United States · tool
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
$12–$20
Cubes of raw, marinated fish, typically ahi tuna, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili. It's a refreshing and flavorful taste of the Pacific, best enjoyed fresh.
Where to try: Ono Seafood
Lau Lau
$18–$25
Pork and butterfish wrapped in luau leaves and steamed in ti leaves until incredibly tender. This traditional dish is a savory, earthy delight that speaks to Hawaiian culinary roots.
Where to try: Helena's Hawaiian Food
Kalua Pig
$25–$40
Slow-roasted whole pig, traditionally cooked in an underground imu (oven), resulting in smoky, tender, and succulent meat. It's the quintessential centerpiece of any luau.
Where to try: Duke's Waikiki (for a tourist-friendly taste)
Saimin
$8–$15
A noodle soup dish with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino cuisines, featuring a dashi-based broth and toppings like kamaboko and green onions. It's a comforting, local comfort food staple.
Where to try: Shige's Saimin Stand
Manapua
$2–$5
A steamed or baked bun filled with savory fillings, most commonly char siu pork. It's a delicious and portable snack, a local take on the Chinese bao.
Where to try: Chinatown (various bakeries)
Haupia
$3–$6
A traditional Hawaiian coconut milk-based dessert, often served as a firm pudding or jelly. Its sweet, creamy, and subtly tropical flavor is a perfect end to a meal.
Where to try: Leonard's Bakery
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Kaimuki
Trendy and local, with a growing number of innovative restaurants and casual eateries.
Farm-to-table diningIndependent cafesCraft cocktails
Chinatown
Historic and bustling, offering a mix of traditional Asian flavors, modern fusion, and lively bars.
Dim sumEthnic eatsNightlife
Waikiki
Tourist-centric but with some gems, from beachfront dining to casual food courts and souvenir shops.
Ocean viewsClassic Hawaiian platesPeople-watching
Kapahulu
Down-to-earth and local, known for its no-frills eateries serving up authentic Hawaiian and Asian comfort food.
Local comfort foodPlate lunchesBudget-friendly eats
Dietary notes
Traditional Hawaiian cuisine can be meat-heavy, particularly pork and fish. However, Honolulu has a diverse culinary scene with increasing options for vegetarians and vegans, especially in Kaimuki and Waikiki, often featuring fresh local produce and tofu.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary for table service, similar to the mainland US (18-20%).
- •Reservations are recommended for popular dinner spots, especially on weekends.
- •While many places accept cards, it's good to have some cash for smaller food trucks or market stalls.
- •Dress is generally casual aloha wear, even in many restaurants.
- •Mealtimes are flexible, but lunch is typically between 11 AM and 2 PM, and dinner from 6 PM onwards.
Plan the rest of your Honolulu trip
Food guides elsewhere