The best Hawaiian restaurants know how to prepare succulent kālua pig, creamy haupia and, of course, poi.
READ MORE: What’s in a Hawaiian Plate, Anyway?
If you’re craving traditional Hawaiian food, these are the restaurants on Oʻahu that our readers love the most.
1. Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Tucked in Kalihi, this unassuming restaurant is a perennial favorite. Helena’s Hawaiian Food opened in 1946 and continues to serve traditional, local Hawaiian food, including pipi kaula (seasoned, dried and pan-fried short ribs) and squid lūʻau (a savory dish made with octopus and kalo leaves in coconut milk). In 2000, the restaurant received the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics award.
helenashawaiianfood.com/index.htm
2. Waiāhole Poi Factory
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
On Oʻahu’s Windward Side, you can find Waiāhole Poi Factory, a family-run eatery serving traditional Hawaiian food. Located in a former poi factory, the restaurant is committed to honoring the structure’s history and sharing Hawaiian culture through food. The building was constructed in 1905 and operated as a poi factory until 1971. In 2009, it became a restaurant serving homemade Hawaiian food and hand-pounded poi.
Today, Waiāhole Poi Factory is a favorite destination for poi and other Hawaiian favorites like lau lau, lomi salmon and Sweet Lady of Waiāhole, its signature dessert made with kūlolo and topped with haupia-flavored ice cream.
3. Highway Inn
Photo: Courtesy of Highway Inn
In 1947, Highway Inn opened its first location on Farrington Highway, offering an extensive menu of Hawaiian food and classic diner fare. Today, you can find Highway Inn in Waipahu, Kakaʻako, and it also runs the café at Bishop Museum. The recipes haven’t changed much over the decades. If you’re unsure of what to get, order the Tasting Plate, a sample of some of its most popular dishes. You’ll enjoy kālua pig, chicken long rice, lomi salmon and squid lūʻau.
4. Yama’s Fish Market
Photo: Courtesy of Yama’s Fish Market/Mia Kan
Yama’s Fish Market opened in 1980 in Honolulu. Since then, it’s been a popular spot for its fresh poke. It also offers local-style plate lunches with options like pork adobo, mochiko chicken and pasteles.
5. Young’s Fish Market
Young’s Fish Market started in a modest shop on Liliha Street in 1951 selling fresh fish. Over the years, the shop began to offer grocery items and Hawaiian fare. Today, you can find combination plates with kālua pig, lomi salmon and pipi kaula as well as poke bowls and other Hawaiian favorites.
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