21 Awesome Hawaiian Food Recipes You’ll Love

Bring the bold flavors of the islands to your dinner table with this easy Hawaiian Chicken Teriyaki recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce infused with pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Grilled or pan-fried to perfection, this dish delivers the signature tropical flavor of traditional Hawaiian food. Perfect for meal prep or backyard BBQs, this recipe pairs well with sticky rice or Hawaiian macaroni salad. For authentic results, use fresh pineapple juice. This easy Hawaiian recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any luau-themed menu.

Enjoy the taste of authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pork without an underground oven. This slow cooker Kalua pig recipe recreates the smoky, salty, and tender flavors of traditional imu-style pork using liquid smoke, sea salt, and pork shoulder. After 8 hours in the crockpot, you get flavorful shredded pork perfect for Hawaiian plate lunches or sliders. Serve it with steamed cabbage and sticky rice for a classic island meal. This Hawaiian dish is budget-friendly, easy to make, and ideal for feeding a crowd. It’s one of the most iconic Hawaiian food recipes for any occasion.

Spam Musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack that fuses Japanese and island flavors. Made with grilled Spam slices glazed with soy sauce and sugar, layered on sushi rice, and wrapped with nori (seaweed), it’s a portable and satisfying treat. Easy to make at home with a musubi mold or by hand, Spam Musubi is a staple at Hawaiian parties and lunchboxes. This classic recipe celebrates the island's love for Spam and sushi-style snacks. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and road trips, it’s a fun way to introduce Hawaiian cuisine to your family.

Hawaiian loco moco is a delicious comfort food that consists of layers of white rice, a seasoned beef patty, a sunny-side-up egg, and a thick brown gravy. This easy Hawaiian dish is a favorite breakfast or lunch item across the islands. It's deliciously satisfying and only takes about 30 minutes to make. The savory meat and egg yolks blend beautifully with the gravy and rice for a truly delightful meal. Customize it with mushrooms or onions for extra flavor. Loco moco is one of the best Hawaiian food recipes to warm up any day.

Huli Huli Chicken is a Hawaiian BBQ favorite, featuring chicken marinated in a tangy-sweet sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and ginger. Grilled to smoky perfection and flipped often (“huli” means to turn), this dish is ideal for summer cookouts and Hawaiian luaus. Serve it with grilled pineapple and steamed rice for a complete island meal. It’s a flavorful, juicy, and easy Hawaiian recipe that captures the spirit of island cooking. Great for family dinners or meal prep.

No Hawaiian plate lunch is complete without creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad. This classic side dish features overcooked elbow macaroni tossed with a simple dressing of mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, sugar, and shredded carrots. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly creamy. Perfectly chilled, this salad complements grilled meats like Huli Huli chicken or Kalua pork. It’s easy to make ahead for potlucks, BBQs, or picnics. This traditional Hawaiian food recipe is a staple you’ll want on every island-inspired menu.

Ahi Poke Bowls are one of the healthiest and most delicious Hawaiian food recipes. Made with fresh sushi-grade ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and green onions, this dish is full of umami and flavor. Serve over sushi rice or greens and top with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, or sesame seeds. It’s a customizable and protein-rich meal that’s both refreshing and filling. Perfect for hot days, meal prep, or light dinners, this easy Hawaiian recipe brings the taste of a poke shop to your kitchen.

Add a tropical twist to your usual fried rice with this Hawaiian-style Pineapple Fried Rice. Using day-old rice, juicy pineapple chunks, vegetables, and your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or Spam), this stir-fry dish is quick and flavorful. Soy sauce and garlic add savory depth while pineapple provides natural sweetness. Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple for an eye-catching presentation. It’s a perfect weeknight meal, side dish, or luau party food that kids and adults will enjoy.

These Hawaiian BBQ Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and a total hit at parties. Made with homemade or store-bought meatballs simmered in a pineapple BBQ sauce, they are easy to throw together and perfect as an appetizer or main course. Serve with rice or skewer with toothpicks for game day snacks. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce and tropical pineapple makes this one of the best Hawaiian recipes for gatherings. Make a big batch for potlucks or slow-cook for easy entertaining.

Sweet Potato Haupia Pie is a beloved Hawaiian dessert with layers of creamy coconut pudding (haupia) and mashed Okinawan sweet potatoes in a buttery crust. This visually stunning treat is naturally vibrant and mildly sweet. It’s perfect for special occasions, luaus, or whenever you want a unique dessert. The contrast of textures and flavors — creamy, smooth, nutty, and sweet — makes it stand out. Easy to make in advance and slice, this Hawaiian dessert recipe will wow your guests every time.

