Oahu is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and diverse food scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Oahu has something for everyone when it comes to dining. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat on Oahu based on top recommendations and my own experience.
places to eat on Oahu
- Helena’s Hawaiian Food: For a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, head to Helena’s Hawaiian Food in Honolulu. This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious Hawaiian food since 1946. The menu features dishes like kalua pig, laulau, and poi.
- Marugame Udon: If you’re looking for a quick and affordable meal, Marukame Udon in Honolulu is a great option. This Japanese restaurant serves freshly made udon noodles in a variety of dishes. The restaurant has an open kitchen where you can watch the noodles being made.
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: Located on the North Shore, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The truck serves garlic shrimp in a buttery sauce that is both delicious and addictive. The shrimp plates come with rice and a salad.
- Koko Head Cafe: For brunch, head to Koko Head Cafe in Honolulu. This trendy cafe serves up creative dishes with a Hawaiian twist. Some popular dishes include the cornflake French toast, loco moco, and the kimchi bacon cheddar scone.
- Leonard’s Bakery: No visit to Oahu is complete without trying malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. These Portuguese doughnuts are a local favorite and come in a variety of flavors, including plain, cinnamon sugar, and filled with haupia or custard.
- Shave Ice stands: The big debate across the island is where the best shave ice is found (the local way to say it is shave ice not shaved ice). On the North Shore in Haleiwa, you will find the famous Matsumoto Shave Ice and Aoki’s Shave Ice nearby if you want a side-by-side comparison. But everywhere you go on the island, you will find different shave ice stand options. Make sure to let me know which one is your favorite!
- Stands on the side of the road: Most of these will feature classic Hawaiian plate lunches with Huli Huli chicken and/or teriyaki chicken with rice and macaroni salad on the side. Some of the best places to eat are when it’s made by locals themselves. In most cases, they are fundraising for something too so you’ll be helping out a family/group. We’ve found this to be true in travel to other places as well.
Something to check before making plans is the hours at the dining establishments and be aware that this can still vary. Check the links or map apps for the most up-to-date information.
In conclusion, Oahu has a diverse food scene with something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual eats, there are plenty of options to choose from. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to trendy cafes, Oahu’s food scene is not to be missed.
Do you have a must-stop spot I missed? Leave it in the comments!