9 Top Oahu Food Tours: Try The Best Hawaiian Food On Oahu (2024)
When planning my recent week long vacation to Oahu, one of my biggest priorities was trying all of the best food on the island. After readying travel blogs and reaching out to my local friends, I made a list of dozens of foods to try. The only feasible way to try all these foods on a quick vacation is by taking one of the top Oahu food tours on the island.
I’ve been to Hawaii dozens of times and am obsessed with the local food. Just thinking about the fresh acai bowls, Kahlua pork, and malasadas is making my mouth water.
One of my favorite things to do on vacation is take a local food tour. It allows me to understand the local cuisine and learn about the location from a local.
This list of the best Oahu food tours shares 9 amazing tours that will provide you a taste of the local food and culture. There are biking food tours, sightseeing and food combo tours, and a private food experience with a celebrity chef.
Keep reading to learn what to eat in Oahu, where to eat, and which food tour to book.
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My Top 3 Picks: Oahu Food Tours
The Best Oahu Hawaii Food Tours
Oahu Da Local’s Food Tour is the perfect way to get a taste of Hawaiian cuisine in its purest form. Instead of visiting tourist traps, this tour will take you to visit local favorites.
You’ll have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of traditional foods with tastings at up to five different spots, all while learning about the history and culture behind each dish.
Some of the top foods you’ll try on this food tour are poke, shave ice, and shrimp. Come hungry because you’ll be stuffed by the end of this tour.
The experienced guide, Victor, will provide helpful insights into Oahu during your tour, making sure you leave with a deep understanding of the island and its people.
Pull relevant information from the sales page, from reviews on booking platforms, and from your personal experience.
“It’s hard to put into words how amazing and fun this food tour was. Vic was our tour guide and he went above and beyond” -Ace (Read more reviews)
2. Hawaii Food Tour – Off The Beaten Path
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Food Tour is a great way for visitors to explore Honolulu and Waikiki like a local. Not only do you get to walk through an area filled with culture, but you also get to sample all of the delicious foods that this part of the world has to offer.
From savory snacks, like Chinese Dim Sum to sweet treats, like malasadas or shave ice, there is something for everyone on this tour.
You also get to visit local food markets along the way so you can bring some Hawaiian flavors back home with you.
In addition to tasting great food, you’ll get to chat with the local guide to learn about the island’s history and culture.
“We truly went off the beaten path to enjoy the tastiest food that we would normally not try. We were introduced to various food that we cannot experience at home.
We appreciated not being in a touristy type atmosphere and were able to see how the locals shop. Our guide, Victor, was outstanding.” -William (Read more reviews)
3. Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike in Oahu
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4-5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Two of my favorite tours to take in a new city are a food tour and a city bike tour. This tour combines both of those!
The Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike is the perfect way to experience Hawaii’s amazing culinary scene while also getting an overview of Honolulu. Led by experienced guide Kelly, you’ll enjoy a five to six-hour bike tour of the city with delicious food stops along the way.
Not only will you get to sample some of Hawaii’s best dishes but also take in breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Koko Head. All bike rentals are included in the tour which makes it a convenient and easy way to explore the city.
I love that this tour allows you to see the city and major sites, and also taste some of the best foods. It’s basically a crash course on the area in a half day.
“Had a great time on this food tour. We did this early in our visit to Hawaii, so we got to try some new foods that we then ate throughout the rest of our visit. It was well-paced, we had plenty of food, and it was super informative.” -Clougen (Read more reviews)
4. Lanai Tabura curated Private Aloha Plate Food Tour with Pickup
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Lanai Tabura Private Aloha Plate Food Tour will not only expose you to the local flavors of the Hawaiian islands, but also give you an inside glimpse of the culture and heritage of the islands.
Led by Emmy Award-winning host of “Cooking Hawaiian Style” Lanai Tabura, this tour is sure to satisfy your appetite for more than just food.
On this one-of-a-kind experience, Lanai will lead you through tasting traditional local foods, and every tour is tailor made for your private group.
Enjoy a truly unique culinary adventure as Lanai takes you on a journey through some of the most mouth-watering dishes around.
“Absolutely amazing time with Lanai. If you do nothing else during your stay, do this! ” -Jenna (Read more reviews)
5. Honolulu Food Tour & Beautiful Sights
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
This 7.5 hour Honolulu food tour allows you to explore all the flavors and tastes of Oahu. The tour visits 10 different locations around the island, giving you an opportunity to experience an array of delicious dishes from local restaurants and vendors.
The tour is a mix of sightseeing and food tasting, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the history and culture of Hawaii.
With only 8 people per group, each tour experience is intimate and personalized, allowing for interactive discussions about the unique flavors of Hawaii.
“Andrew was an amazing guide. This was a great tour and we highly recommend doing it towards the beginning of your vacation because the tour will leave you with plenty of places you will want to go see again!” -Kyle (Read more reviews)
6. Hawaiian Food Tours 7AM – 1 PM Half Day
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6-7 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Half Day Hawaiian Food Tour is the perfect way to explore Oahu and experience its unique culture beyond just Honolulu. With 10 stops, this tour offers you a chance to try authentic dishes from all over the island, ranging from traditional plate lunches to sweet treats like shave ice.
This tour is on the longer side and covers both breakfast and lunch. This tour is a great way to explore the island while tasting the best Hawaiian food.
