As the most isolated population center on earth — located more than 2,000 miles from the closest continent — the Hawaiian Islands are unique. Everything from our culture to the food we eat is a bit different than the mainland. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to those inspired by other cultures, there are certain foods abundant throughout the islands you simply can’t find elsewhere. And if you grew up here, you more than likely love these 11 classic dishes and iconic foods in Hawaii.

1. Loco Moco
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The loco moco: A beef patty nestled into a bed of rice with a fried over-easy egg balanced on top, with a smothering of brown gravy bringing everything together. It’s a shame the rest of the country knows nothing of this mouthwatering comfort Hawaii food.
2. Spam Musubi
B D T/Flickr
More Spam is sold in Hawaii than the rest of America, so it makes sense that the islands have created a popular snack food made with this canned lunch meat. Spam Musubi is made with a chunk of marinated Spam sandwiched between rice and wrapped in seaweed. It's so good that it’s a shame the rest of the country hasn’t caught on to this tasty snack yet.
3. Laulau
bionicgrrrl/Flickr
Laulau is a native Hawaiian dish consisting of pork wrapped in taro leaves. While this can be considered an acquired taste, most true locals love this uniquely Hawaiian dish.
4. Poi
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You sure won't find this traditional Hawaiian dish anywhere else. Poi is made by pounding boiled taro roots and mixing with water until the ideal smooth consistency is met.
5. Haupia Pie
Yumi Kimura/Flickr
Haupia, a traditional coconut milk based Hawaiian dessert, is in the pudding family, and most often used to create a delicious chocolate haupia pie!

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6. Mac Salad
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The slightly tangy and slightly sweet Hawaiian macaroni salad is easily our favorite part of any Hawaiian plate lunch.
7. Poke
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Poke, which means "to cut crosswise into pieces" in the Hawaiian language, is a raw fish dish. This dish traditionally consists of rice topped with cubed raw, marinated, and seasoned tuna. Since gaining popularity on the mainland, many creative variations of this traditional Hawaiian dish can be found. However, Hawaii obviously still does it best.
8. Kalua Pork
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr
This traditional dish is usually cooked in an underground oven, called a Imu, and served at most Hawaiian luaus and traditional eateries. Unfortunately, all you’ll find elsewhere is plain, old, boring pork.
9. Acai Bowls
@rsseatle/Flickr
There is nothing quite like an acai bowl full of acai berries, fresh fruit, granola or oatmeal, and a drizzle of honey, after a sunrise hike. This is such a healthy and satisfying breakfast, and I’m still trying to perfect the sweet meal at home. Acai berries may be native to South America, but they have certianly gained popularity in Hawaii over the years.
10. Manapua
Jennifer Cachola/Flickr
Manapua translates to "delicious pork thing" in Hawaiian, and that is exactly what it is: diced pork filling inside a steamed white bun. You can substitute other meats, or even bean paste if you would like. This is one of the best foods in Hawaii!
11. Saimin
bionicgrrl/Flickr
This wildly popular noodle soup dish is inspired by Japanese ramen, Filipino pancit, and Chinese mein. It was developed by immigrants during Hawaii's plantation era, and has become a staple of Hawaiian cuisine ever since. While you can find ramen elsewhere, saimin is special.

How many of these dishes and iconic foods in Hawaii do you enjoy?

Surprised not to find malasadas or shave ice on this list? We didn’t think these Hawaiian favorites could be classified as “dishes,” but we’re still obsessed. Learn where to find the best malasadas here, and which shops serve the best shave ice here.

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Iconic Foods In Hawaii

Melissa M. | June 21, 2021

What restaurants serve the iconic foods of Hawaii?

In Kahului on Maui, there’s a wonderful casual restaurant that serves a wide variety of traditional Hawaiian foods. Poi by the Pound not only serves the fresh poi it's known for but also kalua pork, lau lau, ahi poke, loco moco, and more, all cooked by Hawaiian chefs. Known as Hawaii’s oldest restaurant, the Manago Hotel Restaurant serves a variety of Hawaiian and American dishes. This eatery is worth a visit for both the history and delicious food.

Where can I find the best shave ice in Hawaii?

One of the best-known foods in Hawaii is shave ice, a cold, sweet treat that’s perfect for a hot day. The ice itself is shaved into perfectly soft, fluffy snow and topped with syrup and other sweet flavorings. It’s the perfect Hawaiian treat and there are plenty of places around the islands that serve some incredible shave ice. Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu is actually inside the unassuming Waioloa Store and is said to be the best in the city. Wishing Well Shave Ice in Hanalei on the island of Kauai is a small establishment that’s become a local favorite. Using fresh organic fruit sourced from the island, you certainly won’t find any better shave ice here. Learn more about these establishments and more in our post, These 11 Shops Serve The Best Shave Ice In Hawaii.

Where can I pick my own food in Hawaii?

Known for some of the freshest produce in the country, Hawaii is filled with farms, but not many allow visitors to pick their own fruit and vegetables. However, one farm that does is Kula Country Farms on Maui which offers u-pick strawberries when in season.

 

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