7 Trips to O‘ahu, All Condensed into One List!

After seven trips to O‘ahu, I’ve refined my food journey down to the very best. From hidden local gems to popular must-tries, here’s your go-to guide for eating like a true island insider. 🌺🤙 🦐 1. Fresh Caught Jumbo Coral Shrimp 📍 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu 💡 Pro Tip: Ask the captain when the next catch is coming in! Nothing beats these massive, sweet coral shrimp—simply boiled or grilled with a sprinkle of sea salt. A true fisherman’s treasure. 🦐⚓ 🍤 2. Jenny’s Shrimp Truck 📍 *66-532 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa I’ve tried all the shrimp trucks on the North Shore, and Jenny’s remains my top pick. Garlic shrimp plate with extra sauce? Absolute perfection. Don’t forget the napkins—it’s a messy, glorious feast. 🚚🧄 🐟 3. Maguro Brothers Hawaii 📍 2250 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu If you’re a sashimi lover, look no further. Their uni (sea urchin), oysters, and fresh akami tuna are next-level. Simple, clean, incredibly fresh—this is Hawaiian-Japanese fusion at its finest. 🦪🍣 🧡 4. Helena’s Hawaiian Food 📍 1240 N School St, Honolulu A legendary spot for authentic Hawaiian food. I bring every first-timer here. Must-orders: the kālua pig, grilled smoked beef ribs (pipikaula), and fried fish collar. 🥬🍖 ⚠️ Heads up: Skip the poi (taro paste) unless you’re feeling adventurous—it’s an acquired texture! 🍣 5. Furusato Sushi 📍 2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu We stumbled in here after a long day of shopping. The photos don’t do it justice—the sashimi is surprisingly fresh and cut generously thick. A low-key reliable spot when you’re in Waikīkī. 🛍️➡️🍱 🍜 6. Ramen Nakamura 📍 2141 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu My teammate loves it; I’m just okay with it—but I still join him every trip. 🧂 Game Changer: Ask for less salt in the ox-tail ramen. It makes all the difference! A solid bowl, but not a “must” if you’re short on time. 🍍 7. North Shore Roadside Fruit Stands While driving the scenic North Shore, keep your eyes peeled for stands selling freshly cut pineapple, coconut, and mango. Stop. Taste. Thank me later. 🥥💛 🍶 8. Izakaya Uosan 📍 1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu Cute vibe, great for photos. But honestly? If you’re from a major city like Beijing, Shanghai, LA, SF, or NYC, you can skip it. The oysters are better at Maguro Brothers. 📸👋 ⭐ Bonus Spots I Still Recommend Ono Seafood – The poke here is legendary. Fresh, flavorful, everything a poke bowl should be. 🥡 Island Vintage Shave Ice – Not your typical syrupy ice. Try the liliko‘i or lychee flavors—so refreshing! 🍧 Island Vintage Coffee – Yes, the taro bagel is worth the hype. Their avocado toast and iced island coffee are also top-tier. ☕🥯 Final Aloha Note 🌺 O‘ahu’s food scene is as layered as its landscapes. Whether you’re grabbing shrimp from a truck, slicing into fresh tuna, or sharing a traditional Hawaiian plate—every bite tells a story. Eat well, explore often, and save room for shave ice! #US #Hawaii #Honolulu