Traditional Hawaiian Lau Lau consists of pork, butterfish, and vegetables wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. This simplified version uses spinach or collard greens and a slow cooker to replicate the earthy, savory flavors without the effort. It’s a comforting, protein-packed Hawaiian dish with deep cultural roots. Serve with poi or rice for a traditional experience. While more accessible, this version still delivers the umami-rich taste of Hawaii’s cherished meals. Great for home cooks looking for authentic Hawaiian recipes.

Tuna Mac Salad is a satisfying twist on classic Hawaiian macaroni salad, blending canned tuna, pasta, mayo, and sweet relish. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect as a lunch dish or BBQ side. This dish reflects Hawaii’s love for fusion flavors and pantry-friendly ingredients. Add chopped celery or onions for crunch, and chill well before serving. Easy to prep ahead, it’s great for bento boxes, potlucks, or casual weekday meals. This Hawaiian food recipe is both economical and nostalgic.

Coconut Mochi Cake is a chewy, dense, and delicious gluten-free dessert from Hawaii made with mochiko (sweet rice flour), coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Its bouncy texture and rich coconut flavor make it irresistible. Often cut into squares, it’s ideal for picnics, school events, or tea time. Simple to make in one bowl, this popular Hawaiian dessert has roots in Asian and Polynesian cultures. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to tropical treat. A must-try for mochi lovers and gluten-free eaters.

Shoyu Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed Hawaiian recipe made with chicken thighs simmered in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. The savory-sweet glaze pairs perfectly with white rice and steamed vegetables. This dish is a regular in Hawaiian home cooking for its ease and bold flavors. Often served in lunch plates, it’s a favorite among kids and adults alike. Make extra to enjoy leftovers the next day. This easy Hawaiian chicken recipe is weeknight-friendly and always satisfying.

Grilled Pineapple Skewers are a sweet, juicy, and caramelized side or dessert. Simply brush fresh pineapple chunks with brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon before grilling. These skewers bring out the natural sugars and smoky flavor of the fruit. Serve alongside BBQ meats or as a tropical dessert with ice cream. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy fruit in a new way. This healthy Hawaiian-inspired recipe is perfect for summer grilling or luau parties.

Hawaiian Sliders made with sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls are a hit at any gathering. Filled with deli ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery glaze of mustard, onion, and poppy seeds, they’re baked until golden and melty. These mini sandwiches are quick to assemble and perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or game nights. Their irresistible sweet-and-savory combo captures the flavors of Hawaii in each bite. Easy to customize and prep in advance.

Taro Chips are a crispy, healthy snack alternative to potato chips and a staple in Hawaiian cuisine. Thinly sliced taro root is baked or fried and lightly salted for a nutty, earthy flavor. They pair well with dips or poke bowls and are naturally gluten-free. Make a big batch and store in an airtight container for on-the-go snacking. These chips offer a delicious way to enjoy Hawaiian ingredients with a crunchy twist.

Chicken Long Rice is a comforting Hawaiian soup made with shredded chicken, clear mung bean noodles, ginger, and garlic in a savory broth. Influenced by Chinese cuisine, it’s commonly served at Hawaiian luaus and home dinners. Light yet flavorful, this dish is gluten-free and satisfying. Easy to make in under an hour, it’s great for cozy nights or when you need something soothing and warm. One of the most beloved Hawaiian food recipes for families.

Spice up your dinner with a popular Hawaiian seafood recipe, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi. This fresh fish is coated in crushed macadamia nuts and breadcrumbs, then pan-seared or baked to a golden brown. For restaurant-quality results, serve it with a tropical fruit salsa or light cream sauce. Packed with protein and omega-3s, this dish is healthy and delicious. Perfect for dinner parties or special occasions with an island twist.

Poi is a traditional Hawaiian staple made from mashed taro root. Using a blender simplifies the process while keeping the cultural essence intact. This sticky, starchy side dish is mildly sweet and pairs well with rich meats like Kalua pork or Lau Lau. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in fiber, and loaded with nutrients. Often served at luaus and cultural events, making poi at home is a rewarding way to connect with authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is a timeless tropical dessert made with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of a buttery, moist cake. It's as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to bake and best served warm, this cake is a hit at Hawaiian parties and potlucks. The sweet pineapple syrup soaks into the cake, creating a gooey, irresistible texture. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra flavor. This is a must-try Hawaiian dessert recipe that never goes out of style.