Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Hawaii (And Where to Find Them)
Hawaii’s food scene is as colorful and diverse as its beaches and volcanoes. A melting pot of cultures, the islands serve up flavors from native Hawaiian traditions, Japanese influence, Filipino favorites, and more. Whether you are backpacking around Maui or soaking up Hilo’s laid-back vibes, here are ten iconic Hawaiian foods you cannot miss and where to enjoy them.
1. Poke Bowls
Fresh, flavorful, and packed with local fish like ahi tuna, poke is Hawaii’s ultimate grab-and-go meal. You will find endless variations with toppings like seaweed, avocado, and chili flakes.
Where to try:
Hilo: Suisan Fish Market
Maui: Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors
2. Loco Moco
This comfort food classic stacks white rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg. It is hearty, filling, and perfect after a beach day.
Where to try:
Hilo: Café 100 (the birthplace of loco moco)
Maui: Da Kitchen
3. Malasadas
These Portuguese-style donuts are soft, sugary, and often filled with tropical custards like lilikoi or coconut. Best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Where to try:
Big Island: Tex Drive-In in Honokaa
Maui: Komoda Store and Bakery
4. Shave Ice
Finely shaved ice drenched in fruity syrups like mango, guava, or li hing mui. For the full experience, add ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.
Where to try:
Maui: Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Hilo: Wilson’s by the Bay
5. Spam Musubi
A beloved local snack, this sushi-like treat wraps grilled Spam and rice in seaweed. It is portable, tasty, and surprisingly addictive.
Where to try:
Maui: Local gas stations and Foodland grocery stores
Hilo: Two Ladies Kitchen
6. Haupia
This coconut pudding dessert is a Hawaiian luau staple. Creamy and refreshing, it is often served in squares or as pie filling.
Where to try:
Hilo: Local farmers’ markets
Maui: Traditional Hawaiian luaus like Old Lahaina Luau
7. Kalua Pig
Slow-cooked in an underground imu oven, kalua pig is tender, smoky, and the centerpiece of many Hawaiian feasts.
Where to try:
Maui: Old Lahaina Luau
Big Island: Merriman’s Waimea
8. Laulau
Pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection. This dish is a delicious taste of authentic Hawaiian cuisine.
Where to try:
Hilo: Kuhio Grille
Maui: Local food trucks and Hawaiian plate lunch spots
9. Plate Lunch
The classic Hawaiian plate lunch usually features two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein like teriyaki beef, katsu chicken, or kalbi ribs.
Where to try:
Hilo: Hawaiian Style Café
Maui: Aloha Mixed Plate
10. Fresh Tropical Fruit
Nothing beats fruit straight from the source. Enjoy mango, lilikoi, rambutan, and papaya from local markets and roadside stands.
Where to try:
Hilo: Hilo Farmers Market
Maui: Upcountry farms and fruit stands along Hana Highway
Taste the Islands While You Stay With Us
Hawaii’s flavors are a journey in themselves, and sampling these local dishes is one of the best ways to experience the culture. When you stay at Howzit Hostels, you are never far from the best food spots on both Maui and the Big Island. Our staff can point you to their favorite local grinds, farmers’ markets, and hidden gems so you can taste Hawaii like a local.
Book your stay at Howzit Hostels in Hilo or Maui and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for the latest travel tips and hostel events.
