Food & Drink

Eat like a local in Hawaii

Hawaiian food is a delicious fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and American traditions — and the best versions are rarely in tourist restaurants.

Must-try

The dishes you shouldn't miss

Two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein — kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, or loco moco. The working person's feast.

Fresh cubed raw fish with soy, sesame, and seaweed. Get it at a grocery store or fish market for the freshest, cheapest version.

Finely shaved ice with tropical syrups and a scoop of ice cream. A must on a hot day — try it with mochi balls.

Where to eat

Chinatown Honolulu, plate lunch shops, and the North Shore food trucks. Poke from a fish market near the harbor.

Paia's food trucks, Kihei's fish markets, and upcountry farm stands. Try a fresh lilikoi (passionfruit) treat.

Kona coffee, Hilo's farmers market, and paniolo (cowboy) beef in Waimea. Malasadas in Hilo.

Hanalei's poke and shave ice, Kapaa's farmers markets, and the island's famous fish tacos.

Small family-run stands and the best homemade banana bread on the island.

Lanai City's small cafes and the fine dining at the Four Seasons resorts.

Drink & farm

Hawaii is the only US state that grows commercial coffee — and its farms, orchards, and ranches feed some of the best restaurants in the Pacific.

Kona coffee (Big Island): visit a farm for a tasting and buy direct.
Farm tours: chocolate, vanilla, pineapple, and macadamia farms across the islands.
Farmers markets: Hilo, Kapaa, and Kakaako (Oahu) are among the best.
Farm-to-table: many top restaurants source from local ranches and fisheries — ask where the food comes from.

Farmers markets are the best way to taste the islands — and support local growers.