Honolulu is more than beaches and sunsets, it’s a food lover’s playground. From sizzling shrimp trucks to fluffy pancakes drenched in macadamia nut sauce, the city serves bold flavors with laid-back island charm. If you’re searching for the best food in Honolulu, you’re in the right place.
This guide rounds up the best eats Honolulu has to offer, mixing iconic local dishes with crowd-favorite spots locals actually love. Expect savory, sweet, fresh, and comforting bites, plus tips on what to pair them with while exploring the city.
Let’s eat our way through the best food places Honolulu travelers shouldn’t miss!
Best Food Places, Honolulu
🍤 1. Garlic Shrimp Plate (Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck)
Garlic shrimp plate | Photo Credit: Vilnis Husko on Pexels
Garlic shrimp is one of Hawaii’s most iconic dishes, and this version is all about bold flavor. Jumbo shrimp are cooked in a sizzling mix of butter, garlic, and seasoning until they’re juicy, fragrant, and slightly crispy at the edges. We’re recommending garlic shrimp here because this truck helped make the dish famous across Oʻahu!
People love garlic shrimp because it’s simple, messy, and packed with flavor. It tastes like the islands, comforting, salty, and indulgent without being complicated. When travelers talk about the best food in Honolulu, garlic shrimp almost always tops the list.
You’ll often get to enjoy this dish while exploring the island on the Oahu Circle Island Tour, where food stops are part of the experience.
Price: ~$15–$18
Rating: ⭐ ~4.7/5
Address: Multiple locations (most popular on North Shore)
🍔 2. Beachside Plate + Sunset Views — Lulu’s Waikiki
Fish Tacos | Photo Credit: Los Muertos Crew on Pexels
This spot shines because of its satisfying island-style comfort food. Enjoy juicy burgers, fresh fish tacos, and poke bowls that balance savory flavors with tropical freshness. The food is filling without being heavy, making it perfect after a beach day.
It’s best to enjoy these island-style comfort dishes here because the beachfront setting elevates simple flavors into a full Waikiki experience.
People love these dishes because they’re familiar yet feel special in Hawaii. Eating classic comfort food while feeling the ocean breeze makes the flavors even better. It’s no surprise this is one of the good places to eat in Honolulu for relaxed, crowd-pleasing meals.
Pair dinner with Legends Rock Hula Show to keep the island energy going all night.
Price: ~$20–$30
Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5
Address: 2586 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
🍺 3. Island-Inspired Modern Eats — Fête
Seasoned rice bowls | Photo Credit: ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
The food here is all about creative flavor combinations. Fresh local fish, thoughtfully seasoned rice bowls, and globally inspired sauces come together in dishes that feel modern but comforting. This is the place to try modern Hawaiian flavors because the dishes balance local ingredients (with creative techniques!)
People love these dishes because they feel exciting yet approachable. It’s the kind of food that makes you slow down and really enjoy each bite. If you’re looking for the best eats Honolulu offers beyond the basics, this style of cooking stands out.
Stop in after exploring the city with the Waikiki Trolley Pass for an easy, satisfying meal.
Price: ~$30–$50
Rating: ⭐ ~4.6/5
Address: 2 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI
🍜 4. Fresh Poke & Sashimi — Maguro Brothers Hawaii Chinatown
Fresh Poke and Sashimi bowl | Photo Credit: Valeria Boltneva on Pexels
Poke is all about freshness, and this version keeps it pure. Cubes of ahi tuna or salmon are lightly seasoned to enhance the natural flavor of the fish, not mask it. Served with rice and seaweed, it’s clean, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.
We recommend poke here because freshness is the priority, and the fish quality consistently stands out!
People love poke because it’s light yet filling, making it perfect for Honolulu’s warm weather. This dish is a must when talking about the best food in Honolulu, especially if you’re a seafood lover who wants something authentic. It’s a great stop after enjoying Malasadas & Garlic Shrimp Circle Island Tour.
Price: ~$10–$20
Rating: ⭐ ~4.7/5
Address: Maunakea Market Food Court, Honolulu, HI
🍛 5. Hawaiian Local Comfort — Highway Inn Kaka'ako
Chicken Katsu and Kalua Pork | Photo Credit: Flickr
This food is all about comfort and tradition. Kalua pork is smoky and tender, loco moco is rich and filling, and plate lunches deliver deep, savory flavors that stick with you. These dishes are designed to satisfy both hunger and heart.
These dishes are best experienced here because the recipes stay true to traditional Hawaiian comfort food.
People love Hawaiian comfort food because it feels grounding and real. It represents family meals, cultural roots, and everyday island life. That’s why it’s considered one of the best food places Honolulu has to offer.
Pair your meal with the cultural storytelling of Ka Moana Luau at Aloha Tower for a deeper island experience.
Price: ~$20–$30
Rating: ⭐ ~4.5/5
Address: 680 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
🥞 6. Macadamia Nut Pancakes — Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen
Macadamia Nut Pancakes | Photo Credit: Flickr
These pancakes are thick, fluffy, and generously covered in rich macadamia nut sauce. The sauce is creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet, soaking perfectly into the pancakes with every bite. Best to try it here because the sauce is house-made and uniquely rich!
People love this dish because it turns breakfast into a treat. It’s comforting, indulgent, and memorable, exactly what vacation mornings are made for. For many travelers, this dish becomes one of their best eats Honolulu memories.
Price: ~$12–$18
Rating: ⭐ ~4.6/5
Address: Kailua, Oʻahu
🍧 7. Shave Ice — Matsumoto Shave Ice
Shave Ice in Matsumoto Shave Ice | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Shave ice is a classic Hawaiian dessert made with ultra-fine ice that melts in your mouth. Topped with bright fruit syrups and sometimes condensed milk or ice cream, it’s sweet, refreshing, and perfect for hot island days. This is the go-to spot for shave ice because the ice texture and syrup balance are consistently spot-on.
People love shave ice because it’s light and playful, yet incredibly satisfying. It’s often one of the most remembered treats from a trip, making it a staple when talking about the best food in Honolulu.
Price: ~$4–$7
Rating: ⭐ ~4.5/5
Address: Haleiwa, North Shore
FAQs About Food in Honolulu 🍴
What foods is Honolulu famous for?
Honolulu is famous for poke, garlic shrimp, shave ice, and plate lunches. These dishes reflect the island’s mix of cultures and fresh local ingredients. You’ll find them everywhere from food trucks to sit-down restaurants.
What is the must-try food in Hawaii?
Garlic shrimp and poke are must-try foods. They’re simple, bold, and deeply tied to local food culture. Trying them is essential when exploring the best food in Honolulu.
How much is a meal in Honolulu, Hawaii?
A casual meal usually costs $10 to $20, while sit-down restaurants range from $20 to $50. Food trucks offer great value, especially for local favorites. Budget-friendly options are easy to find.
Where can you find the best local food in Honolulu?
Koreatown, Kakaʻako, Waikiki, and the North Shore are top areas. These neighborhoods are packed with great places to eat in Honolulu that locals love.
What are the best cheap eats in Honolulu?
Poke shops, shrimp trucks, and plate lunch spots are the best cheap eats. They offer big flavors without high prices, making them perfect for budget travelers.
Ready to Taste the Best Food in Honolulu?
Surfclub Tacos | Photo Credit: Kitera Dent on Unsplash
From garlic shrimp to shave ice, Honolulu serves unforgettable flavors at every turn. Now that you know where to eat, it’s time to plan, book, and bite into the island’s best dishes. Build your food adventure, pair meals with amazing experiences, and eat your way through paradise, one delicious stop at a time. 🌴🍽️
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