What to Eat in Hawaii: The Ultimate Oahu Food Bucket List

Aloha and welcome to the islands! If you are planning a trip to Oahu, you’ve probably already packed your swimsuit and sunscreen. But have you packed your appetite?

Hawaii is a true melting pot of cultures—a blend of Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino, and American influences. This diversity has created a culinary scene that you literally cannot find anywhere else in the world. But with so many options, visitors often ask: "What to eat in Hawaii?" or "What is the must try food in Hawaii?"

Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your personal Oahu food bucket list, curated by your friends at Waikiki Resort Hotel. From fine dining to "hole-in-the-wall" local favorites, here is the guide to eating like a local.

Local Tip: Before you dive into this list, remember that the best food days start with a solid foundation. When you book your stay directly with Waikiki Resort Hotel, you receive a complimentary breakfast daily at our beloved Ilima Café. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before hitting the food trail!

 

A Local’s Guide: Best Food & Drinks to Try on Your Hawaii Vacation

 

Classic Hawaiian Dishes

If you are wondering, "What is the most eaten food in Hawaii?", the answer usually involves fresh ocean catches or hearty comfort food served with rice. Here are the essentials.

Poke (Poh-kay)

You might have had "poke bowls" on the mainland, but nothing compares to the real thing in Hawaii. Authentic poke is cubes of fresh raw fish (usually Ahi tuna) marinated in shoyu (soy sauce), sesame oil, sea salt, and onions.

  • How to order: Try the "Shoyu Poke" for the classic taste, or "Spicy Ahi" for a creamy kick. If you’re adventurous, try "Limu" (seaweed) or "Tako" (octopus).
  • Where to find it: You don’t need a fancy restaurant. One of the best spots on the island, Maguro Spot, is just a 4-minute walk from our hotel lobby on Kuhio Avenue.

 

Loco Moco

This is the heavyweight champion of Hawaiian comfort food. It consists of a bed of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered in rich brown gravy. It’s savory, filling, and "ono" (delicious).

Insider Note: You don’t have to travel far for a great one. The Loco Moco at our very own Ilima Café is a guest favorite—perfect for a late breakfast or lunch.

 

Kalua Pork

The centerpiece of any Luau, Kalua Pork is salted pork that has been slow-cooked in an underground oven (called an imu) until it’s smoky and shreds effortlessly.

How to eat it: It’s often served with steamed cabbage and rice. The smoky flavor is unique to the islands.

 

Garlic Shrimp

Famous on the North Shore of Oahu, this dish features plump, fresh shrimp sautéed in massive amounts of butter and chopped garlic.

Local Tip: If you aren't renting a car to drive to the North Shore, don't worry. There are several great shrimp trucks and spots right here in Waikiki that serve this top 10 Hawaiian food staple.

 

On-the-Go "Grinds": Best Snacks & Cheap Eats

Not every meal needs to be a sit-down affair. Some of the best items on your Oahu food bucket list are cheap, portable, and found in convenience stores.

 

Spam Musubi

We know what you’re thinking. Spam? Yes! In Hawaii, Spam is a beloved cultural icon. A Spam Musubi is a block of rice topped with a slice of grilled (and usually glazed) Spam, wrapped in a strip of nori (seaweed).

  • Why try it: It’s the perfect salty-sweet snack for the beach.
  • Where to go: You are in luck. Musubi Cafe Iyasume, arguably the most famous musubi shop in Waikiki, is located at 2460 Koa Ave—literally a 3-minute walk from Waikiki Resort Hotel.

 

Manapua

Hawaii’s version of the Chinese bao bun. These are large, fluffy steamed white buns filled with sweet char siu (BBQ pork). They are cheap, filling, and easy to carry while walking down Kalakaua Avenue.

 

The Sweet Stuff: Desserts You Can't Miss

 

Shave Ice (Not "Shaved" Ice)

Whatever you do, don't call it a snow cone! Hawaiian Shave Ice is shaved so fine it has the texture of fresh snow, allowing the tropical syrups (guava, passion fruit, pineapple) to absorb completely.

Pro Tip: Order it with a "Snow Cap" (condensed milk drizzled on top) and a scoop of vanilla ice cream hidden at the bottom.

 

Malasadas

Originally brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, these are hole-less doughnuts, deep-fried until golden and rolled in sugar. They are best eaten hot and fresh.

The Legend: Leonard’s Bakery is famous for these, but be prepared for a line!

 

Start Your Day Right at Ilima Café

Exploring the food scene takes energy, and we want to make sure you start your day the right way.

Located conveniently in the lobby of the Waikiki Resort Hotel, Ilima Café offers a blend of American breakfast classics and local favorites. Whether you want fluffy buttermilk pancakes, eggs benedict, or a quick papaya boat, we have you covered.

The Best Deal in Waikiki: When you book your room directly through our website, you receive a complimentary breakfast for two every single morning of your stay. Why pay for breakfast elsewhere when you can enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal right at home before heading out to paradise?
 

FAQ: Quick Guide to Eating in Hawaii

(Here are the quick answers for your vacation planning!)

Q: What is the must try food in Hawaii?

A: If you only try one thing, make it Poke. It utilizes the fresh fish available in our waters and represents the unique Asian-Polynesian flavor profile of the islands.

Q: What is the most eaten food in Hawaii?

A: Rice is the staple of almost every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). In terms of specific dishes, Spam Musubi and Plate Lunches (meat + rice + macaroni salad) are common daily meals for locals.

Q: What are the Top 10 Hawaiian foods for a beginner?

A: Here is your checklist:

  1. Poke
  2. Loco Moco
  3. Kalua Pig
  4. Spam Musubi
  5. Shave Ice
  6. Malasadas
  7. Garlic Shrimp
  8. Manapua
  9. Saimin (noodle soup)
  10. Haupia (coconut pudding).
     

Ready to Taste the Islands?

Hawaii is a place where food is more than just fuel. It’s how we share love and hospitality. We hope this list helps you navigate the incredible flavors of Oahu.

From the convenient, delicious bites at Ilima Café to the fresh Poke spots just steps from our front door, Waikiki Resort Hotel places you right in the center of the culinary action. Also check out these vegetarian restaurants and where you can dine in with a view of the ocean. 

Are you ready to eat your way through paradise?