Aloha foodies! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Hawaii is also a haven for food lovers. From succulent seafood to mouthwatering tropical fruits, the Hawaiian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors.
In this blog post, we will explore the best Hawaiian food recipes that will transport your taste buds to the islands. So grab your apron and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Hawaii!
1. Hawaiian Pizza
Hawaiian Pizza is a classic combination of sweet and savory flavors. Made with a homemade pizza dough, it features toppings like ham, pineapple, red onion, and bacon crumbles.
The cheesy and delicious taste of this pizza is perfect for those who enjoy the unique addition of pineapple on their pizza. Whether you love it or hate it, Hawaiian Pizza is a must-try for pizza lovers looking for a twist on the traditional flavors.
2. Hawaiian Chicken
Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features chicken thighs marinated in a tropical coconut marinade and grilled to perfection. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and coconut milk creates a flavorful and juicy chicken.
Served with grilled pineapple and coconut rice, this dish transports you to the tropics with its delightful flavors. Perfect for entertaining or a family dinner, Hawaiian Chicken is a must-try recipe for those craving a taste of Hawaii.
3. Hawaiian Mac Salad
Hawaiian Mac Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is a must-have for any Hawaiian plate lunch. Made with elbow macaroni, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, and a touch of sweetness, this salad is creamy and flavorful.
It is best when refrigerated for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Perfect for BBQs or as a side for ribs, this Hawaiian Mac Salad is sure to become a family favorite.
4. Andagi
Andagi is a popular Hawaiian dessert, also known as Okinawan donuts. This recipe by Chef Grant Sato is a delicious take on the traditional treat. Made with flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, the batter is mixed until thick and lump-free.
After chilling for an hour, the batter is dropped into hot vegetable oil and fried until golden brown. Andagi is a sweet and satisfying dessert that is sure to please any donut lover.
5. Kuana Torres Ho'i'o Fern Shoot Salad
Kuana Torres Ho'i'o Fern Shoot Salad is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with ho'i'o fern shoots, soft cuttlefish, tomatoes, onions, gobo/fish cake, kamaboko, and a flavorful mix of sesame oil, oyster sauce, and Hawaiian salt.
This salad offers a unique combination of textures and flavors, with the crispness of the fern shoots and the savory seafood elements. It is a refreshing and satisfying dish that showcases the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
6. Homemade Hawaiian Bread
Homemade Hawaiian Bread is a soft and slightly sweet treat that is perfect for sandwiches or toast. It is easy to make in your own oven and once you try it, you will never go back to store-bought bread.
The bread bakes up super soft and has a delightful hint of sweetness. It is the perfect loaf for sandwiches and makes delicious toast as well.
7. Traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Traditional Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a no-frills and simple pasta salad that is a family favorite. Made with macaroni, shredded carrots, onion, mayo, salt, and pepper, this authentic dish captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
It is creamy and delicious, perfect for complementing BBQ meats. Steer clear of variations with ham and pineapple, as they are not traditional. Overall, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the islands without leaving home.
8. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a classic side dish that is perfect for potlucks or any gathering. This recipe features tender noodles, grated carrots, and sweet yellow onion, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, milk, and a touch of sugar.
The tangy flavors and the combination of textures make this salad a delightful addition to any meal. It's a simple yet delicious way to bring a taste of the Hawaiian islands to your table.
9. Hawaiian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish packed with diced ham, red bell pepper, and pineapple. The addition of pineapple adds a delightful sweetness to every bite, making this rice heavenly.
The recipe also emphasizes the importance of using day-old, cold rice for the perfect texture. Overall, Hawaiian Fried Rice is a must-try for those craving a delicious and tropical twist on traditional fried rice.
10. Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a true taste of the islands. This creamy and flavorful side dish captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine with its simple yet delicious combination of macaroni, shredded carrots, onion (optional), and a mayo-based dressing. It's a no-frills recipe that stays true to tradition, without the unnecessary additions of ham or pineapple.
The mayo-heavy dressing is what makes this macaroni salad so irresistibly good, and using Best Foods mayo is a must for that authentic taste. For those with dietary restrictions, substitutions like Greek yogurt or vegan mayo can be made. Overall, this Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Hawaii.
11. Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian Haystacks is a quick and easy meal that combines a bed of rice with chicken in a creamy gravy sauce. Topped with a variety of customizable options like pineapple, chow mein noodles, and shredded cheese, this dish is a hit with picky eaters and can be made using pantry ingredients.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, Hawaiian Haystacks is a flavorful and satisfying option that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
12. Hawaiian Coleslaw
Hawaiian Coleslaw is a sweet side dish that perfectly balances the flavors of pineapple, brown sugar, onion, and vinegar. It is a delicious adaptation of traditional coleslaw, and the addition of crushed pineapple adds a refreshing twist.
The creamy mayonnaise dressing, combined with the tangy vinegar and sweet brown sugar, creates a mouthwatering flavor profile. This coleslaw is a great accompaniment to any meal, and its Hawaiian twist adds a unique touch to the dish.
13. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that captures the flavors of the famous shrimp found at food trucks in Hawaii. This recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with an abundance of garlic.
The shrimp is perfectly seasoned with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, and then sautéed to perfection. Finished off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley, this dish is sure to impress with its bold and savory flavors. It's an easy-to-prepare recipe that is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
14. Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a classic and easy-to-make grilled chicken recipe. The marinade, made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, and optional green onions, creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
It is perfect for summer cookouts, family BBQs, or an at-home luau. Serve it with grilled pineapple, Hawaiian macaroni salad, pineapple rice, or grilled asparagus for a complete Hawaiian meal.
