We just came back from Oahu and still dreaming of its delicious foods. Before we go, I asked my friend who grew up in the island for her suggestions and she gave me a long list. Other friends also gave us their recommendations. We didn't get to try all of them but managed to try plenty. Without further a do, here is our favorites foods find in:
HONOLULU / Nearby Waikiki Beach:
- Kapiolani Farmer’s Market: variety of food, open Saturday 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM. Be there early to find parking spot, hike at Diamond Head, then walk back to eat here. Must try: The Pig & The Lady and the Hawaiian Cane Drink.
- Marukame Udon, super long line. We came between 10AM-11AM on weekday lo and behond, there was no line.
- Island Vintage Shave Ice, Best Shave Ice (according to my local friend) order the one with ice cream in the middle
- Leonard's Bakery - landmark for Portuguese donuts
- Lappert's Hawaii Ice Cream, their Kona and Strawberry Ice Cream is my favorite.
- Waikiki Yokocho, Japanese food court filled with delicious Japanese food. We tried ramen one night and the tempura the other night.
Didn't get to try:
Eggs ’n Things,
Highway Inn
Cinnamon’s,
Hula’s Grill Waikiki
Duke’s Waikiki- famous restaurant and named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Restaurant is on the beach, great salad bar, food, location, and ambience.
Big Island Cookies
Genki Sushi: Rotating sushi bar
Assagio’s- best italian food
Island Vintage Coffee: Best coffee (several locations)
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
Waiola Shave Ice - try the rainbow flavor with condensed milk
NEARBY AIRPORT / PEARL HARBOR:
Helena's Hawaiian Food, unless you are local or curious to try, I think it's better to eat the meal with rice instead of poi.
Kamehameha Bakery, the best poi doughnuts
Build Your Own Ramen
EAST SIDE:
Ono Seafood: Best Poke
Ono Steak and Shrimp Shack, we like this one way better than the famous Giovani' shrimp
Didn't get to try:
Eat at Plumeria Beach House at Kahala Resort
Moke’s Bread & Breakfast
NORTH SHORE
Dole Plantation tours and get their famous Dole Whip. We just ordered one and it's plenty for all five of us.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, this one was recommended by many people. Unfortunately, the rice was under-cooked that day and except for the shrimp scampi, the other two in the menu weren't that special especially for $14 a plate.
Didn't get to try:
Tanioka’s Seafood Waipahu: Best Hawaii/Japanese food and poke. Go before
lunchtime or long lines.
Matsumoto Shave Ice- Landmark for Hawaii’s shave ice.
Ted’s Bakery
Papa Ole’s- great local/hawaiian bbq
Polynesian Cultural Center: http://www.polynesia.com. Buy the ambassador package
