A Brazilian’s Guide to eating on Oahu
Even as a repeat guest to Oahu, where I have family, there is always something exciting to discover in the food scene. From the bustle of Waikiki to the local gems of the North Shore, island food always seems to be innovating. Chefs source ingredients from ranches and farms across all islands for their creative dishes that also honor native traditions.
I fell in love with Honolulu and Oahu on my first visit. I realized that there are many similarities to the landscape and the people of both Rio, my home country, and this tropical place: Roads with a view of mountains in the backdrop, the bright green plants and trees that adorn neighborhoods, and the inevitable encounter with the ocean at all turns. These are gifts I had only seen before in my homeland. On Oahu in particular, nature meets urban grit, but you can still feel the warmth of the people every day.
Tropical fruit abounds. I feel at home drinking passion fruit juice, which Hawaiians call lilikoi, and eating marinades made with fresh guava, a rare find on the mainland. I also cannot mention Oahu without talking about pineapple. On a visit to the Dole Plantation, I enjoyed a scoop of soft-serve pineapple ice cream.
Beyond fruit, the abundance of simply-prepared seafood, served over rice, is akin to the everyday foods of Rio.
While most visitors don’t think of Hawaii as a food destination, they absolutely should. At every turn I soak in all the beautiful corners, and at every meal I refuel with the fresh flavors of local restaurants.
Here are some of my favorite spots for island fare:
@beachbarmoana A lovely beachside spot for Mai Tais, live music, and pupus (aka appetizers) such as Ahi Poke Nachos and North Shore Garlic Shrimp.
@lanikaijuice A local Jamba Juice if you will with really delicious Acai Bowls and Smoothies.
@leonardsbakeryhawaii Everyone says the lines are the downfall here, but as early risers adjusting to the time change, we unboxed these famous malasadas around 5:45am. They were warm and wonderful with a cup of coffee for our tired souls.
@manoachocolate Local chocolate maker with inventive island flavors chocolate using in beautiful packaging. There is a tasting room in Kailua but you can find bars in many grocery stores.
@thecurbkaimuki A happening coffee shop with a natural wine selection for purchase and events featuring local food pop-ups and winemaker takeovers.
We are post beach beer people and Maui Brewing is always a great choice. We shared a fun selection of appetizers like the Mochiko Salmon Bao, Fish Tacos, and Housemade Beet Hummus alongside my favorite island drink, the MBC Bikini Blond.
This lovely casual cafe has traditional Hawaiian rice plates like Kalua Pig and Garlic Shrimp, fresh juice, and lots of kid-friendly options. The views here on Queen’s Surf Beach cannot be beat and the vibes are complete with live music nightly.
@naturewaikiki Sustainable island French featuring a six-course tasting menu with a vegan menu option, a rare offering for a fine dining experience. Highlights include fabulous cocktails, a curated natural wine list, and my first experience eating ocean gelée atop the best oyster I’ve ever had.
@farmtobarncafe Perfect spot in the North Shore area for a post beach lunch with rice plates, brunch options (kiddoes had waffles) and fresh juice.
@konacoffeepurveyors This was the longest croissant line I’ve ever waited in, but it was worth the wait. It was so compelling that my kids now eat ham & cheese croissants and even tried a bite of the classic Kouign Amann. Extra points for what is the closest to a cafezinho I’ve had outside of Brazil, a Cortado served with a shot of sparkling water.
Lovely health bar with breakfast toasts on perfect sourdough and delicious acai bowls, including a version with papaya.
Hawaiian farm-to-table with inventive small plates and an abundance of island produce styled into the most incredible dishes. The vegetable tasting menu was unforgettable and you can’t miss the fried ‘ulu!
These are only a few options for enjoying everything Oahu has to offer. These locally owned spots boast bold flavors through innovative twists on island-grown ingredients. Please enjoy this lovely destination for all things adventurous in the water and on your plate!
