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 have made a delectable fusion of foods on this little island. Let’s go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
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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 include water, eggs, dish soap, and clementines)
We purchased ahead of time our favorite Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice for breakfast.
Local Meal Favorites
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: Famous Foods to Try
March 27, Chill Day, Food Trip and Explore the beach
Malasadas
These malasadas are another must-try local food, best when eaten fresh from the bakery. I loved the original malasadas with no fillings on them, then paired it up with some local coffee, oh yeah! heaven by your side.
Leonard's Bakery, a 30-minute 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
Fresh Poke
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 had ever tried, considering he lived in Japan for 9 years he knew 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
Kono's Sandwiches
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 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two fish plates: 45 USD
Address: 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two fish plates: 45 USD
Grilled Meat
A cheaper dinner option:
Me Bar-B-Que
Address: 151 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Two meals: 20 USD
Free Coffee Tasting 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 the Island
- Price: 60 USD per person
- We purchased our Island Tour with GROUPON.
- 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)
Macadamia Nut Farm Coffee
On our island tour, we got to try some local delicacies. Our first stop was at a Tropical Farm with an awesome coffee-tasting and flavored selection of Macadamia Nuts.
Free Macadamia Nuts Tasting
Macadamia Nuts
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.
Fresh Fruit
Afterwards, 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.
Pineapple Ice Cream @ 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.
More Coffee and Souvenir Shopping
The last stop of the tour was Coffee Farm. 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 a 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 heard a thing, plus the bed smelled fresher and the bathroom was immaculate. We wanted to pamper ourselves more for the fourth night, so we decided to go to the Hilton Garden Inn.
Turtle Snorkeling Adventure with Pink Sails Waikiki
March 29, 2 pm - 4 pm
2-hour Snorkeling adventure at the Infamous Turtle Canyon with equipment, food, and a beverage.
Cookies and Cream Gelato, and Mahalo Crepe ( cheese, spinach, and bechamel sauce): 17 USD
Gelato and Crepe
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 these 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
Kalua Pork
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 samples with Lomi Lomi Salmon.
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.
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 food 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, and the Aloha spirit is still in the air.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice Cream for 9 USD near Royal Hawaiian Center
SIXTH DAY
March 31, Chill Day, Ice Cream, Coffee, and Fun at the Beach
We went to Waikiki Beach via Sheraton Waikiki and afterwards, we went out to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings.
Hawaiian Shaved Ice
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
Korean Shaved Ice
We tried Korean Shaved Ice for comparison, and there's a huge difference in the shaved ice. The Korean style is finer and sweeter.
Honolulu Coffee Company for 7 USD inside the Sheraton Waikiki
Hawaiian Kona Coffee
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
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure in Oahu?
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is checking out Must-try foods at Boysenberry Food Festival in California.
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