Savor the Flavors of Hawaii: Hot List Hawaii’s Must-Try Local Food
Aloha, food lovers! From garlic shrimp trucks to sweet malasadas, the islands are packed with tasty street eats that’ll have your taste buds doing the hula. Grab a napkin (or two) and let’s dive into Hot List Hawaii’s ultimate guide to Hawaii’s best street food!
1. Garlic Shrimp (From Shrimp Trucks)
Where to Try: North Shore, Oahu (Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Romy’s Kahuku Prawns)
What It Is: Fresh, juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served with rice. It’s the ultimate local comfort food.
Hot Tip: Be prepared for garlic breath, but trust us—it's worth it!
Fun Fact: The shrimp trucks on the North Shore became popular in the 1990s and continue to be a must-stop for visitors.
2. Malasadas
Where to Try: Leonard’s Bakery (Honolulu)
What It Is: Portuguese-style doughnuts, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, often filled with custard or fruit flavors.
Hot Tip: Get them fresh and hot for the best experience.
Fun Fact: Malasadas are a popular treat during Mardi Gras and celebrations in Hawaii!
3. Plate Lunch
Where to Try: Rainbow Drive-In (Honolulu), Diamond Head Grill (Waikiki)
What It Is: A quintessential Hawaiian meal, usually consisting of a meat (like teriyaki chicken or beef), two scoops of rice, and macaroni salad.
Hot Tip: Some places offer a side salad if that too much carbs for you!
Fun Fact: The plate lunch originated as a simple, affordable meal for plantation workers in the early 1900s.
4. Poke Bowls
Where to Try: Foodland (Kaneohe), Tamuras (Kaimuki)
What It Is: Fresh raw fish, often Ahi (tuna) or salmon, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, served over rice with toppings like avocado, seaweed, and onions.
Hot Tip: Customize your poke bowl with different toppings like crispy garlic chips or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Fun Fact: Poke (pronounced "poh-keh") is a traditional Hawaiian dish that dates back to ancient times when fishermen would season and eat fresh fish immediately after catching it.
5. Shaved Ice
Where to Try: Matsumoto Shave Ice (North Shore), Waiola Shave Ice (Honolulu)
What It Is: Ice finely shaved to a fluffy texture, topped with flavored syrups, condensed milk, or fruit. You can even add azuki beans or ice cream.
Hot Tip: Ask for the “snow cap” (condensed milk) to make your shaved ice extra creamy and sweet.
Fun Fact: Shaved ice came to Hawaii through the Japanese immigrants who settled on the islands and adapted the traditional kakigori dessert.
6. Spam Musubi
Where to Try: 7-Eleven (yes, seriously!), Musubi Cafe Iyasume (Honolulu)
What It Is: A slice of Spam placed on top of rice, wrapped with a strip of nori (seaweed). It’s like a sushi roll but with Spam!
Hot Tip: You can find Spam musubi at almost every convenience store or local deli. It's a perfect on-the-go snack. We have even found vegan spam musubi on occasion!
Fun Fact: Spam is so popular in Hawaii that the state consumes more Spam per capita than any other state in the U.S.!
7. Loco Moco
Where to Try: Koko Head Café (Kaimuki), Moena Café (Hawaii Kai)
What It Is: A hearty, comforting dish made up of a bed of rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and covered in rich brown gravy.
Hot Tip: For an extra kick, try adding some chili or jalapeños to your loco moco.
Fun Fact: Loco Moco was invented in the 1940s at the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, and it’s become a go-to comfort food for many Hawaii locals.
8. Poke
Where to Try: Foodland (Various Locations)
What It Is: Fresh, marinated raw fish (usually ahi) mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and seaweed. It's a Hawaii favorite and often served over rice or eaten as is.
Hot Tip: Foodland offers a wide variety of poke options, from traditional ahi to spicy tuna, so be sure to try a few different types. You can even grab a poke bowl to go if you're heading to the beach. Trust us! Foodland has some of the best poke!
Fun Fact: Poke has become such a staple in Hawaii that you’ll find it at almost every local market and grocery store. It’s a perfect snack, lunch, or dinner!
9. Chocolate Haupia Pie
Where to Try: Ted’s Bakery (Sunset Beach)
What It Is: A decadent treat featuring layers of smooth haupia (coconut pudding) and rich chocolate custard in a flaky pie crust.
Hot Tip: Grab a slice (or two) and enjoy it with a cold drink for the ultimate beachside snack. It’s a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Fun Fact: Ted’s Bakery has been serving up their famous chocolate haupia pie for over 40 years, and it’s a must-try dessert when you’re on the North Shore!
10. Saimin
Where to Try: Palace Saimin (Honolulu), Saimin at Marukame Udon (Honolulu)
What It Is: A noodle soup with Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino influences, typically served with char siu, egg, green onions, and fish cakes.
Hot Tip: You can customize your saimin by adding extra toppings like kimchi or an egg.
Fun Fact: Saimin was originally introduced by Chinese immigrants in the 1930s, becoming a beloved comfort food in Hawaii.
