41 Best Hawaiian Recipes (Easy to Cook)

Whether you’re looking for traditional Hawaiian food or just popular recipes to incorporate into your menu, these Hawaiian recipes are easy to make. We’re sharing easy main dishes and side dishes.

Hawaiian cuisine is one of the most diverse on Earth! It’s the epitome of delicious fusion food, shaped by a history that features many different cultures throughout.

There are many different influences that have made Hawaiian regional cuisine what it is today. We’re talking Polynesian, Japanese, Puerto Rican, North American, Chinese, and Filipino.

Notice something? Each one of these cuisines is known for its soulful flavors, bold spices, and stunning regional ingredients. When blended, that makes for some truly unique food.

And now it’s your turn to try out some of these Hawaiian favorites for yourself! Jump into this list and discover the tasty and refreshing flavors Hawaiian cuisine has to offer.

1. Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Source: budgetdelicious.com

Huli Huli chicken is a delicious blend of American barbecue and tropical tang. Coated in a sticky sweet pineapple glaze, the scent of this grilled chicken will bring the neighborhood running.

The secret to this incredible chicken lies in the marinade. Not only does it imbue the chicken with flavor, but the pineapple juice also tenderizes the chicken, so it’s ultra-tender.

So you want to give the chicken plenty of time to marinate. Whip up the marinade at least the night before, then leave the chicken to get tender. Fry up, serve, and enjoy this addictive dish!

2. Ohana Noodles

Source: savoringthegood.com

Ohana means family, and family means that everybody gets to enjoy this next dish. This fusion take on a traditional Japanese yakisoba is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Yakisoba – or fried noodles – is a pretty tough dish to beat in terms of taste. You can stuff this recipe with leftover vegetables from the fridge, so it’s the ultimate leftover-buster too.

The Hawaiian element in this fusion dish? Pineapple juice! I recommend unsweetened canned pineapple juice so the sauce doesn’t become too sweet, but any you can find will work just fine.

Enjoy the tropical flavors that transform this Hawaiian style recipe.

3. Hawaiian Buns

Source: mycookingjourney.com

This tasty take on the traditional dinner roll can be used as a side dish, as a sweet treat for the kids, or to keep in the pantry for when you need them. They’re quick and easy to make, and so good!

By adding pineapple to the enriched dough, you’ll create a feathery texture in the rolls that’s completely addictive.

The original recipe makes these as a pull-apart, but you can make individual buns too.

I highly recommend bringing these to your next local gathering as they will become a local favorite. Soon you’ll have people scrambling after you, asking for the secret to those slightly-sweet, insanely good dinner rolls!

You can also have these buns with pork chops!

4. Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Source: savoringthegood.com

What’s more Hawaiian than a cold dish enjoyed on a summer day? This pasta salad uses ham and pineapple to create a salty-sweet contrast that elevates it way beyond a traditional version.

This is a perfect side dish to make in advance of your next game day or potluck. Making it the day before means your salad has a chance to sit in the fridge and marinate in its own juices.

That brightens and deepens the flavors throughout the whole salad, making it feel more like one dish than just another salad. Serve it up with some freshly chopped green onions for a final kick!

This will definitely be one of your favorite Hawaiian recipes that shows the beauty of authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

5. Sweet Hawaiian Chicken with Teriyaki Glaze

Source: savvymamalifestyle.com

This next dish fuses Polynesian flavors with Japanese techniques into a sweet and sticky treat that’s hard to beat. This is a traditional teriyaki chicken with a Hawaiian twist.

Just imagine biting into this. A tender piece of chicken coated in a crunchy, salty batter that’s fried to perfection. Smother the whole dish in a tangy, sweet, salty glaze that’s out of this world.

This pineapple teriyaki glaze can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Try it out on any other white meat that strikes your fancy: sticky pineapple fish, anyone?

6. Hawaiian Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Source: recipesfromapantry.com

Instant Pot pulled pork is one of those recipes that feels a little bit like you’re cheating. It’s so easy to do, but the results are so tasty that it feels like it should have been harder to make – a great hack for good cooks!

This Hawaiian Instant Pot Pulled Pork proudly upholds that tradition. You barely have to do any work, but once it’s done, you won’t be able to stop eating it.

Our sauce is made up of spiced pineapple chunks, delicious aromatics, and a base of Japanese condiments. The result is a fragrant and flaky pulled pork that you can use in any way you like.

7. Loco Moco

Source: tarasmulticulturaltable.com

Loco Moco – also known as Hawaiian beef and egg on rice – is an incredibly homey and classic Hawaiian dish. It features a half-inch thick patty, gravy, and egg atop a plateful of fluffy rice.

