Oahu is famous for a lot of things: stunning beaches, incredible natural wonders, epic entertainment, and, most of all, delicious food. Whether you’re hitting fancy restaurants or looking for niche local spots, the freshness of the ingredients, the unique cultural influence, and the distinct traditional recipes make the food scene here unlike anywhere else. For a fun and affordable way to sample some of the best ono grinds on the island, check out our guide to the 5 hole-in-the-wall foodie hotspots in Honolulu and see how many you can visit during your next Hawaiian vacation.
1. Musubi Cafe Iyasume
Since 2000, Musubi Cafe Iyasume has been serving up delicious, premium rice balls and musubi to the residents and visitors of Honolulu. Taking care to hand-roll each one, you’re guaranteed a perfectly assembled dish every time. Choose from a variety of flavor combinations ranging from bacon and egg spam musubi to plum and cucumber. From the quality of the rice to the freshness of each ingredient, this delicious Japanese-Hawaiian fusion dish is sure to be one of the most memorable foods you enjoy on your vacation.
- Address: Multiple locations from Waikiki Beach Walk to Ala Moana Shopping Center
- Hours: Open every day. Hours dependant on location.
2. San Paolo Pizza and Wine
In the heart of Honolulu, you’ll find a kitchen proudly creating expertly crafted Brazillian-Italian fusion pizzas. Made with ingredients imported directly from their roots, as well as Hawaiian fresh produce, San Paolo Pizza and Wine takes you on a culinary adventure that pays homage to both its influences. The restaurant is not a franchise or a chain. It’s simply a beloved establishment born out of three friends’ desire to create something lasting in their community. Honoring the Italian influence on Brazillian cooking due to the immigration influx during World War II, the owners of San Paolo strive to give guests a front-row seat to Brazillian hospitality and timeless Italian classics. Try their Burrata Salad, a Crostini Parmigiano, and finish it off with any one of their specialty pies. We recommend the Honey and Brie or the Casteloes with Brazilian smoked sausage.
- Address: 1765 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Open every day 4 PM to 10 PM
3. Tlacuaches808
Though Oahu is a long way away from Mexico, at Tlacuaches808 you’ll find some of the best Mexican street food you’ve ever had. From their phenomenal birria tacos to the loaded taco sampler, it’s everything you’d expect from an authentic Mexican eatery. Born out of necessity at the peak of the pandemic, Mario Bonilla and Chef Jesse opened the food truck in response to their former place of employment shutting down. Their spot quickly became one of the best food trucks on Oahu, eventually allowing them to open a brick-and-mortar inside Eaton Square. While the truck is gone, this one still makes our list and is a must-visit while you’re in Honolulu.
- Address: 438 Hobron Ln. Unit 115 Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM, and Tuesdays from 11 AM to 7 PM
4. Mosa
When you’re craving a sweet treat during your Hawaiian vacation, Mosa is a can’t-miss! What makes it so unique is the fresh-shaven peanut blocks and crepes. Playing on traditional Taiwanese ice cream, which features peanuts and cilantro, the owners of Mosa elevated the concept and married it with delicious Hawaiian flavors. Their most popular dish features two or three scoops wrapped in a light crepe, laid atop a plate of freshly shaved peanuts imported directly from Taiwan. Skip the crepe and add fresh fruit to your scoops, or play around with flavor combos. There’s no wrong way to Mosa. Matcha, Coconut, and Chocolate are some of the most popular flavors, and each pair great with the peanut.
- Address: Located in Duke’s Marketplace at 2238 Lau’ula St., Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours: Open every day 4 PM to Midnight
5. Piccola Onda
There are a lot of places to find noodles on Oahu, from ramen to saimin, but when it comes to quality Italian dishes… those are harder to come by.
One of the best-kept secrets for excellent Italian in Honolulu has got to be Piccola Onda, a tiny food truck tucked behind the Alohilani Resort. Local chef Andrea Onetti (originally from Rome) has created a menu that highlights all of Italy’s most authentic flavors. From the spaghetti with fresh homemade pasta to the panna cotta’s sweet seasonal flavors, if you’re looking for a hearty meal made with love, this casual eatery has to be on your list.
- Address: Alohilani Resort alongside Kealohilani Ave and Beachside Tower next to the Greetings Tour Mural
- Hours: 11 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Discover the Tastes of Oahu on Your Next Getaway
Beyond our list of the 5 best foodie hotspots in Honolulu, you can find even more unique eats at the What the Truck Street Festival at Waikele Center, so be sure to check it out when you visit!
And for a convenient vacation rental that puts you near all these exciting spots, be sure to check out our Marina Hawaii Vacations properties and book directly with us for the best rates and service on the island.
Browse all our rentals and book your dream foodie getaway today!