.
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food – Classic and authentic.
📝 Tip: The mac salad might seem odd at first — but it’s creamy, nostalgic, and addictive.
7. Garlic Shrimp
What it is: Shrimp sautéed in buttery garlic sauce, usually served over rice with lemon and sometimes pineapple or slaw.
Where to try it:
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – Famous on the North Shore, but sometimes appears in town.
- Blue Water Shrimp & Seafood Market (Waikiki) – Great for a beachside fix.
- Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha – Shrimp + aloha = yes, please.
📝 Tip: Get extra garlic sauce and plenty of napkins — this is finger-licking good.
8. Hawaiian Coffee & Breakfast
What it is: Locally grown beans (especially Kona coffee) served in strong brews and breakfast cafés throughout Honolulu.
Where to try it:
- Island Vintage Coffee – Strong coffee, amazing acai bowls, and beautiful Waikiki views.
- Kona Coffee Purveyors at The International Market Place – Amazing pastries and specialty coffees.
- Arvo Café (in Kaka‘ako) – Trendy, Aussie-style café with aloha vibes.
📝 Tip: Try a Hawaiian latte or cold brew with coconut milk for a local twist.
Bonus: Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Honolulu is a great place for plant-based food lovers!
Try:
- ‘Ai Love Nalo – Plant-based Hawaiian food with a wellness twist
- Peace Café – Local vegan hotspot
- Juicy Brew – Creative, flavorful vegan dishes using island-grown produce
Final Tips for Eating in Honolulu
- Go early or off-peak for popular spots (especially Leonard’s or poke shops)
- Don’t miss the farmers markets — KCC Saturday Market is a must!
- Embrace the plate lunch culture — it’s fast, filling, and super local
- Be adventurous! Try li hing, poi, or taro-based dishes for a real taste of tradition
Final Thoughts
Honolulu is more than beaches and surfboards — it’s a city full of flavor, where cultures collide and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re slurping down poke by the sea, biting into a hot malasada, or cooling off with shave ice under a palm tree, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with Hawaii’s food culture.
Just come hungry — and maybe pack some stretchy pants. 🌺
Have you eaten your way through Honolulu?
Share your must-try dishes in the comments — or tag me @abiteabroad so I can see your foodie finds!