A Taste of Hawaii: Dining tips from our local expert

Hawaii is straight out of a picture postcard: think palm-fringed beaches, azure waters and lush green hills. Whether you want to relax on a sun-speckled beach or head out to explore dramatic volcanic craters and tumbling waterfalls, this tropical paradise has a lot to offer.

A trip to Hawaii is also a great opportunity to sample some delectable local cuisine, from poke (raw fish) to spam (a local delicacy made of ham). If you are wondering where to eat on the islands on our Hawaii tours, our expert Tour Director Nox has some firsthand tips and recommendations you are sure to love!

Say hi to Nox, and don’t forget to take notes!

First things first. Dining in Hawaii is a bit more expensive than eating out in mainland USA. While you might find affordable dining options, expect to shell out more dollars than you would at similar establishments in the other states. Here’s a guide to the best and most affordable restaurants on each of the four main islands.

Where to eat in Oahu

Oahu is the most populous of the Hawaiian islands, and has plenty of dining options, from sit-down restaurants to takeaway joints. Nox recommends heading to Kuhio Food Avenue Mall at International Market Place right across the road to Hilton Garden Inn, your hotel in Waikiki.

“Guests can collect discount vouchers from the hotel, and save 10 to 15 percent on their meals at International Market Place, an open-air dining, shopping and entertainment destination,” says Nox. At Kuhio Food Avenue Mall, you’ll find typical American fare, fast food options, burgers, pizzas, and more.

If you want to savor local Hawaiian food, look no further than Liliha Bakery on the third level of International Market Place. The cozy bakery and coffee shop also serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Started in 1950, they are best known as the home of the original coco-puff, a delightful cream puff filled with chocolate pudding, topped with chantilly frosting.

Sample flavors from across the globe at the food court on the second level of Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center at Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu. From Subway sandwiches to Vietnamese and Korean dishes, this place takes your palate on a world tour!

Savor seafood in Kona, Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is where verdant rainforests meet stunning volcanic craters, and jagged cliffs drop into the limitless ocean. With its coffee plantations and pineapple farms, the island has a rich food heritage that fuses Polynesian, Japanese and other culinary traditions.

There are many places to sample local food on the island, so why not start with the restaurant at your hotel in Kona? “Guests get a discount of 10 percent on meals at the poolside restaurant at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort, where they’ll be staying,” adds Nox.

Right across the road from your hotel is Fish Hopper, a local favorite. Sit down for a meal at the laid back restaurant overlooking the bay and enjoy seafood and steak as you take in spectacular ocean views.

Fancy a deli sandwich in Kauai?

Known as the ‘Garden Isle’ for its tropical rainforests, Kauai is a land of dramatic cliffs, deep canyons and green mountains skirting the coast. On our Best of Hawaii Four-Island Tour, you’ll spend two wonderful days on this island and have plenty of opportunities to discover local food.

Nox suggests walking to the Island Country Market near your hotel and shopping for microwaveable food available on the aisles. There’s a full service deli where you can help yourselves to gourmet sandwiches, Hawaiian-style hot plates and more at affordable prices. “On our YMT tours to Hawaii, we usually stop for lunch here once we land in Kauai. It’s a great place to grab a quick meal and a coffee,” he adds.

Enjoy the flavors of Maui

Maui draws you in with its golden beaches, glorious sunsets and cascading waterfalls that tumble into sapphire lagoons. The second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui is considered the most expensive among them, due to its remote location and higher utility rates.

There’s no shortage of great food here, but bear in mind that a meal here can cost more than it does on the other islands. Take a short walk from your hotel (Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort) to Whalers Village, an oceanfront shopping center with many dining options including cafes and shops where you can try shave ice, a local ice-based dessert. “You’ll find everything from pizza and burgers to Chinese food at the restaurants here,” says Nox.

Plus, if you’d like to eat in the comfort of your hotel room, you can always order in through Uber Eats or Doordash, both of which are operational in most main cities on the four islands.

What to do on leisure days on the islands?

While leisure days are perfect for unwinding and relaxing at the hotel, you can also make the most of your free time to explore the neighborhood. Wondering how to get around? Nox has you covered with these tips!

Waikiki, Oahu: Take a leisurely stroll down the beach and marvel at Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone rising from the shore. You can also take a trolley from the hotel for a very nominal charge, and explore different parts of Waikiki.

Kona, The Big Island: Hop on a trolley and see the many highlights of Kona around your hotel. The beaches of Kona are teeming with marine life and colorful coral reefs. They are great for snorkeling, so check with your Tour Director before you set out into the sea.

Kauai: Rent a bike from your hotel and head out exploring! Just make sure to carry a valid ID with you.

Maui: Discover Kaanapali on a free trolley ride that takes you around the hotel and a few areas in the vicinity.

Plan your trip with YMT Vacations

Discover local cuisine and quaint restaurants on our fully-guided Hawaii tours. Our tour directors are seasoned travelers and local experts, and they’ll make sure your time on the islands is packed with engaging activities and a lot of fun! Whether you want to explore Paradise on a cruise or a land tour, we have a great selection of trips for you! So call us today and let’s plan your island getaway together!