A Culinary Journey Through 24 Perfect Hours in Honolulu

Experience a 24-hour food adventure in Honolulu that defies the typical stereotypes of Hawai‘i’s capital. This itinerary avoids cliché pineapple-and-ham combos and coconut-crusted dishes, instead offering a diverse culinary journey through various cultures and time periods.

Honolulu’s food scene reflects both its rich history and contemporary flair. Discover a city that honors its past with timeless institutions while embracing new establishments that blend historical influences with modern flavors. Enjoy everything from fresh fish and eggs for breakfast to traditional Hawaiian lunches, refreshing shave ice in the afternoon, and exceptional late-night bar fare. Although the list is ideal for sampling, a dedicated effort (and plenty of driving) will allow you to savor it all in one day.

9 a.m. Koko Head Café

Begin your day at this renowned brunch spot, which showcases a unique blend of ethnic influences and flavors in Hawaii through upscale takes on classic breakfast dishes. In a charming American diner setting, enjoy miso-marinated catch of the day with soft scrambled eggs, congee topped with ham, cheddar, and cinnamon-bacon croutons, and a cast-iron skillet bibimbap. Explore Kaimukī, a residential area near Diamond Head with an array of diverse Mytouries, while you’re there. 1145c 12th Ave. | (808) 732-8920 | kokoheadcafe.com

A Selection of Mochi from Nisshodo

10:30 a.m. Nisshodo Candy Store

Japanese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Hawai‘i’s sugar plantations in the 19th century, and one such tradition, mochi, has become a staple across all local cultures. Nisshodo, an iconic mochi shop with nearly a century of history, is tucked away in an industrial area. Visit early to explore their extensive range of mochi, from pastel rounds filled with red bean, peanut butter, or coconut to delicate flower-shaped wafers with sweetened bean paste, and liliko‘i chi chi dango, individually wrapped like candies. 1095 Dillingham Blvd., Building I-5 | (808) 847-1244 | nisshodomochicandy.com

11 a.m. Helena’s Hawaiian Food

For your first lunch, dive into the history of the islands with traditional Hawaiian fare. While 'Hawaiian' often refers to native Hawaiian food, Helen Chock, a Chinese immigrant, began serving Hawaiian staples at her restaurant in 1946. By the 1950s, she had refined her menu to focus on classic Hawaiian dishes such as kālua pig, laulau, poi, lomi salmon, and her renowned pipi kaula, which involves drying short ribs above the stove for a crispy exterior. The menu has remained largely unchanged, with dishes served in small plastic bowls—perfect for sharing in a cozy, unpretentious setting. 1240 N. School St. | (808) 845-8044 | helenashawaiianfood.com

12:30 p.m. The Pig and the Lady

Honolulu blends tradition with modernity, and you can experience this shift with a visit to The Pig and the Lady. Located in the historic Chinatown, this vibrant restaurant offers a fresh take on classic dishes. Notable for its pho French dip—a sandwich featuring tender brisket, Thai basil chimichurri, and mung bean sprouts, accompanied by a side of pho broth for dipping—the menu also includes inventive banh mi and other Vietnamese noodle soups. Don’t forget to try the weekly soft serve, which has featured unique flavors like haw flake custard and mandarin orange sorbet.

(Alternatively, check out The Pig and the Lady’s farmers market schedule online. At the markets, you can enjoy a wider range of noodle soups, banh mi, and Vietnamese street food, served al fresco, just like in Vietnam.) 83 N. King St. | (808) 585-8255 | thepigandthelady.com

Pho French Dip featuring brisket, Thai basil chimichurri, bean sprouts, and a side of pho broth

2 p.m. Shave Ice and Malasadas

Refresh yourself with shave ice followed by hot, freshly fried malasadas—two beloved sweet treats of Hawai‘i. Decide your flavor of nostalgia: classic or contemporary?

Classic: Waiola Shave Ice and Leonard’s Bakery

For a taste of tradition, start at Waiola Shave Ice, a staple since 1940, where you can enjoy the classic shave ice experience with soft, snow-like ice drenched in vibrant syrups. Then, stroll a few blocks to Leonard’s Bakery, renowned for introducing the malasada to a wider audience after opening in 1952.

