Not every treasure in Hawaii is as obvious as the glittering beaches. Nearby areas where people live, work, and hang out hide some of the finest jewels. Travelers looking to see Hawaii “like a local” should pay great attention to these Local experiences in Hawaii.
Where To Dine
For years, local families have eaten the native cuisine of Hawaiʻi. For visitors seeking local experiences in Hawaii, these famous restaurants are a must-try because they provide a taste of local character.
Zippy’s, like McDonald’s worldwide, is as iconic as Hawaii. This is a laid-back take-out or dine-in restaurant with a varied cuisine mirroring the local population of Hawaiʻi. Feast on unusual cuisine such as Hawaiian Stew, Portuguese Bean Soup, Korean Fried Chicken, or Saimin, a noodle dish developed on a plantation inspired by Japanese ramen, Chinese mein, and Filipino pancit. After a night out, young residents often come here for a midnight meal. zipps.com
L&L Hawaiian BBQ presents the uniquely Hawaiian Plate Lunch, sometimes known as “the state food of Hawaii.” Two scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and a satisfying serving of protein make up this local dinner that is quite popular. Pick from a mouthful of platters ranging from BBQ chicken, fried prawns, beef, or pig to fried mahi mahi, hamburger steak, and chicken katsu. L&L’s have grown so large that they’ve even stretched into the continental United States. Hawaiian barbecue.com
Two of the twelve founding chefs of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine are Peter Merriman and Roy Yamaguchi. This particular Pacific Rim cuisine combines ethnic tastes with fresh island foods. Peter and Roy, between them, have opened more than ten restaurants throughout Hawaii. They are widely revered “celebrity chefs” with a large following, from local families to Hawaiʻi socialites. See where the movement started at Roy’s original restaurant. The Original Roy’s in Hawaiʻi Kai, Peter’s flagship restaurant on the island of Hawaiʻi, Merriman’s Waimea, merrimanshawaii.com, and royshawaii.com.
Where To Shop
For those looking for local experiences in Hawaii, Hawaiʻi natives would rather shop a storm in neighborhood malls than fight with big tourist-filled stores.
The second-largest mall in Hawaiʻi after Ala Moana Center. Pearlridge Center on Oʻahu is a retail hotspot housing more than 170 retailers and restaurants. Highlights include the island’s lone Toys-R-Us, a monthly farmer’s market, and a little monorail allowing simple access between its retail centers. Onsite, it also includes Tropics Mini Golf, Tilt Arcade, and a Consolidated Theatre (cinema).
Though the residents and smart visitors are traveling to the big-box stores like Sears and Macy’s situated at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in the central business district of Kahului, Maui’s resort districts provide plenty of boutique shopping possibilities.
The community convenes in Hilo, on the island of Hawaiʻi, at Prince Kūhiō Plaza. “The Plaza,” as Hilo Natives refer to it, is a mix of department stores and small businesses. Here, you can try American sweet delicacies such as Dairy Queen, Cinnabon, International House of Pancakes, also known as IHOP, and Hot Dog on a Stick (hotdogs dipped and baked in a sweet batter).
The largest and only regional mall on the island, the open-air Kukui Grove Center draws locals. Its central location in Līhuʻe gives it the ideal place to find any last-minute purchases required during a Kauaʻi visit. Watching live sports events at Kalapaki Joe’s Westernmost Sports Bar in the United States is another favorite.
Where to Play
Excellent year-round celebrations and activities abound on the Hawaiian Islands, many scheduled weekly or monthly. Many local “regulars,” as well as a growing number of in-the-know tourists seeking real local experiences in Hawaii, frequent these ongoing Hawaiʻi events.
In Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu hosts the lion share of free regular events. Eat the Street, a food truck gathering including more than forty street food vendors hosted on the last Friday of each month in Kakaako Waterfront Park, is one of the best Oʻahu events to sink one’s teeth into. Oahu’s Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown are the sites for major events such as Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, Halloween, and more. This key commercial sector closes to allow for a themed street party featuring energetic groups occupying the space.
Everyone is aware that there is usually a party going on Friday on Maui! Starting with Wailuku (1st Friday), Lāhainā (2nd Friday), Makawao (3rd Friday), Kīhei (4th Friday), and Lānaʻi (5th Friday), a series of First Friday Town Parties highlight Maui’s small villages and their unique local businesses. There is art on display, as well as many eateries, free entertainment, and lots of nice people! Monday evenings.com
People are welcome to gather on Kauaʻi to experience one-of-a-kind performances at Slack Key Guitar and Ukulele Concerts presented in Kapaʻa, Hanalei, and Princeville on a weekly basis (entrance is US$25 pp). Music heavily influences Hawaiian culture, prompting locals to commemorate, dance, and sing wherever melodies are playing.
Once a Sunday afternoon, once a month, the ancient Kailua Village on Hawaii Island transforms into an outdoor bazaar called Kōkua Kailua. Local families are encouraged to purchase locally produced goods, enjoy local cuisine, and engage in shopping along a portion of Ali’i Drive. They walk together. Visitors are welcome to attend the celebrations and savor the highlights—free Hawaiian entertainment at Hulihe’e Palace.