Digging into this meal is a little bit like dipping your toe in the ocean on a sunny day. It’s warm, inviting, and you never want to stop eating!

Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few main ingredients.

If you’re cooking for a large group, make the patties in advance and refrigerate. Then all you have to do on the day is grill the patties, make the gravy, and add a fried egg on the top.

8. Instant Pot Hawaiian Boiled Peanuts

Source: marginmakingmom.com

Never had Hawaiian boiled peanuts before? After you try this recipe, you won’t be able to go a week without them. These are tasty treats perfect for making in bulk and storing in your pantry.

These are tasty treats the next time you want something special. They are perfect for making in bulk and storing in your pantry.

These are similar to Chinese boiled peanuts, so there’s a warm and well-spiced flavor lingering behind the nuttiness. If you like spice, try adding cayenne pepper or peppercorns to the brine.

The best part of this recipe – apart from the taste – is how easy it is to make. Just set and forget all the ingredients in your Instant Pot, then come back to great flavor.

9. Mochiko Fried Chicken

Source: tarasmulticulturaltable.com

This is not your standard fried chicken, but it’s all the more delicious for it. Hailing from the Asian Grandmothers Cookbook, this recipe hides the secret to a perfectly fried piece of chicken.

The chicken sits in a delicious marinade overnight to let the flavors soak right into the flesh. Then when you’re ready to eat, just bread and fry.

It’s so quick and easy to prepare, but the result feels like it must have taken hours on your part. But that’s a secret you can keep to yourself.

10. Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Source: recipesfromapantry.com

Next up, this easy Hawaiian pasta salad would be a perfect addition! to your favorite meal. This is essentially a Hawaiian pizza in a salad, and it’s all the better for it.

This is a one-pot wonder that’s best made the day before, so it’s perfect for when you’re having guests over. It’s also great as a meal prep recipe. Just anchor it with a protein, and you’re away!

This could also be a great side dish for steak.

11. Air Fryer Huli Huli Sweet and Sour Chicken

Source: airfryerfamilymeals.com

Huli Huli chicken gets its name from the rotisserie-style the chicken is typically cooked in.

Rotating over a flame, the chicken gets a lovely char to it that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet glaze. But you won’t have to set up a spit in your kitchen!

For this recipe, your air fryer will do. Using an air fryer is fantastic because it’s so convenient, so there’s no major hassle.

Serve it up on rice or on a sandwich because it will blow you away either way.

12. Hawaiian Potato Salad

Source: burrataandbubbles.com

Hawaiian food is all about embracing summer, so is it any wonder we have a summery BBQ favorite on the list? This potato salad is creamy, comforting, and perfectly served on a hot day.

This recipe features everything from potatoes to pasta, so you know it’s chock full of flavor. Sprinkle fresh vegetables throughout to give the salad a lovely and refreshing bite.

If you’re looking for a healthier take, replace half of the mayonnaise with some Greek yogurt! That way, you can enjoy all the taste with half the fat content.

13. Air Fryer Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wings

Source: hawaiitravelwithkids.com

Chicken wings are a staple favorite for every game day and family weeknight dinner. And for a very good reason! These bites of heaven are charred, smoky, and sticky.

If you’re not sure about buying an Air Fryer, this might be the dish that convinces you. Why? Because they can produce incredibly tasty BBQ chicken wings with very little effort.

This is a wonderful way to approach chicken wings. It relies on the flavorful sauce to make the chicken tasty, not cooking it in a whole bunch of oil!

14. Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Source: dinedreamdiscover.com

Who needs Sloppy Joes when you’ve got Hawaiian crockpot chicken in your arsenal? This one-pot wonder is absolutely amazing as a sandwich filling. Not to mention, it’s so easy to make.

The sauce on this chicken has a deep and sweet flavor. When you serve it up on a sandwich, contrast that taste with some pickled onions or gherkins. They’ll balance out the richness.

If you like a crunchy element to your sandwiches, crispy onions would be perfect with this! But honestly, it tastes amazing all on its own, thanks to the spice profile.

15. Hawaiian Beef Stew

Source: hawaiitravelwithkids.com

We all love a good beef stew, right? It’s hearty and warm and reminds us of nights spent listening to the pot bubble, smelling the rich stew stock on the air.

So why wouldn’t we love a Hawaiian version? No, it doesn’t have any secret pineapple. It uses two other ingredients local Hawaiians know to cherish: fresh tomatoes and bay leaves.

These two ingredients form the base of a lovely and aromatic stew. File this away in the family recipes and your descendants will thank you.

16. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Source: jonesinfortaste.com

The key to this Hawaiian classic lies in cooking the pasta al dente. If it’s too mushy, the whole bowl of pasta will be one texture instead of a journey of textures.

This salad is unique because it uses shredded carrot where others might use chopped or diced vegetables. The shredded carrot in the dressing makes it lovely and sweet.

Again, if you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish you can substitute mayo for a light Greek yoghurt. That has the side effect of making this salad feel even lighter for a summer day.

17. Spicy Ahi Poke

Source: keepingitrelle.com

In Hawaii, the word ‘poke’ means ‘cut’ or ‘slice’. It can be used to describe a variety of dishes, but the most common one is poke.

This variation heroes spicy ahi (tuna). It’s flavorful yet refreshing, incorporating all the best ingredients from Hawaiian regional cuisine. The sauce on the tuna is to die for.

This recipe only tackles making the ahi cubes, so from there, it’s up to you. Serve it up in a poke bowl, enjoy solo, or even try making sushi with this tasty treat.

18. Slow Cooker Kalua Pork

Source: jonesinfortaste.com

Kalua pork is a slightly lesser-known Hawaiian dish made by roasting pork in an underground oven called an ‘imu’. Thanks to some innovative cooks, you can replicate it with a slow cooker!

This recipe’s secret is liquid smoke. It highlights the pork’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Along with cabbage, it builds a deep flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

No need for an underground oven. Simply assemble all your ingredients in your slow cooker, set, and forget. When you come back a few hours later you’ll have flaky, tasty pork ready to eat.

19. Instant Pot Luau Stew

Source: keepingitrelle.com

Luau stew is a tasty meal that feels completely at home on the family dinner table. Tender beef chunks and delicious luau (taro) leaves come together to form this hearty stew.

If you’ve made or eaten this stew before, then you know the traditional method takes hours and hours to make. But not anymore! Now you can have it in 45 minutes.

This is the kind of stew you can easily enjoy on a summer day. It’s deep and rich without being too hearty. So whip this up in any season for a healthy, fulfilling dinner.

20. Hawaiian Chicken

Source: veronikaskitchen.com

Here we have a one-pot wonder that will definitely go in the family recipe book. Hawaiian chicken promises light, summery flavors with a BBQ twist, all made in thirty minutes or less!

This is a vegetable and chicken stir fry, so you can add any vegetables you like to it. I like bulking my stir fry with a lot of vegetables so it will serve even more people.

In fact, that makes it the perfect meal prep meal! Whip up a large batch in thirty minutes or so, and you’ve got lunch sorted for the whole week.

21. Hawaiian Mac Salad

Source: ashcroftfamilytable.com

Here’s another take on a Hawaiian mac salad, and the authenticity is off the charts with this one. You use shredded carrot and onion to create depth of flavor without additional chunks.

The unique part of this recipe is the dressing. Instead of using just mayonnaise, you blend the dressing using vinegar, milk, and mayo! This makes it ultra-creamy.

If you want to add some extra textures to this local special, here are some Hawaiian-approved favorites to try. Chopped celery, shredded tuna, or even dried onion flakes.

22. Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Source: cookathomemom.com

The best recipes are simple yet flavorful, and this sweet Hawaiian crock pot chicken definitely fits the bill. Using only three ingredients, you can create an insanely tasty chicken dish.

That’s right, just three ingredients! Sweet canned pineapple and BBQ sauce combine to imbue the chicken with sweet, smoky flavor notes. The pineapple also tenderizes the meat.

So, it’s tasty, tender, and requires almost no hands-on effort. This is a great dish to make on a weeknight. Just set your slow cooker up in the morning and come back that evening to eat!

23. Hawaiian Oxtail Soup

Source: greedygourmet.com

Oxtail soup is hearty, it’s healthy, and despite how tasty it is, it’s so easy to make! After you try this, I don’t think you’ll ever be able to eat basic chicken noodle ever again.

You don’t have to use oxtail in this recipe. Most grocery stores or butcheries will offer beef tail in its place, which is perfect for this soup.

The soup features ingredients like oranges, star anise, peanuts, and mushrooms. So it’s well-balanced; not too earthy, not too sweet. Garnish with crunchy peanuts for an authentic taste.

24. Whole30 Aloha Burger with Teriyaki

Source: cookathomemom.com

If you’re doing Whole30 but struggling to find a tasty recipe for your next cookout, look no further! This Aloha burger with teriyaki sauce is to die for, whether you’re doing Whole30 or not.

