Hawaii Dining & Local Foods
The best places to get laulau, poke, malasadas, mixed plate, fine dining, and more in Hawaii
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Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Hawaii Dining & Places to Eat
Hawaii Local Food & Dining Recommendations
Sun, sand, and surf are not all Hawaii is known for. Sure, we travel to islands for a restful time that will incorporate all these things, but you gotta eat too, right? Hawaii certainly doesn’t let us down on that issue.
When we dive a little deeper, we find that the food in Hawaii is not just about filling a hungry void but experiencing a little bit of history and cultural significance in every bite. Here are some of our favorite local eats, farmers markets, food trucks, and more general Hawaii dining information.
Hawaii's Best Local Dining
Top Places for Authentic Hawaii Foods
Best Local Dining by Island
Top Dining & Local Food Locations throughout Hawaii
Hawaii's Top Fine Dining
Hawaii’s fine dining scene offers a unique blend of world-class cuisine, local ingredients, and the unparalleled beauty of the islands. Whether savoring a sunset dinner with ocean views or indulging in a creative tasting menu crafted by award-winning chefs, fine dining in Hawaii is an experience like no other.
We’ve curated detailed fine dining guides for each island to make planning your culinary journey easy. Each page highlights the best fine dining options by region, so you can discover hidden gems and renowned restaurants whether you’re staying in Waikiki, Wailea, Poipu, or Kona.
Casual Dining
Hawaii’s casual dining scene perfectly captures the laid-back, welcoming spirit of the islands. Whether grabbing a bite after a day at the beach, enjoying a family meal, or sampling local favorites with friends, Hawaii’s casual dining options blend delicious food with the island’s signature aloha vibe.
To help you plan your meals, we’ve organized casual dining guides for each island, highlighting the best casual dining spots by region. Whether you’re exploring Honolulu, Lahaina, Hanalei, or Hilo, our guides make it easy to discover great food no matter where you are.
Hawaii Food Trucks
Best Locations in Hawaii for Food Trucks
Hawaii’s food truck scene is a vibrant and delicious way to experience the islands’ culinary diversity. Food trucks are essential to Hawaii's food culture, from fresh, locally caught seafood to mouthwatering fusion creations that blend global flavors with Hawaiian ingredients.
We've curated food truck guides for each island to help you find the best food trucks during your visit, highlighting top picks by region. Whether wandering the streets of Honolulu, exploring Maui’s upcountry, relaxing in Hanalei, or adventuring near Kona, our guides will point you toward the most delectable meals on wheels. Check out the food truck scene on each island:
Hawaii's Farmers' Markets
Top Farmers' Market Locations throughout Hawaii
Hawaii’s farmers’ markets are a feast for the senses, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and an authentic taste of the islands. From tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples to locally crafted honey, coffee, and baked goods, these markets are the perfect place to experience the abundance of Hawaii’s agriculture and the creativity of its artisans.
To simplify exploring the markets, we’ve compiled Farmers' Market guides for each island that list the best farmers’ markets by region. Whether you’re strolling through Honolulu, visiting Maui’s lush upcountry, enjoying Kauai’s charming small towns, or exploring the volcanic landscapes of the Big Island, you’ll find markets filled with treasures to discover. Explore farmers’ markets on each island:
Hawaii Smoothies
Best Locations in Hawaii for a Smoothie
Hawaii’s tropical climate and abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits make it the ultimate destination for smoothie lovers. Whether you’re craving a refreshing post-beach treat or a healthy pick-me-up, the islands offer an array of smoothie spots that blend the vibrant flavors of paradise into every cup.
Discover the Top Smoothie Locations on each Island and enjoy the taste of Hawaii in every sip as you explore the islands one smoothie at a time. From beachfront cafes to hidden local gems, these smoothie spots are sure to add a burst of flavor to your Hawaiian adventure.
Hawaii's Farm to Table
Top Farm to Table Locations throughout Hawaii
Experience Hawaii’s Farm-to-Table Dining: Fresh, Local, and Sustainable
Hawaii’s farm-to-table dining scene is a celebration of the islands’ natural abundance, rich agricultural traditions, and sustainable practices. From lush tropical farms to innovative chefs, farm-to-table restaurants in Hawaii bring fresh, locally sourced ingredients straight to your plate, offering an unforgettable culinary experience rooted in the spirit of aloha.
To help you savor the best of this movement, we’ve curated guides for each island that highlight top farm-to-table dining options by region. Whether you’re dining in Honolulu, exploring Maui’s upcountry, soaking in the beauty of Hanalei, or discovering Kona’s fertile fields, these guides will lead you to restaurants that redefine fresh. Explore farm-to-table dining on each island:
Hawaii's Best SPAM
Top SPAM Locations throughout Hawaii
Taste the Iconic Flavor of Hawaii: Best Spots for Hawaiian-Style SPAM
SPAM is more than just a pantry staple in Hawaii—it’s a beloved cultural icon and a key ingredient in some of the islands’ most cherished dishes. From SPAM musubi and fried rice to creative fusion dishes you’ll only find in Hawaii, this versatile canned meat has been reimagined in countless delicious ways worth exploring.
To help you find the best SPAM-inspired eats, we’ve created guides for each island that showcase where to find Hawaiian-style SPAM dishes by region. From the bustling streets of Honolulu to the laid-back charm of Maui’s towns, Kauai’s hidden gems, and the Big Island’s vibrant food scene, these guides will point you toward the tastiest SPAM dishes around. Discover the top spots for Hawaiian-style SPAM on each island:
Additional Dining
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