What Food To Try in Hawaii (Honolulu) and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Hawaii (Honolulu) for 2024.
National currency: US Dollar, symbol — $ (international currency code USD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Hawaii (Honolulu) cafes and restaurants
$15
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $12.5
$65
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $45
$8
Combo Meal
Starting from $7
What to Try in Hawaii (Honolulu)
Must-try Dishes
Poke - (raw fish salad) - A refreshing mix of cubed raw fish, often ahi, tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil, served with green onions and seaweed. Locals love it for a light lunch, and you might find it served at casual beachside eateries.Loco Moco - (rice and hamburger) - A hearty dish featuring a burger patty on a bed of rice, topped with a fried egg and brown gravy. It’s a local favorite for breakfast or a late-night snack, often served in diners where folks gather after a night out.
Kalua Pork - (slow-cooked pork) - Tender, smoky shredded pork cooked in an underground oven, typically served with rice and cabbage. This dish is often enjoyed during family gatherings, especially at luaus, where the communal vibe enhances the experience.
Spam Musubi - (rice and spam) - A sushi-style snack made of rice and a slice of teriyaki-glazed Spam wrapped in seaweed. It’s a beloved street food, often made at home or available at convenience stores—a classic on-the-go meal.
Malasadas - (Portuguese donuts) - Soft and fluffy Portuguese-style doughnuts, coated in sugar, that are deep-fried to golden perfection. They are a local favorite at breakfast spots, especially during festivals when they are enjoyed fresh and hot.
Chili Pepper Water - (spicy condiment) - A tangy mixture of chili peppers, vinegar, and water that adds a kick to any dish. It’s commonly used at family dinners and barbecues, where everyone makes theirs a bit differently, often ending up as a cherished family recipe.
Ono Fish - (local catch) - Typically grilled or pan-fried, this flaky white fish is seasoned simply for a taste that truly represents the ocean. Best enjoyed at seaside shacks, it’s often highlighted during summer when it’s at its freshest.
Tempura - (battered vegetables and seafood) - Lightly battered and deep-fried vegetables and seafood, known for their crispy texture. Locals love enjoying it during gatherings or festivals, especially in summer, paired with a dipping sauce.
Desserts & Drinks
Ono Hawaiian Coffee - Kona Kaulana (local coffee) - Smooth, rich coffee made from 100% Kona beans, often enjoyed with a splash of cream. Locals love it in the morning with breakfast, and you’ll often find them sipping it slowly while catching up on news; just remember to ask for 'no sugar' after seeing the look on their faces when they get the sweetened version!Mango Smoothie - Pā'ina Pākī (refreshing tropical drink) - Creamy blend of fresh mango, coconut milk, and a hint of lime, served cold over crushed ice. A perfect afternoon treat during the summer heat, locals grab it at beachside stands for post-surf refreshment. By the way, it’s a good idea to avoid the premade ones—you'll want the 'made-to-order' if you can handle the wait.
Pineapple Mai Tai - Mai Tai (classic cocktail) - A vibrant mix of rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and sweet pineapple, garnished with a fresh pineapple slice. You’ll find folks enjoying this at sunset happy hours along the coast, but watch out for the heavy-handed bartenders—it's easy to misjudge a few rounds!
Malasada - Malasada (sweet fried doughnut) - Warm, fluffy doughnuts coated in sugar with a variety of fillings like passionfruit or chocolate. Tasty at any time of day, they’re especially popular during Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), so prepare for long lines at your local bakery. Keep an eye out for the guava filling; it’s a delightful surprise for your taste buds!
Zenzai - Zenzai (sweet red bean dessert) - Soft, warm adzuki beans mashed with a sweet syrup, often served over mochi and sometimes drizzled with condensed milk. This comforting treat is especially savored during winter festivals, and it warms you up on cooler island nights. Folks usually enjoy it at local fairs, but don’t forget to check if it’s served with ice—it's not just a sweet option, but you'll want to know what you're ordering!