Waiola Shave Ice | 2135 Waiola St. | (808) 949-2269

Leonard’s Bakery | 933 Kapahulu Ave. | (808) 737-5591 | leonardshawaii.com

Modern Twist: Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha and Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

Curious about how today’s innovators are reinterpreting Hawai‘i’s classic sweets? Begin at Uncle Clay’s, nestled in a suburban strip mall, where the shave ice remains light and fluffy but features natural syrups made from real fruit. Next, make your way to Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, where you can enjoy malasadas in a range of flavors: plain sugar, coffee, cocoa, or li hing, each offering a fresh take on the traditional treat.

Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha | 820 W. Hind Drive #116 | (808) 373-5111 | uncleclays.com

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery | 3632 Wai‘alae Ave. | (808) 738-8200 | pipelinebakeshop.com

3 p.m. Poke

No trip to Hawai‘i is truly complete without sampling poke. Visit Ahi Assassins, where Honolulu's access to fresh ‘ahi is showcased. In a snug spot on the second floor of an office building, you'll witness experts breaking down whole tuna into vibrant, ruby-red cubes for poke. (Feeling worn out from all the driving? Don’t worry—the poke at any Foodland supermarket is top-notch. Grab a scoop, and you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.) 2570 S. Beretania St. | (808) 439-4045 | ahiassassins.com

Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery Photo by Hillary Dixler Canavan

4 p.m. Savor a Matcha Parfait at Nana’s Green Tea

Discover the delights of the matcha parfait at Nana’s Green Tea, nestled within Waikiki Yokocho, an upscale food hall featuring tempura, ramen, and other Japanese specialties. This modern twist on traditional Japanese flavors blends perfectly with Hawai‘i’s culinary scene. Enjoy layers of mochi, tea jellies, cool, creamy soft serve, green tea ice cream, and crunchy cornflakes, all artfully layered in a tall glass. 2250 Kalakaua Ave., Lower Level 100 | (808) 777-3550 | waikiki-yokocho.com/restaurant/nanas-green-tea/

5 p.m. Mai Tai at House Without A Key

Enjoying a mai tai as the sun dips below the horizon: this is the quintessential Hawaiian experience. The term “cliche” will fade away with your first sip of Halekulani’s legendary mai tai, always as flawless as the view. Although the iconic, 130-year-old tree that once graced the hula stage has fallen, it continues to symbolize elegance and tranquility, lying gracefully on its side. 2199 Kalia Rd. | (808) 923-2311 | halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key

6 p.m. Mahina & Sun’s

For dinner, make your way to Mahina & Sun’s at the Surfjack Hotel in Waikīkī, a creation of chef Ed Kenney. His approach to island cuisine blends Mediterranean influences with modern Hawaiian flair. Opt for the Family Feast, featuring a whole fried snapper paired with Kualoa Ranch oysters, root vegetables highlighted with local ogo (seaweed), ‘inamona (crushed candlenut), pohole (fiddlehead fern) salad, and buttery ‘ulu (breadfruit). 412 Lewers St. | (808) 924-5810 | mahinaandsuns.com

8 p.m. Bar Leather Apron

Having savored a classic mai tai at Halekulani, now explore its modern twist at Bar Leather Apron, an exclusive, reservation-only bar tucked away in a downtown office building. While you forgo ocean views, you gain an experience of theatrical mixology: here, the mai tai is served with dramatic smoke and absinthe, crafted by skilled bartenders in custom leather aprons. Owner Justin Park, frequently found behind the bar or traveling the globe for distillery visits and cocktail contests, adds to the allure. 745 Fort Street Mall, Suite #127 | (808) 524-0808 | barleatherapron.com

10 p.m. Tonkatsu Tamafuji

Honolulu rivals Japan for top-notch Japanese cuisine, thanks in part to authentic imports like Tonkatsu Tamafuji, where the focus is solely on crispy, breaded pork. The magic lies in the meticulous touches: fresh sesame seeds ground in a traditional mortar and pestle, endless sides of pickles and cabbage finely shredded to a fluffy texture, panko breadcrumbs made from whole loaves of bread from a local bakery, and tonkatsu fried in gleaming copper pots. 449 Kapahulu Ave. | (808) 922-1212

