Hawaiian food brings a taste of paradise to your kitchen. These recipes mix tropical flavors with simple cooking methods.

You’ll find dishes that are sweet, savory, and perfect for any meal.

Try these 27 Hawaiian recipes to add some island flair to your cooking. From classic pork dishes to fruity desserts, there’s something for everyone.

These recipes are easy to make and use ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

Get ready to bring the spirit of aloha to your table with these tasty Hawaiian-inspired meals.

1. Loco Moco

Loco Moco is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food. You’ll find this dish made with white rice, a hamburger patty, gravy, and a fried egg on top.

To make it, shape ground beef into patties and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the patties in a skillet until browned.

For the gravy, sauté onions in the same pan. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Pour this over your patty and rice.

Top it all with a sunny-side-up egg. The runny yolk mixes with the gravy, creating a rich sauce.

Enjoy this hearty meal any time of day.

2. Poke Bowl

Poke bowls are a beloved Hawaiian dish you can easily make at home. Start with cubed raw fish like tuna or salmon. Marinate it in soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

Add the marinated fish to a bowl of rice. Top with your favorite ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and seaweed.

Sprinkle on some sesame seeds and green onions.

For extra flavor, make a quick sauce by mixing mayo and sriracha. Drizzle it over your poke bowl.

You can customize your bowl with different proteins, toppings, and sauces to suit your taste.

3. Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is a tasty Hawaiian dish you’ll love. The name means “turn turn” in Hawaiian, referring to how it’s cooked.

To make it, marinate chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce. The sauce usually has pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger.

Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning it often. This creates a delicious caramelized exterior.

Keep basting with the marinade as you cook.

For best results, use boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and absorb flavor well.

Serve your Huli Huli Chicken with rice and grilled pineapple for a true Hawaiian meal.

4. Spam Musubi

Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that combines Japanese and American influences. You’ll love this tasty treat made with rice, spam, and nori seaweed.

To make spam musubi, start by cooking sushi rice and slicing spam. Fry the spam slices until crispy, then glaze them with a sweet teriyaki sauce.

Press a layer of rice onto a sheet of nori. Add a slice of glazed spam on top.

Wrap the nori around the rice and spam, sealing it with water.

You can customize your spam musubi by adding furikake seasoning or swapping the teriyaki for other sauces.

This portable snack is perfect for beach days or quick meals on the go.

5. Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is a classic Hawaiian dish that you can easily make at home. Start with a pork shoulder and rub it with sea salt and liquid smoke.

Place the pork in a slow cooker or instant pot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.

You can also use an oven, roasting the pork for 3-4 hours at 325°F.

Once done, shred the meat with two forks. Mix in some of the cooking juices for extra flavor and moisture.

Serve your kalua pork with cabbage or on Hawaiian rolls for a tasty meal.

It’s perfect for luaus or any time you want a taste of the islands.

6. Haupia Pie

Haupia pie is a beloved Hawaiian dessert that combines creamy coconut pudding with a buttery crust. You’ll love this tropical treat’s smooth texture and rich coconut flavor.

To make haupia pie, you start with a simple crust made from flour, sugar, and butter. Press it into a pie dish and bake until golden brown.

For the filling, mix coconut milk, sugar, and a cornstarch slurry in a saucepan. Cook this mixture until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency.

Pour it into the cooled crust.

Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving. You can top it with whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes for extra flair.

7. Chicken Long Rice

Chicken long rice is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food. You’ll love this savory dish made with tender chicken and soft glass noodles in a flavorful broth.

To make it, simmer chicken with ginger and garlic. Then add soaked bean thread noodles and green onions.

The result is a warm, satisfying meal perfect for cool evenings.

You can customize this versatile recipe to your taste. Try adding mushrooms or extra veggies for more texture.

Some cooks like to spice it up with a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil.

Chicken long rice is often served as a side dish at luaus. But it also makes a great main course when you want something light yet filling.

8. Poi

Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root. You can make it by steaming taro, then pounding it into a smooth paste with water. The result is a sticky, pudding-like food that’s low in fat and gluten-free.

Poi has a mild, slightly sour taste. You can eat it plain or add a bit of salt, sugar, or soy sauce for extra flavor.

It’s often served as a side dish with salty proteins like fish or kalua pig.

If you want to try making poi at home, you’ll need cooked taro, water, and a food processor.

Blend the taro with small amounts of water until you get a thick, sticky consistency.

