Without question, one of the best parts of traveling is eating. A vacation is a time when we let healthy eating habits go a bit, and indulge in the incredible cuisine of our destination. You wouldn’t go to New York without eating pizza, and you wouldn’t travel to Italy without drinking wine, and Hawaii is no different. The islands offer incredible food to try during a trip, and once you arrive, the melting pot of cultures brings to life the amazing foods that are found throughout Hawaii.
The star of Hawaiian cuisine is fresh caught fish, brought to land from the Pacific Ocean just hours earlier. Found in dishes like tacos, Poke, sushi, and as the central figure in a well-prepared entrée, Hawaii’s most famous dishes feature fish like Mahi Mahi, Ahi Tuna, Opah, and big game fish like Marlin and Swordfish. Fresh fish and Hawaii are closely connected, and your vacation is sure to include some of the tastiest fish around.
Due to its close proximity to Asia, Hawaii’s food is heavily influenced by the cultures of Japan and Vietnam. There are many great Vietnamese restaurants on every island, and one of the must try dishes is Pho, a unique soup that is prepared using fresh vegetables, noodles, and a source of protein like beef, chicken, and even Ox tail! This tasty soup is packed with flavor and if you’ve never tried it, you’ll quickly have a new favorite soup.
Of course, the cultural influence of Polynesia has always been the most significant to Hawaii, and at a Hawaiian luau, there are plenty of dishes that are served from the earliest days of Hawaii. Local favorites from the past are combined with the top dishes of today to create a menu that is second to none. Poi has long been a staple of island cuisine, and though it does tend to be an acquired taste, this dish is a must try.
Cultural influence is found throughout Hawaii, and finding all of the different cultures in one place has a distinct advantage. Local chefs use the melting pot as inspiration, creating new and exciting dishes that are unique to the islands, and further the cuisine of Hawaii. While visiting, be sure to branch out and try something new, and if you are unsure of where to eat, what to eat, or need some advice, be sure to ask a local. There is always a hidden secret and when it comes to food, everyone is ready to share their favorites.
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.
back to trip planner