Hawaii is known as the melting pot of ethnicities and their food scene is a true reflection of this. Choosing the best places to eat in Oahu is no easy task and at times we were overwhelmed by choice. From Asian to American, Seafood to sweet treats the island offers the perfect concoction of cuisine regardless of taste or budget. As we only had a monthΒ backpacking Hawaii, we asked our fellow travel bloggers for their top restaurants on Oahu also. Here are the winning Oahu restaurants offering the perfect mix of traditional, exceptional and most of allβ¦unforgettable food.
Our guide to the best places to eat in Oahu is the ultimate foodie guide, covering everything from the best coffee in Oahu to the best brunch in Waikiki, our fave food truck on theΒ North ShoreΒ and a lil Oahu favourite called pineapple dole whip.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU FOR BREAKFAST
Letβs start our best places to eat in Oahu tour with the most important meal of the day β breakfast. Whether itβs pancakes or poached eggs that get you raring to start the day, hereβs where to find the best breakfast in Oahu.
Eggs n’ Things
Location:Β 343 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
We were warned by locals to arrive early as Eggs nβ Things are renown for the best breakfast in Oahu. We arrived before 9 to a packed restaurant and got the last table. Although by the door, we were delighted nonetheless as we later saw queues down the street and realised we were lucky to be squeezed in!
As always, Loz fancied sweet, Daz wanted savoury. Despite the name, Loz rebelled against eggs and opted for the traditional Oahu Acai bowl β the first of many during our timeΒ backpacking Hawaii.
If you are looking for cheap eats in Waikiki, Eggs nβ Things will hit the spot as the portion sizes are insane value for money. Although the food was delicious we imagine the fact all breakfasts are served with 3 fluffy buttermilk pancakes as standard earn this restaurantβs title as the best breakfast in Waikiki.
Although not the best coffee in Oahu, you do get unlimited free coffee refills served by charming staff (think American diner with Aloha spirit.) All in all, the perfect recipe for the best breakfast in Oahu to start your day of adventures.
Island Brew Coffee House
Location: 377 Keahole St, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
After what can only be described as the hardest of ourΒ hikes on Oahu and definitely the hardest hike of our lives, we really deserved the best breakfast in Oahu. A quick google search for a nearby cafΓ© resulted in a very average looking parking lot, complete with Pizza hut & a Safeway.
A tad confused and ever trusting of the Google Gods we thankfully continued as Island Brew Coffee House turned out to be an unforgettable spot and one of the best places to eat in Oahu for breakfast with a view!
The shabby chic dΓ©cor gave no indication that Island Brew is actually a small chain (3 in total) and the service was so friendly, we felt like locals. Not to mention, the Acai bowl was so photogenic, I nearly didnβt want to eat it. Although it did taste as good as it looked. If youβre also searching for some of the best coffee in Oahu β youβve come to the right place. As the name describes, Island Brew Coffee House serves incredible coffee with real Oahu vibes.
Musubi Cafe
Location: 2427 KΕ«hiΕ Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
One of the best places to eat in Waikiki is Musubi CafΓ©. They have 4 restaurants on Oahu, but the Seaside location is my favourite. Itβs down a little side street and itβs about the size of a walk-in closet. Itβs totally a grab and go place and they have the BEST musubi!
Musubi is form of cooked sushi and Hawaii is known for their famous SPAM musubi. Musubi Cafe features several SPAM options, including our favourite breakfast musubi: SPAM with eggs. They even have one with bacon.
If youβre heading to Oahu with kids, youβll love Musubi Cafe because everything is pre-wrapped and small portions. Itβs perfect for little kids and itβs one of the cheapest breakfasts youβll find on Oahu.
We like to stop there first thing in the morning and load up before heading out to explore the island. Musubi is the best food in Oahu for taking to the beach, but also the last place we stop before heading to the airport. Who wants aeroplane food when you can have fresh musubi?
Written By Marcie ofΒ Hawaii Travel With Kids. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.
