What to Eat in Hawaii: A Culinary Tour of All Six Islands

Have a poke around.

For a lighter Hawaiian meal, try poke. Ahi Assassins and any Foodland on the island are must-sees. Ahi Assassins is a well-known boat-to-table restaurant. If they don't catch anything, the shop is literally shut down; better luck next time! It's great poke by the pound, with a variety of sauces to choose from. Foodland, a supermarket chain with more than 30 locations across the state, is a good alternative if Ahi's is closed for the day or simply for convenience. For over a decade, their poke has been rated the best in Hawaii! While you're there, you can also get some other necessities.

2. Maui's Best Places to Eat

Maui is Hawaii's second-largest island, famed for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. Sea turtles, humpback whales, rays, urchins, seals, and a variety of other marine life can all be found on the island. Tourism is Maui's principal industry, followed by agriculture. Take some pineapple, papayas, coffee, sugar, and macadamia nuts with you on the way! Hikes abound throughout the island, many of which are sure to whet your appetite.

Takeout is available

This isn't the place to go if you're searching for something fancy. Tin Roof checks all the boxes if you're looking for something yummy! This eatery, a take-out establishment in a strip mall, doesn't look like much at first glance, yet the cuisine is amazing. Sheldon Simeone, a Top Chef finalist, serves delicious Kau Kau Tins (layered Hawaiian rice bowls) and other Hawaiian comfort meals. To avoid the line, order ahead of time online.

As simple as pie

Even though pie isn't the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Maui, that doesn't mean you shouldn't indulge! Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop is a cute highway café that serves both savoury and sweet pies. A Coconut Cream Pie, a Kiawe Bean Tart, an empanada, or just typical diner fare are all available. You will not be dissatisfied. Arrive early because the selection decreases as the day progresses.

3. Where to Eat on the Big Island

The Big Island is also known as the island of Hawaii, which is a bit confusing. It is, as you might expect, the largest of the group, with more than 10,000 km2 to explore. The Big Island is the only Hawaiian location with an active volcano, making it ideal for adventure seekers. Klauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes; it erupted violently in 2018, but has since calmed down. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is available to the public and nearly back to pre-eruption levels of activity; certain trails may still be closed, but it's still open for you to visit.

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Eat all the staples

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a traditional comfort food establishment. They serve filling lunch plates that won't leave you hungry — and at a reasonable price. Rice, macaroni salad, chicken, garlic shrimp, ramen, and more are available. It has all of the trimmings of a classic Hawaiian plate, and their numerous addresses attest to how popular they are among islanders. It's everything you'll need to get around the Big Island.

Get your fusion on

Try Moon and Turtle if you're looking for something a little different. Make a reservation at this fashionable restaurant because it is always filled with foodies. It's a Hawaiian-Asian fusion restaurant with locally sourced foods and a constantly changing menu that'll leave you wanting more.

4. Where Should You Eat on Kauai?

With a name like the Garden Isle, you can expect a lot of green when you visit Kauai! The island's fourth-largest include soaring cliffs and a combination of rough shoreline and beautiful beaches. You may have already visited the island via your computer screen without realising it. The Hawaiian island of Kauai is a Hollywood favourite. The island was used to film Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and Hook (just to name a few).

Low-cost and cheerful

Mark's Place in Puhi is the place to go if you're looking for a traditional Hawaiian plate meal. You can get a protein like beef teriyaki or chicken katsu, macaroni salad, and white rice for around $10. They also have bento boxes on hand. Hawaii is a melting pot of civilizations, and its culinary diversity reflects this. It's a takeaway place with picnic tables in the back. Nothing flashy, but oh-so-delicious.

5. Where to Eat in Molokai

When it comes to the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is a bit off the usual path. On a surface area of 673.4 km2, the island has a population of only about 7,500 people. It's distant, and fewer people visit it than Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it! It has the world's longest bordering coral reef, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. On land, there are some of the world's tallest cliffs as well as a handful of fallen volcanoes. Get over there now, while it's still a hidden gem!

The best bar to visit for a drink

Molokai has a limited number of venues where you can get a drink. In truth, there are just two of them. At the Hotel Molokai's Hiro's Ohana Grill, native foods are served with a twist. While enjoying your dinner close by the shore, you can even catch some local musical talent! Paddler's Inn is the island's other top candidate for a drink. From Pork Pineapple Tacos to Duck Poutine and everything in between, the menu is a bit of a mishmash. However, with live music and a dance floor, it's the best location on the island to party — and try some creative new dishes while sipping a cocktail!

savoury and sweet

Kanemitsu's Bakery is easy to spot thanks to its stunning lime green facade. They provide traditional American and Hawaiian fare. The kimchi fried rice has received a lot of positive feedback. Because it's a bakery, the bread, pastries, cookies, doughnuts, and pies are all delicious. They've been in business since 1922, so you can trust that they're doing things correctly.

6. Where to Eat in Lanai

If you thought Molokai was unusual, Lanai takes it to a whole new level! On this 364 km2 island, approximately 3,100 people live! Lanai, sometimes known as the Pineapple Island since it was once the heart of the Dole empire, is mostly a wild and undeveloped resort. It's also a great area to get some privacy because it's not on most people's radar (yet). There are numerous magnificent beaches that will very certainly become your personal refuge. On the island, snorkelling and golfing are also popular activities.

One-stop-shop

Blue Ginger Café is a one-stop store in Lanai, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Café maintains a low-key atmosphere while serving simple but well-executed cuisine. Grab an omelet with Portuguese sausage, a mahi burger, a saimin noodle soup (Hawaii's chicken noodle soup), loco moco, or a breakfast burrito for a combination of American and Pan-Asian cuisine. The freshly baked pastries are extremely popular with the locals, so get there early if you want to get your hands on one.