Honolulu Food & Luau Tours
Taste poke, shave ice, and local Hawaiian flavors while experiencing authentic luaus!
Discover Honolulu's incredible food scene blending Hawaiian, Asian, and American influences! Food tours explore local favorites like poke (raw fish salad - Hawaii's signature dish), loco moco (rice, burger, gravy, egg), plate lunch (two-scoop rice, macaroni salad, protein), shave ice, malasadas (Portuguese donuts), and spam musubi. Visit Chinatown with lei vendors and dim sum, KCC Farmers Market (Saturday mornings), Leonard's Bakery (original malasadas), and food trucks. Combine with traditional luaus featuring kalua pig from imu (underground oven), poi, lomi salmon, and Hawaiian feast. Learn about plantation-era food fusion, local vs. tourist restaurants, and where Hawaiians actually eat. It's delicious cultural education!
Why Choose Food & Luau Tours in Honolulu?
Authentic Poke
Taste Hawaii's signature dish where it was invented!
Traditional Luaus
Experience Hawaiian feast with hula and cultural performances.
Diverse Flavors
Hawaiian-Asian fusion creating unique local cuisine.
Local Guides
Hawaiian residents share family recipes and insider spots.
Types of Food & Luau Tours in Honolulu
Local Food Tour
Sample poke, plate lunch, malasadas, and Hawaiian favorites.
Luau & Dinner Show
Traditional Hawaiian feast with hula, music, and fire dancing.
Chinatown Food Tour
Explore historic Chinatown tasting dim sum and Asian fusion.
Farm-to-Table Tour
Visit farms learning about Hawaiian agriculture and cuisine.
What to Expect on Your Honolulu Food & Luau Tours
Duration
Food tours: 3-4 hours. Luaus: 3-4 hours evening. Combined: Full day possible.
Poke
Raw ahi tuna with soy, sesame, onions - Hawaii's signature dish!
Plate Lunch
Local favorite: Two scoops rice, macaroni salad, teriyaki chicken/kalua pig.
Luau Feast
Kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, haupia with hula entertainment.
Shave Ice
Hawaiian shave ice (not snow cone!) with tropical syrups and ice cream.
Food Culture
Learn about plantation influences and local food traditions.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Poke from grocery stores (Foodland, Times) often better than restaurants - locals' secret!
Leonard's Bakery (malasadas) and Matsumoto's (shave ice) are iconic - must-visit!
Plate lunch $10-12 - cheap, filling, and authentic local food.
KCC Farmers Market Saturdays 7:30-11 AM - best for local food and produce.
Rainbow Drive-In (since 1961) classic plate lunch spot.
Spam musubi ($2-3) perfect beach snack - don't judge, just try it!
Come hungry for food tours - portions generous and frequent.
Chinatown best explored Saturday morning when market is busiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is poke?
A: Poke (POH-keh) is cubed raw fish (usually ahi tuna) marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and seaweed. It's Hawaii's signature dish! Grocery stores have excellent poke bowls ($10-15). Endless varieties. Absolutely must-try! Fresh and delicious.
Q:Where is the best poke in Honolulu?
A: Local secret: Grocery store poke! Foodland Farms, Whole Foods, Times Supermarket have excellent fresh poke ($12-18/lb). Restaurants: Ono Seafood, Maguro Brothers. Food trucks also good. Tours show best spots. Grocery poke is legit!
Q:What is a plate lunch?
A: Plate lunch is Hawaii comfort food - protein (teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, katsu) with two scoops rice and macaroni salad. Plantation workers' lunch evolved into local staple. $10-12, filling! Rainbow Drive-In classic spot. Essential Hawaiian food!
Q:What is shave ice?
A: Hawaiian shave ice (NOT snow cone!) - finely shaved ice with tropical syrups (lilikoi, guava, coconut), often topped with ice cream and mochi. Matsumoto's (North Shore) most famous. $5-8. Refreshing! Get rainbow flavor with ice cream bottom!
Q:How much do food tours cost?
A: Walking food tours: $60-95 (3-4 hours, 6-8 tastings). Luaus: $70-200 (feast and show). Chinatown tours: $65-85. Farm tours: $90-130. Tours replace meals - good value. DIY plate lunch: $10-12 at local spots!
Q:Can vegetarians eat Hawaiian food?
A: Challenging - Hawaiian food is protein-heavy! However, poke bowls come in tofu/veggie versions. Vegetarian plate lunch exists. Communicate dietary needs on tours. Chinatown and health-conscious Oahu have good veggie options. Easier than you'd think!
Q:What is spam musubi?
A: Spam musubi is Hawaii comfort food - grilled Spam on rice wrapped in nori (seaweed). Sounds weird, tastes amazing! $2-3 at convenience stores (7-Eleven!). Perfect beach snack. Hawaiians love Spam (highest US consumption!). Just try it!
Q:When is the best time for food tours?
A: Year-round! Lunch tours (11 AM-2 PM) sample plate lunch. Farmers markets Saturday mornings. Luaus nightly. Chinatown best Saturdays. Food scene constant - book based on schedule. Come hungry!
Why Visit Honolulu?
Historic Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
Iconic Waikiki Beach and water sports
Rich Hawaiian culture and traditions
World-class beaches and outdoor activities
Perfect tropical weather year-round
Perfect blend of history and island paradise
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Honolulu enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer.
Best Months
April to June and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for all activities.
Peak Season
December to March brings peak tourist season with ideal weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.
Off Season
May to September offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with warmer temperatures.
Plan Your Honolulu Trip
Transportation Tips
Public transportation includes TheBus system. Renting a car provides flexibility for island exploration, and ride-sharing services are available.
Car Rental Deals in Honolulu
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Honolulu adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Honolulu
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.