9 Ways Tourists Embarrass Themselves Ordering Food in Hawaii (Avoid This)

Look, I've lived on Oahu for over 30 years now, and I've traveled to every single Hawaiian island more times than I can count. I'm not a tour guide – I'm just someone who loves our islands and the incredible food culture here. Every time I'm in line at a local plate lunch spot or grabbing shave ice in Haleiwa, I see the same mistakes happening. Let me help you avoid these cringeworthy moments so you can eat like you belong here.

Saying Pokee Instead of Pokey

This one makes me wince every single time. You walk into a poke shop and confidently order “po-kee” like you're poking someone with your finger. The correct pronunciation is “po-kay” – two syllables, simple as that.

I was standing behind a couple at Ono Seafood on Kapahulu Avenue last month. The place was packed with locals getting their afternoon poke fix. This guy walks up and says, “I'll take a pound of your spicy AH-hee po-kee.” The worker behind the counter didn't even blink – she's heard it a thousand times. But I saw a few local aunties exchange knowing glances.

Here's the thing… mispronouncing food names isn't the end of the world. Nobody's going to kick you out. But when you say it right, you show respect for the culture. Plus, the staff will probably give you better recommendations when they realize you've done your homework.

Pro tip: It's “AH-hee” for ahi tuna, not “ah-HEE.” The emphasis matters in Hawaiian pronunciation.

The traditional Hawaiian poke is just cubed raw fish with sea salt, limu (seaweed), and inamona (roasted kukui nut). What do you see on the mainland with all those crazy toppings? That's a completely different animal. Real poke doesn't need a bed of quinoa or mango chunks.

Ordering Shaved Ice Like a Mainlander

This one's huge. If you walk up to Matsumoto's in Haleiwa and ask for “shaved ice,” you've just announced to everyone in line that you're fresh off the plane.

It's shave ice – no D at the end. Not “shaved” like you're talking about your beard. Just “shave ice.” The texture is completely different from mainland snow cones, too. Hawaiian shave ice is finely shaved into a fluffy, snow-like consistency that absorbs the syrup perfectly.

I remember taking my mainland cousin to Waiola Shave Ice in Kapahulu for the first time. She kept calling it a “snow cone” and asking why people were so obsessed with it. Then she took her first bite of that impossibly fine ice with the lilikoi syrup soaking through… her eyes went wide. “Oh,” she said. “OHHH. This is completely different.”

Pro tip: Order with ice cream and azuki beans on the bottom. That's the local way. The melted ice cream mixes with the syrup and creates this amazing flavor at the bottom of the cup.

The Japanese immigrants who came to Hawaii during the plantation era brought this treat with them in the late 1800s. What started as workers shaving ice by hand from large blocks became an island institution.

Not Understanding Plate Lunch Portions

Here's where tourists really show their inexperience. You order a plate lunch and when it arrives, you ask, “Can I get that with just one scoop of rice instead?”

A proper Hawaiian plate lunch comes with two scoops of rice and one scoop of mac salad. That's the format. That's how it's been for decades. The portions are generous because plate lunches were originally designed for plantation workers who needed serious fuel for physical labor.

The mac salad isn't optional either – it's an essential component that balances the whole meal. When you mix a little bit of that creamy, slightly tangy mac salad with your rice and your meat, that's when the magic happens.

I've watched tourists at Rainbow Drive-In complain that the portions are “too big” or try to order everything separately. That's like going to a burger joint and asking them to deconstruct your hamburger. You're missing the entire point of the meal.

Pro tip: If you're not that hungry, order a mini plate lunch. Most places offer them with one scoop of rice. But don't try to customize the standard plate – you'll just confuse everyone.

The smell of teriyaki chicken or kalua pork mixing with that steam rising from fresh rice… that's what local lunch smells like. It's comfort food that tells the story of Hawaii's multicultural plantation history.

Making a Scene About Substitutions

I get it. You don't like mushrooms. You prefer brown rice. You want extra sauce on the side. But Hawaii restaurants – especially local spots – aren't always set up for endless customization.

At higher-end places or fusion restaurants, sure, they might accommodate. But when you're at a beloved hole-in-the-wall that's been making the same dishes the same way for 40 years, asking for five substitutions comes across as disrespectful to the chef's expertise.

There's a massive difference between mentioning a food allergy (which any restaurant should accommodate) and just being picky. Food allergies are completely valid reasons for substitutions. Not liking cilantro because you think it tastes like soap? Less valid.

Pro tip: If you need substitutions, ask politely and accept “no” gracefully. Phrase it as a question: “Is it possible to get this without onions?” instead of “I want this without onions”.

One time at Helena's Hawaiian Food – a James Beard Award-winning spot – I watched a tourist try to order the pipikaula short ribs but substitute the laulau for the kalua pig “because it looks better.” The patience on that worker's face was admirable. They explained kindly that these are set plates with specific preparations. The tourist ended up ordering it the traditional way and loved every bite.