Surfers Coffee Bar
Location: 63 S Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on yourΒ Oahu Bucket List. Kona coffee comes from the Big Island of Hawaii, but itβs also incredibly fresh in Oahu.
The Kona region is known for having sunny mornings, high rain and little wind. The volcanic soil in Kona is incredibly mineral-rich! You wonβt be surprised to find out that Kona produces one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
My favourite place in Wahiawa to drink Kona Coffee is Surfers Coffee Bar. Surfers serve coffee with a purpose. Thatβs because they donate 100% of their proceeds. Your money goes to local and global non-profit organisations. Even the staff at Surfers are volunteers.
Surfers Coffee Bar is the perfect relaxed setting to have your morning coffee, catch up on work or plan more things to do in Oahu. Enjoy some of the best coffee in Oahu in itβs relaxed & cosy surroundings located in one of the most hipster and artsy neighbourhoods on the island.
Written By Valentina of Valentinaβs Destinations. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.
Bills Hawaii
Location: 280 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Anyone who knows an Australian knows we are choosy about our coffee and as such, travelling in the US can be a challenge for our caffeine addictions. But there are a precious few places in Waikiki where a coffee snob can find a brew to their standard.
Enter, Bills Hawaii.
Located at 280 Beach Walk, a short walk off the main drag of Waikiki, Bills Hawaii is an international franchise based out of Australia, and the coffee is like a little piece of home. Alongside serving up the best coffee in Oahu, Bills also has an extensive breakfast menu on offer thatβs hard to choose from. They might be Australian, but they cater to the American serving size so donβt expect to have room for seconds.
The coffee and the food arenβt the only things that make Bills one of the best places to eat in Oahu though. Situated on the top floor the huge open space features high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows all along one side, creating a room full of natural light and ambience. Itβs well worth popping in for breakfast.
Written By Holly ofΒ Globe Blogging. Follow theΒ adventures on Facebook.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU FOR BRUNCH
Hard Rock Cafe
Location:Β 280 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
With a location mere minutes from Waikiki beach we couldnβt resist visiting Hard Rock CafΓ©. The friendly service and novelty factor are the main reasons Hard Rock Cafes are our guilty pleasure when travelling and we recommend a visit if youβre after the best brunch in Oahu.
Expect traditional brunch favourites with a rock nβ roll twist. Our waffles were served with edible flowers, so instantly it was added to our best brunch in Oahu list for Instagram value alone. Overlooking bustling Beach Walk we could have spent hours there, people watching and lapping up the free coffee refills. Although there are so many hidden gems and local eateries on this list, sometimes you crave familiarity… and waffles with edible flowers.
Beet Box Cafe
Location: 66-437 Kamehameha Hwy #104, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
We headed to Hawaii with a long list of the best places to eat in Oahu andΒ after making our way through the list over the course of seven days, the Beet Box CafΓ© came out as our favourite.
Located on the North Shore in Haleiwa (thereβsΒ also a location in Kailua), Beet Box CafΓ© is an eclectic local eateryΒ specializing in all organic fare, sourced locally whenever available.Β Alongside serving the best coffee in Oahu, they offer everything from smoothies to acai bowls toΒ sandwiches β thereβs something for everyone at Beet Box CafΓ©.
Our boysΒ loved their naturally gluten-free banana oat pancakes and their papayaΒ bowls filled with fresh fruit and vanilla coconut whipped cream.Β I wentΒ for the avocado toast on gluten-free bread served with a fried egg both times we ate here β it was the most delicious avocado toast Iβve everΒ eaten!
Our entire family is gluten-free, so it was wonderful to have aΒ place where we could all find something delicious and healthy to enjoyΒ at Beet Box CafΓ©.Β We also loved the chill vibe of the cafΓ© and enjoyedΒ chatting with the friendly servers and locals who pointed us in theΒ direction of secluded beaches and great snorkelling spots.Β We canβt waitΒ to return next time weβre visiting Oahu!