9. Laulau

Laulau is a beloved Hawaiian dish that combines pork and fish wrapped in taro leaves. You’ll find it at luaus and local eateries across the islands.

To make laulau, start with 3-5 taro leaves. Place chunks of pork and butterfish in the center. Some recipes add sweet potato or carrot for extra flavor.

Fold the leaves tightly around the filling to create a neat bundle. Sprinkle with Hawaiian sea salt for seasoning.

Steam the laulau until the meat is tender and the leaves are soft. This process infuses the ingredients with a unique, earthy taste.

Serve your laulau with sides like poi or sweet potato for a true Hawaiian meal experience.

10. Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

This tasty dish brings together the flavors of Hawaii in one delicious meal. You’ll love the crispy macadamia nut coating on the tender mahi mahi fish.

To make it, grind macadamia nuts and mix them with panko breadcrumbs. Dip the fish in flour, then egg, and coat it with the nut mixture.

Pan-fry the coated mahi mahi for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. The result is a crispy outside and flaky inside.

For extra flavor, try adding some lime juice to the egg mixture before coating the fish.

You can also bake the fish instead of frying for a lighter option.

Serve your macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi with a side of rice and vegetables for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal.

11. Lilikoi Butter

Lilikoi butter is a tasty Hawaiian spread made from passion fruit. It’s tart and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

To prepare lilikoi butter, you’ll need passion fruit juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. Cook these together in a double boiler until thickened.

The result is a bright yellow curd that’s bursting with tropical flavor.

You can enjoy lilikoi butter in many ways. Spread it on toast or pancakes for breakfast. Use it as a filling for tarts or cakes.

It’s also great on scones or as a topping for cheesecake.

This Hawaiian treat brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen. Try making some to add a tropical twist to your meals and desserts.

12. Hawaiian Sweet Bread

Hawaiian sweet bread is a soft, fluffy treat with a slightly sweet taste. You can make it at home using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Many recipes add pineapple juice for extra flavor.

To make the bread, mix the ingredients and knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise, then shape it into rolls or a loaf. Bake until golden brown.

You can enjoy Hawaiian sweet bread on its own or use it for sandwiches. It’s great for breakfast or as a snack.

Try toasting slices and adding butter for a tasty treat.

13. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple upside-down cake is a sweet treat that brings a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. You’ll love this moist cake topped with caramelized pineapple rings.

To make it, start by creating a caramel layer in your cake pan. Mix melted butter with brown sugar and spread it evenly. Arrange pineapple slices on top.

For the batter, blend cake mix with pineapple juice, oil, and eggs. Some recipes add mashed banana or coconut for extra flavor.

Pour the batter over the pineapple layer.

Bake until golden brown, then flip the cake onto a plate while still warm. The pineapples will be on top, surrounded by gooey caramel.

Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian dessert!

14. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a popular Hawaiian appetizer that’s both crispy and sweet. You’ll love this tasty dish at your next luau or party.

To make coconut shrimp, you’ll need large shrimp, flour, eggs, unsweetened coconut flakes, and panko breadcrumbs.

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on.

Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, and finally coat it with a mixture of coconut and panko. This creates a crunchy exterior that’s full of flavor.

Fry the coated shrimp in hot oil until they’re golden brown.

Serve them with a sweet chili sauce or pineapple dipping sauce for a true taste of the islands.

15. Saimin

Saimin is a beloved Hawaiian noodle soup dish. You’ll love this comforting meal that combines Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino influences.

To make saimin, start with a flavorful broth. Use dashi, chicken stock, or a combination of both. Add soy sauce and salt to taste.

Cook thin wheat noodles until tender. Place them in bowls and pour the hot broth over top.

Top your saimin with a variety of ingredients. Popular choices include sliced char siu (barbecued pork), kamaboko (fish cake), green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.

For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or chili oil before serving.

Enjoy your homemade saimin as a satisfying meal any time of day.

16. Mochiko Chicken

Mochiko chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory. You’ll love this tasty fried chicken coated in mochiko flour.

To make it, cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Mix mochiko flour, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, eggs, and seasonings to create a batter.

Add the chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours.

When ready to cook, heat oil in a skillet. Fry the battered chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-4 minutes per side.

Mochiko chicken is great served hot as a main dish or appetizer. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make it irresistible.

Try it with a side of rice and veggies for a delicious Hawaiian-inspired meal.