The best part of this burger is how well it combines sweet and savory notes. The perfectly-balanced patty contrasts with the charred pineapple in a mouthwatering dance.

Don’t worry if you’re cooking for a group of guests. This combination works beautifully, whether it’s on a bun or on some leafy greens.

25. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pork Ribs

Source: acedarspoon.com

You love ribs, I love ribs, almost everyone I know loves ribs. Why? Because they’re sweet, smoky, sticky, and absolutely falling off the bone. These are no exceptions!

These pork ribs combine the sweet and spicy flavor profiles of several cuisines, including Polynesian and Japanese notes. In other words, it’s 100% Hawaiian!

The pineapple goes to work on the pork meat as it cooks, tenderizing it until it falls off the bone. Combined with the sticky soy-based sauce, these ribs absolutely sing with rich flavor.

26. Grilled Hawaiian Steak Kabobs

Source: acedarspoon.com

Grilled kabobs are a fantastic option for a day out by the grill. Whether you’re just with the family or hosting guests, these kabobs will impress everyone in attendance!

To make sure these kabobs hit the spot, pick a well-marbled cut of meat. As the fat melts on the grill, it will spread through the meat and vegetables to create a well-rounded flavor.

But the real secret of this dish is the marinade. Even if you pick a cheap cut of meat, this marinade will make it so tender and tasty you won’t be able to tell the difference.

27. Hawaiian Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Source: themagicalslowcooker.com

Every meal needs a great side dish. These Hawaiian slow cooker baked beans are so good, they might just steal the show fro your main dish, so beware!

These beans take a few hours in the slow cooker, but your involvement ends after about ten minutes. Just slap all the ingredients together in the cooker and let it go.

Because the recipe combines traditional baked beans with pineapple and BBQ sauce, the end result is a rich and sweet taste. Perfect for storing in the fridge until you need them!

28. Hawaiian Burger with Brown Gravy

Source: drivemehungry.com

We have another Loco Moco dish, but this time it features a smooth gravy. If you’re the type of person who loves flavor but not chunks, this is the Loco Moco for you.

The gravy is rich and deep, with notes that remind us of long hot days spent grilling at the BBQ.

While this dish is traditionally served over rice, this would also make a fantastic burger recipe for game day. Whip out some brioche buns, top with the patty and egg, and drizzle with gravy.

29. Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Source: spendwithpennies.com

This take on Hawaiian chicken kabobs cleverly uses pineapple along with the other vegetables. Sure, it’s a delicious fruit that reminds us of the island nation, but why use it here?

Because pineapple juice is sweet and acidic! The acidic enzymes break down the meat on the kabob, making it super tender and juicy.

The sweetness caramelizes the meat into sticky, well-charred chunks of deliciousness. As soon as these hit the grill, you won’t be able to walk away until you taste them!

30. Pineapple Salsa

Source: ifoodreal.com

A good salsa often makes a dish, and this pineapple salsa offers a unique take on this classic condiment. You can have this ready for dinner in less than then minutes.

You only need five ingredients to bring this salsa together, which makes it even better in my book. Sweet, spicy, and refreshing, this is the ultimate compliment to any meal.

Make a huge batch of this ahead of time and store in the fridge. The sugar preserves the salsa, so it will keep for quite a while in the fridge.

31. Hawaiian Keto Pizza Bowl

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Hawaiian pizza might divide people, but this keto-friendly bowl version will definitely unite them. With cauliflower as a base, this is a healthy yet tasty option that’s perfect for weeknights.

From start to finish, this recipe only takes twenty minutes! That’s insane! But the amount of flavor hiding in this little bowl will absolutely blow you away.

If Hawaiian pizza definitely isn’t your deal, don’t worry. You can adjust the pizza ingredients to reflect your favorite toppings in this bowl. Pepperoni, anyone?

32. Hawaiian Haystacks

Source: pitchforkfoodie.com

Next up, we’ve got a quick and easy recipe that the kids will love. In fact, they’ll probably love helping you make this as much as they’ll love eating it!

This dish heroes the tasty tropical fruit Hawaii is known for. Mandarins, pineapples, almonds, and cranberries all combine to create a sweet and tart stack atop your rice.

Then you bring the dish back down to earth with the addition of some peppers. They’re a tasty savory element that makes the dish feel like a whole and hearty dinner.

33. Keto Ahi Poke Bowl

Source: wholesomeyum.com

This is another recipe that’s ready in twenty minutes or less, but don’t let that fool you! This ahi poke bowl is absolutely packed with creamy Japanese flavors.

