Sun and sand are two obvious reasons people visit Hawaii – but you could just as easily build an entire Hawaii vacation itinerary around the food and drink. Hawaiian cuisine is a layered, multicultural story, just like the islands themselves. Shaped over generations by Indigenous tradition and waves of immigration, modern local cuisine in Hawaii is a blend of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, American, Filipino, Mexican, Portuguese and Puerto Rican. You can taste the welcoming aloha magic in every sip and bite!
There’s so much delicious food and drink that's unique to the Hawaiian Islands, but we recommend starting your culinary journey with these seven drinks and dishes to whet your appetite.
Hawaiians developed a sophisticated food system rooted in connection to the land and sea. One of the most sacred food items connected to the land in Hawaii is the root vegetable we know most commonly as "taro." Often pounded and prepared into the starchy paste poi, you can order this special dish on the side or sample it at any authentic luau. If you’re in Waimea or Hilo on the Big Island, you can also try poi rolled, fried and dipped in cinnamon or powdered sugar (poi balls) for an extra delicious fair-type treat.
For a truly mouth-watering local experience, try your taro in lau lau. This traditional Hawaiian dish wraps savoury pork, chicken or salted butterfish (cod) in tender taro plant leaves then steams the bundles until soft and fall-apart delicious. Even better, make it a plate lunch or dinner with sides of rice, potato, macaroni salad and lomi – diced tomatoes, onions and bits of salted salmon. Heaven!
No morning in Hawaii is complete without experiencing a smooth, aromatic and subtly nutty cup (or two) of Kona coffee. Grown in rich volcanic soil along the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualālai on the Big Island of Hawaii, this is one of the world’s most prized single-origin coffee bean from one of the most ideal growing microclimates. Local coffee shops and roasters serve it aplenty, and you can also book private tastings at boutique estates to elevate your experience with a panoramic ocean view.
Bonus: Hawaii also commercially grows other prized beans: cacao and vanilla. Small-batch chocolate makers have your souvenir list covered, and you can book private tours and tastings for the most immersive experience.
Sushi and sashimi in Hawaii are exceptional. Pair unparalleled access to ultra-fresh, locally caught fish (like ahi tuna) with the deeply rooted influence of Japanese culture and you have plenty of unique options for "onolicious" Hawaiian-style sushi.
We’d be remiss not to let you in on another local sushi fav: masubi. This popular Hawaiian snack consists of a grilled slice of the iconic canned ham, Spam, on top of a block of white rice and wrapped up in a thin strip of nori seaweed. Served warm and often flavoured with soy or teriyaki sauce and sprinkled with furikake, this hard-to-eat-just-one snack is found at most gas stations and farmer’s markets.
Let’s clear up any confusion now: this is almost nothing like a snow cone and nearly everything you need on a hot Hawaiian day! Hawaiian shave ice (usually spelled without the 'd') turns finely shaved blocks of ice into fluffy, light, snow-like perfection.
Popular flavours are guava, pineapple, coconut, lychee, and mango (as well as coffee, cotton candy, green tea and more), but the secret sauce is the cap of sweetened condensed milk drizzled generously over the top.
Incredible, fresh catch of the day is always on the menu in Hawaii, with most restaurants serving boat-to-table dishes. This includes tender, flavorful, sashimi-grade poke. The modern version of this traditional raw fisherman’s snack is distinctly Hawaiian: marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and seaweed (limu).
It also comes in different and distinct flavours, reflecting the islands’ Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino cultural influences. Remember to make it a true and satisfying local plate lunch with sides of rice, kimchi, lomi and macaroni salad!
This one is for the keiki (kids) – both young and young-at-heart. These deep-fried Portuguese doughnuts are one of Hawaii’s most beloved sweet treats. And for good reason: they are made from a soft, yeast-raised dough, fried until golden brown, then rolled generously in sugar while still warm. The inside is light, fluffy and slightly chewy while the outside stays crisp and sweet.
You won’t have to look hard to find a food truck or bakery that sells them, which means you won’t have to stop at just one bag of this delicious sweet treat!
There are so many tropical fresh fruits to explore and enjoy on the Hawaii islands, we thought we’d leave with you a list to work through. A just-picked, buttery papaya, like the Kapoho Solo or strawberry varieties, cut lengthwise and served with a squeeze of fresh lime is sublime.
Lilikoi (passionfruit) has a vibrant tartness that makes for delectable desserts, soufflés, and sunset-worthy cocktails. Rambutan and lychee are closely related: both small and hairy looking, they are peeled from their outer layer to reveal a sugary, sweet and juicy grape-like fruit in the middle. It’s the perfect snack to eat out of the cooler while sitting at the beach.
Guava grows wild all over the islands and you’ll probably smell its sweet perfume before you even see the trees. Pink or white inside, guava is sweet, slightly tangy, and often served and sold as jams, butters and juices too.
The best part is how easy it is to find fresh fruit in season in Hawaii. Local grocers and farmer’s markets have a daily rainbow of fruit on display, while smoothie and juice stands are next level with freshly picked ingredients. But the honour-system farm stands at the end of people’s driveways might be the ultimate Hawaiian fruit experience.
After a day spent enjoying tropical drinks, fresh island seafood, and unforgettable Hawaiian cuisine, there’s nothing better than returning to a beautiful vacation home where you can relax and soak in the island atmosphere. Luxus Vacation Properties offers a curated collection of luxury homes across Hawaii’s most sought-after destinations, combining the comforts of a private residence with the elevated experience of a five-star stay.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or group trip to the islands, Luxus makes it easy to find a stunning home base close to Hawaii’s best dining, beaches, and adventures.
On the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, Luxus offers beautiful homes along the sunny Kohala Coast, where guests can enjoy incredible beaches, snorkeling, championship golf, and volcanic landscapes. From elegant villas with private lanais to resort-style condos near Waikoloa and Mauna Lani, these homes provide a perfect base for exploring the island’s diverse scenery—from black sand beaches to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
For travelers seeking lush scenery and laid-back island charm, Luxus’ Kauai vacation rentals offer an incredible escape. Located near the famous beaches of Poipu on Kauai’s sunny south shore, these luxury homes feature ocean and fairway views, private pools, and spacious indoor-outdoor living areas designed for enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Maui is one of the most beloved destinations in Hawaii, known for its golden beaches, vibrant culture, and stunning coastal scenery. Luxus’ Maui vacation rentals offer luxury beachfront living, with elegant interiors, ocean-view lanais, and access to beautiful swimming beaches and resort amenities in areas like Wailea.