Freaking Out Over Prices

Yes, Hawaii is expensive. Yes, a plate lunch that would cost $8 on the mainland might run you $15-18 here. Yes, even fast food costs more – like $20 for a single combo meal at the airport.

But standing at the counter loudly complaining about prices and comparing them to what you pay back home? That's embarrassing and, honestly, pretty rude to the hardworking people trying to run a business in one of the most expensive states in the country.

Hawaii restaurant owners face insane costs – shipping, labor, rent, and ingredients. Everything costs more to get here because we're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The cost of living for service workers is sky-high, and they're counting on your tips to survive.

If you want to save money, shop at grocery stores and cook in your vacation rental. Hit up food trucks. Look for plate lunch counters away from Waikiki. But don't walk into a local restaurant and make the staff feel bad for charging what they need to charge to keep the lights on.

Pro tip: The best deals are at neighborhood plate lunch spots in places like Kalihi, Waipahu, or Aiea. You'll pay $12-14 for huge portions and eat alongside locals.

Taking a Million Photos Without Ordering

Food photography is fine. I do it myself (probably more than I should). But there's a difference between snapping a quick photo of your meal and staging a full photoshoot that holds up the line or bothers other diners.

I've seen tourists at busy spots like Leonard's Bakery spend ten minutes arranging their malasadas in different positions, adjusting the lighting, making everyone wait. Meanwhile, there's a line of locals wrapping around the building just trying to grab their malasadas and go.

Some higher-end restaurants actually have policies against excessive food photography because it disrupts the dining experience for others. But even at casual spots, be aware of your surroundings. No flash photography when it's crowded. Don't block pathways. Don't make servers wait while you get the perfect angle.

Pro tip: Take your photo quickly when the food arrives, then put your phone away and actually enjoy the meal. The taste and experience matter more than your Instagram grid.

The salty-sweet smell of malasadas fresh from the fryer, that crispy exterior giving way to soft, fluffy dough inside – that's something you need to experience in the moment, not just through a camera lens.

Ignoring Chopstick Etiquette

Hawaii has a huge Asian influence, and chopsticks are used for all kinds of food here – not just sushi. But tourists make some major chopstick mistakes that make locals cringe.

Never, ever stick your chopsticks straight up in your rice bowl. This resembles incense at a funeral and is considered very bad luck and extremely disrespectful. Instead, lay your chopsticks across your bowl or plate, or use a chopstick rest.

Don't use your personal chopsticks to serve yourself from a communal dish. Either flip your chopsticks around and use the clean end, or ask for serving utensils. This is basic hygiene and respect for others eating from the same dish.

At family-style restaurants or when eating with locals, always serve the oldest person at the table first before serving yourself. This shows respect for elders, which is a huge value in Hawaiian and Asian cultures.

Pro tip: If you're terrible with chopsticks, it's totally fine to ask for a fork. That's way less awkward than struggling and making a mess everywhere.

I grew up using chopsticks for everything from saimin to plate lunch. It's just part of how we eat here. When I see tourists fumbling with them or using them incorrectly, I know they haven't spent much time in Hawaii or around Asian food culture.

![Image of proper chopstick placement]

Only Eating at Chain Restaurants

Look, I understand the appeal of familiar food when you're traveling. Sometimes you just want something predictable. But if you come to Hawaii and only eat at Cheesecake Factory, McDonald's, and Bubba Gump Shrimp… you're doing it so wrong.

Hawaii has some of the most incredible food in America. We've got Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Hawaiian influences all mixed together into something completely unique. You're missing out on the entire soul of the islands if you stick to chains.

My neighbor once told me about some tourists staying in his building who ate at California Pizza Kitchen three nights in a row. Meanwhile, they walked right past Ono Hawaiian Food, Helena's, and a dozen amazing local spots. He couldn't wrap his head around it.

The real Hawaii food scene is at neighborhood joints where locals eat. Places with faded signs, where the menu hasn't changed in 30 years, where the auntie behind the counter knows everyone's regular order.

Pro tip: Ask your hotel staff or Uber drivers where they actually eat. Not where they send tourists – where they personally go when they want good food. That's the insider knowledge you need.

Forgetting to Say Mahalo

This isn't just about food ordering, but it happens at restaurants all the time. Tourists get their food, eat their meal, pay their bill, and walk out without saying thank you.

“Mahalo” means thank you in Hawaiian, and it's used constantly here. When someone hands you your plate. When they refill your water. When they clear your table. Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo.

It's not required to speak Hawaiian – most locals speak English primarily. But throwing in a mahalo shows you're trying to respect the culture. It's literally the easiest word to learn and use.

I've noticed that tourists who make an effort with local customs and language get treated completely differently. Servers warm up, recommendations flow freely, and sometimes you even get hooked up with extra portions or insider tips.