You’ll be pairing your delicious marinated tuna with a spicy mayonnaise and some vegetables. The radish and cucumber add a wonderful crunch. Then the avocado is the final creamy element.

Pro tip: make sure you don’t marinate your fish for any longer than two hours! Fish flesh takes on flavor really easily. So you want to make sure you don’t overpower it with the marinade.

34. Hawaiian Potato Salad

Source: cookingwithcurls.com

This is another take on a Hawaiian potato salad that uses a secret ingredient: peas. Sweet spring peas are the perfect sweet element to take a boring potato salad to a new level.

You can easily whip this up the day before and leave it sitting in the fridge overnight. All the flavors will soak together to form a delicious, creamy texture.

Now, this recipe leaves the pickles out. Pickles add a lovely brightness to the salad, so if you do like them, I highly recommend adding them in!

35. Hawaiian Shrimp Street Tacos

Source: sumptuousspoonfuls.com

Who doesn’t love a good street taco? They’re known for their bold flavors and convenience. These Hawaiian shrimp street tacos combine juicy shrimp with a wonderful mix of vegetables.

The real ringer is that tropical pineapple mango coleslaw. The sweet and tangy flavors play against the shrimp’s flesh, creating an incredible symphony of tropical tastes.

Finally, you top the whole thing off with a spicy sriracha. After all, these are street tacos! This is the perfect dish to serve up to your guests on game day.

Everyone will be sleeping these off for a while, so make sure you make a lot. Your guests will be scrambling for more.

36. Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

Source: herbsandflour.com

A good turkey burger is its own reward, and this Hawaiian version is absolutely scrumptious. The tasty patty combines with the sweet pineapple to create a perfect sweet and savory blend.

This is another dish that’s perfect to whip out on game day. You can make a whole bunch of patties ahead of time, freeze them, and grill as needed. The glaze can be made beforehand too!

You can serve all these elements up for a make-your-own-burger bar that’s sure to impress. Add a tropical salsa and a spicy sauce to the line-up for a truly Hawaiian grill.

37. Hawaiian Garlic Chicken

Source: organicallyaddison.com

Usually we reserve really good fried chicken recipes for the weekend, because they can take a lot of time. But this Hawaiian garlic chicken blows that theory out of the water.

The fusion of flavors hiding beneath that breading relies on some key Japanese condiments like soy sauce. So, this is a quick and easy fried chicken recipe that delivers heavily on flavor.

Finally, the sauce that comes with this chicken only needs three ingredients to come together. Make a large batch in advance and use it on a variety of proteins; it’s that tasty!

38. Pineapple Fried Rice

Source: plattertalk.com

Pineapple fried rice is sticky, sweet, but not sickly. The perfect blend of savory ingredients and sweet pineapple refreshes your taste buds with every bite. So you have to keep coming back for more!

The key to making a perfect fried rice is using day-old white rice. Using fresh rice means the end result will be crumbly and too soft. So this is actually a great way to use up leftover rice.

From start to finish, this shouldn’t take you any longer than twenty minutes. It comes together in a single pan, so there are virtually no dishes. What a perfect weeknight meal!

39. Hawaiian Meatballs

Source: theforkedspoon.com

When you think meatballs, you might immediately think of the spaghetti and meatballs made famous by Italian chefs. But Asian cultures have been using meatballs for even longer!

Thanks to Hawaiian’s blended regional cuisine, this meatball recipe has roots in Japanese food. But a tropical twist makes this a unique dish guaranteed to blow away your next potluck.

Coated in a pineapple and teriyaki sauce, the sweet and salty flavor profile of these meatballs is scrumptious. Serve over white rice, in a poke bowl, or even in a sandwich!

40. Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin

Source: xoxobella.com

In Hawaiian dishes, pork is one of the primary proteins in use. That’s because the local flavor profiles blend so beautifully with the tender, juicy white meat.

If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, this meal is for you. Whether you’re having date night or celebrating a special occasion, this pork tenderloin is sure to impress.

Tenderloin can be tricky to get right because of how gently it needs to be treated. But thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious tenderloin ready to eat with minimal hassle.

41. Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Source: foodfolksandfun.net

The final dish on this list celebrates Hawaii’s coastal roots, highlighting some juicy shrimp! In this recipe, you’ll be cooking the shrimp a little differently: you’ll leave the shells on.

That’s right! Where usually you’d remove them, local Hawaiians leave the shell on the shrimp to deepen the flavor. It cuts down on both cost and time spent cooking, which is a real win-win.

From top to tail, this recipe takes twenty minutes, so it’s ideal for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering. Serve with white rice and lemon to let the shrimp shine!