17. Malasadas

Malasadas are a beloved Hawaiian treat. These Portuguese-inspired donuts are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

To make malasadas, you’ll need flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter. Mix the ingredients to form a soft dough. Let it rise twice before frying.

Shape the dough into small balls and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Roll the hot malasadas in sugar for a sweet finish.

You can enjoy malasadas plain or filled with custard or haupia (coconut pudding).

They’re best eaten fresh and warm for the perfect taste and texture.

18. Ono Grinds

Ono grinds are tasty Hawaiian dishes that will make your mouth water. The term “ono” means delicious in Hawaiian, while “grinds” is slang for food.

You’ll find a variety of ono grinds across the islands. Try loco moco, a hearty meal with rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy.

Lau lau is another local favorite. It’s made with pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. The result is a flavorful, tender dish with an earthy taste.

For seafood lovers, grilled ono (wahoo) is a must-try. Season it simply with salt and pepper, then cook until it has nice grill marks.

19. Beef Teriyaki

Beef teriyaki is a tasty Hawaiian dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. To make it, you’ll need thin slices of beef and a flavorful marinade.

Mix soy sauce, sugar, and ginger for the marinade. Let the beef soak in it for about 45 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the marinated beef on a grill or griddle until it’s nicely browned.

The high heat helps caramelize the sugars in the marinade, creating a delicious glaze.

Serve your beef teriyaki over rice or with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

You can also thread the meat onto skewers for easy eating.

This dish is perfect for backyard barbecues or casual family dinners. It’s simple to make but packed with authentic Hawaiian taste.

20. Taro Chips

Taro chips are a tasty Hawaiian snack you can easily make at home. To prepare them, thinly slice fresh taro root using a mandolin or sharp knife.

You have options for cooking the chips. Fry them in oil for a crispy texture, or bake them in the oven for a healthier version. You can also use an air fryer if you have one.

Season your taro chips with salt right after cooking. For extra flavor, try sprinkling on some garlic powder or other spices you enjoy.

Taro chips make a great side dish or snack. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or eating on their own.

21. Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice is a tasty Hawaiian dish you can make in about 20 minutes. It combines sweet pineapple with savory rice and your choice of protein.

You can use spam, chicken, shrimp, or tofu as the main protein. The dish also includes veggies like carrots, peas, and green beans.

To make it, you’ll stir-fry your chosen ingredients in a large pan or wok. Use day-old rice for the best texture. Add soy sauce for flavor and sesame oil for a nutty taste.

For a fun presentation, serve your fried rice in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl. This tropical twist makes it perfect for luaus or summer parties.

22. Guava Chiffon Cake

Guava chiffon cake is a beloved Hawaiian dessert. You’ll love its light, fluffy texture and tropical flavor. The cake gets its pink hue and fruity taste from guava puree.

To make this treat, you’ll mix guava puree into a chiffon cake batter. After baking, you can add a guava glaze for extra sweetness. Some recipes include a guava cream cheese frosting too.

This cake is perfect for special occasions or as an everyday indulgence. Its unique flavor and eye-catching color make it stand out. Give this island favorite a try for a taste of Hawaii at home.

23. Kalbi Ribs

Kalbi ribs are a tasty Hawaiian favorite. You marinate beef short ribs in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and other ingredients. The marinade often includes garlic, ginger, and green onions for extra flavor.

You can grill the ribs for about 3-4 minutes per side. This creates a delicious char on the outside while keeping the meat tender. Some recipes suggest marinating for 24-36 hours to enhance the taste.

You can serve kalbi ribs as a main course or cut them into smaller pieces for appetizers. They pair well with rice and other Hawaiian side dishes. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions on top before serving.

24. Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Hawaiian shaved ice is a cool treat perfect for hot days. You can make it at home with some simple ingredients and tools.

Start by shaving ice into a fine, snow-like texture. Add flavored syrups for taste. Popular flavors include mango, strawberry, and pineapple.

To make your own syrup, mix sugar and water in a pan. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then add fruit juice or flavoring.

For an authentic touch, add a scoop of ice cream at the bottom of your cup. Top the shaved ice with condensed milk for extra sweetness.

Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite. Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian shaved ice as a refreshing dessert or snack.

25. Coconut Haupia Cake

Coconut haupia cake is a sweet Hawaiian treat you’ll love. It combines a light vanilla sponge cake with creamy haupia filling and frosting.

