Hawaiian cuisine is a blend of influences from Native Hawaiian, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese cultures, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary experience. Here are some must-try Hawaiian foods during your first visit.
15 Hawaiian Foods to try during Your First Visit
Poke
A traditional Hawaiian dish made of cubed, raw fish (usually ahi tuna) marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and other seasonings. It’s typically served over rice and garnished with avocado, seaweed, and sesame seeds.
Shaimin
It’s a noodle soup dish that originated in Hawaii. It typically consists of wheat noodles in a clear broth with char siu (Chinese-style barbecue pork), kamaboko (fish cake), green onions, and sometimes Spam or eggs.
Loco Moco
A hearty breakfast or lunch dish that originated in Hawaii. It’s typically made of a bed of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy.
Kalua Pig
A traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow-roasting a whole pig in an imu (underground oven) until it’s tender and falling off the bone. The meat is typically seasoned with sea salt and shredded before serving.
Poi
A starchy dish made from the root of the taro plant that’s been mashed and mixed with water until it has a pudding-like consistency. It has a slightly sour taste and is often served as a side dish or used as a dip for other Hawaiian foods.
Spam Musubi
A popular snack in Hawaii made by placing a slice of cooked Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapping it in nori (dried seaweed), and slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Food Truck Shrimps
Hawaii has a thriving food truck scene, and one of the most popular dishes is garlic shrimp. Served with rice and macaroni salad, the shrimp are sautéed in a garlic and butter sauce until they’re juicy and flavorful.
Shaved Ice
A refreshing dessert made by shaving a block of ice and topping it with flavored syrup. Popular flavors in Hawaii include pineapple, coconut, and passionfruit.
Pineapple Smoothie
Hawaii is known for its sweet and juicy pineapples, and a pineapple smoothie is a great way to enjoy them. Made with fresh pineapple, ice, and sometimes coconut milk or other tropical fruits, it’s a delicious and healthy drink.
Malasadas
A Portuguese-inspired fried doughnut that’s popular in Hawaii. They’re light and fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and often coated in sugar.
Coconut Tapioca Pudding
A creamy and sweet dessert made with tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and sugar. It’s often topped with fresh fruit and toasted coconut flakes.
Fresh Fruits
Hawaii is home to a variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, papayas, guavas, and passionfruit. They’re delicious eaten on their own or used in dishes like smoothies and salads.
Sweet Potato Haupia
A traditional Hawaiian dessert made by layering sweet potato and haupia (coconut pudding) in a baking dish and baking until it’s set. It’s a sweet and satisfying treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Mai Tai
A classic Hawaiian cocktail made with rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. It’s garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry and is perfect for sipping on a warm Hawaiian day.
Blue Hawaiian
Another classic Hawaiian cocktail made with rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. It’s a sweet and fruity drink.
These are just a few examples of the delicious and unique foods you can try during your first visit to Hawaii. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore the diverse culinary landscape of the islands.
