10 Things You Must Eat When You Visit Hawaii

Hi, hello, my name is Kait and I’m in love with food. Healthy food, shitty-for-you food…I want it all. Or at least to try it all. When we first moved to Oahu, I was in a feeding frenzy. I mean seriously, every single week I was like…WHAT CAN I EAT NOW? So, anytime anyone comes to visit I have a whole list of things they must try. After my parent’s most recent visit, I decided it was high time I make a list for anyone who might be planning a trip or just daydreaming about a trip to Hawaii. Without further ado…10 Things You Must Eat In Hawaii!

1. Shave Ice. No, not shaved. SHAVE. Matsumoto’s is a popular spot on the North Shore…and for good reason — it’s delicious! I also enjoy Waiola in Honolulu. You really can’t go wrong…and don’t forget the beans and sweetened condensed milk! Don’t miss the 3 Best Places For Shave Ice On Oahu 🙂

 

2. Poké. I like poké, but I don’t love it. Either way, it’s a staple here and you can’t come for a visit without at least trying it. It’s sushi-grade ahi (tuna), cubed and tossed in a sauce. The sauce depends on who is making it, but there are multiple different kinds you can try!

 

3. Malasadas. Portugese donuts that are hot, wonderful slices of heaven. Leonard’s (the pink box!) is my personal favorite and they have two locations — Waikele and Honolulu. You can get them filled with haupia (coconut), custard or chocolate (dobash), or simply have them plain without filling. Dane and I love them so much we included them in our family photos 🙂

4. Huli Huli Chicken. The best way I can describe this local favorite is the best chicken teriyaki you have ever eaten in your life. Typically served right off a barbecue grill and with a scoop of rice, it melts in your mouth and is packed with flavor!

 

5. Manapua. Think of this as a pork sandwich wrapped neatly into a small bun. Small bites of pork and sauce are rolled into a soft, doughy bun and then steamed. We had one fresh out of the steamer in Kauai from Lawai Market and it was divine!

 

6. Butter Mochi. A dessert made with rice flour as the base, mochi can come in all sorts of flavors, but butter is the best (in my opinion!). Sweet, buttery (duh) and cake-like in texture, you will be hard pressed to ever find me sharing mine.

 

7. Kalua Pork. Yes, I know, you’ve had pulled pork before. BUT THIS IS NOT YOUR MAMA’S PULLED PORK. If you’re headed to a luau, you will for sure be served some Kalua pig, but in the off chance you’re skipping the luau (why? Do it!), be sure to order some off the menu at any local restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

 

8. Spam Musabi. I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favorite snack, but I have tried it, so I checked the box. A piece of Spam with rice wrapped neatly in a seaweed wrapper. If you’re a lover of Spam, this is a must!

 

9. Loco Moco. At first glance on a menu, you might say WTF. I know I did. Loco Moco is a breakfast or brunch dish that is rice topped with a burger meat, a fried egg and gravy. That is just the basic variety (I’ve seen all types), but I can assure you — if done right, it is DELICIOUS!

 

10. Plate Lunch. I’ve saved the best for last, because to me, nothing is better than plate lunch done right. Plate lunch is a term often used by locals to describe exactly what it says — a plate of lunch. Here’s the catch, it ALWAYS comes with two glorious scoops of rice and mac salad. I prefer fish tacos for mine, while Dane likes a nice piece of Kalbi.

 

Have you been to Hawaii? What was the best thing you ate?

 

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