Famous and traditional foods in Hawaii are rich in flavors and are a must-try while in Hawaii.

Hawaii is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine that blends together various cultural influences. One of the most famous and beloved foods in Hawaii is the plate lunch, which typically consists of the main protein (such as teriyaki chicken or kalua pork), two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad.

Other popular dishes in Hawaii include poke (marinated raw fish), spam musubi (grilled spam on top of rice, wrapped in seaweed), and shave ice (a dessert made of finely shaved ice and topped with sweet syrups and toppings). Additionally, Hawaii is also home to a variety of tropical fruits, such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, which are often used in local dishes and beverages.

 

The 25 Hawaii Famous Food

 

1. Plate lunch

traditional hawaiian food with sweet potato

Plate lunch is a popular meal in Hawaii that typically consists of the main protein (such as teriyaki chicken or kalua pork), two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1920s as a way for plantation workers to have a quick, filling, and portable meal. Plate lunches can be found at many local restaurants, food trucks, and markets in Hawaii. They are often served in a “to-go” style, with the ingredients arranged on a paper or Styrofoam plate and wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.

The main protein in a plate lunch can vary widely, but some standard options include teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, beef stew, fried chicken, and Mahi Mahi (a type of fish). The rice and macaroni salad are served in equal portions on the side of the main protein. Other sides may also be included, such as green salad or potato salad.

Plate lunches are popular with locals and tourists alike due to their convenience, affordability, and variety. They are a great way to try various local flavors and taste Hawaii’s diverse cuisine.

 

2. Poke

hawaiian food

Poke (pronounced “POH-keh”) is a traditional Hawaiian dish made of cubed raw fish (usually tuna) that is marinated in soy sauce and other seasonings. It is often served over rice and topped with a variety of ingredients, such as green onions, seaweed, and sesame seeds. There are many variations of poke, and the specific ingredients and seasonings can vary depending on the region and personal preference. In addition to tuna, other types of fish that are commonly used in poke include salmon, octopus, and shellfish.

 

3. Spam Musubi

traditional hawaiian foods

Spam musubi is a popular snack in Hawaii that consists of a slice of grilled spam on top of a block of rice wrapped in a strip of seaweed. It is believed to have originated in the 1940s when Spam became a popular protein among Hawaiians due to its low cost and long shelf life. Spam musubi can be found at many convenience stores, supermarkets, and snack stands in Hawaii. It is a portable and convenient snack popular among locals and tourists alike.

 

4. Shave Ice

declicious food

Shave ice is a popular Hawaiian dessert made of finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrups and other toppings such as fruit, ice cream, and azuki beans. It is a refreshing treat that is especially popular during hot weather. Shave ice can be found at many shave ice stands, ice cream shops, and other dessert establishments in Hawaii. The specific flavors and toppings can vary, but some common options include strawberry, mango, and green tea.

 

5. Saimin

hawaiian meal

Saimin is a type of noodle popular in Hawaii and has roots in both Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It is made of wheat flour and egg noodles that are served in a broth made of dashi (a type of Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, and other seasonings. It is often garnished with vegetables, meat, and fish cakes. Saimin is a popular comfort food in Hawaii and can be found at many local restaurants and noodle shops. It is often served with a side of broth for dipping.

 

6. Loco Moco

chicken long rice

A loco moco is a Hawaiian dish that consists of a burger patty served over rice, topped with an egg and gravy. It is a popular comfort food in Hawaii and is often served at diners and fast food restaurants. The origins of the loco moco are debated, but it is believed to have originated in the 1940s on the Big Island of Hawaii. In addition to the classic version with a burger patty, loco moco variations feature different proteins such as chicken, fish, or tofu.

 

7. Kalua Pork

hawaiian foods

Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish made of slow-roasted pork cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The pork is seasoned with salt and liquid smoke and is often served at luaus and other special events. Kalua pork is typically made from a pork shoulder rubbed with salt and wrapped in ti leaves (a tropical plant). It is then slow-roasted in the imu for several hours until it is tender and flavorful.

