If you’re planning your first trip to the Hawaiian Islands, one of the highlights of your visit will be the food. Local restaurants offer a variety of mouthwatering local cuisine, including traditional meals and Asian-inspired flavors. Here are a few delicious dishes you should try.

What to Order at a Hawaiian Restaurant

1. Ahi Poke

Traditional poke is made of chopped and seasoned raw fish. Although your bowl can include any fish, the most common option is ahi. Modern poke bowls and salads include additional toppings and sauces, like pickled vegetables or ponzu, to create a healthy and irresistible meal.

2. Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is tender, juicy meat with a smoky flavor. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, it’s the main attraction at any luau. You can also find it in restaurants served on a sandwich with barbecue sauce or as a dish of its own with rice.

3. Lau Lau

This favored island dish consists of small packets of meat steamed inside a taro leaf. Lau lau can be made with beef, pork, or chicken, and usually include a piece of butterfish for extra flavor. Unwrap the outer layer of ti leaves to find the delicious taro leaf and meat inside.

4. Lomi Lomi Salmon

This cold, fresh salad is a fantastic way to cool off on a hot, tropical day. Lomi lomi salmon is made with fresh, raw fish, which has been diced and salted. Although the fish is prepared similarly to poke, it’s mixed with diced tomatoes and Maui onions. Some versions can also use green onions or cucumber.

5. Poi

Traditionally, poi is a staple of the Hawaiian diet and is made by mashing cooked taro roots to create a paste with a distinctive purple color. You can still find this dish served today, and it’s also added to delicious fried poi balls.

If you're looking for a Hawaiian restaurant on Maui where you can try these mouthwatering traditional dishes, visit Tante's Fishmarket Restaurant & Bar in Wailuku, HI. Their extensive menu focuses on fresh, local seafood; however, they also offer a wide range of favorites, including steak, burgers, and loco mocos. View their upcoming events online, or call (808) 868-2148 to make a reservation.