Breathtaking scenery and beautiful resorts are not all Hawaii has to offer. The islands are full of delicious food influenced by a variety of cuisines, like Native Hawaiian, Chinese, and Japanese. Here are some of Hawaii’s most popular local dishes that you can’t miss on your next visit. 

3 Popular Local Dishes in Hawaii

1. Plate Lunch

The plate lunch is often found at food trucks and local diners. It contains a serving of white rice, macaroni or potato salad, and a helping of protein, such as kalua pork, barbecue chicken, or chicken katsu. This filling dish will power you through a day of hiking, swimming, or exploring the city. 

2. Poke

Poke can be found everywhere, from fancy restaurants to deli counters. High-quality raw fish, usually ahi, is cubed and marinated in a sauce, then mixed with fresh seasonings like green onion, sesame seeds, and seaweed. Octopus and salmon are other popular protein bases. The poke is usually served atop rice in a bowl for a healthy meal, though you can eat it alone or on a salad as an appetizer.

3. Shave Ice

If you need to cool down on a hot afternoon, head to a shave ice stand. All over the islands, restaurants, food trucks, and mom-and-pop shops serve this dessert, which consists of thinly shaved ice packed onto a cone and soaked in flavored syrup. There are dozens of flavors to choose from, but those derived from fruits like lilikoi (passionfruit) and lychee are especially popular with the locals. You can also spruce up shave ice with toppings like mochi, condensed milk, red beans, or li hing mui, a sour powder made from pickled plum. 

If you’re looking forward to visiting Hawaii and trying these delectable foods, book a stay at The Breakers Hotel in Honolulu. Located just half a block away from Waikiki Beach, this resort offers ranch-style buildings, modern appliances, and studio rooms for romantic getaways. Try some local food at their poolside restaurant, Wasabi Bistro, which serves Japanese dishes. Visit them online to learn more about their rooms, or call the resort at (808) 923-3181 to make a reservation.