Exploring the Famous Food Spots in Oahu Hawaii
The food on Oahu is just as interesting and varied as the scenery. There is a world of flavor waiting for you in addition to the famous Waikiki beaches and legendary surf spots. There are flavors from all over the world in Hawaiian dishes. There are a lot of great places to eat on the island, from cheap shrimp shacks on the North Shore to fancy restaurants with ocean views in Honolulu.
This guide will help you find the best places to eat on Oahu. We’ll talk about everything from well-known breakfast places and local foods you have to try to hidden gems that locals love. Whether you’re going to Oahu for the first time or you’re a regular who wants to try something new, get ready to add some amazing places to eat to your bucket list. This isn’t just a list of places to eat; it’s a guide based on what other people have done that will help you eat your way through paradise like a local.
What kinds of food are famous in Oahu?
It’s important to know what local specialties to look for before you start exploring. Hawaiian food is a mix of Polynesian traditions and the food that Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Portuguese immigrants brought with them. You have to try these popular Hawaiian foods.
Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a hearty dish that is a true taste of local comfort food. You can eat it any time of day. A bed of white rice with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and a lot of rich brown gravy on top is what it usually looks like. There are many different types on the island, but the classic one is a must-try for anyone who has never been there before.
Poke
Poke (pronounced poh-kay) was a staple food for native Hawaiians long before it became popular around the world. It is a simple but tasty dish made with diced raw fish that is usually seasoned with sea salt, seaweed (limu), and crushed candlenuts (inamona). There are a lot of different kinds of poke today, but shoyu (soy sauce) ahi and spicy ahi poke are two of the most popular. Get some from a local market or a poke shop that only sells poke for the freshest and most authentic experience.
Kalua Pig
Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is made by slowly roasting a whole pig in an underground oven called an imu. The shredded pork that comes out is very tender, smoky, and tasty. You can get it by itself, in a plate lunch, or in a sandwich. It’s a classic Hawaiian flavor.
Shrimp with garlic
You have to stop by one of the famous shrimp shacks if you go to Oahu’s North Shore. These food trucks serve up plates of fresh shrimp that are often sautéed in a lot of garlic and butter. It’s a simple, messy, and very tasty meal that fits in with the relaxed vibe of the North Shore.
Ice Cream
Shave ice is not your average snow cone; it’s the perfect treat for a hot day in Hawaii. It is made of finely shaved ice that is fluffy and looks like snow, which lets it soak up all the flavored syrups. A “snow cap” of ice cream at the bottom, sweetened condensed milk on top, or a sprinkle of li hing mui (salty dried plum) powder on top make it even better.
The Best Places to Eat Breakfast in Oahu
Have a meal you’ll remember to start your day in paradise. Oahu has no shortage of fantastic breakfast spots, from casual cafes to bustling brunch destinations.
Bakery Liliha
Liliha Bakery has been a part of Honolulu since 1950. You have to go there to try their famous Coco Puffs, which are small cream puffs filled with chocolate pudding and topped with a dollop of buttery chantilly frosting. In addition to their famous pastries, they also serve a full breakfast menu like a diner. Their pancakes are light and fluffy, their loco moco is a local favorite, and the old-fashioned counter seating makes the place feel warm and welcoming. Koko Head Cafe is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for both locals and tourists.
If you want a more modern and creative brunch, go to Koko Head Cafe in Kaimuki. Celebrity chef Lee Anne Wong runs this place, which has a unique, Asian-inspired brunch menu. Dishes like the Cornflake French Toast with bacon and frosted flake gelato, or the Volcano Eggs with baked eggs, spicy tomato sauce, and cheddar, are standouts. There will be a wait because it’s a popular place, but the food is worth it.
Bakery by Leonard
Leonard’s Bakery isn’t a typical sit-down breakfast place, but you have to try a malasada if you’re on a food tour of Oahu. These Portuguese-style donuts are fried until they are golden brown, covered in sugar, and served hot. You can get them plain or filled with custards like haupia (coconut), dobash (chocolate), or the flavor of the month. Getting a pink box of fresh malasadas is a must-do on your Oahu food bucket list.
Best Places to Eat Lunch
Plate lunches and food trucks are two of the best places to get a casual lunch in Oahu.
Hawaiian Food from Helena
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is the best place to get a real taste of traditional Hawaiian food. Since 1946, this no-frills restaurant has been serving real food. It has won a James Beard Award. You can try traditional plate lunch foods like Kalua pig, pipikaula (dried beef short ribs), and laulau (pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves) here. The food is simple, honest, and very tasty, giving you a real taste of the local food culture.
Udon from Marukame
Marukame Udon is in the middle of Waikiki and is known for its long line that moves quickly and its delicious, freshly made udon noodles. It’s a cafeteria-style restaurant where you can watch the chefs prepare the noodles right in front of you. Pick out your udon bowl (the nikutama with sweet beef and a soft-boiled egg is a popular choice), and then go down the line to add tempura sides like shrimp, sweet potato, or zucchini. It’s an affordable, quick, and satisfying lunch.
