Favorite Eats
There are so many good places to eat on Oahu. We have family who live there, and we visit yearly. Every year, we have a list of must eats. The actual restaurant matters less than the food. Definitely eat some pineapple and poke but also make sure to try some of these other favorites!
Shave ice
Although these have become more popular in Nashville and around the country, nothing compares to local style shave ice. Super special sharp machines make fluffy ice that get doused in syrup and formed into a perfect bowl. Also you get usually get a bowl for less than $5 even with extras added in. Our favorite flavors are POG (passion orange guava) ,mango, and strawberry. Many places offer sugar free options. You can add ice cream, mochi, condensed milk, sometimes red beans or pudding.
- Our favorite spot near Waikiki is Waiola shave ice. If you’re doing a North shore drive, Matsumoto’s is a must. Ice garden in Aiea, Bee’s desert house in Moanalua, Rainbow crackseed in Kaneohe are also all excellent choices
Poke
Poke has also recently increased in popularity, but its especially delicious in Hawaii. Poke is raw fish mixed with seasoning. Its everywhere, including gas stations, wine stores, and at every grocery store. Poke from the grocery store (especially Foodland) is hard to beat. Often we find ourselves asking, would we rather just grab some Foodland poke instead? You can get it spicy, sweet, and with different types of fish. Ahi shoyu is our favorite. If you want something a little fancier more than Foodland, I recommend Redfish Poke in Kakaako, Fresh Catch in Kaneohe, Paradise Poke and Tamashiro Market in town.
Dim Sum
Another must-do on our Oahu visits is to find a good spread of dim-sum. These small plates of chinese dishes are way too addictive, and we always order too much. Although traditionally served from carts, the last few times we’ve ordered take-out. It did not disappoint. Chinatown is near the downtown area about a 15 minute drive from the Waikiki area. It is the place to go. If you’re awake early enough, the Look Funn factory sells only look funn rolls, similar to cheong funn, a rice roll with a little springier texture. The char siu is my favorite. Chinatown has a great collection of bakeries and other markets to explore as well. If you don’t want to fight parking in Chinatown, Nice day in Liliha and Happy Day in Kaimuki are also excellent choices.
Hawaiian Food
Lau lau (Pork wrapped in taro leaves) and Kalua Pork are the staples of Hawaiian food. Lomi Salmon and Poi are the traditional sides of these meals. They are sometimes served at Luau’s, but we actually usually buy them from Costco and reheat them at home. Zippy’s and L&L are common restaurant chains that also have them on their menus. Helena’s and Highway Inn are also commonly recommended favorites in the area.
Sushi
You can find high end to lower options with every food here and still find yummy choices. We are a fan of Genki conveyor belt sushi shops and chains such as Aloha sushi and Kozo sushi for cheap options. In Waikiki, Katsumidori in the Hawaii Prince hotel and Sansei at the Waikiki Beach Marriott are excellent choices
Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is famous for being a must-do on your North Shore drive, my top recommendation of things to do on Oahu. There are lots of choices and all delicious. Giovanni’s has a location right near Haleiwa, another further north by Kahuku and a new location in the H-mart food court near Kaka’ako. Be prepared that it can take a while but its worth the wait. The shrimp is doused is butter garlic sauce and messy, garlicky deliciousness. Many of the trucks also have a spicy option. Make sure you grab napkins!
Malasadas
Malassadas, are fluffy doughnuts rolled in sugar. You can’t go wrong with Leonard’s bakery. Their main store is on Kapahulu Ave and they have trucks all over the island to get your fix. You can get them with li hing mui powder, a tart sweet topping or filled with custard, chocolate or other flavors of the month.
We always get a dozen to bring to get-togethers. They also make an excellent reheated snack.
