Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Hawaii's food scene is one of the world's most unique, shaped by Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Portuguese, and American influences layered over centuries of immigration. The result is a cuisine called 'Local Food' — plate lunches with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad, poke bowls of cubed raw fish seasoned with sea salt and seaweed, saimin (local noodle soup), loco moco (rice, burger patty, egg, and brown gravy), and Portuguese-influenced malasadas. World-class fine dining has emerged alongside this food culture, particularly on Maui and Oahu, pioneering Hawaii Regional Cuisine using locally grown produce and sustainably caught seafood.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Hawaii Regional
Hawaiian Plate Lunch
Seafood
Hawaiian Dessert
Hawaiian Poke
Mediterranean
Ice Cream
Food tours & tastings in Hawaii
Eat your way through Hawaii with a guide.
Browse food experiences in HawaiiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
The legendary, graffiti-covered shrimp truck parked at the edge of Kahuku has been serving butter-garlic shrimp plates since 1993. Platters come with two scoops of rice. Lines form on weekends.
Find it at: Kahuku (North Shore) and other locations
Leonard's Bakery
A Honolulu institution since 1952, Leonard's serves the definitive malasadas — pillowy Portuguese doughnuts coated in sugar, filled with cream custard or haupia. The hot-from-the-fryer variety is extraordinary.
Find it at: 963 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Ono Seafood
Widely considered to serve Honolulu's best poke, Ono Seafood's small shop near the Convention Center has a short rotating menu of pristine raw fish — ahi, tako (octopus), salmon — seasoned minimally. Cash only, arrive early.
Find it at: 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
Rainbow Drive-In
Open since 1961, Rainbow Drive-In is Honolulu's most beloved plate lunch institution. Locals queue for mixed plates — kalbi, chicken katsu, beef stew, or loco moco — all with two scoops rice and mac salad.
Find it at: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Matsumoto Shave Ice
The most famous shave ice shop in Hawaii, in business since 1951. Ultra-fine shaved ice is drenched in tropical syrups and served with optional azuki beans or ice cream base. Lines stretch around the building on busy days.
Find it at: 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Ethel's Grill
A no-frills Kalihi institution with communal tables, paper plates, and exceptional fresh-cooked local breakfasts. Miso soup, rice, and protein combos at rock-bottom prices — the real deal, beloved by Honolulu locals.
Find it at: 232 Kalihi St, Honolulu, HI 96819
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
KCC Farmers Market
Oahu's finest farmers market with local farms, artisan producers, and exceptional prepared foods. Saturday mornings are a Honolulu institution.
Hours: Tuesday 4-7 PM, Saturday 7:30-11 AM
Hilo Farmers Market
One of Hawaii's best markets with 200+ vendors selling tropical fruits, orchids, local honey, Kona coffee, and Big Island specialties.
Hours: Wednesday 7 AM – 3 PM, Saturday 6 AM – 4 PM
Maui Swap Meet
Maui's biggest open-air market — fresh produce, handmade items, local foods, and genuine souvenirs at local prices.
Hours: Saturday 7 AM – 1 PM
Honolulu Chinatown Markets
Honolulu's Chinatown hosts several indoor produce markets selling exotic tropical fruits, fresh fish, poi, laulau, and Asian specialty ingredients at wholesale prices.
Hours: Daily 6 AM – 3 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Plate lunch portions in Hawaii are large — two scoops rice and mac salad come standard. Share one if eating lightly.
Reservations are essential for popular restaurants, especially in Waikiki and Wailea. Book OpenTable or Resy 1-2 weeks ahead.
Many acclaimed restaurants are not in tourist areas — Honolulu's Kapahulu and Kaimuki neighborhoods have excellent local dining at half the tourist-area prices.
Poke is best at smaller specialist shops (Ono Seafood, Foodland deli sections) rather than tourist-oriented poke chains.
Hawaii's best food often comes from trucks and small shops. Follow locals for plate lunches, shrimp trucks, and shave ice.
Happy hour runs 4-6 PM at most restaurants and bars — some upscale spots offer significant discounts on food and drinks.
Farmers markets are the best places to try local fruits visitors rarely encounter: rambutan, lychee, dragonfruit, longan, poha (Cape gooseberry).
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Avg meal usd 12, Description Plate lunches from local spots, food trucks, and grocery store poke. Leonard's malasadas, shave ice, and spam musubi. | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |