Oʻahu Foodie Tour

August 12 2022

From our favorite local food trucks to the perfect spot for sunset drinks, we’re sharing ALOHA's guide to eating and drinking around Oʻahu. The Oʻahu dining scene is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, making it a fun and unique destination for foodies. So, buckle up (or loosen your belts) as we share the best spots for dim sum in Chinatown, our favorite local staples, and some must-eat treats and hidden gems around the island. 

Best Fresh Juice & Smoothies

Da Cove Health Bar + Cafe - South Shore

Our go to after a long surf at Diamond Head! We love the açaí and they also serve up yummy egg and breakfast items, you have to try their eggs + asparagus! 

Sunrise Shack - North Shore, Waikīkī, and Kailua

Look for the little yellow shack sign, they are slinging some of the BEST papaya bowls and bullet coffees on the island. 

Nalu Health Bar - Kailua + North Shore

Fresh ingredients?! Sign us up! Nalu serves up a great smoothie and has THE BEST ahi sandwich on the island.

Hint: Try the gluten free bread, you wont be disappointed!  

Farm to Barn Cafe + Juicery - Haleiwa

Go for the fresh pressed juice or opt for our favorite menu item, the Barn Breakfast Burrito!

Best Places for Dim Sum in Chinatown 

Legend Seafood Restaurant - Chinatown Cultural Plaza

They’re famous for their Shu Mai and Half Moons.

Fook Lam Dim Sum - Chinatown Cultural Plaza

The soup dumplings are our favorite. Be sure to try the steamed dumplings with chill oil! They also have an amazing fried chive cake.

Mei Sum - Chinatown 

An oldie but a goodie, we always go for their chicken pot stickers!

Best Places for Sushi

Banzai Sushi Bar - Haleiwa

Banzai serves a large selection of fresh locally caught fish. They use organic ingredients from local fishermen and farmers on the North Shore to create unique sushi depending on the season. You'll also find a full saki bar here! 

Sushi Sasabune - Honolulu

The best omakase on the island can be found here!

Yanagi Sushi - Honolulu

Yanagi is always a favorite, especially when dining with a larger group. 

Best Food Trucks

Pupukea Grill - North Shore

From wraps, to plate lunch, and amazing fresh hand rolls, we never miss a chance to eat at Pupukea Grill!

Hint: Call and check their hours, they can be easy to miss!  

Pandaʻs Thai Food Truck - North Shore

Delicious, authentic Thai food on the North Shore. Worth leaving your resort for a meal here! 

Crispy Grindz - North Shore

This truck serves up amazing açaí and Brazilian coxihna (chicken and cheese croquette). Its a great place to grab and go on your way to the beach!  

Best Places to Pau Hana

Hideout Bar - Waikīkī

The Hideout Bar is in the heart of Waikīkī at the Laylow Hotel. A rooftop oasis with a midcentury modern vibe and the best local live music in town! 

Dukes - Waikīkī

A legendary spot in Waikīkī! Take a seat at the Barefoot Bar and enjoy the iconic views of Diamond Head at sunset or come for the live music and dancing on Sunday’s! 

Buzz's - Kailua 

Order the Freshie with a red rim, "a fresh lime marg served with li hing mui rim" – it’s our favorite cocktail. Open from lunch into dinner, get there early as Buzz’s draws a big crowd of vistors and locals alike.

Hint: Be careful with the mai tai’s (The BFRD), trust us on that one! 

Hau Tree - Waikīkī

This hidden gem can be found in the Kaimana Beach Hotel at the south end of Waikīkī. It’s our go to when in town, great for sunset dinner and drinks and serves up some of the best cocktails and pūpū on the south shore!

Best Places for Sweet Treats

Leonardʻs Bakery - South Shore 

The line starts at 6 am for these famous Portuguese fried donuts, but it's worth the wait! The original malasada is the bakery's best seller, though you can also order them with custard fillings–try the guava!

Waiola Shave Ice - Two South Shore Locations: 2135 Waiola St + 3113 Mokihana 

We love going to the original location on Waiola. Look out for the iconic blue building and a long line out front! There's a specific way to order your shave ice here: first, say how many shave ices you want, then specify the sizes, and finally, anything you want inside or on top. We recommend getting your shave ice and a scoop of ice cream at the bottom, it's perfect after a hot day at the beach! 

Ted’s Bakery - North Shore

Run, don’t walk to get their chocolate haupia (coconut) pie!

Hint: Not heading to North Shore, no problem, you can find their famous pies in Foodland grocery stores across the island. 

Banan Beach Shack - Waikīkī and Kailua

Hawai’i grown bananas turned into plant-based frozen goodness, whats not to love?. They also do açaí bowls and smoothies!

Hint: Order your banan soft serve in a “pineapple yacht.”

Best Plate Lunch + Poke Spots

Ono Seafood - South Shore 

Located about 5 minutes outside Waikīkī, this is the best place to customize your poke. Go early, this place draws a crowd!

Kahuku Superette - North Shore

Our favorite local spot in Laie (north of Haleiwa) for poke, nothing fancy but trust us, it’s da best!

Diamond Head Market - South Shore

Needing a quick plate lunch or grab and go? This is the spot! After you grab a plate lunch from the window, head inside and grab a blueberry cream cheese scone, it’s must! 

Rainbow’s Drive-In - South Shore  

Locals favorite for post-surf lunch. Try the teri beef plate and slush float, the best after an afternoon in the water! 

Best Places for Traditional Hawaiian Food

Both serve quality traditional Hawaiian food like laulau, poi, and kalua pork

Helena’s - Honolulu 

All their Hawaiian food is delicious. A must try is their salt meat watercress and beef short-ribs.

Hint: Cash-only!!

Highway Inn - 3 locations (Kakaʻako + West Side + Honolulu)

Highway Inn is always consistent and great for larger parties. We love their kalua pork! 

Best Places for Coffee

Sunset Provisions - Kaimana Beach Hotel, Waikīkī

Arvo - Kaka'ako

Coffee Gallery - North Shore

Morning Brew - Kailua + Kakaʻako

Morning Glass -  Honolulu

Good to Know: Hawaii Eats Lingo

Plate Lunch

A local plate lunch consists of two scoops of rice, a healthy serving of mac salad, and a main of teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, or teriyaki beef, or mahi mahi.

Malasada

Malasadas are Portuguese donuts without the hole. Traditionally, malasadas are not filled, but if you want to be wowed, be sure to ask for one with a filling of your choice!

Haupia

Haupia is a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert often found at lūʻau.

Laulau

Laulau is a Polynesian dish made from cooked taro leaves filled with pork, fish, or coconut cream. In old Hawaiʻi, laulau was assembled by taking a few leaves and placing a few pieces of fish or pork in the center. In modern times, the dish uses taro leaves, salted butterfish, and either pork, beef, or chicken and is usually steamed on the stove. 

Poi

​​In Polynesia, poi, or popoi, is a traditional food made from starchy vegetables, usually breadfruit, kalo (taro) roott, or plantain. Traditionally, poi is made by smashing cooked starch on a wooden pounding board with a wooden pestle carved from basalt, calcite or coral.

 

3 comments

  • pattibee: September 07, 2022

    So comprehensive! Now I’m really hungry and need a new bag.

  • MT: September 07, 2022

    Fun list! FYI Ted’s can only be found at their bakery up north now; they’re no longer distributing to other retailers 😭

  • Sally: August 17, 2022

    Fantastic bags and now tour guide! ❤️

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing