Oahu Hawaii Food You Have to Try: 14 Can’t Miss Bites and Sips
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As someone who’s spent a lot of time in Hawaii, I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in the diverse and delicious flavors that make Oahu such a foodie paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, you’re in good hands—because when it comes to food in Oahu, I’ve tasted it all, and I’m excited to share my top picks for Oahu Hawaii food you have to try for yourself!
From fresh seafood and tropical fruit to the island’s unique twists on comfort food, expect bold flavors, creative combinations, and a culinary journey that’ll keep you coming back for more. And don’t worry—this list is always growing, so I’ll be adding new gems as I discover them. Ready to eat your way through Oahu?
Foods You Must Eat in Oahu
1. Guava Everything
Seriously, everything! Guava is everywhere, from BBQ and cocktails to butter and even guava pancakes! It’s amazing how this tropical fruit shows up in so many dishes, and it never disappoints.
Be sure to stop by Cinnamon’s in Kailua for their famous guava pancakes, Margarita’s in Honolulu for a guava margarita (pro tip: swap in mezcal for an extra kick!), and Haleiwa Joe’s for their irresistible guava butter and rolls. These spots are among the best restaurants in Kailua and Kaneohe.
Related read: Check out the best things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe.
2. Kalua Pork
Kalua pork is a must-try! It’s incredibly tender and packed with flavor. If you’re wondering what makes it different from other pork dishes, here’s the scoop: it’s a traditional Hawaiian dish where a whole pig is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt, and then cooked slowly in an underground pit over the course of the day.
You’ll find Kalua pork at many spots around Oahu, but one of my favorite experiences was at Kono’s Northshore—definitely one of the best restaurants on the North Shore! Be sure to try their Kalua pork nachos, which are topped with a delicious guava BBQ sauce.
3. Poke
I have to admit, I didn’t even like poke on my first trip to Hawaii (I know, I know—what was I thinking?!). It’s fresh, flavorful, and pretty affordable.
You can find amazing poke almost everywhere—Foodland grocery stores have a great variety, but if you want a truly standout experience, head over to Redfish Poke at SALT in Kaka’ako. Another top spot for poke is Fresh Catch, along with Aji Limo Truck. Once you try it from these places, you’ll understand why poke made my list of must-try foods in Oahu.
And if you’re heading to the Big Island, be sure to check out Umekes—hands down my favorite spot for poke across all the islands!
4. Acai Bowls
Acai bowls are a must when you’re in Hawaii—the perfect combo of fresh fruit, granola, cocoa nibs, and all the good stuff! Honestly, I don’t think any trip to Oahu is complete without indulging in one.
The Sunrise Shack, with a couple of locations on the North Shore, is definitely the cutest spot to grab a bowl. If you’re in Haleiwa, Farm to Barn serves up an acai bowl that’s delicious and a great value.
Check out my guide to the best acai bowls on Oahu!
5. Sushi
The seafood in Oahu is insanely fresh, making sushi a must-try food in Oahu. Banzai Sushi Bar is my favorite spot for a roll that hits the spot every time. Definitely order a fresh roll, but don’t miss out on the California Tempura—while it sounds simple, it’s anything but. The entire roll is tempura-fried, warm, and drizzled with flavorful sauces, making it a standout!
6. Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is a classic Oahu dish, and it’s not for the faint of heart when it comes to peeling those shells. It can get a little messy, but trust me, it’s worth it for the delicious flavor.
Giovanni’s Aloha Shrimp is the most popular spot, and while the lines can be long, they tend to move quickly. But if you’re looking to skip the wait, try the North Shore Shrimp Truck or Aji Limo Truck. Eating from a food truck on the North Shore is a quintessential North Shore experience—it’s all about the fresh, local flavors!
7. Edamame
I swear I eat more edamame during my trips to Oahu than I have in my entire life. It’s just so much better there. You might be thinking, “How good can boiled soybeans really be?”
Well, when they’re tossed in Thai chili or sweet and spicy sauces, they completely transform the dish. They’re always cooked to perfection, too. While I’ve seen more places on the mainland offering it in recent years, I’m definitely biased—Hawaii still does it best.
8. Hawaiian Shaved Ice
Hawaiian shaved ice is a whole different level compared to snowcones. Instead of crushed ice, it uses finely shaved ice, which allows it to absorb the flavor much better. With snowcones, you often end up with a bunch of flavorless ice at the bottom, but that’s not the case with shaved ice!
The concept of shave ice was introduced by Japanese immigrants in the mid-1800s, who worked in the sugar and pineapple fields. They would shave flakes off large blocks of ice and top them with sugar or fruit juice to cool off.
There are plenty of amazing shaved ice spots all over Oahu, offering dozens of flavors and endless combinations, many of which use natural syrups rather than artificial ones. The most popular and well-known place? Matsumoto Shave Ice!
9. Dole Whip
Did you know the Dole Plantation is on Oahu? It’s one of the best places on the island to get Dole Whip! While you can take a tour of the plantation, I mainly went for the Dole Whip and the surprisingly delicious chocolate-covered pineapple. Seriously, if you haven’t tried that combo yet, you’re in for a treat.
If you aren’t into paying for the tour, the Dole Plantation is still a great free thing to do in Oahu, but be warned—resisting the Dole Whip is harder than you think!
And if you haven’t had Dole Whip before, it’s a soft-serve pineapple ice cream that’s absolutely perfect. Honestly, I can’t believe nobody told me about it sooner. Some places on the mainland serve Dole Whip, but nothing compares to the one from the Dole Plantation itself!
Drinks You Must Drink in Oahu
10. Mai Tai
It’s pretty much a given—Hawaii knows how to make an amazing Mai Tai! And honestly, it doesn’t even matter where you get it. During a catamaran cruise we did, the Mai Tais were part of the package, and let me tell you, they were surprisingly strong and delicious! Normally, I’m not expecting much from drinks included on boat tours, but these were definitely a highlight.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try the larger versions at Haleiwa Joe’s. However, my all-time favorite was at Moku Kitchen, and its sister restaurant Merriman’s. Their Mai Tais stand out with a honey-lilikoi foam topping that adds a sweet touch.
Pro tip: go during happy hour to snag $2 off!
They have another sister location on Maui near Lahaina called Monkeypod, and Merriman’s in Kauai which have the same delicious mai tai!
11. Macadamia Nut Coffee
Macadamia nuts are practically a staple in Oahu—whether they’re topping salads, crusting fish, or being added to all sorts of dishes. But for me, it’s the coffee that really takes the cake! Macadamia nut coffee is a flavor I don’t often come across in Florida, so I make sure to savor it whenever I’m in Hawaii.
There are seriously so many amazing, adorable coffee shops in Oahu, so check out my post on the best coffee shops in Honolulu to see where to get it!
12. Cold Coconut Water
I used to steer clear of coconut after a bad Almond Joy experience as a kid, but all that changed when I was determined to be a cliche, sipping coconut water straight from the source on the beach. Let me tell you, it’s so worth it. Fresh coconut water is honestly the most refreshing thing you can drink, and it’s a game-changer.
After you tackle the Crouching Lion hike (my favorite hike on Oahu!), make sure to stop by Coconut Girl and Guys to grab your own coconut water. It’s the perfect post-hike refreshment!
Foods You Must Eat in Oahu (if You’re Feeling Bold)
13. Taro and Poi
Taro is a starchy, nutty-flavored root vegetable that’s somewhat similar to a potato but with twice the fiber. If you’re feeling adventurous, try poi—it’s taro that’s been pureed into a smooth, creamy dish. You’ll find taro popping up in all kinds of dishes across Oahu, from crispy taro fries and chips to taro pancakes and even ice cream. It’s a must-try food in Oahu if you’re ready to experience the island’s unique flavors!
14. SPAM
Hawaii has the highest per capita consumption of SPAM in the United States. Its roots go back to World War II when it became a local staple, and now you can find it on nearly every menu. Whether it’s SPAM sliders, pie with candied SPAM, SPAM curry, or SPAM gyoza, you’ll see some pretty creative takes on this iconic canned meat. Ready to try something truly unique? SPAM is one of the boldest eats you can find on Oahu!
Which of these must-eat foods in Oahu are you going to try first?
So there you have it— these must-eat foods in Oahu are packed with bold flavors, quirky twists, and dishes that’ll leave you craving more! Whether you’re indulging in fresh poke, sipping on a tropical drink, or daring to try something like SPAM (trust me, you might just love it!), there’s always something new to explore. So, pack your appetite, dive into these must-try dishes, and let your taste buds have their own adventure!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Hawaii blog posts:
Best things to do in Kailua and Kaneohe
It’s great to know that poke is an affordable option for Hawaiian food. My husband loves Hawaiian food, so I’d like to take him to a Hawaiian restaurant for valentine’s day. I’ll have to look online to find the best local Hawaiian joints to eat at.