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Honolulu food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Honolulu.
What to eat in Honolulu
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Poke
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.
Lau Lau
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.
Kalua Pig
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.
Saimin
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.
Manapua
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.
Haupia
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 locals eat — best neighborhoods
Trendy and local, with a growing number of innovative restaurants and casual eateries.
Historic and bustling, offering a mix of traditional Asian flavors, modern fusion, and lively bars.
Tourist-centric but with some gems, from beachfront dining to casual food courts and souvenir shops.
Down-to-earth and local, known for its no-frills eateries serving up authentic Hawaiian and Asian comfort food.
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