Dining in Honolulu

Local Cuisine Highlights: Must-Try Dishes

Honolulu offers a vibrant culinary landscape deeply rooted in its multicultural heritage, showcasing flavors and ingredients unique to the Hawaiian Islands. A trip to Honolulu wouldn't be complete without indulging in these must-try dishes:

Poke: Traditional Hawaiian poke, pronounced poh-kay, consists of raw fish, usually ahi tuna, mixed with sea salt, seaweed, and roasted kukui nuts. Modern variations include different kinds of fish, sauces like soy and sesame, and additional ingredients like avocado or onions.
Plate Lunch: A quintessential Hawaii meal, the plate lunch typically includes two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a protein like kalua pork, loco moco (a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy), or chicken katsu. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal favored by locals.
Lau Lau: This dish is a perfect example of traditional Hawaiian cooking. It involves wrapping pork and fish in taro leaves, then slow-cooking the bundle until tender. The result is a flavorful, smoky dish that showcases the simplicity and depth of Hawaiian cuisine.
Lomi Lomi Salmon: A classic side dish, lomi lomi salmon features cured salmon mixed with tomatoes and onions. It's traditionally served cold and offers a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.
Malasadas: Originally from Portugal, these deep-fried doughnuts without holes are coated in sugar and often filled with vanilla, chocolate, or coconut custard. They are a popular treat in Hawaii, best enjoyed warm from the bakery.

Popular Dining Spots: From Food Trucks to Fine Dining

Honolulu's dining scene offers an eclectic mix of experiences suitable for every palate and budget. This variety can take diners from casual eateries to sophisticated restaurants embracing both local and international cuisines.

Food Trucks: Honolulu's streets are peppered with food trucks serving everything from shrimp plates at Giovanni's Shrimp Truck to Hawaiian-style sushi at Off the Hook Poke Market. These mobile eateries provide authentic flavors at wallet-friendly prices.
Casual Dining: For a laid-back meal with a view, try Duke’s Waikiki. Situated along Waikiki Beach, it offers delicious, Hawaiian-inspired dishes like fish tacos and Huli Huli chicken. For a local favorite, Rainbow Drive-In serves plate lunches that capture the spirit of island comfort food.
Farm-to-Table: Honolulu embraces the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants offering dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. MW Restaurant is notable for its innovative, Hawaiian-inspired menu celebrating the island's bounty.
Fine Dining: For an exquisite dining experience, consider visiting Alan Wong’s Honolulu, where Hawaiian regional cuisine is elevated through masterful culinary techniques and fresh, local produce. Another highlight is La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel, known for its elegant French cuisine paired with ocean views.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options in the City

While traditional Hawaiian cuisine often centers around fish and meats, Honolulu is increasingly catering to vegetarian and vegan diners.

Plant-Based Eateries: 'Ōlena Cafe offers a range of plant-based smoothies and bowls, focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Down to Earth Organic & Natural is both a grocery store and a cafe with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Restaurants with Vegetarian Menus: Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan versions of classic dishes. At Moku Kitchen, vegetarians can enjoy a range of dishes like vegan burgers or salads. Juicy Brew, a popular vegan cafe, serves innovative variations of local favorites like poke and loco moco using plant-based ingredients.
Local Markets: The farmers markets in Honolulu, like the Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market, offer fresh, local produce and prepared vegetarian and vegan-friendly foods that provide an authentic taste of the island's agricultural offerings.

Honolulu's dining landscape is diverse and dynamic, offering something for every taste. Whether you savor traditional Hawaiian dishes, explore the lively street food scene, or indulge in gourmet vegetarian creations, the city's culinary charm is sure to captivate your palate.