Reservations

Unique Foods to Try on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii presents a culinary landscape as diverse and vibrant as its natural scenery. From the rich flavors of local ingredients to the influences of international cuisines, the dining options here are a true reflection of Hawaii’s cultural melting pot. Whether you prefer a gourmet meal, a local favorite, or a dish from a food truck, the Big Island is a food lover’s paradise and our Big Island bed and breakfast is the best place to start your journey!

Local Delicacies Made Famous on the Big Island

Each dish is a reflection of local traditions, ingredients, and influences, showcasing the distinctiveness of Hawaiian cuisine.
Loco moco of white rice Volcano Village Estates

Loco Moco

A quintessential Hawaiian comfort food, loco moco features a hearty combination of white rice and hamburger patty, topped with a savory brown gravy and a sunny-side-up egg. This simple yet satisfying dish embodies the spirit of local cuisine.

The origins allegedly go back to 1949 at the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, Hawaii. Restaurant owners Richard and Nancy Inouye developed it at the suggestion of the Lincoln Wreckers Sports Club teenagers, who were looking for an affordable and quick meal that was distinct from the usual sandwich fare. Nancy assembled the meal by placing rice in a bowl, topping it with a hamburger patty, and drizzling brown gravy over the top. An egg was added later as an extra touch.

The group dubbed the dish “Loco Moco” in reference to their friend George Okimoto, known for his wild antics and called “Crazy” by his peers. George Takahashi, a Spanish student at Hilo High School, proposed the word “loco,” meaning crazy in Spanish, while “moco” was added simply for its rhyme and catchy sound.

Poi

Poi, with it’s distinctive purple hue is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from the root of the taro plant. The taro root is steamed or baked and then pounded into a smooth, starchy paste, often with water added to achieve a desired consistency. Depending on the amount of water used, poi can be thick and dense or thinner and more fluid. Its flavor is slightly sweet when fresh, but it becomes more tangy and sour as it ferments over time. Poi has been a staple in Hawaiian cuisine for centuries, valued for its nutritional benefits and cultural significance, often served at luaus and other traditional gatherings.

Haupi’a

Haupia is a classic Hawaiian dessert made primarily from coconut milk and often served at luaus and special occasions. This smooth, creamy treat has a gelatinous texture similar to pudding and is traditionally thickened with arrowroot or cornstarch. The simplicity of its ingredients—coconut milk, sugar, and starch—highlights the rich, tropical flavor of coconut, making it both refreshing and satisfying. Haupia is typically cut into small squares and served chilled, either on its own or as a topping for other desserts like cakes and pies. Its origins date back centuries, solidifying its place as a beloved and enduring part of Hawaiian cuisine.

Kalua Pig

Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish renowned for its tender, smoky flavor and deep cultural significance. It is made by roasting a whole pig in an underground oven, known as an imu. The process involves seasoning the pig with sea salt and sometimes wrapping it in ti or banana leaves, then slow-cooking it over heated stones and covered with soil for several hours. This method results in meat that is incredibly moist and flavorful, with a subtle earthiness from the natural cooking process. Kalua pig is often served at luaus and large gatherings, symbolizing both community and celebration in Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian salmon fish poke bowl Volcano Estates

Fresh Ahi Poke

Poke pronounced poh-keh, but they taste better on the Big Island. Fresh ahi poke is a beloved Hawaiian dish with bite-sized cubes of raw ahi tuna, typically marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and sea salt. This simple yet flavorful dish highlights the freshness of the ahi, allowing its natural taste to shine through, while the marinade adds depth with savory and nutty notes. Poke can be customized with various toppings such as avocado, seaweed, and green onions, offering a vibrant and refreshing option often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal. Deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, fresh ahi poke reflects the islands’ connection to the ocean and the appreciation for high-quality, local ingredients. You will find some of the best Poke on the Big Island in Hilo at Suisan Fish Market just before you get into town. They are only open till early afternoon but they have a lot of different types of Poi to choose from, fresh from the ocean daily.

Specialty Ingredients and Local Farms

To take your adventure in culinary delights to the next level, explore the island’s specialty ingredients and local farms. The diverse microclimates and rich volcanic soil of the island create ideal conditions for cultivating a range of unique and high-quality products. From world-renowned coffee to tropical fruits and artisanal salts, these ingredients not only define the island’s culinary landscape but also reflect its rich agricultural heritage.

Kona Coffee

The Big Island’s unique climate and rich volcanic soil provides the perfect environment to grow world-famous Kona beans. One of the most expensive coffee beans in the world, Kona beans grow on the majestic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, two of the five volcanoes that rise thousands of feet above the ocean and beaches of Hawaii.

Kona beans are known for their extremely high density which, during the roasting process, deliver a bold and flavorful brew that serious coffee afficionados crave.

Tropical Fruits

The Big Island of Hawaii is a tropical paradise known for its abundant and diverse fruit production, thanks to its rich volcanic soil and warm climate. Many of the fruits grown here are both exotic and vibrant, including sweet and juicy pineapples, tangy lilikoi (passion fruit), and creamy avocados. The island is also famous for its papayas, which thrive in the lush environment, as well as mangoes, guavas, and bananas. Less common fruits such as lychee, rambutan, and dragon fruit add to the variety, offering unique flavors and textures that make the island’s agricultural bounty truly special. Whether enjoyed fresh from farmers’ markets or as part of local dishes, the fruits of the Big Island are a celebration of Hawaii’s natural abundance. You can find many of these on your breakfast plate at our Big Island bed and breakfast or stop by one of the many farm stands along the road. It is a great way to chat to the locals and buy fruit from a small farmer.

Hawaiian Sea Salts

Hawaiian sea salts are a unique and prized element of the islands’ culinary traditions, known for their distinct flavors and vibrant colors. Harvested from the pristine Pacific waters, traditional Hawaiian sea salts come in two main varieties: Alaea and Black Lava. Alaea salt is infused with volcanic clay, giving it a reddish hue and earthy taste, while Black Lava salt is blended with activated charcoal, resulting in a striking black color and a subtle smoky flavor. These salts are used to season dishes like Kalua pig, poke, and grilled fish, enhancing the flavors while providing a connection to the land and sea. Valued for their mineral content and natural origin, Hawaiian sea salts not only elevate the taste of food but also carry deep cultural significance, reflecting the islands’ natural resources and culinary heritage.

You can find sea salt for sale at local farmers markets, or at coffee plantations on the island, it is also sold in a number of gift shops, including at the airport.

Farmer’s Markets

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a vibrant network of farmers markets that showcase the island’s rich agricultural diversity and local craftsmanship. These markets, such as the famous Hilo Farmers Market and the Waimea Town Market, offer an array of fresh produce, tropical fruits, and locally sourced goods. Shoppers can find everything from juicy pineapples and sweet papayas to exotic fruits like rambutan and dragon fruit.

In addition to fresh foods, the markets also feature handmade crafts, local honey, coffee, and unique island-made products like Hawaiian sea salts and traditional arts. Visiting these markets is not only a way to support local farmers and artisans but also an opportunity to experience the true flavors and culture of the Big Island in a lively and community-centered atmosphere.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers a remarkable culinary journey that captures the essence of its diverse cultural influences and rich agricultural heritage. From the comforting layers of loco moco to the sweet simplicity of haupia, each dish tells a story of local tradition and innovation.

Start planning your culinary experience today and book a stay at our Hawaiian rainforest getaway.

Book Your Stay
Categories