 

8. Teriyaki Chicken

hawaiian traditional food

Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish in Hawaii that consists of chicken marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings and then grilled or broiled. It is often served with rice and vegetables. Teriyaki chicken is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and can be found at many local restaurants and food trucks. It is a popular choice for takeout and is often served in a “to-go” style.

 

9. Laulau

delicious food

Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made of pork or fish wrapped in a taro leaf and steamed. The taro leaf imparts a unique flavor to the dish, and the finished product is usually tender and flavorful. Laulau is typically made with pork shoulder or butterfish, although other types of meat and fish can also be used. It is often served as a side dish with rice and other Hawaiian staples such as poi and Lomi Lomi salmon (a diced, salted salmon).

 

10. Poi

authentic hawaiian food

Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish of pounded taro root mixed with water to form a smooth, sticky consistency. It is a staple food in Hawaii and is often served as a side dish with meat or fish. Poi is made by peeling and boiling taro root until it is soft and then mashing it and mixing it with water until it reaches the desired consistency. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture.

 

11. Haupia

typical hawaiian food

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made of coconut milk and cornstarch set into a jelly-like consistency. It is often served at luaus and other special events and has a refreshing, coconutty flavor. Haupia is made by mixing coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch together and cooking it over low heat until it thickens and sets into a firm, jiggly consistency. It is then poured into a dish and chilled until firm.

 

12. Taro chips

hawaiian comfort food

Taro chips are a popular snack in Hawaii made from thinly sliced taro root fried or baked until crisp. They are often seasoned with salt or other flavorings and have a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. Taro is a starchy root vegetable that is native to Hawaii and is a staple in many traditional Hawaiian dishes. Taro chips can be found at many markets, and snack stands in Hawaii and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

 

13. Malasadas

hawaiian plate

Malasadas are a type of Portuguese doughnut that is popular in Hawaii. They are made of deep-fried dough coated in sugar and are often served warm. Malasadas have a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. They are a popular choice for breakfast or as a sweet treat and can be found at many bakeries and markets in Hawaii.

 

14. Pineapple upside-down cake

coconut pudding

Pineapple upside-down cake is a dessert that originated in the United States but has become a popular treat in Hawaii due to the abundance of pineapples on the islands. It consists of a layer of pineapple slices and maraschino cherries on the bottom of a cake pan, topped with a layer of cake batter, and baked. The finished cake is inverted, so the pineapple and cherries are on top. Pineapple upside-down cake is a popular choice for parties and special occasions in Hawaii and can be found at many bakeries and restaurants.

 

15. Haupia Pie

sweet potatoes

Haupia pie is a dessert that combines the flavors of haupia (a coconut milk-based dessert) and pie. It is made by spreading a layer of haupia filling over a baked pie crust and chilling it until set. Haupia pie is a popular choice for parties and special occasions in Hawaii and can be found at many bakeries and markets. It has a creamy, coconutty flavor and a soft, jiggly texture.

 

16. Macadamia Nut Pie

sweet maui onions

Macadamia nut pie is a dessert that is popular in Hawaii and features the state’s signature nut as the main ingredient. It is made by combining macadamia nuts, sugar, butter, and eggs in a pie crust and baking until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Macadamia nuts are native to Hawaii and are known for their rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture. Macadamia nut pie is a popular choice for special occasions and can be found at many bakeries and markets in Hawaii.

 

17. Coconut Bread

visit hawaii

Coconut bread is a type of bread popular in Hawaii and is made with coconut milk, coconut flakes, and sometimes coconut extract. It has a moist, fluffy texture and a subtle coconut flavor. Coconut bread is a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack and can be found at many bakeries and markets in Hawaii. It is often served toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese.