Matcha parfait from Nana’s Green Tea Photo by Hillary Dixler Canavan

Midnight: Home Bar & Grill

Honolulu’s dive bars serve up some of the best local eats, and Home Bar & Grill is a prime example. Locals flock here for cold beer, sports, and inventive tater tot nachos. The menu features island comfort food like loco moco, kimchi steak, kimchi fried rice, and garlic chicken, with an egg added to nearly every dish. Despite its unassuming appearance, the bar boasts unexpected delights such as a superb salad and a refined version of negitoro, making it one of the fanciest spots to enjoy high-quality raw fish amidst the many screens tuned to ESPN. 1683 Kalakaua Ave. | (808) 942-2235

2 a.m. Liliha Bakery

Liliha Bakery is renowned for its bakery, but the real charm lies in its retro diner experience. The counter service, predominantly managed by a long-serving, warm team of women, exudes a simple efficiency that’s both welcoming and nostalgic. Open since 1950, this 24-hour spot attracts a diverse crowd: club-goers on weekends looking to wind down, and quiet coffee-sippers on weekdays. Regardless of the time, the waffles here are a must-try, crispy and buttery, reminiscent of a perfectly fried Eggo. 515 N. Kuakini St. | (808) 531-1651 | www.lilihabakery.com

(Note: While there are two locations, the original one is open 24 hours and offers a cozier atmosphere.)

5 a.m. Zippy’s

Zippy’s is a staple for all ages in Hawai‘i, always bustling with activity. At 5 a.m., you’ll find night shift workers finishing their shifts and retirees starting their day. This beloved chain serves up a vast array of local favorites across its 200-item menu, blending homey comfort with a touch of nostalgia. You might find classic American fare like spaghetti and fried chicken, but Zippy’s offers uniquely Hawaiian dishes as well, such as saimin (egg noodles in a savory broth) and the Zip Pac, a surf-and-turf bento with Spam, teri beef, fried mahi, and fried chicken. (Tip: For locals, chili and rice are a must, and adding a side of grilled cornbread is even better.) Multiple locations | zippys.com

Crafting at Zippy’s Meghan McCarron

7 a.m. Ethel’s Grill

Ethel’s Grill, tucked beneath an apartment complex amidst auto repair shops and near the docks, epitomizes Honolulu’s knack for fantastic food in unexpected spots. Opening its doors from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., getting there early means you’ll avoid the crowd that swells with dock workers, local professionals, and Japanese tourists. The menu features local delicacies with surprising twists: ‘ahi tataki with marinated garlic, a kimchi poke bowl, mochiko chicken with a delicate rice flour coating, and a Japanese hamburger steak topped with freshly grated daikon. 232 Kalihi St. | (808) 847-6467

8:30 a.m. Coffee at Morning Glass

Imagine the ideal Hawaiian coffee shop, and Morning Glass likely matches it perfectly. Situated in the lush, historic Mānoa neighborhood, this open-air café offers a tranquil retreat in a verdant valley. Even if you’re not particularly hungry, it’s an excellent spot to enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee as you prepare for the final leg of your journey. 2955 E. Manoa Rd. | (808) 673-0065 | morningglasscoffee.com

9 a.m. Da Hawaiian Acai Bowl at Diamond Head Cove Health Bar

Acai bowls might come and go in popularity on the Mainland, but in Honolulu, they’re a staple at any respectable smoothie bar. The Da Hawaiian bowl stands out with its rich topping of pa‘i‘ai (pounded taro, even thicker than poi) and a generous drizzle of honey. Enjoying this bowl outdoors with the morning surfers near Diamond Head is an ideal start to your Hawaiian day. 3045 Monsarrat Ave. #5 | (808) 732-8744 | diamondheadcove.com

Martha Cheng is a Honolulu-based freelance writer who draws inspiration from the surrounding ocean.