Seven Hawaiian Dishes You Have to Try When You Move Here | PCS To Hawaii
When you think about your upcoming PCS to Hawaii, you’re probably planning your HHG shipment or debating whether you’ll rent or buy. Maybe you’re daydreaming about the beaches you’ll visit or coordinating your weekend hikes. But there’s something else to add to your plans – and that’s munching on loads of Hawaiian treats. So put down the PCS checklist and start writing that bucket list – here are seven must-try Hawaiian foods and where to find them!
1. Malasadas
Image: Keola Magazine
Who doesn’t love deep-fried dough covered in sugar? That’s just what you get in a malasada. These Portuguese doughnuts are a favorite here in Hawaii. Some spots – ahem, Leonard’s Bakery – offer a stuffed variety with fillings like custard, chocolate, and haupia (coconut). Or head to Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery for their Malamode, a malasadas filled with ice cream.
2. Kalua Pork
Have you ever seen footage of a luau in movies? You’re probably familiar with the roasted pig. Well, that cooking process has a name, and it’s called kālua; this translates as “to cook in an underground oven.” You can find kalua pork at a number of spots on the island – not just at luaus. And although the meat might not be cooked underground, it is slow roasted for hours giving it loads of flavor. We recommend Konos for a quick bite, or Highway Inn if you want to try some other Hawaiian dishes at the same time.
Image: Sippity Sup
3. Poke
Arguably one of Hawaii’s most popular meals, poke is raw fish that’s generally served over rice. A popular option here in Hawaii is ahi poke. Get it spicy or with shoyu (soy sauce) – either way it won’t disappoint. Whether as an appetizer at a high-end restaurant or a grab-and-go meal at your local grocery store, you’ll find great poke all over the island. Looking for a spot that consistently gets good ratings? Check out Foodland!
https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blog-series/best-best/5-best-places-get-poke-oahu
4. Shave Ice
Shave ice is just what you’d imagine it to be – shaved ice. It’s topped with your choice of flavors; most local shops have dozens to choose from. Locals love to get their shave ice (yes it’s shave not shaved) with condensed milk. You can also order it topped with ice cream, mochi, or azuki beans, which are red beans cooked with sugar and water. One of the most well-known and beloved spots or shave ice is Matsumoto’s on the North Shore.
5. Plate Lunch
When you’re here in Hawaii you’ll probably hear people talk about a plate lunch. This meal generally consists of meat or fish (or sometimes both), rice, macaroni salad, and sometimes greens. It’s a hearty meal at a heavenly price – these plates usually cost between $10-15. If you’re looking for a local spot that’s off the beaten path try Ono Steak and Shrimp in Waimanalo. They’re fittingly known for their steak and shrimp plate, but the eatery’s garlic ahi is also worth a try!
Plate lunch and garlic shrimp! (Image: Bakersfield Californian)
6. Garlic Shrimp
Hawaii is known for its shrimp trucks that serve up large pieces of shrimp smothered in garlic and butter. Now you see why it’s so popular! Many trucks have other varieties of the crustacean, like spicy or coconut, but the garlic shrimp tops the list. This meal comes with rice, macaroni salad, and at some places a small green salad. We recommend Big Wave in Haleiwa or Romy’s in Kahuku.
7. Poi
Made from mashed taro root, poi is an authentic and traditional Hawaiian food. The taro plant, also known as kalo in Hawaii, has a strong significance in the state – Hawaiians believed that kalo was the original ancestor of the Hawaiian people. If you see poi, be sure to give it a try. Waiāhole Poi Factory is a favorite spot for this special food.
