Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Across the islands, you'll find similar types of restaurants. For sit-down meals, there's
a big divide between highbrow restaurants that could rival mainland counterparts and
diner-type, family restaurants that serve local fare, loved for its familiar flavors and gen-
erous portions. When you're ready to splash out on a meal, pick a rave-reviewed foodie
hotspot rather than a random oceanfront resort restaurant (where you're probably paying
mainly for the view, not the food).
If calories are no concern, go for true local
grinds
(food) at '70s-style drive-ins,
serving plate lunches,
loco moco
and the like. Ideal for picnics are
okazu-ya
(island-style
Japanese take-out delicatessens); these are also the best places to find good, authentic
Hawaiian food. Commercial luau buffets include all the notable Hawaiian dishes, but the
quality can be mediocre and tastes often watered down for tourists.
Outside of Honolulu and Waikiki, especially on Neighbor Islands, restaurants typically
close early (say, by 9pm or 10pm). For late-night dining, seek out bars and the rare
24-hour coffee shop or local diner.
Although it's now an island staple, salmon is not native to local waters. It's an imported
fish, first introduced to Hawaii by whaling ships in the 19th century.
ONLY IN HAWAII: MUST-TRY TASTES
»
Leonarrdd's(
Click here
)
malasadas- Sugar-coasted Portuguese doughnuts (no
hole), often filled with flavored custard (Oʻahu).
»
KCC F
s Marrkett(
Click here
)
Artisanal food producers of everything from
Hawaiian sea salt to guava jam (Oʻahu).
»
Kanaaka K
C Farrmerrs Ma
alei T
i Tarro & J
o & Juic
uice C
e Co(
Click here
)
Taro-based smoothies,mochicakes and veg-
gie burgers (Kauaʻi).
»
Auuntty L
ilikoii(
Click here
) Sweet syrups, spicy mustards and (inedible) massage
oil, all made withlilikoʻi(passion fruit; Kauaʻi).
y Lilik
Self-Catering & Saving Money
In Hawaii, most groceries are imported. The everyday price of food averages 30% more
than on the US mainland, so you may not save much money by cooking your own meals.
You'll find fantastic prices on fresh seafood at local fish markets.