15. Hawaiian Style Chicken Long Rice
Hawaiian Style Chicken Long Rice is a flavorful and light dish that is a favorite among locals in Hawaii. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a soup, making it versatile for any meal.
The dish features tender shredded chicken thighs, bean thread noodles, and a savory broth flavored with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. It is a popular choice for luaus and is reminiscent of Pho. Overall, Hawaiian Style Chicken Long Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Hawaii to your table.
16. Hawaiian Poke
Hawaiian Poke is a marinated raw fish dish that originated in Hawaii. It is commonly made with yellowfin tuna or salmon, but can be made with any kind of fish. The dish is known for its simplicity and use of quality ingredients, such as sushi-grade fish and local salt. It is often served with rice and seaweed.
The key to a successful poke recipe is using fresh fish, being inventive with ingredients, adding vibrant colors, and not overpowering the fish with too much sauce. Roy's Ahi Poke recipe is highly regarded, but I cannot personally vouch for it. Overall, Hawaiian Poke is a delicious and popular dish that can be found in various establishments across Hawaii.
17. Local-Style Chicken Tofu
Local-Style Chicken Tofu is a popular and satisfying Hawaiian dish made with chicken, tofu, and a flavorful combination of aromatics and greens. It is saucy, comforting, and pairs perfectly with rice.
This one-pot meal is loved by everyone, from kids to grandparents, and can be found on the menus of local okazuyas. With its simple yet delicious flavors, Chicken Tofu is a must-try dish for those seeking an authentic taste of Hawaii.
18. Hawaiian BBQ
Hawaiian BBQ is a delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish that captures the unique flavors of Hawaii. With a sweet and savory homemade BBQ sauce infused with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, this recipe is sure to please.
Grilled pineapple slices add an extra touch of tropical goodness. Whether cooked on the grill or in the air fryer, Hawaiian BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
19. Kalua Pork and Cabbage
Kalua Pork and Cabbage is a classic Hawaiian dish that combines tender, smoky kalua pork with soft and flavorful cabbage. The dish is made by layering cabbage and kalua pork in a saucepan and cooking until the cabbage is tender.
The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice. Whether using pre-made kalua pork or making it from scratch, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Hawaii.
20. Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
The Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines marinated chicken with pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper. The flavors are perfectly balanced, with a light sweetness and tanginess from the marinade.
These kebabs are easy to make and are great for summer parties or a weekend dinner. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, and the char from grilling adds an extra layer of flavor. Overall, these Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs are a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave you wanting more.
21. Chicken Hekka
Chicken Hekka is a classic local Hawaiian dish that is reminiscent of Japanese sukiyaki. It features simmered chicken, vegetables, and noodles, all seasoned with a delightful combination of chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil.
This forgiving and flexible recipe allows for customization based on available ingredients. The dish is typically enjoyed spooned over a steaming bowl of rice, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. Chicken Hekka is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of Hawaiian cuisine.
22. Hawaiian BBQ Sauce (Huli Huli Sauce)
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce, also known as Huli Huli Sauce, is a delectable blend of sweet, savory, and salty flavors. Made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice, this teriyaki-style sauce is perfect for marinating chicken or pork.
It is a staple in Hawaiian households and has gained popularity in the states. With its versatility and quick preparation time, this sauce is a must-try for anyone looking to add a taste of Hawaii to their BBQ dishes.
23. Mochiko Chicken
Mochiko Chicken is a delicious Hawaiian dish that combines the flavors of sweet and salty. This crunchy and flavorful fried chicken is marinated in a mixture of mochiko flour, soy sauce, sugar, and spices before being deep-fried to perfection.
It is a popular dish in Hawaii and is often served with rice and macaroni salad. Mochiko Chicken is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family.
24. Kalua Pork
Kalua Pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is cooked slowly to perfection. It features a tender and flavorful pork shoulder roast seasoned with Himalayan pink salt, smoked salt (optional), and smoked paprika.
The pork is cooked in a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours until it becomes fork-tender and easily shreds apart. The addition of bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. This recipe is a great way to bring the taste of Hawaii to your kitchen and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in tacos or salads.
25. Hawaiian Spam Musubi
Hawaiian Spam Musubi is a delicious and convenient savory treat that is perfect for on-the-go snacking or picnics. This recipe features caramelized spam on a bed of seasoned sushi rice, wrapped in crispy roasted seaweed.
The combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with the contrasting textures, creates a satisfying bite. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a taste of Hawaii at home.
26. Somen Stuffed Aburage
Somen Stuffed Aburage is a delightful Hawaiian dish that combines the flavors of somen noodles, kamaboko, and seaweed salad stuffed into seasoned aburage pockets. It is a popular choice for potlucks and birthday parties, loved by both kids and adults.
The dish offers flexibility in terms of ingredients, allowing for personal twists and substitutions. Served chilled or at room temperature, Somen Stuffed Aburage is a colorful and fun treat that captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.
27. Quick and Easy Hawaiian Haystacks
Quick and Easy Hawaiian Haystacks is a delicious comfort food dinner that consists of fluffy rice topped with creamy chicken gravy and a variety of toppings. The dish is quick and easy to make, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
The combination of flavors, including pineapple, shredded rotisserie chicken, and various toppings, creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you're a fan of pineapple in savory foods or not, this dish is worth trying. Overall, Quick and Easy Hawaiian Haystacks is a tasty and enjoyable recipe that will leave you wanting more.
