18 Must-Try Foods in Oahu: A Local’s Guide to the Island’s Best Eats
Aloha! As a long-time Oahu resident and self-proclaimed foodie, I’m excited to share my top 21 must-try foods on this beautiful island. My boyfriend and I have spent years exploring every corner of Oahu, from hole-in-the-wall joints to high-end restaurants, to bring you this ultimate food guide.
We’ve sampled countless dishes, debated our favorites, and even gained a few pounds in the process (totally worth it!). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a fellow local looking to expand your palate, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dive in and discover the flavors that make our island so special!
1. Poke: The Hawaiian Sushi Bowl
If there’s one food that screams “Hawaii,” it’s poke. This dish of cubed raw fish mixed with various seasonings is a local favorite. At places like Ono Seafood or Foodland, you’ll find poke bowls that’ll blow your mind. My personal favorite is the spicy ahi poke – the kick of spice with the fresh fish is unbeatable.
2. Garlic Shrimp: North Shore’s Famous Dish
When you’re cruising the North Shore, you can’t miss the shrimp trucks. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is legendary, but don’t sleep on Jenny’s Shrimp Truck either. The garlic shrimp is so good, you’ll be licking your fingers clean. Trust me, the garlicky, buttery goodness is worth the drive.
3. Malasadas: Portuguese Donuts with a Hawaiian Twist
Leonard’s Bakery is the go-to spot for these heavenly Portuguese donuts. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in sugar – what’s not to love? Try the classic sugar-coated ones, or go wild with fillings like haupia (coconut cream) or lilikoi (passionfruit).
4. Loco Moco: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This dish is a carb lover’s dream. A hamburger patty on rice, topped with a fried egg and smothered in gravy. It’s the perfect cure for a hangover or just when you need some serious comfort food. Rainbow Drive-In serves up a mean loco moco that’ll hit the spot.
5. Spam Musubi: Hawaii’s Favorite Snack
Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! This sushi-style snack features a slice of grilled Spam on top of rice, wrapped in nori (seaweed). It’s the perfect on-the-go snack. You can find them at most convenience stores, but Musubi Cafe Iyasume takes it to the next level with different variations.
6. Ahi Katsu: Crispy Fried Tuna Steak
Ahi katsu is a local favorite featuring panko-crusted ahi tuna steak, usually served with a wasabi or teri mayo sauce. Nico’s Pier 38 serves up a mean ahi katsu. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the rare center of the tuna is simply divine.
7. Kalua Pork: Straight from the Imu
Traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, kalua pork is tender, smoky, and oh-so-delicious. Helena’s Hawaiian Food serves up some of the best kalua pork on the island. Pair it with some poi (taro paste) for an authentic Hawaiian meal.
8. Haupia: Coconut Pudding Perfection
This coconut milk-based dessert is light, refreshing, and perfectly sweet. You’ll often find it at luaus, but Ted’s Bakery on the North Shore serves a mean haupia cream pie that’s to die for.
9. Saimin: Hawaii’s Take on Ramen
This noodle soup is a local favorite. It’s like ramen, but with its own unique Hawaiian twist. The broth is lighter, and it often includes local ingredients like Spam or char siu (Chinese barbecued pork). Palace Saimin serves up a classic bowl that’ll warm your soul.
10. Plate Lunch: A Little Bit of Everything
The plate lunch is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine. It typically includes two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and your choice of protein. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a popular chain that serves up solid plate lunches, but local spots like Ono Hawaiian Foods offer a more authentic experience.
11. Taro Ko Chips: The Purple Chip You Can’t Resist
Made from taro root, these purple chips are addictively crunchy and salty. They’re a great snack to munch on while you’re exploring the island. You can find them at most grocery stores, but the fresh ones at Kitch’n Cook’d in Waimea Valley are extra special.
12. Acai Bowl: A Healthy Hawaiian Breakfast
Start your day right with an acai bowl. These smoothie bowls topped with fresh fruit, granola, and honey are the perfect healthy breakfast. Haleiwa Bowls on the North Shore serves up some of the best acai bowls on the island.
13. Manapua: Chinese Buns with a Hawaiian Twist
These steamed buns filled with char siu pork are a local favorite. They’re like the Hawaiian version of Chinese bao. Char Hung Sut in Chinatown is famous for their manapua, but you can find them at many convenience stores too.
14. Butter Mochi: The Chewy Treat You Can’t Stop Eating
This dessert is like a cross between mochi and butter cake. It’s chewy, buttery, and utterly addictive. Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery makes a mean butter mochi that’ll have you coming back for more.
15. Huli Huli Chicken: The Rotisserie Chicken of Your Dreams
This Hawaiian-style barbecue chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce and cooked on a rotisserie. Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken in Haleiwa serves up some of the juiciest huli huli chicken you’ll ever taste.
16. Ahi Poke Nachos: A Fusion Favorite
This dish combines the best of Hawaiian and Mexican cuisines. Fresh ahi poke served on top of crispy wonton chips – it’s a match made in heaven. Paia Fish Market in Waikiki serves up a mean plate of ahi poke nachos.
17. Lilikoi Butter: Spread It on Everything
Lilikoi, or passionfruit, is a popular flavor in Hawaii. Lilikoi butter is like a tropical version of lemon curd. Spread it on toast, use it as a filling for malasadas, or just eat it by the spoonful. The Kahuku Farms Cafe makes an amazing lilikoi butter that’s worth the drive to the North Shore.
18. Guava Chiffon Cake: Light as Air and Full of Flavor
This pink cake is as delicious as it is pretty. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with tropical guava flavor. Liliha Bakery’s guava chiffon cake is a local favorite that’s not to be missed.
What Makes Oahu’s Food Scene So Special?
You might be wondering, what sets Oahu’s food apart? It’s all about the fusion of flavors and the use of fresh, local ingredients. The island’s diverse cultural influences come together to create unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the abundance of fresh seafood and tropical fruits means you’re always getting the best quality ingredients.
Where Can I Find These Delicious Dishes?
From food trucks to fine dining restaurants, you can find these dishes all over Oahu. Don’t be afraid to venture out of Waikiki – some of the best food can be found in small, local spots in neighborhoods like Kaimuki or Kapahulu. And of course, a trip to the North Shore is a must for foodies.
Is Hawaiian Food Healthy?
While some dishes like loco moco or malasadas are definitely indulgent, Hawaiian cuisine also offers plenty of healthy options. Poke bowls, acai bowls, and fresh tropical fruits are all nutritious choices. Plus, many traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and laulau are packed with nutrients.
Can I Try These Foods If I Have Dietary Restrictions?
Absolutely! Many restaurants in Oahu are accommodating to different dietary needs. You can find vegetarian poke bowls, gluten-free malasadas, and vegan versions of local favorites. Just be sure to ask about ingredients if you have any allergies or restrictions.
Eating your way through Oahu is an adventure in itself. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to modern fusion creations, the island’s food scene has something for everyone. So come hungry, eat often, and don’t forget to try everything at least once. After all, that’s what vacation is for, right? Aloha and happy eating!