 

18. Chi Chi Dango

hawaiian plate lunch

Chi chi dango is a type of mochi (a type of Japanese rice cake) that is popular in Hawaii. It is made of sweet rice flour formed into small balls and often coated in a flavored powder. Chi chi dango has a chewy, slightly sweet texture and is often served as a snack or dessert. It can be found at many markets and Japanese stores in Hawaii.

 

19. Lilikoi (passionfruit) cheesecake

hawaiian style luau stew

Lilikoi (passionfruit) cheesecake is a popular dessert in Hawaii and combines the tangy flavor of passionfruit with the richness of the cheesecake. It is made by adding passionfruit puree or concentrate to a traditional cheesecake filling and baking it in a crust. Lilikoi cheesecake has a creamy, tangy flavor and a smooth, silky texture. It is a popular choice for special occasions and can be found at many bakeries and restaurants in Hawaii.

 

20. Kona Coffee

hawaiian version

Kona coffee is a type of coffee grown on the slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is known for its smooth, rich flavor and is considered one of the highest-quality coffees in the world. Kona coffee is made from Arabica coffee beans that are grown in the Kona district’s rich, volcanic soil. It is carefully hand-picked and processed to ensure the highest quality. Kona coffee is a popular choice among coffee connoisseurs and can be found at many coffee shops and specialty stores in Hawaii.

 

21. Lomi Lomi Salmon

purple sweet potato

Lomi Lomi salmon is a traditional Hawaiian dish made of diced, salted salmon mixed with tomatoes, onions, and green onions. It is often served as a dish with poi and other Hawaiian staples. Lomi Lomi salmon is believed to have originated in the early days of Hawaiian history when salt was a scarce and valuable commodity. It is made by mixing diced, salted salmon with diced tomatoes and onions and tossing the mixture together until the flavors are well combined. The finished dish has a refreshing, tangy flavor and a soft, moist texture.

 

22. Huli Huli Chicken

fried egg shoyu chicken

Huli Huli chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish made of grilled chicken that is basted with a sweet and tangy Huli Huli sauce. The sauce is made of soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and other seasonings. Huli Huli chicken gets its name from the Hawaiian word “huli,” which means “to turn.” It is traditionally cooked on a spit and turned frequently to ensure even cooking and a crispy, caramelized exterior. The finished dish has a sweet, savory flavor and a tender, juicy texture.

 

23. Paiai

hawaiian meals

Paiai is a type of pounded taro root that is similar to poi but is made from taro that has not been thoroughly cooked. It has a firmer, more toothsome texture than poi and is often served as a side dish with laulau and other Hawaiian staples. Paiai is made by pounding taro root with a wooden pestle until it reaches the desired consistency. It has a starchy, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture.

 

24. Haupia Ice Cream

raw salmon

Haupia ice cream is a popular Hawaiian dessert made with coconut milk and cornstarch, similar to haupia, but in ice cream form. It has a creamy, coconutty flavor and a smooth, rich texture. Haupia ice cream combines coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch and cooks it over low heat until it thickens. The mixture is then cooled and churned in an ice cream maker until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. It can be served as is, or frozen until firm and scooped like traditional ice cream.

 

25. Hawaiian Barbecue

delicious foods

Hawaiian barbecue is a type of barbecue popular in Hawaii. It is typically made with marinated meats such as teriyaki chicken or kalua pork, grilled over high heat, and served with rice and macaroni salad. Hawaiian barbecue can be found at many local restaurants and food trucks in Hawaii. The marinades and seasonings used can vary, but they often include soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The finished dish has a savory, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, juicy texture.

 

WRAP UP

Hawaii is home to a diverse and delicious cuisine influenced by various cultures, including Hawaiian, Asian, and European. Some of the most famous dishes in Hawaii include plate lunch, poke, spam musubi, shave ice, and saimin, to name a few. These dishes are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike and are a great way to experience the unique flavors of Hawaii.

Other popular Hawaiian dishes include loco moco, kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, laulau, poi, and haupia, to name a few. These dishes showcase the diverse ingredients and cooking techniques used in Hawaiian cuisine and offer a taste of the local culture.