Discover the best of Hawaiian cuisine here

With Polynesian roots, American influence and a great contribution from Asian immigration, Hawaiian cuisine is the result of the fusion of the different cultures that arrived on the islands throughout history. Explore its flavors and discover the best of Hawaiian cuisine here.

What do they eat in Hawaii?

The freshness of local agricultural products, the abundance of fishing and the diversity of culinary cultures that nourish it will make Hawaiian cuisine a feast for your senses. What identifies Hawaiian food is the presence of tropical and fresh flavors such as coconut, lime, ginger and mint.

One of the most famous dishes in Hawaii is the poke bowl, a salad containing raw fish marinated in sesame oil and soy sauce combined with seaweed, onion, avocado and other fresh vegetables.

It is a recipe originating from the native peoples that has been updated over time and that is why today it is usually accompanied with rice, a product that arrived with Asian immigration.

Other very popular foods in Hawaii are kalua pig (pork cooked slowly in artisan ovens), loco moco (a hamburger on white rice with a fried egg and a meat-based sauce), lau lau (slow-cooked pork or fish wrapped in luau leaves) and poi (liquid food made from taro roots).

Cultural influences of Hawaiian cuisine

We could say that gastronomy in Hawaii is a mixture of knowledge that came from different parts of the world. In typical Hawaiian dishes you will find ingredients and recipes from the ancient Polynesian inhabitants but also from all the immigrants who arrived in the different historical processes.

The annexation to the United States also brought the appearance of new inhabitants (mostly from China, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal and Puerto Rico) who arrived on the islands as laborers. These people, who had their own culinary traditions, enriched Hawaiian food with new flavors.

Thanks to the enormous diversity of cultures that inhabited the archipelago, you will find in Hawaii a variety and fusion of flavors that will surprise you.

Hawaiian street food

In the cities of Hawaii you will discover that there are very good street food options with stalls and food trucks that offer a good variety of dishes at affordable prices. From traditional poke bowls, kalua pig and kalbi ribs in the Hawaiian style to appetizing hamburgers like in the classic American chains.

A good opportunity to enjoy the best street food in Hawaii is if you attend one of the unmissable festivals celebrated in the archipelago. Events such as the Honolulu Festival or the Aloha Festivals have a wide range of food stands selling delicious preparations and classic tiki cocktails.

Haute cuisine in Hawaii

The freshness of the raw materials and the rich mix of cultures that Hawaii has has made important chefs from around the world choose it as the place to develop their art. You will find luxurious restaurants with sea views, small boutiques of local chefs and the best of Hawaiian flavors in magnificent signature dishes.

If you want to live an authentic gastronomic experience you cannot miss visiting the renowned elite restaurants on the island. Here are our top 10 recommendations for enjoying the best of the Hawaiian culinary scene:

1. La Mer: An elegant restaurant with ocean views located in the Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu that offers French food with touches of Hawaiian tradition. Reservations are required in advance.
2. Mama’s Fish House: Located in Paia, north of Maui, this restaurant specializes in fish and seafood. Reservations are required.
3. Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club: In the northwest of the Big Island, this gastronomic establishment has a relaxed beach atmosphere that prepares traditional Hawaiian and American dishes. Reservations are not required.
4. Hoku’s: A refined dining experience with views of the Pacific that combines French haute cuisine with local products. It is close to Kahala Beach and reservations are recommended.
5. Senia: With minimalist presentations and a cozy atmosphere, this restaurant fuses modern American food with local ingredients. It is in Honolulu and reservations are required.
6. Spago: Located in the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui, Spago is an upmarket restaurant where you can find Kaluga caviar and seafood risotto, among other delicacies. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
7. 53 by the sea: With wonderful views of the sea, this restaurant is located in Honolulu and offers delicious seafood dishes, including tuna tartar and coconut curry. Reservations are recommended for lunch or dinner.
8. La Vie: Also located in Honolulu, it is inspired by traditional Hawaiian food to offer remakes of dishes with fresh, high-quality products. Reservations are accepted.
9. ULU Ocean Grill: Located in Kailua Kona, west of Hawaii Island, this restaurant offers fresh local products in outstanding Hawaiian preparations such as Ulu Bao Bans and Ahi Tuna Poke. Reservations are accepted.
10. Merryman’s: Located in Kamuela, Honolulu, it is a good place to try magnificently executed typical dishes. It is located in Waimea, on the Big Island, and it is recommended to make reservations for both lunch and dinner.

With multiple options for all palates and a variety of prices, the most select gastronomy in Hawaii adapts to all its visitors. Go ahead and discover new flavors and consult our We Travel USA experts to help you plan a dream trip.