Pro tip: Learn just three Hawaiian words before you visit: mahalo (thank you), aloha (hello/goodbye/love), and ʻono (delicious). Use them naturally and you'll immediately feel more connected to the islands.

The whole spirit of aloha is about mutual respect and care. When you show appreciation for the people serving you and the food they're preparing, you're participating in that spirit rather than just consuming it.

Not Tipping Properly

This is the big one that really gets under my skin. Hawaii follows mainland US tipping customs – 15% for decent service, 18-20% for good service, and more if the service was exceptional.

The cost of living in Hawaii is brutal. Rent for a one-bedroom in Honolulu easily runs $2,000-2,500 a month. Many service workers rely heavily on tips to survive. When tourists don't tip or severely undertip, it's not just rude – it's genuinely harmful.

Some tourists think that because meals are already expensive here, they don't need to tip as much. That's backwards logic. Your server still did the work, and they need that money even more because everything costs more here.

Always tip in cash if possible. Credit card tips sometimes don't make it fully to the server, and there's no processing fee with cash. Carry small bills specifically for tipping.

I have friends who've worked in Waikiki restaurants, and the stories about tourists leaving $2 on a $100 check are heartbreaking. These workers smile and serve with aloha all day, and then get stiffed by people who just spent $500 on a luau.

Pro tip: If you can't afford to tip properly, you can't afford to eat at that restaurant. It's that simple. Budget 20% extra for tips when planning your meals.

One More Thing About Being Respectful

Here's something that doesn't fit neatly into ordering mistakes, but needs to be said. The way you treat restaurant workers says everything about your character.

Hawaii is a small place. Word gets around. Be kind, be patient, show respect. Don't snap your fingers at servers. Don't complain about every little thing. Don't treat people like they're beneath you because they're bringing you food.

The best meals I've had in Hawaii weren't necessarily at the fanciest restaurants. They were at places where I connected with the people making the food, where I felt welcomed into the community, where the aloha spirit was real and reciprocated.

That's what I hope for you too. When you order food with respect and genuine curiosity, when you're open to new experiences and ways of doing things, Hawaii opens up to you in the most amazing ways.

Where to Stay While Exploring Hawaii's Food Scene 🏨

To really explore Hawaii's incredible food scene, you'll want accommodations that give you easy access to both tourist areas and local neighborhoods. Here are some top-rated options on Expedia:

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort – Located in the heart of Waikiki, this resort puts you within walking distance of dozens of restaurants. The property itself has multiple dining options, but you're also close enough to explore beyond the tourist zone.

The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay – On the North Shore, this gives you proximity to Haleiwa's food trucks, Matsumoto's Shave Ice, and authentic local plate lunch spots that tourists often miss.

Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra – Great location near the Ala Moana Shopping Center and tons of local restaurants. Recent guests loved everything about it, and it's in a more residential area where you'll find authentic local spots.

Hampton Inn & Suites Oahu/Kapolei – In West Oahu, this puts you near some of the best hole-in-the-wall local restaurants that tourists rarely find. Plus, free parking means you can easily drive to different neighborhoods for food adventures.

Ilima Hotel – A more budget-friendly option that's still close to Waikiki but also near local neighborhoods like Kaimuki and Kapahulu, where some of the best local restaurants are located.

You can find current deals and compare prices for all these properties at Expedia's Oahu Hotels page, where they currently feature over 7,470 hotel options.

The Heart of Hawaii's Food Culture

At the end of the day, eating in Hawaii is about so much more than just filling your stomach. It's about connecting with a unique multicultural history, respecting local customs, and participating in a food culture that's unlike anywhere else in the world.

Every plate lunch tells the story of plantation workers from different countries sharing meals together. Every poke bowl connects you to ancient Hawaiian fishing traditions. Every shave ice recalls the ingenuity of Japanese immigrants creating joy from simple ingredients.

When you order food here with humility and respect, when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone and trust local wisdom, when you say mahalo and mean it – that's when Hawaii reveals its true self to you.

The sound of waves crashing while you eat a plate lunch at the beach. The sweet smell of plumeria mixed with teriyaki sauce. The sight of local aunties and uncles laughing together over their meals. The taste of fresh ahi that was caught just hours ago. This is what eating in Hawaii is really about.

Don't be one of those tourists who come here and miss all of this because you were too busy mispronouncing menu items and complaining about prices. Be the visitor who embraces the culture, respects the customs, and leaves with memories of incredible food and even better connections.

We say “kau kau” when it's time to eat – that's the local pidgin way of saying “let's go eat” or “it's chow time.” So go on, get out there and kau kau. Just remember what I told you, yeah? 🌺

And one last thing – the best food adventures happen when you're willing to eat where the locals eat, not just where the guidebooks send you. Ask around, explore different neighborhoods, and trust your instincts. That's how you find the real Hawaii.