Written By Lissa ofΒ Roots Wings And Travel Things. Follow theΒ adventures on Facebook.
Sweet E’s
Location: 1006 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
If like Loz, you prefer a sweet start to your day then Sweet Eβs is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for one reason β French Toast. French toast so good, the landlord had to hire a security guard for the car park as Sweet Eβs quickly became the best brunch in Oahu for those with a sweet tooth. The car park chaos got so bad, Sweet Eβs moved venues to Kapahulu Avenue though still expect a crowd, particularly on weekends!
Despite his omelette being big enough to feed a family of four, Dazβs food envy got the better of him and he too devoured the blueberry French Toast. So, we can officially confirm the rumours are true and the French toast with blueberries and cream is not only the best brunch in Oahu but up there as the best brunch weβve ever had. Just donβt eat an omelette beforehand or you may be so full youβll be unable to eat anywhere else on the island.
Goofy Cafe
Location:Β 1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
WeΒ visit OahuΒ regularly to see family, and thereβs one brunch spot we return to almost every time: Goofy Cafe. Located on the West end of Waikiki, Goofy serves delicious food with a laid-back surfer vibe. The menu features local ingredients with classic Hawaiian and American breakfast items.
Goofyβs eggs benedict with lilikoi hollandaise sauce and Kalua pig (pulled pork) or pork belly is our favourite. We love that touch of sweetness with the savoury. Another favourite is the Big Island honey French toast with fresh fruit.
The cafe has limited seating and often has quite a few people waiting to get in. They donβt take reservations, so if you want to sample the best brunch in Oahu make sure to put your name on the waitlist as soon as you arrive. Menus are available in English and Japanese.
Written By Michelle of Intentional Travelers. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.Β
Arvo Coffee
Location:Β 324 Coral Street Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Not gonna lie, the dΓ©cor is a macramΓ© loving millennial dream β succulents meet retro sun brollies topped off with hipster servers. Although service was a little slow (we received our food before our coffees, a pet peeve) weβll let them off, as it gave us more time to absorb this real-life Pinterest board.
To us, Arvo serves the best coffee in Oahu but with beautiful food to match. If youβre looking for the best food in Oahu for photo factor, our lunch was almost too pretty to eat, sprinkled with edible flowers (I did warn, millennial with a capital M.)
Although the menu is limited in a too cool for school type way, Arvo are here for one reason and one reason only β toast. How hipster can you get, huh? The menu is pretty much toast with an array of equally insta-worthy toppings. It is one of the best places to eat in Oahu to people watch the cool kids, rest after an insaneΒ street art tourΒ and enjoy toast that looks prettier than I probably will on my wedding day.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU FOR LUNCH
Whether youβve spent your morning hiking on Oahu, or relaxing on the beach, youβll likely be ready for a midday munch. These are the best places to eat in Oahu for lunch whether itβs traditional poke bowls, the famous Oahu food trucks or a local gem off the beaten track, there is something for all budgets and diets.
Aji Limo Truck
Location:Β 57-512 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Food trucks in Oahu are like tractors in Scotland β you canβt drive 5 miles without seeing one. However with so many, how do you know which Oahu food trucks are worth the dollar and which to avoid? Let us introduce you to not just a food truck, but a dining experience we will never forget and one of the best restaurants on theΒ North Shore.
If youβreΒ travelling as a couple,Β you will most likely be aware a hangry boyfriend is not one to be messed with. However, on our quest for the best food in Oahu we were so overwhelmed by choice on the Northshore, Iβd a very hangry boyfriend on my hands. Cue the rainbow, culinary haven of Aji Limo truck β offering traditional poke bowls, fish tacosΒ and more to the delight of hangry boyfriends and friendly locals alike.
The shaded seating oozed surfer vibes which were contrasted by the sophisticated menu. Aji Limo Truck is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for a side portion of Aloha spirit and the most delicious food, we still canβt believe it was cooked in a truck.
Ai Love Nalo
Location:Β 41-1025 KalanianaΚ»ole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA
To me, one of the places to eat in Oahu is Ai Love Nalo. I stumbled across this cute vegan place, just a short drive from Hanauma bay in WaimΔnalo. The fact that everything is plant-based, organic, and gluten-free using only local ingredients was a huge plus for me. A definite choice for vegans, but meat-eaters will also enjoy the creative and well-balanced flavours.
One of the best places to eat in Oahu for lunch, Ai Love Nalo closes at 3pm each day, except for weekends when itβs open until 5pm. The food is fresh, healthy and full of flavour and the Buddha bowl is always a winner. The Other options worth trying are the falafels, portobello BBQ burger, tofu poke and poi.
There is a beautiful outdoor seating area and I like that the food and drinks are served in sustainable containers and cups. The smoothies come highly recommended with my favourite being the lime and coconut. As a tip its one of the top restaurants in Oahu for desert β so remember to leave space. The soft serve sundae is the perfect way to end the meal.
Written By Rai ofΒ A Rai Of Light. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.Β
Marukame Udon
Location: 2310 KΕ«hiΕ Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
If searching for the best food in Oahu, youβll be amazed at the quality of Japanese food that this wonderful island offers. The influx of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii in the 1900s left a profound effect on the modern Hawaiian cuisine. Among these, Marukame Udon stands out to offer some of the best cuisine in the heart of Waikiki, Oahu.
Both delicious and affordable, the famous Japanese noodle chain in Japan found its way to weave traditional Japanese cooking with a Hawaiian twist. This grab-and-go self-service restaurant allows you to choose from a myriad of dishes ranging from udon, tempura rolls, to sushi.
Itβs best to visit the joint around lunchtime, to get the freshly fried signature tempura dishes. We also recommend the curry udon and the niku, authentic Japanese dishes that are hard to come by in Hawaii. The best thing about the Marukame Udon is its cafeteria style dining seats that allow you dine-in without long service wait β perfect for lunches with family and friends.
You can also watch the chefs cook through the open windows in the kitchen, another point of amazement for those who have never seen traditional Japanese cooking before and further reasoning why itβs one of the best restaurants in Waikiki.
Written By Andrew Kim ofΒ RoadGoat. Follow theΒ adventures on Facebook.
Surf n Turf
Location:2310 KΕ«hiΕ Ave Ste 100, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Surf n Turf is a Mexican fast-food restaurant in Oahu which serves hearty burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, rice bowls and much more. Itβs located by the street on the backside of the International Market Place and is ideal if youβre looking for the best food in Oahu on a budget.
The Mexican food here comes with an Aloha twist, and you can either sit inside or outside to enjoy your meal. They also offer takeout, so you could bring your food and eat it while watching the sunset from Waikiki beach, which is just a few minutes away.
You can come here for lunch or dinner and it will cost about 7-10 USD for a full meal. The staff are friendly too, offering combo ideas for the tastiest burritos and tacos. I personally recommend their burritos especially as they were both delicious and filling. Donβt forget to add some of their homemade guacamole β it was incredible!
Written By Alexander Waltner ofΒ Destinavo.Β
The Hibachi
Location:515 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
One of the best places to eat in Oahu is The Hibachi in Kailua town. Itβs an unassuming building in a parking lot with virtually no seating, so whatβs to love? Hibachi serves up the gorgeously fresh, melt-in-your-mouth poke. They have several different types to choose from every day, but get there early for the best selection; once they run out of some types, thatβs it for the day!
The Hibachi is an ideal stop to grab a picnic lunch to take to nearby Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, or you can pop over after your beach visit. Another option we didnβt try is their huge selection of ready-to-cook marinated meats. If youβre staying in a vacation home that has a grill or planning a BBQ this is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious dinner.
Most tourists donβt venture to theΒ Windward coastΒ and they end up missing out on some of the best places to eat in Oahu for local food. Get yourself out of Waikiki and see what the rest of Oahu has to offer!
