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A Food Lover's Guide to Oahu, Hawaii.

If you enjoy food and exploring new dishes like me, then this is for you! Hawaii has amazing scenery, rich culture, and a wide variety of delicious foods that reflect the diverse mix of cultures found on the islands. I'll share my favorite must-try foods, recommended restaurants, and hidden gems on the island. Hawaii is more than just a gorgeous vacation spot or a place for beach lovers - it's also a paradise for food lovers who want to experience the flavors of Aloha. Here are my top recommendations that you shouldn’t miss while on the island :)

Poke Bowl

Hawaii is famous for its delicious Poke, with the best coming from Foodland or KBros in Kaneohe. At potlucks, we always get it from one of these two, as they offer many tasty options to choose from.

Spam Musubi

Try spam musubi in Hawaii — it's available almost everywhere, especially at Musubi Cafe, 7-Eleven, ABC Stores, or as a platter from Zippy’s. It’s one of the best convenient snacks to grab on the go, especially when heading to the beach.

Poi/Taro Root

Poi is a popular Hawaiian food made from Taro. It is a staple in the Hawaiian diet and is served at events like Luaus or typical Hawaiian plate lunches. Poi is a nutritious food that I used to introduce to my daughter when she started eating solids. You can buy poi at grocery stores like Times, Foodland, or Safeway. However, the most popular spot to get poi, despite the crowded tourist lines, is at Waiahole Poi Factory.

Loco Moco

Get a taste of the classic loco moco—a dish with rice, burger patties, gravy, and a fried egg on top. Consider having breakfast or brunch at YogurStory, where they serve generous portions perfect for sharing. They're famous for their delicious breakfast options. I highly recommend this place, but be prepared for a wait as it tends to be busy. It's a fantastic spot for a meal!

Hawaiian Plate Lunch

A typical Hawaiian plate lunch makes for the ideal beachside meal, consists of grilled meats or comforting dishes, complemented by macaroni salad, and of course rice! It may not have many vegetables, but the combination of starch and meat is incredibly tasty. If you're looking for a place to buy this meal, you can find it anywhere on the island. They serve tasty and authentic Hawaiian dishes at reasonable prices.

Malasadas

When you're in Hawaii, don't forget to try the delicious Malasadas from Leonard's Bakery. These delightful treats are at their best when eaten right away, while they are still piping hot. Imagine them as very light and soft on the inside, with a sweet sugary coating on the outside. This fried pastry stands apart from your typical doughnut, boasting a crispier texture and the absence of a center hole. It's a sweet indulgence that I personally savor, especially when it comes to the classic version and one filled with haupia.

Acai Bowl

Acai bowls can provide you with energy before or after hikes or beach outings! Personally, I prefer Lanikai Juice, which specializes in serving refreshing smoothies, bowls, and cold-pressed juices. It's always a delightful treat, especially on a hot day! Our go-to spot is usually their Kailua location.

Shave Ice

You definitely shouldn't miss Matsumoto Shave Ice when you're in Oahu. It's a must-visit spot located in Haleiwa on the North Shore. While the line can be quite long, it moves quickly, and the wait is absolutely worthwhile. Matsumoto's offers delightful homemade syrups that will keep you savoring every bite until the bowl is empty. While the shave ice is fantastic on its own, adding extras to it truly elevates the entire experience. It's a delightful frozen treat that's truly satisfying!

Haupia Pie

Ted's Bakery on the North shore is famous for their Chocolate Haupia Cream pie, one of their top-selling treats. It's without a doubt among the finest pies you can find on the island! Although they no longer sell them in stores, you can still buy them in-store if you're ever in the area. I wholeheartedly recommend this pie to anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and coconut. It's the perfect dessert choice for any occasion.

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I have even more to share — there are so many restaurants I love, and plenty of new spots that I’m excited to try soon. Oʻahu has no shortage of great places to eat, with new local businesses doing really well. Here are a few more places I highly recommend you check out!

Henry's Place in Waikiki is our favorite dessert spot — a small, family-owned business with lots of charm. We always make sure to indulge in their delicious mango ice cream, which is incredibly smooth and creamy. They also offer plenty of other tasty flavors worth trying!

If you're looking for more dessert options, Lappert's Hawaii is a must-try — especially if you're staying at or near the Hilton Hawaiian Village. They offer a wide variety of flavors, but my personal favorite is the Caramel Coconut Mac Nut — I can’t get enough of it! Just a heads-up: it can get pretty crowded.

O'Kim’s Korean Kitchen is a popular Korean restaurant located in downtown Honolulu. They offer a special rotating menu each month, so there’s always something new to try. It’s a great place to eat, but it can get crowded — making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. I was lucky enough to try their truffle mandoo, pork belly brûlée, seafood pancake, Korean chicken, and their unique 'Old Lady' iced coffee — everything was delicious!

Willow Tree is another local Korean restaurant in Kailua, on Oahu’s Windward side—worth a visit if you’re nearby. It's known for tasty Korean dishes with large portions at good prices. The sizzling kalbi is a favorite, and the crispy, tangy Spicy Chicken Katsu is also popular. People love the relaxed vibe, fast and friendly service, and the free banchan (side dishes) that come with each meal.

Kahuku Farms is a favorite for fresh, farm-grown food on Oahu’s North Shore. They offer delicious, fresh meals made straight from their farm. The café has a variety of options for lunch or a quick snack, and the scenic drive there is part of the experience. Be sure to try their açaí bowls, smoothies, and the lilikoi mochi — it’s incredibly good!

Beyond Pastry Studio in downtown Honolulu is a hidden gem. Their bread and pastries are delicious and worth trying! It may be small, but their display case is full of delicious treats. And they're known for their creativity with weekly specials.

Storto's Haleiwa is a great spot in town, perfect for a quick bite before or after the beach. They serve amazing sandwiches made with fresh-baked bread daily. These aren't your ordinary sandwiches — they're big, soft, and packed with flavor. If you're on the North Shore, stop by Storto's for a delicious and affordable meal. And don’t miss their papaya seed dressing — it’s a must-try!

Liliha Bakery is our go-to local spot for dining on the island — it’s affordable and the portions are always generous. They’re especially famous for their signature coco puffs and butter rolls served with guava jelly. The bakery also serves up classic local dishes like breakfast plates such as loco moco. Their baked goods stand out too, with unique island-inspired treats like green tea puffs and poi mochi donuts — a chewy, taro-based twist on the traditional doughnut.

Zippy’s is a Hawaiian restaurant and local favorite, known for its hearty local comfort food. Signature items like their famous chili and Zip Pac bentos have been longtime favorites, along with popular picks such as flavorful Korean fried chicken. With its casual, family-friendly setting, Zippy’s is a trusted choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—whether you're dining solo or enjoying a meal with loved ones.

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