Aside from the chance to get away and enjoy a little R&R, the best part of traveling is eating! And we don’t mean just eating to eat; we mean eating to try new foods and sample the culinary specialty of the destination. Though there are numerous places to eat that you will be familiar with, there are numerous places that you might not otherwise try. Some of the best restaurants are unassuming, locally owned and operated options that feature fresh ingredients and recipes that have been passed down through families for generations.
During your visit, take advantage of the chance to try something new, ask a local for advice, or ask a restaurant professional for a recommendation while dining. You might be surprised at just how much you enjoy something new and you are going to love the fresh fish and fresh local produce that is featured at so many great restaurants on every island.
Hawaii is synonymous with a handful of dishes that you will need to try. These are some of the most famous dishes and nearly every restaurant has their own version of each, putting a spin on classic favorites that have been around for many years.
- Poke – Sushi fans and fresh fish lovers cannot get enough Poke, a raw dish made with fresh caught Ahi Tuna, spices, and a variety of ingredients that create a classic Hawaiian Dish. Poke is on the menu at most restaurants and one of our favorite settings for a fresh bowl of Poke is to grab a to go container and head to the beach for sunset. Insider’s tip: an ice-cold Hawaiian beer is the perfect compliment for a bowl of Poke.
- Malasada – These are the Hawaiian version of a doughnut, and once you’ve had one, you will want more. Adopted as the official breakfast pastry of Hawaii, the Malasada is actually Portuguese, though we are happy to share this incredible treat. Grab a dozen for your friends, and try not to eat them all.
- Loco Moco – This dish is a Hawaiian favorite and was actually created in Hilo on the Big Island. Layered with rice, hamburger, gravy, and an egg, Loco Moco is a giant dish that is best served from a local drive in as part of a plate lunch. Bring your appetite, or a partner, for this dish.
- Kahula Pork – You’ll eat your share of Kahulua Pork at your authentic Hawaiian Luau, and when you see the pig come out of the ground, your mouth will be watering. Pile your plate high and add some rice for a complete dish.
- Shave Ice – This is not your average snow cone. The ice is shaved, not crushed, and is THE perfect treat for a hot Hawaiian day. Drizzled with your choice of flavoring, you will have the choice of adding adzuki beans and condensed milk to the top, which makes this cold treat downright tasty.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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