Written By Melissa of The Family Voyage. Follow theΒ adventures on Facebook.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Location: 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
This makes our best places to eat in Oahu list because itβs another restaurant youβd probably drive past as it looks completely unassuming. The only clue would be the likely queue outside promoting Helenaβs popularity. Serving traditional, local Hawaiian food since 1946, this family-owned business is renown to locals and now tourists alike.
It was our first opportunity to try Poi, which is a traditional staple in traditional Hawaiian food. To us, it looked like purple porridge as is made from the underground plant stem of the taro plant. It was also our first experience of Haupia, which is a coconut-milk based dessert served in Hawaii, similar texture to a panna cotta.
In Helenaβs food is served as several small dishes (we recommend around 3 per person) then we all shared. If you want traditional, no frills food then this is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for just that! A little note, they only accept cash and arenβt open weekends. You can enjoy some of the best food in Oahu from 10am to 7:30am Tuesday to Friday.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU FOR DINNER
Whether youβre looking for a chilled Oahu restaurant to end your day, or a dining experience with a difference, these are the best places to eat in Oahu for dinner.
Gen Korean BBQ House
Location:Β 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #4250, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
If youβre wondering where to eat in Oahu, you may think itβs a bit of a cop out to visit a shopping centre. However, inside the Ala Moana shopping centre is the Gen Korean BBQ House and it makes our best places to eat in Oahu list (despite being Korean themed) because it was such a unique dining experience.
Korean BBQ is the popular method of grilling meat, typically beef, pork, or chicken on gas or charcoal grills built into the dining table itself. This means you pay a one off fee (like an all you can eat buffet) and the raw meat, rice and condiments are delivered to your table, where you then cook it yourself on the BBQ grill. For us, it is one of the top restaurants in Oahu for an unforgettable dining experience.
Do note, there is a fee if you donβt finish all the food you order so itβs wise to only order a couple of plates at a time. Although we realise the popularity of this dining in so many countries around the world, this was our first experience and it was so delicious. If youβre looking for cheap eats in Waikiki this also ticks the box β it is all you can eat for $27pp so ideal if youβre visitingΒ Hawaii on a budget.
Luau – Polynesian Cultural CenterΒ
Location: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, USA
A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment such as hula or fire dancing. To truly immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture, a Luau needs to be added to your itinerary. There are so many to choose from (many of which are a tourist trap) that we struggled to choose.
In the end, ourΒ WorkawayΒ host family took us to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It turned out to be one of our favouriteΒ things to do on North ShoreΒ although it did have Disneyland vibes with the themed parades, shows and music, we still felt it was excellent value for money and an amazing insight in the Polynesian culture β getting us incredibly excited forΒ backpacking FijiΒ andΒ New Zealand.
The evening Luau was one of the highlights of our entire trip and a chance to sample some of the best food in Oahu. It featured the traditional Kalua pig (which is usually cooked in sand via a type of underground oven) as well as poke, lomi salmon and haupia. Alongside hula dancers, fire dancing and traditional music β truly a night to remember.
Monkeypod Kitchen
Location: 92-1048 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707, USA
Located in the ocean oasis ofΒ Ko Olina, Hawaii,Β Monkeypod Kitchen has secured itself with some prime real estate. When coupled with its delicious dishes created by locally renowned chef, Peter Merriman, Monkeypod is definitely one of the best restaurants in Oahu. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner as well as Happy Hour (3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.) for the best deals.
As for what to order, you really canβt go wrong, youβll be treated to some of the best food in Oahu. Are you an appetiser fanatic? The poke tacos, Kauai shrimp & Hamakua mushroom potstickers, and the pumpkin patch ravioli are all delicious.
If youβre a pizza lover, the Hamakua wild mushroom & truffle oil pizza is fantastic. Hoping to get some fresh seafood while youβre in Hawaii? Opt for the organic macadamia nut crusted Mahi mahi. Or if you want to try a dish thatβs truly local, the noodle dish known as saimin has also found its place on the menu.
