food
in
Oahu
1.
Aji Limo Truck
sharks cove | best poke
Best poke on the island. And I know I haven't had all the poke there is to have on Oahu, but holy cow I'd recommend this food truck time and time again. We probably came back to this spot at least three different times. The fish is so fresh, the sides it comes with are a perfect pair, and the bench seating area at Shark's cove is open and friendly (especially if you make a cat friend who wants your fish haha)
2.
Sharks Cove
sharks cove | VARIETY OF FOOD TRUCKS
Shark's Cove is a great spot to stop for lunch if you're driving around the North Shore. It has a popular spot for garlic shrimp, pineapple drinks, cute coffee options at the Sunrise Shack, Ahi Limo Truck for Poke, a small North Shore Surf Shop, and a small boutique with clothes and cute decorative items and jewelry.
3.
Leonard's
haunauma bay | best donuts
We spotted this truck on our way to Haunama Bay and as an crazy donut lover I knew I had make sure we checked it out. Leonard's did not disappoint. The Malasads are portugese fried dough. At Leonard's you have the option of getting them covered with cinnamon sugar or Li Hing and then filled with either custard, chocolate, coconut, macadamia nut or guava. If you're into trying them all, I'd say it's worth donut overload- or at least multiple trips back. Be sure to bring cash- it's a cash only truck!
4.
Lava Tube Waikiki
waikiki | pineapple drink
Getting a pineapple drink was top on my bucket list when going to Hawaii haha This spot felt "random" to say the least, but it was perfectly funky inside. We ordered a shrimp cocktail and one of the Lava Tube Specialties to share. It was a fun and easy spot to pop in and check out while walking through Waikiki.
5.
Hiking Cafe
ala moana | açaí bowl
I can't believe I only have one photo from this spot, because I went there at least 5 different times. They have a killer menu, great spots for seating, and good wifi in case you need a spot to work remote. (although- don't expect it to always be quiet, as most people aren't there to work). The açaí bowl was huge, and super yummy. I'd try anything on that menu, and I'd bet it's good.
6.
Islandbrew Coffeehouse
haunauma bay | try the basilito!!
OMG. This would be my top recommendation of where to stop for food and coffee. They have a few different locations, but the spot on Keahole St comes with a great view and cute indoor and outdoor seating. Everything I've tried on their menu is super tasty, but my favorite I couldn't stop ordering was the Basilto. It's a naan wrap including egg, avocado, protein of your choice, onions, mozzarella, and this incredible lemon basil aioli. If you're planning on going to Haunama Bay, this is just a short 10 min drive away, or a very doable hr walk. (we did the walk, it's long but worth it.)
7.
Coffee Brewing
waikiki | croissant
I was wondering through Waikiki one morning looking for a good spot for a croissant, and I came across Coffee Brewing. I always figure a long line, means whatever is at the end of it must be worth the wait. So I got in line and was proven right- I could have gotten way too many pastries, but I settled with a pretty darn good almond croissant and took it over to the beach to enjoy it by the water.
8.
Dole Plantation
Wahiawa | dole pinapple
This isn't exactly a top food spot, but it's a famous stop for the well known Dole Pineapple! We got the Dole Pineapple soft served ice cream, and of course a few plush toy friends to bring home to family. (I kept the giant pineapple for myself haha)
9.
Ono-ya Ramen
honolulu | amazing ramen
Ramen is a top favorite food of mine, and let me tell you, this was such a gem of a find. We were returning a rental car in the area, and looking for food nearby, and came across this ramen spot. It's a bit back in the neighborhood by the Ala Wai Golf Course, but we were blown away by how much we loved the ramen. I'd make a point to go back here for sure, especially when the craving hits.
10.
Liko's Tap and Table
haunauma bay | spicy
Liko's was another great spot, with a big menu and multiple dishes to split between 2-4 people. They have a small outdoor seating area, and a bigger bar and restaurant space indoors.
11.
Scratch Kitchen
ala moana | brunch!
I wish I had taken more photos, but this one might just say enough. The menu was plentiful and fun, and a great little spot for brunch over in Ala Moana.
12.
Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
waikiki | açaí bowl
This was another spot I frequented at least 4 times over during my stay in Oahu. I came back for the sandwiches, the smoothies and of course the açaí bowls. It has the cutest indoor cafe area with multiple different seating options, and then a great extended outdoor seating by the pool as a part of the Beachcomber Hotel in Waikiki. They have a great big menu, including a Nutella latte. Occasionally they'll have live music indoors!
13.
Farm to Barn Cafe & Juicery
Haleiwa | FRESH + Healthy bowls
This is another beautiful spot, with food that makes you feel so dang good eating it. Located off the Hwy in Haleiwa, it's a quiet- mostly outdoorsy spot to enjoy your food and we lucked out and got to enjoy some live music on the stage they have set up outside the barn. Everything tastes fresh and healthy- I'd go back every time I visit.
14.
Doraku
waikiki | sushi
Located in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, you'll find an expensive but killer spot for sushi- especially if you're looking to spend a special night out for dinner.
15.
Sky Waikiki
haunauma bay | COCKTAILS AND VIEWS
Now this, was a cool spot. Make reservations ahead of time and get ready to drop some money on some tasty cocktails and great appetizers to split. Other than at the peaks of our hikes, this was the tallest spot in Waikiki to catch a great view of the water. Sky Waikiki hosts brunch all week, happy hour, dinner, and nightclub hours on Friday and Saturdays!
16.
Marugame Udon
waikiki | best curry udon
We came to this spot twice during out time in Oahu- totally obsessed with the curry udon. Most often you have to wait in a line outside the restaurant to get in, but the anticipation of the udon might make it taste even better. They have great sides as well, in an easy to approach buffet style fashion.