Food and Groceries in Hawaii (Honolulu)
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $4.84 |
| Oranges | $5.03 |
| Potatoes | $3.85 |
| Apples | $5.76 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.97 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $3 |
| Imported Beer | $4.67 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $18 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $13.15 |
| Cigarettes | $11 |
| Rice | $4.05 |
| Local Cheese | $14.02 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Kaimuki during lunchtime, it's striking to see how locals are drawn to food trucks and plate lunch joints, often creating long lines that snake along the sidewalks. A typical lunch hour here often starts around 11 AM, with many folks searching for quick, hearty meals before heading back to work. This kind of dining rhythm is unique—most people grab something fast, a stark contrast to other cities where sit-down meals are more common.
Prices for a plate lunch, featuring local favorites like kalua pork or loco moco, typically range from about $10 to $15. You'll find these deals mostly in places that cater to locals. In tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki, similar meals can jump to $20 or more, which many visitors don’t anticipate when seeking an authentic experience. It’s a common mistake for tourists to think they’ll find great food in high-traffic areas without considering the impact on price and authenticity.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king in many local eateries, even though some have started accepting cards. I’ve run into surprise refusals of card payments at a few popular food trucks. Plus, don’t forget to bring small bills; the last thing you want is to hold up the line because you're fumbling with change. Tipping here is generally appreciated, typically around 15-20%, especially if you've had a sit-down meal.
If you plan on dining in the more popular areas, an important timing tip is to hit restaurants before 6 PM or after 8 PM to avoid long wait times. Dinner rushes can turn a simple meal into an hour-long wait, particularly in neighborhoods like Chinatown or Kapahulu.
A local dining custom to remember is the communal seating often found in food courts and some casual spots—it's not unusual to share tables with strangers, which adds to the communal spirit of dining here. Reservations aren’t usually needed except for the handful of upscale or popular establishments, so walk-ins are usually fine, but hustle if you want to beat the clock.
As for the changing food scene, there’s been a noticeable shift towards healthier eating and fusion cuisine, with many new restaurants experimenting with traditional Hawaiian flavors combined with contemporary trends. It’s exciting to observe how the local palate is evolving while still holding onto cherished classics. All in all, understanding these local dining habits can turn any meal into a more enjoyable experience.
Prices for a plate lunch, featuring local favorites like kalua pork or loco moco, typically range from about $10 to $15. You'll find these deals mostly in places that cater to locals. In tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki, similar meals can jump to $20 or more, which many visitors don’t anticipate when seeking an authentic experience. It’s a common mistake for tourists to think they’ll find great food in high-traffic areas without considering the impact on price and authenticity.
When it comes to payment, cash remains king in many local eateries, even though some have started accepting cards. I’ve run into surprise refusals of card payments at a few popular food trucks. Plus, don’t forget to bring small bills; the last thing you want is to hold up the line because you're fumbling with change. Tipping here is generally appreciated, typically around 15-20%, especially if you've had a sit-down meal.
If you plan on dining in the more popular areas, an important timing tip is to hit restaurants before 6 PM or after 8 PM to avoid long wait times. Dinner rushes can turn a simple meal into an hour-long wait, particularly in neighborhoods like Chinatown or Kapahulu.
A local dining custom to remember is the communal seating often found in food courts and some casual spots—it's not unusual to share tables with strangers, which adds to the communal spirit of dining here. Reservations aren’t usually needed except for the handful of upscale or popular establishments, so walk-ins are usually fine, but hustle if you want to beat the clock.
As for the changing food scene, there’s been a noticeable shift towards healthier eating and fusion cuisine, with many new restaurants experimenting with traditional Hawaiian flavors combined with contemporary trends. It’s exciting to observe how the local palate is evolving while still holding onto cherished classics. All in all, understanding these local dining habits can turn any meal into a more enjoyable experience.