Written By Sarah of Borders & Bucket Lists. Follow theΒ adventures on Pinterest.
Maui Brewing CompanyΒ
Location: 2300 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
We first stumbled upon Maui Brewing Company in Honolulu after a long travel day from the Midwest. We needed a place that had cold beer and could seat our large group immediately, MBC fit the bill.
Being my first time in Hawaii, I immediately scanned the menu for poke, knowing I had to try it while on vacation. Their Ahi Poke Tuna Bowl had tons of tuna, fresh ginger and even a little kimchi. It was so refreshing to enjoy a locally-sourced meal that was actually healthy and nutritious.
Their Ahi Poke Tuna Bowl was so incredibly flavourful, I couldnβt get enough of it. We even returned to Maui Brewing company at the end of our trip so I could have their poke one last time. Even if youβre not a poke fan, itβs one of the top restaurants in Oahu for fresh, local food β our entire group commented on the freshness of the food.
Their commitment to utilising the best in fresh, locally-sourced produce really shows across the menu. Although itβs one of the best places to eat in Oahu, their beer is also something to rave about. From the pineapple wheat to the coconut porter, their beers all have the fresh island taste that is so refreshing after a hot day.
Written By Alana ofΒ The Wild Gut. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.
Hawaii Hot Pot
Location: 25 Kaneohe Bay Dr #300, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Any sort of restaurant that letβs you get interactive and βhand onβ with the cooking wins our vote and again, hot pot dining was a completely new experience for us. For those also not familiar, Hot potΒ is a Chinese cooking method where a simmeringΒ potΒ of soup stock is brought to the dining table.
You then choose a selection of vegetables and thinly sliced meats which you add to the broth thus cooking them by boiling. Very similar to the Korean BBQ restaurant except, the grill is replaced by the hot pot.
There are several hot pot restaurants on the island and we feel it is one of the best places to eat in Oahu if youβre on a budget as they typically follow βan all you can eatβ pricing. We chose a spicy broth as well as a vegetarian stock and chose mushrooms, meat and a selection of sauces. Each place at the table also had itβs own hot plate to keep your dish warm β a dining experience we will never forget!
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN OAHU FOR SWEET TREAT
Some people visit Oahu to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches and others to hike the lush landscape β either way nothing beats a sweet treat in the sunshine to fuel your day. Whether itβs to go with morning coffee or an afternoon pick me up these are the best places to eat in Oahu if youβre partial to a treat or two.
Matsumoto Shave Ice
Location: 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
Hawaii is well known for its famous frozen dessert called shave ice. And if youβre wondering where to eat in Oahu to sample this local delicacy, make sure you go to the original home of shave ice β Matsumoto in Haleiwa on Oahuβs North Shore. This family run establishment has been making shave ice since 1951.
Matsumotoβs shave ice is a frosty combination of ice shavings topped with bright coloured syrups in tropical fruit flavours likeΒ pineapple, passionfruit, mango, coconut and papaya. Delicious syrup is drizzled over finely shaved ice in all the colours of the rainbow. Choose your flavours and whether you want to eat your shave ice from a paper cup or a cone. You can also addΒ mochi, a drizzle of condensed milk or adzuki bean paste on top.
Thereβs usually a line out the front of the store so youβll have a few minutes to decide on your order. The most popular flavour combination is Rainbow with strawberry, lemon and pineapple but our favourite was Hawaiian. Pineapple, coconut and banana in one shave ice bowl tastes like Hawaii on a plate.
Written By Katy ofΒ Untold Morsels. Follow theΒ adventures on Instagram.
Leonard’s Bakery
Location: 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
Leonardβs bakery is an Oahu institution, itβs likely youβll spot the funky striped vans dotted around before the bakery itself situated in Kapahulu Avenue. Leonards Bakery is one of the best places to eat in Oahu for a sweet treat. You must try their speciality malasadas. Although traditionally Portuguese, these sugary balls of dough have become a staple sweet treat in Oahu thanks to the Leonardβs family and are one of the manyΒ traditional Hawaiian foods you must try!
