hawaii macadamia nuts

Food From Hawaii | Five Islands, Five Standouts

If you’re a fan of food from Hawaii, please read on while waiting with us for the next Hawaii deals for spring, summer and fall. There are so many exceptional food items from the islands to sample on your next Hawaii vacation. We have featured one from each island that we know of personally to start the discussion. Add your favorites in the comments below.

1. Purdy’s Nuts Molokai.

We visited this five acre macadamia farm in Molokai at Ho`olehua. Molokai native and owner Tuddie is a wealth of information on the island and all things Hawaiian. The nuts are simply exceptional and reflect the family’s love for their work. In a pinch we’ll supplement with Hamakua macadamia nuts, available at at their store in Kawaihae on the Big Island as well as in more irregular shapes for less money at Hawaii Costco stores.

2. Kauai Honey  – Honi Honi Honey.

Long time Beat of Hawaii friend and follower Chris Kauwe is the purveyor of exceptional honeys and beeswax candles from around the south part of Kauai island. Be sure to find him at the local farmers markets and try his work. Our favorite is an ultra light colored honey he produces. It is like a cross between delectably floral honey and maple syrup. Simply the best.

3. Nalo Farms Oahu lettuce.

Greens from Dean Okimoto’s Nalo Farms in Waimanalo are always a treat. You’ll find them at the Oahu farmers markets and at 130 Hawaii restaurants. With a plethora of varieties to choose from, one of our favorites is a bag of mixed baby lettuces. You’ll never go wrong no matter what you choose. It doesn’t get fresher unless you grow it yourself.

4. Big Island Hamakua Mushrooms.

A favorite is the large and meaty textured Alii Oyster. Found in grocery stores and Costco stores on all of the islands. Other varieties are grown by Hamakua Mushrooms as well. Farm tours are offered.

Mushrooms are an expanding business in the islands, so you can expect to find local varieties on each island. Imports from the mainland pale by comparison.

5. Maui Surfing Goat Cheese.

You need look no further for exceptional Hawaii cheese and chocolates than national award winning Maui’s Surfing Goat Dairy. Their Kula Maui based farm offerings range from soft goat cheeses, to aged hard cheese, candies, soaps and more. Thirty different cheeses in total! Perennially delicious.

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4 thoughts on “Food From Hawaii | Five Islands, Five Standouts”

  1. We discovered Poha jam/jelly 20 some years ago on Kauai at the pre-Iniki Sheraton on Poipu. The company that made it then, via local groceries, no longer makes it. Do you know of any other resources, even home made (obviously from a reputable source, e.g. an auntie, mother), I would love to be able to purchase some.

    Thank you so much for all of your efforts in this endeavor.

    1. Hi Debbie,

      We didn’t know of Poha jam. But if you do a Google search, as we did, you will find it available from different sources online.

      Aloha.

  2. When I visited last I discovered a hidden gem, an oasis, in Hilo. The Oasis Cafe Hilo, Mediterranean Inspired, locally grown, cuisine. Affordable, friendly, musical, delicious, healthy. They should make the list. Call the owner, very friendly. http://www.oasiscafehilo.com (no, I do not own it, just sharing)

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