The Lady and the Pig
The Pig and the Lady is in Honolulu’s Chinatown and serves Vietnamese food in a bright, modern way. The P&L Pho French Dip Banh Mi is one of their famous dishes. Their menu is creative and full of flavor. It’s a fun place to eat in Oahu because the atmosphere is lively and the food is a great mix of old and new flavors.
Fine dining experiences that will stay with you forever
Oahu has some truly amazing fine dining restaurants, many of which have stunning views. These are great places to go for a special occasion or a romantic night out.
Honolulu by Alan Wong
A pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Alan Wong’s restaurant is a culinary landmark. The menu is all about using fresh, local ingredients in new and interesting ways. The “Da Bag” appetizer, which has steamed clams and kalua pig in it, is a fun and tasty way to start the meal. The restaurant has moved and changed, but its dedication to quality and creativity has not changed. This makes it a top choice for a fine dining experience.
La Mer
La Mer at the Halekulani hotel is the best place to go for the most luxurious and romantic experience. It is Hawaii’s only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant, and it serves amazing French food with a tropical twist. The restaurant’s location on the oceanfront gives it one of the best views in Oahu, making it a calm and elegant place to eat. It costs a lot, but it’s worth it for a night you’ll never forget.
Roy’s Waikiki Chef Roy Yamaguchi is another founding father of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. His restaurants are known for their fun atmosphere and high quality food. Roy’s Waikiki uses European cooking methods and Asian-Pacific flavors, with a focus on fresh seafood. The Misoyaki Butterfish is a famous dish that melts in your mouth. The busy dining room and open kitchen make for a lively and fun fine dining experience.
Local Favorites and Hidden Gems
You have to go off the beaten path to really eat like a local. These places may not be as well-known as Waikiki restaurants, but they serve some of the best food on the island.
Ono Fish
Tucked away in a small neighborhood, Ono Seafood is a contender for the best poke in Honolulu. This tiny, unassuming shop focuses on doing one thing perfectly: fresh, high-quality poke. People in the area talk about their shoyu ahi and spicy ahi all the time. Get a bowl to go and go to a nearby beach for the best lunch in Oahu.
Roy’s Original
Roy’s Waikiki is more well-known, but the original location in Hawaii Kai has a more laid-back, local feel. The menu still has the classic dishes that made Roy Yamaguchi famous, but the atmosphere is quieter and more private. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds of tourists and enjoy world-class food.
Rainbow Drive-In
Rainbow Drive-In is a well-known local business that has been serving classic plate lunches since 1961. It’s inexpensive, quick, and tasty. People in the area love the mix plate, which has BBQ beef, boneless chicken, and mahimahi. This is the best place to eat local food in Honolulu, and anyone who wants to try real island comfort food should go there.
Food Trucks You Have to Go To
The food truck scene in Oahu is doing very well, especially on the North Shore. You can’t go on a food trip to Honolulu and beyond without trying some of these food trucks.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
iovanni’s is probably the most well-known shrimp shack on the North Shore. People know it for its graffiti-covered truck and its famous shrimp scampi. The shrimp are covered in a sauce made with garlic, lemon, and butter that is so good you can’t resist. Be prepared for a line and a messy but delightful meal.
Mike’s Huli Huli Chicken
If you see a lot of smoke on the side of the road, there’s a good chance you’ve found a huli huli chicken place. One of the best is Mike’s. “Huli huli” means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to the way the chicken is cooked on a rotisserie over kiawe wood. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin.
Coffee from Island Vintage
While they have several cafe locations, the Island Vintage Coffee food truck on the North Shore is famous for its incredible açai bowls. The frozen açai berries, fresh fruit, granola, and honey on top make it the perfect healthy and refreshing snack after a morning of surfing or sunbathing.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Finish your food journey with some of Oahu’s best desserts.
Shave Ice in Matsumoto
Matsumoto Shave Ice has been a North Shore landmark since 1951, serving cold treats. It’s the best way to cool off because there are dozens of syrup flavors to choose from and you can add ice cream or azuki beans. The long line is part of the fun because it gives you time to think about what flavors you want.
Waiola Shave Ice
People who say they know a lot about shave ice often say that Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu has the best, most snow-like ice on the island. This local place isn’t as popular with tourists as Matsumoto, but people love it for its texture and delicious homemade syrups.
Pipeline Bakeshop and Creamery
Pipeline is the best place to get fresh malasadas, cake bombs, and homemade ice cream in Kaimuki. They have light and airy malasadas with unique sugar coatings like cocoa and li hing mui. It’s a new twist on old Hawaiian sweets.
Your culinary journey is about to begin.
The food on Oahu is a tasty reflection of its culture: it is diverse, friendly, and full of aloha. There is something for every taste and budget, from simple plate lunches to fine dining that is world-class. This guide is just the beginning of your food journey in Honolulu and beyond. When you go exploring with an open mind and an empty stomach, that’s when the real magic happens.
Are you ready to plan your amazing food tour of Oahu? We can help you make the perfect itinerary that includes both amazing sights and amazing food at Hawaii Guide Hub. Get in touch with us to start making plans for your perfect Hawaiian vacation.
What are your favorite places to eat on Oahu? Please share them in the comments!
