Secret Invasion: How Hawaii’s Food Is Winning Over The World

Hawaii’s flavors, rooted in a rich mix of cultural traditions, are quietly making their way across the mainland and beyond. Hawaiian cuisine has steadily gained traction, whether it’s a meat or vegetarian plate lunch, a poke bowl, or a loco moco.

While chains like Zippy’s and L&L helped introduce these dishes to a broader audience, the rise of small, family-run spots in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle is driving the movement forward.

Beyond the U.S., places like London, Geneva, and Tokyo are also embracing Hawaii’s food culture in a big way. In Europe this year, we found a Hawaii-named restaurant in Lausanne, Switzerland (lead photo) and Poke bars everywhere.

Why Hawaii’s food resonates now.

Hawaii’s food fusion is as much about flavor as nostalgia and comfort. For many, a plate lunch or poke bowl brings back memories of family gatherings and meals shared with Aloha. Dishes like shave ice, kalua pork, and creamy mac salad evoke a sense of home and tradition, giving mainlanders a taste of Hawaii, even from thousands of miles away.

What’s driving this surge in Hawaiian food across the mainland isn’t large corporate chains but small, authentic eateries. This trend aligns with a broader movement toward regional comfort foods, with Hawaiian flavors finding an enthusiastic and growing audience.

Los Angeles: Blending tradition with innovation.

At the top of LA’s Yelp rankings, Aunty Maile’s Hawaiian Restaurant is beloved for its authentic Hawaiian staples, served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Another standout is Broken Mouth, known for its Hawaiian-Korean comfort food, where furikake rice and spam musubi offer a unique blend of flavors that keeps locals returning for more.

Not far behind is Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe, a local legend famous for its traditional plate lunches and loco mocos, which have secured its reputation in LA’s Hawaiian food scene. Malama Pono Restaurant, also highly rated on Yelp, serves generous portions of classic dishes like kalua pork and teriyaki beef.

While these small, authentic eateries drive Hawaii’s food trend, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue remains a popular, mainstream choice, introducing countless diners to Hawaiian plate lunches and barbecue.

San Francisco: A fusion of flavors.

In San Francisco, Unco Frank’s leads Yelp rankings, offering locals and visitors a comforting taste of Hawaii with dishes like loco moco and spam musubi. Another top-rated spot, Hawaiian Drive Inn, draws crowds with its authentic Hawaiian barbecue. At the same time, Hana Hawaiian Barbeque is known for its hearty portions and traditional flavors, making it a go-to for those craving a filling meal.

Liholiho Yacht Club brings Hawaiian cuisine to the fine dining scene for a more upscale twist, blending island flavors with modern California influences. This standout restaurant provides a unique opportunity to experience an elevated interpretation of Hawaiian dishes, setting it apart from the more casual spots.

With a mix of traditional and refined options, San Francisco shows how Hawaiian cuisine is being embraced and adapted on the mainland in diverse and exciting ways.

Portland: Hawaii meets the food cart capital.

Portland’s vibrant food cart culture is a natural fit for Hawaiian food, and it’s no surprise that 808 Grinds Hawaiian Cafe ranks high on Yelp. Known for its flavorful, on-the-go plate lunches, 808 Grinds has developed a loyal following by serving Hawaiian classics to the city’s bustling food cart scene.

Another favorite is Iolani’s Plate Lunch, a highly-rated food truck offering authentic dishes such as kalua pork and teriyaki chicken. For those looking for a sit-down experience, Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe has been a beloved local spot for years, providing traditional Hawaiian comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Ate-Oh-Ate adds some creative flair, blending Hawaiian and Korean influences to offer inventive dishes that still respect the heart of Hawaiian flavors. This variety makes Portland a dynamic city for enjoying a wide range of Hawaiian tastes, from food cart staples to other takes on island favorites.

Seattle: A Thriving Hawaiian Food Scene

Seattle’s Hawaiian food offerings are led by, among others, Kauai Family Restaurant. This family-run spot serves generous portions of island favorites like laulau and loco moco. Known for its homestyle approach, it’s a top choice for those wanting a true taste of Hawaii comfort food.

Kona Kitchen is another highly rated spot, where classic plate lunches and hearty breakfasts make it a staple for locals. For fresh Poke, Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke consistently ranks high, offering its bowls with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Meanwhile, Marination Ma Kai brings a Hawaiian-Korean fusion to the city’s waterfront. It’s popular for casual Hawaii fare and scenic views of Elliott Bay.

What’s next for Hawaiian food on the mainland and beyond?

The growing presence of Hawaiian food across the U.S. reflects a broader trend toward diverse, authentic, regional cuisines. As more people discover Hawaii’s unique and satisfying flavors, the momentum behind this food movement continues to build.

While Zippy’s second Las Vegas location is one notable marker of expansion, the small, authentic restaurants—both on the mainland and internationally—are driving this growth. It never ceases to amaze us when we see Hawaiian food as we travel the world.

From 808 Grinds in Portland to Kauai Family Restaurant in Seattle, Elua Poke in Geneva, and London’s Ahi Poké and Kua ‘Aina burgers, the global future looks bright for Hawaiian food. At the heart of this trend are Hawaii’s bold flavors and the hospitality that still defines the islands, connecting diners to Hawaii culture, even far away in miles. As we travel internationally, it also keeps our island home closer to us.

Share Your Favorite Hawaiian Food Spots

Do you have a go-to spot for a poke bowl, plate lunch, or spam musubi on the mainland? Please let us know in the comments. Whether it’s in one of these West Coast cities or hidden gems elsewhere, we want to hear where you “eat like a Hawaii local” when you’re away from our islands.

Lead Photo Credit: Beat of Hawaii in Lausanne, Switzerland.