{"id":1944,"date":"2023-07-15T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.hotala.com\/?p=1944"},"modified":"2023-07-26T05:21:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T05:21:09","slug":"hawaiian-food-honolulu-culinary-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotala.com\/journal\/hawaiian-food-honolulu-culinary-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawaiian Food: Honolulu’s Top Restaurants With Nearby Stays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to international fusion, pacific flavors, and fresh local ingredients, Hawaii is hard to beat! That’s why in this guide, we’re touring The Aloha State’s capital of Honolulu \u2013 from appetizer to dessert!<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo Credit: WHITE SANDS HOTEL | HOTEL IN HONOLULU<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to international fusion, pacific flavors, and fresh local ingredients, Hawaii is hard to beat! That’s why in this guide, we’re touring The Aloha State’s capital of Honolulu \u2013 from appetizer to dessert!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":1960,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[143,147,38],"tags":[117,71,85,109,115],"class_list":["post-1944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hawaii","category-honolulu","category-inspiration","tag-food","tag-hawaii","tag-honolulu","tag-restaurants","tag-where-to-stay"],"acf":{"main":"\r\n

Around The World in One Plate<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nBecause Hawaii<\/a> is the third most diverse state in the US, it is unsurprising that many Hawaiian foods in Honolulu<\/a> stem from a multicultural influence.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhat is surprising, however, is that none of the ingredients used in Hawaiian cuisine<\/a> are native to the state. When Polynesian voyagers<\/a> first set foot on the islands, they arrived well-prepared with food provisions, aware that even the lushest landscapes could be resource-scarce. They cultivated crops and reared livestock from the supplies they carried. In time, immigrants contributed to the flourishing diversity by introducing an array of new plants and animals.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nToday, Hawaiian food embodies that heritage. Each spoonful tells a story of indigenous Polynesian, Asian, and European cultures. With this guide, Hotala aims to take you around the world without ever leaving Honolulu \u2013 one bite at a time!\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
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Must-Try Hawaiian Food in Honolulu<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nBefore booking a restaurant reservation, we first want to show you the must-try foods in Honolulu. This is so you'll know what to look for, what to order, and where to get the best value! Of course, we're not discouraging you from being spontaneous, but if you have particular preferences or restrictions, it'll be good to check this list out:\r\n\r\n \r\n

POKE BOWLS<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nThough poke bowls have found international acclaim, one mustn't miss its most authentic form! This healthy mix of marinated raw fish cubes, rice, and greens is simply on a whole other level in its motherland.\r\n\r\n \r\n

SHAVE ICE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you need something to beat the heat, shave ice is a highly recommended treat in Honolulu. Shave ice is flavored with colorful and fruity syrups, making it perfect for kids<\/a> and adults who are kids at heart!\r\n\r\n \r\n

KALUA PIG<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nKalua pig is a tender pork that gets its smokiness from being slow-cooked in an underground oven. It's hard to miss this Hawaiian staple as it is present in many of the island's dishes.\r\n\r\n \r\n

HAUPIA<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nThose with a sweet tooth will love this creamy coconut milk pudding. This must-try Honolulu dessert can be enjoyed as a chilled gelatin-like square or as a filling in pies and cakes.\r\n\r\n \r\n

ACAI BOWLS<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nAcai bowls are a nutritious and refreshing way to jumpstart your day, especially if you plan to stay long-term<\/a> in Honolulu. This acai smoothie-based treat is topped with granola, fruits, and other delectable garnishes.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: Colin + Meg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

SAIMIN<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nInspired by Japanese ramen<\/em>, Chinese mein<\/em>, and Filipino pancit<\/em>, this savory noodle soup is as diverse as it gets! With many saimin establishments in Honolulu having their own secret spin on the dish, we recommend you try it wherever it's available.\r\n\r\n \r\n

POI DONUTS<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nPoi donuts are fluffy, deep-fried treats that get their unique purple coloring and mildly sweet flavor from poi or mashed taro. It's great for those who are not fond of overly sweet desserts.\r\n\r\n \r\n

KATSU<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nThough Japanese in origin, many visitors deem katsu a must-try food in Honolulu. It consists of either pork or chicken that is breaded and deep-fried to crispy, golden-brown perfection. It's also typically paired with a tangy, savory sauce and refreshing side dishes.\r\n\r\n \r\n

KONA COFFEE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nFor those with a taste for the luxurious<\/a>, Kona coffee should not be missed. It is one of the most expensive coffees out there, as only coffee from Hualalai and Mauna Loa can be considered \"Kona.\" Its production is as unique as its flavor profile, which boasts a rich, smooth taste underlined by a fruity sweetness.\r\n\r\n \r\n

LOCO MOCO<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you've got a big appetite, loco moco's generous serving is tailored to fill you right up. Loco moco features white rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and thick gravy.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MANAPUA<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nManapua is the Hawaiian equivalent of the Chinese bao<\/em>, a steamed bun with sweet or savory fillings. It's perfect as a portable snack or a meal on the go.\r\n\r\n \r\n

SHRIMP PLATE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nHonolulu's geographical location allows for a steady supply of fresh seafood for the island favorite, the shrimp plate. Daily catches are cooked with butter, garlic, and spices and served with either rice or macaroni salad.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: HALEPUNA WAIKIKI BY HALEKULANI | HOTEL IN HONOLULU<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

