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Honolulu food guide

Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Honolulu.

Photo by AussieActive on Unsplash

What to eat in Honolulu

6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.

Must-try dishes

Poke

$8–$15

Marinated raw fish, typically tuna, mixed with seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili. It's a fresh, vibrant dish that showcases the quality of local seafood.

Where to try: Small markets and dedicated poke counters across Honolulu, especially in areas like Kaimuki.

Lau Lau

$12–$18

Pork and fish (often butterfish or salmon) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed or baked in ti leaves until tender. The slow cooking process infuses the ingredients with a deep, earthy flavor.

Where to try: Local eateries and plate lunch spots, particularly in Kalihi and along Kapahulu Avenue.

Kalua Pig

$10–$16

Traditionally slow-roasted in an underground imu (oven), this shredded pork is smoky, tender, and incredibly flavorful. It's a staple of Hawaiian luaus and plate lunches.

Where to try: Plate lunch restaurants and food stalls throughout the city, often found in the downtown area and Kaimuki.

Manapua

$2–$4

A steamed or baked bun filled with various savory ingredients, most commonly char siu (Chinese barbecue pork). It's a popular, convenient snack with Chinese and Hawaiian influences.

Where to try: Bakeries and food trucks, especially around Chinatown and local neighborhood bakeries.

Haupia

$3–$6

A traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, resulting in a firm, pudding-like consistency. It's subtly sweet and refreshing.

Where to try: Dessert counters at local restaurants and bakeries, often found alongside other Hawaiian specialties in Waikiki and Kapahulu.

Saimin

$7–$12

A noodle soup dish with influences from Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino cuisines, featuring a dashi-based broth and toppings like kamaboko (fish cake) and green onions. It's a comforting local comfort food.

Where to try: Diners and casual restaurants, particularly in areas with a strong local following like Kalihi and Moiliili.

Where locals eat — best neighborhoods

Kaimuki

Hip and eclectic, with a mix of established local favorites and trendy new eateries.

Local flavorsCasual diningFoodie exploration

Chinatown

Historic and bustling, offering a diverse range of Asian cuisines from traditional to fusion.

Dim sumVietnamese phoFusion cuisine

Kapahulu Avenue

A vibrant strip known for its concentration of plate lunch spots and local Hawaiian food institutions.

Plate lunchesHawaiian specialtiesAffordable eats

Waikiki

Tourist-centric but with pockets of excellent restaurants, from casual beachside grills to upscale dining.

SeafoodInternational cuisineSunset dining

Dietary notes

Traditional Hawaiian cuisine is meat and fish-heavy, with dishes like Lau Lau and Kalua Pig being central. However, with its diverse population, Honolulu offers many vegetarian and vegan options, especially in restaurants serving Asian-inspired or health-conscious fare. Poke can often be made vegetarian with marinated tofu.

Local etiquette

•Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, similar to the mainland US (15-20%).
•While cards are widely accepted, it's good to have some cash for smaller food stalls and markets.
•Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
•Dress is generally casual and comfortable, reflecting the tropical climate. Beachwear is fine for casual eateries, but slightly more dressed-up attire might be preferred for nicer restaurants.

Plan the rest of your Honolulu trip

Full itinerary →Budget Day trips

Food guides elsewhere

Food guides for similar destinations

Big Island (Hawaii) →Maui →Auckland →Sydney →Cape Town →Cape Cod →