What to eat in Hawaii
Hawaii is not just about spam, coconuts, and pineapples. The diversity of local food and the immigrants from different places has made a delectable fusion of foods on this little island. Let's go!
We were able to book cheap flight tickets to Oahu, Hawaii with Skyscanner. This is the platform where I compare prices from different airlines. I've always relied on Booking.com to give us affordable deals on our stay for our accommodation. It's easier to maneuver their sites when it comes to location, nearby attractions, and activities. Also, most of our activities were booked with GROUPON, where they provide the best deals in town.
FIRST DAY
March 26, Flight, Check-in Hotel and Groceries
Address: 2280 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
March 26 - 29, 4 days 3 nights
330 USD
Our studio has a balcony, stovetop, and a kitchen. Make sure to request ahead of time for a microwave, frying pan, and utensils. Breakfast is not included and most restaurants open late so we decided to get some groceries.
For groceries, 2 options: Across the street from Ohia Waikiki Suites are two small grocery stores
Dukes Lane Market and Eatery
ABC Store
Groceries: 20 USD ( breakfast items includes water, eggs, dish soap, and clementines)
We purchased ahead of time our favorite Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice for breakfast.
If you're on a budget here are Local Meal Favorites: All below 10 USD
Dukes Lane Market and Eatery:
Loco Moco
Pork Adobo
Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings
ABC Store:
Chicken Teriyaki
Pork Adobo and Loco Moco
Pork Abodo
I was surprised to see Adobo as a local favorite in Hawaii, as this dish is also a famous Filipino food in the Philippines. This is what happens when East meets West and boom Hawaiian-style Filipino pork adobo.
Loco Moco
I'm not a fan of pairing up my burger steak with rice but this Hawaiian Comfort food is a must-try. Traditionally, the loco moco is made of white rice, topped with a hamburger, a fried egg, and brown gravy.
Dinner in Marukame Udon Waikiki
1 minute walk away from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2310 Kūhiō Ave. #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Dinner: 22 USD for two persons
SECOND DAY
March 27, Chill Day, Food Trip and Explore the beach
Famous Foods to try:
These malasadas are another must-try local food, best when eaten fresh from the bakery. I loved the original malasadas with no fillings on it, then pair it up with some local coffee, oh yeah! heaven by your side.
Leonard's Bakery, 30 minutes walk or 7 minutes by car from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
1 dozen malasadas puff and two malasadas: 25 USD
A few minutes away from Leonard's bakery is a popular local food favorite. Saul went crazy for their fresh poke, one of the best he has ever tried, considering he lived in Japan for 9 years he knows when he found a hidden gem. I on the other hand had to pick a cooked poke as I'm happily pregnant, hearing him having foodgasm was good enough for me, ahahaa.
Ono Seafood, 28 minutes walk or 6 minutes by car from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Two poke bowls with drinks: 20 USD
More foods to try:
Kono's Northshore, 1 minute away from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2310 Kuhio Avenue #1-A, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two sandwiches and a smoothie: 40 USD
Paia Fish Market, across the street from Ohia Waikiki Studio
Address: 2299 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
Two fish plate: 45 USD
A cheaper dinner option:
Me Bar-B-Que
Address: 151 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two meals: 20 USD
THIRD DAY
March 28, 8:00 am - 5 pm
Full-Day 16 Location Island Tour Including Snorkeling, Tour Guide, Snacks, and Beverages with Grand Tours Around Island
Price: 60 USD per person
We purchased our Island Tour with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Free Pick up and Drop Off. Tour Pick-up is in front of Ross Dress for Less Outlet (2 minutes walk away from Ohia Waikiki Studio)
On our island tour, we get to try some local delicacies:
Free Coffee Tasting MACADAMIA NUT FARM - Tropical Farm with good coffee and flavored selection of Macadamia Nuts.
Free Macadamia Nuts Tasting
Kono Coffee Glazed Macadamia Nuts: 10 USD
SHRIMP TRUCKS - Lunch was enjoyed at the North Shore featuring their Shrimp Trucks in the area. We ordered the Coconut Shrimp and Lemon and buttered Shrimp.
FRUIT STANDS - Afterward, we dropped by a local fruit stand that offers local fresh fruits and vegetables. I bought some Mango slices for 4 USD and "Turon" ( a sweet Filipino banana dessert rolled in spring roll wrapper) for 1 USD.
DOLE PLANTATION - This is Oahu’s famous historical pineapple farm, which reminds me that we also have a Dole Plantation back in the Philippines. Hubby loved the pineapple ice cream, the lady gave us the wrong order instead she gave us the premium ice cream but with a big smile she gave it to me with no extra charge. My favorite is this chili hotdog with pineapple bits on its toppings, we paid less than 20 USD for both snacks.
COFFEE FARM - Last stop of the tour. This is Oahu’s first Coffee Visitor Farm where they roast coffees daily on-site, offer free coffee tasting, and sell awesome coffee t-shirts for souvenirs.
FOURTH DAY
March 29 Check-in Hilton and Turtle Snorkeling
Address: 2330 Kuhio Avenue, Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
March 29 - April 1, 4 days 3 nights
530 USD
Our room has a city view, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, a water heater kettle, and a Keurig coffee machine. Parking fees apply and security deposit upon check-in.