The cake layers are typically made from a simple vanilla sponge. The star is the haupia – a coconut milk pudding that’s used as both filling and frosting.

To make haupia, you’ll mix coconut milk with sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Cook this mixture until it thickens. Once cool, fold it into whipped cream for a light, fluffy frosting.

Some versions add gelatin to the haupia for a firmer texture. The cake is usually finished with a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top.

You can find this delicious dessert at many bakeries in Hawaii. It’s perfect for special occasions or just as a tropical treat.

26. Pipikaula

Pipikaula is Hawaii’s take on beef jerky. You’ll love this salty, chewy snack that packs a flavor punch. It was created by Hawaiian cowboys in the 1800s as a portable food for long cattle drives.

To make pipikaula, you’ll need flank steak cut into strips. Marinate the beef in a mix of soy sauce, Hawaiian salt, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Some recipes add crushed red chili for extra kick.

After marinating, dry the beef strips in the sun, oven, or dehydrator. The result is a tasty, protein-rich treat you can enjoy on its own or as part of a larger meal.

Try making a batch of pipikaula for your next outdoor adventure or as a unique addition to your party snack spread.

27. Ahi Katsu

Ahi katsu is a tasty Hawaiian dish that combines Japanese and local flavors. It’s made with fresh ahi tuna, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs.

To make ahi katsu, start by cutting sashimi-grade ahi into blocks. Wrap each piece in nori seaweed. Then dip the wrapped fish in flour, egg wash, and panko crumbs.

Fry the coated ahi in hot oil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. The inside should stay rare. Slice and serve the crispy ahi katsu with dipping sauces like wasabi aioli or shoyu mustard mayo.

This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a salad. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ahi with a crunchy twist.

Cultural Significance of Hawaiian Cuisine

Hawaiian cuisine reflects the islands’ rich history and diverse cultural influences. It blends traditional Polynesian ingredients with flavors brought by immigrants, creating a unique culinary identity.

History and Traditions

Hawaiian food traditions date back to early Polynesian settlers. They brought important crops like taro and coconuts. These became staples in the local diet.

As more people came to Hawaii, the cuisine grew more varied. Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants all added new tastes.

The traditional luau feast shows how food brings people together. At luaus, you’ll find dishes like kalua pork and poi. These meals celebrate important events and showcase Hawaiian hospitality.

Cooking methods also tell a story. The underground oven called an imu is still used today. It slow-cooks meat to tender perfection, just as it did centuries ago.

Ingredients Unique to Hawaii

Hawaii’s special climate and location allow for some one-of-a-kind ingredients. Taro is a key crop. It’s used to make poi, a smooth paste that’s central to Hawaiian meals.

You’ll also find breadfruit, coconuts, and sweet potatoes in many dishes.

The islands’ waters provide fresh seafood. Poke, a raw fish salad, is a popular local food. It shows how Hawaiians use their ocean resources.

Tropical fruits add sweetness to the cuisine. Pineapples, papayas, and mangoes grow well in Hawaii’s warm weather. These fruits appear in both sweet and savory recipes.

Macadamia nuts and Kona coffee are other famous Hawaiian products. They’re enjoyed locally and exported worldwide, spreading a taste of Hawaii across the globe.

Techniques for Authentic Hawaiian Cooking

Hawaiian cooking blends old traditions with new methods. It focuses on fresh, local ingredients and simple preparation.

Traditional Cooking Methods

The imu is a key part of Hawaiian cooking. It’s an underground oven used to make kalua pork.

You dig a pit, line it with rocks, and add wood to create heat. Wrap the pork in banana leaves and bury it for hours.

Poi making is another old technique. You pound cooked taro root with a stone tool called a poi pounder. This creates a sticky paste that’s a staple food.

Lomi lomi is a method of preparing raw fish. You massage salt into the fish to cure it. Then mix it with tomatoes and onions.

Modern Adaptations

Today, many Hawaiian cooks use regular ovens instead of imus.

You can make kalua pork in a slow cooker or oven. Wrap the meat in foil with liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

Poke is now made with various fish and add-ins.

You can find soy sauce, sesame oil, and even mayo in modern poke bowls.

Spam musubi is a newer dish. It mixes Hawaiian and Japanese styles.

You grill spam, place it on rice, and wrap it with nori seaweed.

Electric rice cookers are common for making sticky rice.

This saves time compared to traditional methods.