Hawaiian Foods you Must Try in Hawaii

Hawaiian Foods You Must Try in Hawaii

Whether it is your first time to Hawaii, or you are an annual visitor, there are few other places in the world where you can feel welcomed and at home wherever you go. When visiting with locals, bring your appetite, because they love to feed their guests!

We are fortunate enough to be hosted by my uncle and aunt for most of our stay in a typical Hawaiian home in Punaluu. My Uncle is of Hawaiian origin, and he is always very welcoming and very happy to cook us a meal! After spending plenty of time with them, I have come up with the best Hawaiian foods to try in Hawaii.

Surfboards for Rent on Waikiki Beach – A Great Picnic Spot

Because of its position in the Pacific Ocean, the cuisine you will find in Hawaii is a fusion of culinary influences that come from traditional Hawaiian dishes, as well as Asian and North American cuisine. You will find American, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Polynesian, and Portuguese influences.

Did you know that Poke, which consists of diced chunks of raw fish and other ingredients, originated in Hawaii. You can read more interesting facts about Hawaii after you are done wetting your appetite with these Hawaiian foods!

Eating in Hawaii can get expensive, if you are on a budget, check out how to see Hawaii on a budget.

And no, don’t expect to find Ham and Pineapple Pizza in abundance or Pineapple fields all over the islands. Hawaii actually grows very few pineapples today. For your time on this Big Island, check out this 4 day itinerary. 

Here are some Hawaiian foods you must try in Hawaii.

Shoyu Poke courtesy of Gregg Tavares

Shave Ice (not Shaved Ice) courtesy of Michael Saechang

Pineapple Ice Cream from Dole courtesy of Jun Seita

Hawaiians eat a lot of SPAM Courtesy of Mike Mozart

Poi (Taro) Like a Pudding Texture

Poke Courtesy of Anokarina

Kalua Pig

Locally Grown Papaya

Mochi Ice Cream Courtesy of _e.t

Hawaiian Juices (be careful, they are full of sugar, but the kids love them)

Sweet Bread Couresy of Joel Penner

Japanese Taro Bread

Have you tried any of these? What were your favorites? After you have finished snacking, consider picking up some of the best Hawaiian souvenirs!

More Great Hawaiian Resources:

If you do not have the opportunity to have someone shopping and cooking for you, check out how to eat for cheap in Hawaii!

–The Best time to Visit Hawaii. Comparisons for each season

–Quotes about Hawaii for Instagram captions!

– The Best things to do in Oahu with Toddlers and Preschoolers

– Are you celiac? check out The Best Gluten free Island in Hawaii

– Heading to Maui? Check out this 5 Day Maui Itinerary

– Check out this post for Cheap Eats in Hawaii before your next trip!

– Honeymooning in Hawaii, Three Week Island Hopping Itinerary

– If you are planning on visiting Maui with kids, I suggest you read this post on the very best things to do in Maui with kids.

Have you ever traveled to Hawaii? What was your favorite typical Hawaiian dish! let me know in the comments!

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