If there’s one thing people in Hawaii love to do, it’s eat. Hawaii’s population is made up of settlers from the east — China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Portugal — who brought their regional cuisines with them. After blending with Western recipes, “local” food was born.
No trip to the island is complete without sampling some of its best foods. Instead of getting too caught up at a resort paying top dollar for food, follow these tips to eat like a local in Hawaii.
Try Plate Lunch: An affordable and delectable way to spend your afternoon is toes in the sand, plate lunch in hand. Plate lunch consists of two scoops of white rice, macaroni salad and your choice of meat — from Korean Kalbi ribs to teriyaki chicken or fried mahi mahi — your choices are almost endless.
Go Mom and Pop: Some of the best kept secrets in Hawaii are little stands or inconspicuous store fronts. Family-run businesses in Hawaii have been around for years likely because they have been doing something right.
Eat poke: Pronounced “po-kay,” poke is Hawaii’s version of sashimi. Diced up bits of raw ahi tuna mixed with onions, seaweed, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili pepper is a true sampling of how fresh fish is in Hawaii. Poke can be found cheaply at delis, grocery stores and even some liquor stores.
Treat yourself to sweets: Everyone has a sweet tooth and luckily Hawaii is full of great options. Try a malasada (Portuguese fried doughnut with sugar), shave ice or just good, old-fashioned passion fruit or mango from a local fruit stand.
Read This Next
How to Live Like a Local Abroad
Top Trends
Aug 27, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024Hilton, Universal Pictures Debut Suite Inspired by Wicked
Hilton and Universal Pictures invite fans of Wicked to indulge in a spellbinding stay in a new, spectacular themed suite. From Nov. 21–Jan. 5, travelers can ‘Stay Like’ Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown.
ShareThis