“Patrick was very nice and very knowledgeable about the island. We loved the places we stopped and the food was yummy.” -Kenly (Read more reviews)
7. Hawaii Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Hawaii Oahu Island sightseeing and Food Combo Tour is another great option of you are looking for a combination of sightseeing and food tasting. This is one of the only Oahu food tours on this list that covers the entire island from Honolulu up to the North shore.
Some of the stops on this tour include the famous Dole Plantation, Kualoa ranch, where Jurassic park was filmed, and Hanauma Bay, the best snorkeling beach in Oahu.
This tour allows you to try a wide variety of foods from sweet snacks to a savory lunch and even a couple alcohol tastings.
“The best tour I did on my vacation. Prompt pick our driver made the day memorable for everyone. Lots of food and sights thru out the day . Would do it again in a heart beat” -David (Read more reviews)
8. “Tour de Honolulu” Foodie Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Tour De Honolulu Foodie Bike Tour is a great way to explore Oahu’s vibrant food scene while getting a good workout.
Starting with a delicious breakfast, the tour takes you on around the island stopping at four different locations. At the stops, you will be able to sample local cuisine and learn about the history.
Following the bike tour, your will be transported to a local spot for lunch then back to your hotel.
“Excellent afternoon touring the food outlets in the non touristy parts of Honolulu with our great guide Kally on his most excellent bikes.” -Carolyn (Read more reviews)
9. Honolulu’s Best Lunch Time Walking Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1-2 hours | ✅ Book it!
The Honolulu lunch time walking tour is the shortest option on this list, which is great if you’re short on time.
Since the tour is only 1-2 hours long, you will stay centered around the diamond Head area. Even though it’s short, you will be able to taste a few great local Hawaiian foods.
I recommend this tour if you’re having a hard time fitting a longer tour in your Oahu itinerary.
“I did this tour with my teenager and we both loved it. Nalu was the guide and he was super friendly and knowledgeable with the local foods. It was in a cute little part of town and he took us to eat delicious tacos, shakes, sushi and chicken.” -Stephanie (Read more reviews)
9 Most Popular Hawaiian Foods to Try on Vacation
Kalua Pork – Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with slow-cooked pork shoulder. Originating in the native Hawaiian culture, the pork is cooked underground in an “imu” or an oven made out of hot rocks and covered with earth and banana leaves. The result is a juicy, succulent meat that is traditionally served at luaus and other special occasions.
Poi – Poi is a thick paste made from pounded taro root, which is then mixed with water. The consistency ranges from creamy to very dense, depending on how long it is cooked and how much water is added.
North Shore Shrimp – Buttery, garlicky shrimp has become super popular on the North Shore of Oahu. It is typically served from a food truck with a side of white rice.
Shave Ice – Shave ice is finely ground ice covered in a fruity syrup, sometimes served with condensed milk or ice cream. My favorite flavor is passion fruit!
Acai Bowls – An acai bowl is a type of smoothie bowl made from pureed acai berries, typically blended with other fruits and topped with things like granola, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit.
Malasadas – Malasadas are a type of doughnut that are deep fried without a hole in the center, and dusted with sugar or filled with custard cream.
Li Hing – Li hing is a type of flavoring commonly used in Hawaii, made from pickled plum skins. It has a salty, sweet and tangy taste that is often used as a topping for snacks, especially dried fruit and mango slices.
Dole Whip – A Dole Whip is a pineapple-flavored soft serve dessert created by the Dole Food Company, often found in Disney Parks and Hawaiian islands.
Macadamia Nuts – Mac nut are a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, as a snack or ingredient in savory dishes.
The Best Farmers Markets in Oahu
Another great foodie activity in Oahu is visiting a local farmer’s market. Below are the top four farmers markets on the island.
At any of these markets you will have the opportunity to buy local produce, try Hawaiian food from food trucks, and shop local crafts.
A farmer’s market is also a great place to find a souvenir to bring home with you.
Kailua Farmer’s Market
Address: 609 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 | Day: Thursdays 4-7 pm
Kaka’ako Farmer’s Market
Address: 1240 Ala Moana Blvd #200, Honolulu | Day: Saturdays 8am – noon
Honolulu Farmer’s Market
Address: 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, HI 96814 | Day: Wednesdays 4-7pm
Haleiwa Farmer’s Market
Address: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa | Day: Thursdays 2-6pm
TLDR: The Oahu Da Local’s Food Tour is the best food tour in Oahu. You will be led in a small group by a local guide to some of the tastiest local food joints on the island. You will eat delicious food and learn about the culture of Oahu, hard to bet that! Book now ➜
Final Thoughts: oahu food tours 2023
Overall, a food tour is one of the best things to do on vacation in Oahu. It’s a great way to see a lot of the island, interact with locals, and of course, eat great food.
You truly cannot go wrong with any of the Oahu food tours on the list. They all allow you to taste the most popular Hawaiian foods such as malasadas, garlic shrimp, shave ice, and more. It really comes down to how long you want to spend on the tour and what part of the island you want to see.
I strongly encourage you to book a food tour for your upcoming Oahu vacation! If you have any questions, shoot me an email and I’ll get back to you.
FAQs About food tours in hawaii on Oahu
The Off the Beaten Path Hawaii Food Tour is the best way to sample local Hawaiian foods beyond the overcrowded tourist spots.
The Lanai Tabura Private Aloha Plate Food Tour includes pickup and drop off from the Waikiki area. It’s led by a celebrity chef and tailed-made for your private group.
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