Many people who go to Hawaii, travel there for the pristine beaches of Maui and Kauai, the surfing at Waikiki Beach, or the hiking on the Big Island. Few think of stopping in this Polynesian state's capital to experience its food. A perfect fusion of Polynesian and international flavors, Honolulu offers visitors a variety of tasty food options. Here are just a few must stop places on your next visit!
A Hula Pie at Hula Grill Waikiki
My first night in Honolulu, we went over to the Hula Grill Waikiki, located oceanfront at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. We were told that beachside Mai Tai's were the perfect welcome drink but we didn't realize the food was going to be so good as well. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. The Mai Tai's were just as delicious but the best item we ordered was the famous Hula Pie: a pie made of a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, topped with toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream.
Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery
Hawaiian cuisine is a melting pot of local and imported flavors. One of the Portuguese contribution was the mouth watering doughy sweet fried malasada, a holeless donut filled with different flavored custards. They may be diet breakers, but they're worth it. The most famous malasadas are sold at Leonard's Bakery, who has been baking these delicious treats since 1953. Forget the diet, and get a dozen in order to try all twelve flavors.
Dairy-free ice cream made of ginger, mint, spirulina, kale, and banana, topped with fresh fruit at Banan Bowls.
Turning locally grown bananas and other island grown ingredients into dairy-free soft serve ice cream, Banan Bowls offer a fresh, cool treat for a warm Hawaiian afternoon. I promise you won't notice that you aren't eating actual ice cream. And you definitely will want to return for more.
Lunchtime at The Pig and the Lady. The P&L Pho French Dip is absolutely delicious!
The Pig and the Lady may be one of Honolulu's best restaurants. Located in Chinatown and offering Vietnamese classics like banh mi and pho, The Pig and the Lady is a definite must go for your dining experience. Make reservations far in advance. Snagging a table at this hot spot doesn't come easy if at last minute.
Whenever I think of breakfast in Hawaii, I always think of macadamia banana pancakes. I am not one to eat pancakes on the mainland, but in Hawaii, I crave the Hawaiian style pancakes. And there are many places for them! Hula Grill, Eggs 'n Things, LuLu's Waikiki are good spots for the traditional banana mac pancakes. Head to Koko Head Cafe, Koa Cafe or Egghead Cafe for an Asian twist on traditional brunch items such as kimchi pancake cheddar scones, green tea azuki pancakes or Korean fried chicken and waffles.
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Once you have gotten your fill of acai bowls, try a papaya bowl at Coffee Shop 831. The bowl is made of half a papaya filled with tapioca, bananas, kiwis and strawberries.
One thing you must get while you are in Hawaii, is poke. As it gains popularity on the Mainland, the best place to get fresh, delicious poke is still in its origins of Hawaii. A raw fish salad usually made up of ahi tuna that has been marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil and topped with green onions, dried seaweed, and Maui onions. Other forms include octopus, salmon, and other types of fish, but ahi tuna is the best and doesn't taste better than in Hawaii.
Poke can be found on many menus and even in gas stations. My favorite place for poke is the Da Hawaiian Poke Company.
Poke can be found on many menus and even in gas stations. My favorite place for poke is the Da Hawaiian Poke Company.
Sky Waikiki Bar sits on the top floor and offers beautiful views of the water. Go for drinks during sunset for the best views.
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
Up along the North Shore, there are several locations to stop and enjoy the food trucks. The famous Giovanni's Shrimp truck is located in two different spots along Kamehameha Highway. They are famous for their shrimp but the jumbo garlic hot dog is just as equally worth the purchase.
Mokuleia Beach along the North Shore