Best Local Foods to Try in Honolulu: A Foodie’s Paradise Tickets & Tours & Informataion April 2025

1. Poke: A Fresh and Flavorful Hawaiian Staple

Poke is a must-try dish when in Honolulu. This fresh, marinated raw fish—usually tuna or salmon—is mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. Served over rice or greens, it’s a delicious and healthy meal. Head to local spots like Ono Seafood or Maguro Brothers for the best poke bowls.

2. Loco Moco: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Loco Moco is a true Hawaiian comfort dish. It features a juicy hamburger patty over rice, topped with a fried egg and smothered in rich brown gravy. This hearty meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try it at Rainbow Drive-In or Liliha Bakery for an authentic experience.

3. Malasadas: Sweet, Fluffy Portuguese Doughnuts

Malasadas are deep-fried, sugar-coated doughnuts brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants. These fluffy, warm treats often come filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical flavors like guava. Leonard’s Bakery is the go-to place for malasadas, offering freshly made, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that you won’t want to miss.

4. Shave Ice: A Cool Hawaiian Treat

Shave ice is a refreshing dessert perfect for Honolulu’s tropical weather. This finely shaved ice is drenched in colorful syrups, often topped with fresh fruit, mochi, or sweet condensed milk. Matsumoto’s and Waiola Shave Ice serve some of the best versions of this iconic Hawaiian treat.

5. Huli Huli Chicken: Smoky and Flavorful Barbecue

Huli Huli chicken is a mouthwatering Hawaiian barbecue dish. Marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, the chicken is slow-roasted over an open flame, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor. Look for roadside stalls and local markets serving this delicious dish, often accompanied by rice and mac salad.