HURRICANE POPCORN<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nHurricane popcorn is a unique snack mix featuring buttery popcorn, Japanese rice crackers, and furikake (herbs, seaweed, and sesame seeds) seasoning.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MAI TAIS<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nIt's not a Hawaiian getaway<\/a> if you're not sipping a Mai Tai by the beach. This tropical cocktail contains rum, lime juice, orange cura\u00e7ao, and orgeat syrup.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MALASADA<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nIntroduced by Portuguese sugar plantation workers, malasada is a deep-fried doughnut filled with tropical fruit-flavored custards or creams. Despite its origin, it's considered a true-blue Hawaiian snack in Honolulu.\r\n\r\n \r\n

LOMI LOMI<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nLomi Lomi is a refreshing, tangy salad made with diced raw salmon, tomatoes, onions, and crushed ice. Though often served as a side dish, you may find some restaurants fusing it with other cuisines, such as dips, poi bowls, and kalua pig.\r\n\r\n \r\n

SPAM MUSUBI<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\nHawaii has an infectious love for SPAM\u00ae, apparent in its plethora of Spam-based cuisine and its Spam festival<\/a>! Spam musubi is a must-try food in Honolulu, especially if you're looking to grab a bite while on a stroll. This handy snack is made of grilled Spam topped on a block of rice and wrapped with nori (seaweed). It has many creative variations, so be sure to make room in your stomach if you want to sample them all!\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: PAGODA HOTEL | HOTEL IN HONOLULU<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

Where To Eat Hawaiian Food in Honolulu<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nSo now that you know what to eat in Honolulu, it's time to go where you can sit down for a delicious serving. Of course, make sure to call any of our recommended establishments before you go so you can save your spot:\r\n\r\n \r\n

THE PIG & THE LADY<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n83 N King Street | (808) 585-8255<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe best Hawaiian eats in Honolulu are treated with a Vietnamese flair at The Pig & The Lady. This restaurant has a bistro-like ambiance permeated by Hawaiian-inspired designs. Treat yourself to their signature Laotian Fried Chicken and addictive soft-shell crab banh mi.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MARUKAME UDON<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n2310 Kuhio Avenue | (808) 931-6000<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMany Hawaiian eats in Honolulu are infused with Japanese zest; Marukame Udon is the best place to score those. Savor their signature Nikutama Udon and delectable shrimp tempura, and let your palate travel to the Land of the Rising Sun.\r\n\r\n \r\n

KOKO HEAD CAFE<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n1145 12th Avenue #100 | (808) 732-8920<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nKoko Head Cafe will take your taste buds on a tour even before you begin your day of adventures<\/a>! On top of their amazing daily quiches, they offer Breakfast Bibimbaps, Lobster Benedicts, Morning Adobo Fried Rice, and Pancakes with Lilikoi Butter.\r\n\r\n \r\n

MW RESTAURANT<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n888 Kapiolani Boulevard, Commercial Unit, Suite 201 | (808) 955-6505<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMW Restaurant's menu is full of innovative culinary takes on classic Hawaiian dishes. Even their dessert items incorporate at least one tropical fruit endemic to the region. Try this place for dinner, as they also offer cocktails and drinks.\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: QUEEN KAPIOLANI HOTEL | HOTEL IN HONOLULU<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

ONO SEAFOOD<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n747 Kapahulu Avenue | (808) 732-4806<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nExcellent seafood offerings can be found at Ono Seafood. Here, skilled chefs celebrate the island's abundant marine treasures by giving them the best culinary treatment. Save some room in your belly for their many poke variants as well as their Garlic Shrimp plates.\r\n\r\n \r\n

ROY'S WAIKIKI<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n226 Lewers Street | (808) 923-7697<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nRoy's Waikiki is your best choice if you need a taste of home and a break from Hawaiian foods in Honolulu. Chocolate Souffl\u00e9s and mouthwatering Szechuan Baby Back Ribs are only a few of their familiar, comforting menu items. If you want to get a seat that overlooks the beach<\/a>, reserve your table ahead of time.\r\n\r\n \r\n

LEONARD'S BAKERY<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n933 Kapahulu Avenue | (808) 737-5591<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLeonard's Bakery is a place you have to avoid at all costs if you're on a diet! This charming shop is full of sweet treats, and their famous malasadas are only the tip of the iceberg.\r\n\r\n \r\n

HELENA'S HAWAIIAN FOOD<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n1240 N School Street | (808) 845-8044<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHelena's Hawaiian Food provides a cozy, homey atmosphere<\/a> that perfectly complements its menu. They're the go-to restaurant if you're looking for the best Hawaiian eats in Honolulu. Be sure to try their pipikaula short ribs and lomi salmon.\r\n\r\n \r\n

RAINBOW DRIVE-IN<\/h3>\r\n \r\n\r\n3308 Kanaina Avenue | (808) 737-0177<\/em>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTraditional Hawaiian flavors are scaled up at the Rainbow Drive-In to meet big appetites. If you're feeling extra ravenous, their hearty Loco Moco, Mixed Plate, and BBQ Pork Sandwich will fill you right up!\r\n\r\n \r\n
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Photo Credit: LUXURY DIRECT OCEANFRONT! SLEEPS 6 | CONDO IN HONOLULU<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n \r\n

The Best Places to Stay in Honolulu<\/h2>\r\n \r\n\r\nAfter enjoying the incredible range of Hawaiian food Honolulu has to offer, finding a comfortable place to stay is essential to complete your unforgettable experience. Whether you want to be in the heart of the city<\/a>, close to nature, or by the beach, here are the prime areas you might want to consider, each offering unique charms, attractions, and amenities<\/a>:\r\n\r\n \r\n