The 7 Must-Eats In Honolulu, Hawaii

So, you’re in Hawaii and wondering what the must-eats in Honolulu are? Well, we gotchu covered.

If you’re a foodie, Honolulu is the definitely the right place place for you. From poke by the pound to farm-to-table fruit soft serve, Honolulu’s restaurants, cafes and food trucks embrace Hawaii’s rich food history and culture and marry it mindfully with new age influences and techniques.

While there are an overwhelming abundance of wonderful things to try, we’re narrowing it down: here are seven MUST-eats in Honolulu, Hawaii – enjoy!

1.The Pig & The Lady

You know those dining experiences that haunt you for the rest of your life as the best ever? Well, that’s the definition of The Pig & The Lady.

If you do one thing in Honolulu, try the twice fried Le Fried Chicken wings with kaffir, shallot, peanuts, pickled red cabbage and ‘money $$$auce’. You won’t regret it and will probably dream about them for the rest of your LIFE.

Also available with cauliflower for the veggies amongst us. Their pho is also bomb – ok, just try everything.

2. Banán

With over four locations in Honolulu alone (and another in Kailua), you shouldn’t find it hard to get your hands on some of Banán’s incredible, dairy-free fruit soft serve.

Their mission is to bridge the gap between farmers and customers which we couldn’t adore more. Opt for The Amazon with acaí and banana soft serve, strawberries, sliced banana, granola, puffed quinoa and honey.

3. Helena’s Hawaiian Food 

If you’re looking for traditional Hawaiian food (which you better be), then head to James Beard award-winning Helena’s.

Open since 1946, you can expect to find lines out the door waiting to get some good munch at this frill-free eating house. If you’re overwhelmed by the menu, opt for Set Menu D for a lil bit of everything. From crispy air-dried Kalua pig and Lomi salmon to Pipikaula shortribs and Luau squid served with poi (pounded taro) or rice. Dig in!

4. Island Vintage Shaved Ice

Shaved ice is a saving (and delicious) grace on a hot day so head to the Island Vintage Shave Ice kiosk outside of the Royal Hawaiian Center and thank us later.

Pictured below is our favourite: frozen condensed milk, shaved ice with passion fruit and berry syrup, mochi, popping boba, strawberries and fresh passion fruit. Delicious.

If a huge line greets you on arrival, wait it out. It’s so worth it.

5. Tim Ho Wan

For when the dim sum craving kicks in (which it always inevitably does), legendary Tim Ho Wan is there to save the day. We couldn’t not include it on this list of the 7 must-eats in Honolulu, now could we?

Gorge on pork buns, steamed rice rolls, congee, siu mai and dumplings to your hearts content. Head to the Royal Hawaiian Center and check out these dim sum specialists.

6. Island Vintage Coffee

So this is more of a must-drink than a must-eat, but we couldn’t not include it and it’s more of a smoothie than a coffee soooo technically it counts as breakfast? Right?

Yep, we’re talking about the Banana Kona Mocha from Island Vintage Coffee also known as quite possibly the best coffee drink on all of Oahu. Punchy Kona coffee blended with creamy banana and chocolate – what more could you want?

7. Top of Waikiki

Like great cocktails, delicious food and incredible views? Of course you do.

Top of Waikiki is far from traditional, and quite the tourist attraction, but we’re not complaining! Especially during happy hour where drink specials start at $5 and tasty appetisers start at just $8. Available every day from 5pm to 9pm – no reservations needed. Win-win!

There you have it – the 7 must-eats in Honolulu, Hawaii. Go forth and food coma.

While you’re there, also check out the most Instagrammable spots in Hawaii.