The Leonards bakery in Honolulu is often queued out the door with locals and tourists alike, keen to try the famous Malasadas β and we can officially confirm they are worth the hype. Described as a βdoughnut without the holeβ they are golden, sweet and crispy on the outside then fluffy and light in the inside. Not gonna lie, I was also a sucker for the cute pink packaging and retro branding.
Diamond Head Market & Grill
Location: 3158 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Weβd been away from Greggβs nearly a month, so our bakery withdrawal was strong. That and the fact we had just hiked Diamond HeadΒ so needed an instant sweet fix. We were recommended Diamond Head Market & Grill as THE bakery in Honolulu for their scones.
Now being British, we have a very strong opinion on scones so we were intrigued to sample the Hawaiian version. We were blown away. Firstly if you are looking for a bakery in Honolulu we cannot recommend Diamond Head Market & Grill enough as their scones were pretty much the size of my head. They also had numerous flavours, of which we opted for cream cheese and blueberry and it was insanely good. Seriously puts our British mixed fruit scone to shame.
Although the texture reminded us more of a cookie than a crumbly scone, we urge you to visit a bakery in Honolulu and get your hands on one of these β we guarantee they wonβt disappoint!
Pineapple Dole Whip
Location: 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI 96786, USA
A few years ago we recall seeing a huge queue in Disneyland California for βpineapple Dole whipβ utterly naive we didnβt bother trying it. However, as home to the Dole plantation, you cannot leave Oahu without sampling the insanely delicious pineapple Dole whip.
With a day to spare we opted for one of the most popularΒ things to do on the North ShoreΒ and do the full tour complete with a tourist train ride through the plantation, pineapple history lesson and a go at the βlargest maze in the world.β
However there were busloads of people who were there just for the pineapple dole whip alone and we donβt blame them. To be honest, the tour and overall plantation was nothing spectacular (the staff were particularly disinterested) however pineapple dole whip has changed my view on ice cream forever. Dare I say it, Iβve never tried ice cream as good and would happily book a flight back to enjoy it again and again!
Hopefully this guide to the best places to eat in Oahu has inspired some delicious dining – whether it’s a sweet treat on the go or a Luau evening extravaganza! Are your favourite Oahu restaurants missing from this guide? Let us know in the comments your best places to eat on Oahu!
What a great post! Love the new look!
Great post and love the site!
Awesome post! Makes we want to go try all these yummy places.
Thank you – makes me want to go back…sitting here eating cheese & toast isn’t quite the same!
Great post! Hoping to get back to Oahu sometime next year. I will have to try out a few of these spots.
We would love to go back! It lived up to everything we hoped and dreamed it would!
Oh this brought back so many memories from our Hawaii honeymoon. We loved the North Shore food trucks! We found enfold trucks to have the freshest food and most inventive menus. My husband came home to Aus wanting to start up a seafood taco food truck! The only problem we had was that I was pregnant so couldn’t enjoy all the poke tuna.
Aww what an amazing place to Honeymoon! Darren hated seafood, wouldn’t even go near raw seafood but after trying poke he is now completely converted!!
Currently booking my flight to Hawaii to eat everything on this list!
Haha it’ll be so worth it!!
This post makes me so hungry! Some great restaurants suggestions here π
Wow! You’ve nailed it with this post! I am official hungry again (considering I just ate dinner!!) So many great recommendations.
I’ve never been to Hawaii but this post i snow moving it up on my list! so many delicious foods!! and definitely some that were unexpected for me.
Your post made me hungry for food amd Hawaii!
I haven’t been to Hawai’i in ages but this is really making me want to go back and eat all the things. Great article!
Looks so good! We contributed Goofy’s but see a few others on here that we also love. Island Brew in Hawaii Kai is awesome!