Aloha, Denise!
What can I say, except welcome back to planDisney! I am so excited that your upcoming trip to Aulani Resort is just on the horizon. And, I am so excited that you asked about Hawaiian foods because there's no place I'd rather be than enjoying the fresh, locally sourced cuisine of the Hawaiian islands. Our family visits every year, so I love helping families maximize the magic of their trip to Aulani.
Denise, I'm so glad to hear you'll be enjoying the
KA WA'A Luau at Aulani. It's a great way to experience a Hawaiian luau experience, learn about Hawaiian culture and cuisine, and enjoy traditional Hawaiian storytelling, with a splash of pixie dust that only Disney provides. At the Luau, you will be sure to enjoy some traditional Hawaiian dishes, which often use local ingredients from the land and the sea. I am unsure what the
menu will be during your visit, but our family always loves huli huli chicken, kalua pork, and fresh local fish like Mahi Mahi when we have the option to enjoy it. Other common Hawaiian dishes you might see either at a Luau or in Hawaii in general include poi, laulau (pork or fish wrapped in taro leaves), poke, manapua, spam musubi, fish tacos, saimin, garlic shrimp, loco moco, malasadas, and shave ice.
Now, if you are venturing out on the island, which I highly recommend, there are a few great areas where you can try local cuisine. In the famed surfing town of Haleiwa, there is a food truck park that has a few local food vendors with delicious food. I am a fan of acai bowls, which is a common lunch for surfers, and there is an acai bowl food truck there. While you are in Haleiwa, there are two other places you don't want to miss. Ted's pie shop is famous for its chocolate haupia pie, and you can purchase them in single servings. I am also a huge fan of local banana bread, and Makua Banana Bread is a locally owned shop that sells delicious, fresh-made banana bread. We always get one to enjoy on the road.
If you plan to visit Kualoa Ranch on your trip, there is a very local place called Waiahole Poi Factory. It is where many locals go for a delicious meal, and it is one of the most traditional Hawaiian food stops you can visit.
It is common to see a "plate lunch" at local spots, which is often a protein (like huli huli chicken or kalua pork), rice, and macaroni salad. It's quite delicious. You might also see small fruit stands or locals selling banana bread, coconut candy, or fresh coconut water along your journey or near tourist stops. We always like to stop to grab a treat for the road. Finally, I am a fan of Honolulu Cookie Co. cookies. If you see one of their shops, be sure to stop because typically they'll have free samples, and I recommend the chocolate-dipped macadamia nut cookie. These cookies make great souvenirs and gifts to take home, and they do sell them in
Kalepa's Store at Aulani.
I hope this helps you, Denise! If you have any more questions about your upcoming Hawaii adventure, surf back here to see me. Here at planDisney, we know the way to make your vacation the most magical on earth.
A Hui Hou,
Keri