The hotel is just 2 minutes walk from Ohia Waikiki Studio. It's more expensive but you can never beat the comfort and ambiance. There was a building construction nearby and we barely hear a thing, plus the bed smells fresher and the bathroom was immaculate. We wanted to pamper ourselves more for the fourth night, so we decided to go to Hilton Garden Inn.
March 29, 2 pm - 4 pm
Turtle Snorkeling Adventure with Pink Sails Waikiki
2 hours Snorkeling adventure at the Infamous Turtle Canyon with equipment, food, and beverage.
Price: 50 USD per person
We purchased our Turtle Snorkeling with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
After the turtle snorkeling check out nearby beach and attraction:
Hilton Lagoon and Kahanamoku Beach (1 minute away from the Harbor)
Cookies and Cream Gelato, and Mahalo Crepe ( cheese, spinach, and bechamel sauce): 17 USD
Cafe Glace at Waikiki Beach Walk (4 minutes by car or 17 minutes walk from Hilton Lagoon)
Address: Lewers Street, 227 Lewers St #115, Honolulu, HI 96815
We walked a lot for this trip and that's how we found this hidden gems in the city. A small cafe at Waikiki Beach Walk that offers one of the best crepes we've ever tried, what makes this crepe interesting is that it's filled with spinach and bechamel sauce - it's like having pasta in dessert style!
FIFTH DAY
March 30, Couples Hawaiian Massage, Souvenir Shopping and Lu'au Dinner with Ka Moana Lu'au
11 am Couples Hawaiian Massage
Lava Massage and Day Spa, 4 minutes by car or 23 minutes walk from Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 1750 Kalakaua Ave # 2502, Honolulu, HI 96826
Price: 130 USD for two-person
Souvenir Shopping at ABC Stores
Board shorts 25 USD
Turtle and Flower Silver Earrings 25 USD
Chocolates 12 packs 40 USD
Macadamia Nuts 8 packs 30 USD
Fridge magnet 4 pieces 20 USD
Wooden Tiki Decor 9 USD
Hula Girl 1 piece 7 USD
Turtle Stickers 4 pieces: 20 USD
For our dinner feast, we had Kalua Pork cooked in an umu (above ground oven), fresh greens, chow mein noodles, sweet potato, teriyaki chicken and more. We also get to try traditional Poi sample with Lomi Lomi Salmon.
March 30, 5 pm
Splash Lu'au Package for Two People with Ka Moana Lu'au
Address: 41-202 Kalanianaʻole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Price: 216 USD
Optional: for pick-up additional 18 USD per person
We purchased our Lu'au Package for two with GROUPON: Save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Pick-up at 4:20 pm in Hyatt Regency Waikiki (5 minutes walk from Hilton Garden Inn)
Address: 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Splash Lu’au Package includes:
Deluxe shell lei
Moana Splash Seating
2 drink tickets per person
Cultural activities
Buffet dinner (served by the staff)
Admission to Sea Life Park (Up to 40 USD Value) - Can be used when the park reopens.
My husband was excited about this Lu'au night package for two. Lu'au is a traditional Hawaiian party with lots of foods and entertainment like Hawaiian music, fire dance, and stories about Hawaii presented with vibrant costumes and hula dance moves. Due to COVID restrictions, ukulele lessons, and Lei making was not included in the event. Despite that the lively music still made the night special, the Aloha spirit is still in the air.
SIXTH DAY
March 31, Chill Day, Ice Cream, Coffee, and Fun at the Beach
Waikiki Beach via Sheraton Waikiki afterward we went out to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Cream for 9 USD near Royal Hawaiian Center
The Hawaiian shaved ice was a refreshing treat during a hot day in Hawaii. It was just right the sweetness and the fresh fruit toppings made it tastier.
Ice Monster (Korean Shaved Ice) for 11 USD
Address: 2255 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
We tried a Korean Shaved Ice for comparison, and there's a huge difference when it comes to the shaved ice. The Korean style is finer and sweeter.
Honolulu Coffee Company for 7 USD inside the Sheraton Waikiki
Hawaiian Kona coffee is mild, clean, and smooth to the palate. I usually prefer my coffee dark and bitter but this one was an exception, it's a nice break from my usual coffee preference.
SEVENTH DAY
Flight: April 1, American Airlines: Honolulu to Los Angeles
5 hours and 30 minutes
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Price: 278 USD for two-person
Last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport
Dashboard Hula Girl 2 pieces 15 USD
More foods to try recommended by Locals:
Eggs and things
Spam Musubi
Choodang ala moana
Vons Chicken Korean
Piggy smalls
Genki sushi
Giovannis shrimp
Shave ice with Ice cream
Coffee farm in Wahiawa
Check out my travel resources: This Is How I Travel On A Budget
"Some links on this site might earn me a commission if a product/service is purchased." ^__^
1. AIRFARE
Make sure to use SKYSCANNER to check on flight tickets on your next trip.
2. ACCOMMODATION
Check out BOOKING.COM and AGODA.COM to find the best deals on hotels accommodations.
3. GROUPON DEALS
Visit GROUPON to save on activities, spas, restaurants, and events near you.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is checking out Must-try foods at Boysenberry Food Festival, California.
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