Hawaiian Christmas Feasts: Local Dishes to Try During the Holidays

Traditional Hawaiian Christmas Dishes That Bring Aloha to Your Table

Hawaii’s Christmas feasts are more than just meals—they’re celebrations of culture, history, and family. Growing up in the islands, I remember how each dish carried a story. Kālua pig reminded us of ancient Hawaiian cooking methods, while laulau and lomi lomi salmon brought together native traditions and the influences of immigrant cultures. Holiday tables overflowed with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and desserts that turned family gatherings into vibrant, flavorful festivities. These dishes don’t just satisfy hunger—they connect us to the land, sea, and people who make Hawaii so special. Whether you’re visiting or a local, a Hawaiian Christmas feast is an unforgettable way to experience the islands’ unique aloha spirit through food.

1. Kālua Pig: The Star of the Feast

At the heart of any Hawaiian celebration is the iconic kālua pig, traditionally cooked in an imu (underground oven). The slow-roasting process infuses the pork with smoky, tender goodness. During Christmas, this dish often takes center stage at luaus or family gatherings. Served alongside steamed rice or baked taro, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to embrace authentic island flavors.

Where to Dig Into the Best Kālua Pig

• Helena’s Hawaiian Food (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  This James Beard Award-winning spot is a local treasure. Their smoky kālua pig is perfection, and the casual vibe makes it feel like a family gathering.
  Location: 1240 N School St. Take TheBus Route 2.
• Merriman’s Waimea (Big Island)
  Known for upscale Hawaiian dining, Merriman’s serves kālua pig with a gourmet twist. It’s a favorite for celebrating special occasions.
  Location: 65-1227 Opelo Rd. Drive via Mamalahoa Hwy.
• The Pig & The Lady (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  This trendy spot combines traditional flavors with modern flair. Their kālua pig dish with Southeast Asian-inspired sides is unforgettable. The perfect place for foodies seeking something unique.
  Location: 83 N King St. Drive via Nimitz Hwy or take TheBus Route 13.

A Local's Take on Kālua Pig

“I remember my dad roasting a kālua pig in the backyard for Christmas—it was an all-day event. The smoky aroma filled the air, and we’d all gather around to pull the tender pork straight from the imu. To me, it’s not just food; it’s a taste of family and tradition.” – Kainoa, Honolulu Resident.

‍2. Lomi Lomi Salmon: A Refreshing Side

No Hawaiian feast is complete without lomi lomi salmon, a chilled dish made with salted salmon, tomatoes, onions, and green onions. Its bright, tangy flavor serves as a refreshing contrast to richer dishes like kālua pig. During Christmas, lomi lomi salmon adds a splash of color and zest to the table.

Where to Savor the Best Lomi Lomi Salmon

• Tamura’s Market (Various Locations)
  Known for their fresh seafood selection, Tamura’s delivers on flavor. Their lomi lomi salmon is a perfect grab-and-go option for holiday parties or beachside picnics.
  Location: Multiple locations, including Kapolei on Oʻahu. Drive via H1.
• Hukilau Lanai (Kauaʻi)
  A farm-to-table favorite, Hukilau Lanai elevates lomi lomi salmon with a fresh, citrus twist. The relaxed, garden-side dining adds to the experience.
  Location: 520 Aleka Loop, Kapaʻa. Accessible via Route 56.
• Side Street Inn (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  This local favorite serves lomi lomi salmon with generous portions and a homemade touch. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like a family recipe.
  Location: 1225 Hopaka St. Drive via Ala Moana Blvd or take TheBus Route 8.

A Local's Take on Lomi Lomi Salmon

“My grandma made lomi lomi salmon for every holiday. She’d teach us how to mix it with our hands, ‘massaging’ the ingredients like the name suggests. It’s a dish full of love.” – Leilani, Maui Resident

3. Laulau: A Gift Wrapped in Taro Leaves

Laulau is a treasured Hawaiian delicacy made by wrapping pork, butterfish, or chicken in taro leaves and steaming it to perfection. The result is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish with earthy undertones. Often paired with poi, laulau is a holiday must-have for a true taste of Hawaiian tradition.

Where to Unwrap the Best Laulau

• Young’s Fish Market (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  A family favorite for decades, Young’s Fish Market serves laulau that’s tender, flavorful, and authentically Hawaiian. Perfect for holiday celebrations.
  Location: 1286 Kalani St. Drive via Dillingham Blvd or take TheBus Route 42.
• Kaaloa’s Super J’s (Big Island)
  This roadside spot serves laulau that tastes like it came straight from your Hawaiian auntie’s kitchen. Their butterfish laulau is especially popular.
  Location: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook. Accessible via Route 11.
• Yama’s Fish Market (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Yama’s is a go-to for authentic laulau and other Hawaiian plate lunches. Their generous portions and homey vibe make it a standout.
  Location: 2332 Young St. Drive via H1 or take TheBus Route 1.

A Local's Take on Laulau

“I remember opening my first laulau as a kid and being amazed at how the taro leaves locked in all the flavor. It felt like unwrapping a little gift at every family gathering.” – Keanu, Kauaʻi Resident

4. Holiday Poke Platters

Poke (pronounced poh-kay) is a Hawaiian staple, featuring fresh, marinated fish like ahi (tuna). For Christmas, poke platters often feature festive garnishes and a variety of flavors, making them a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Where to Find the Freshest Holiday Poke

• Ono Seafood (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Known for their spicy ahi poke, Ono Seafood’s freshness is unmatched. During the holidays, their colorful poke platters are a big hit.
  Location: 747 Kapahulu Ave. Walkable from Waikīkī or take TheBus Route 13.
• Da Poke Shack (Big Island)
  With a beachside location and poke that’s as fresh as it gets, Da Poke Shack serves platters perfect for a casual Christmas feast.
  Location: 76-6246 Aliʻi Dr, Kailua-Kona. Accessible via Route 11.
• Maguro Brothers (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Tucked away in Chinatown, Maguro Brothers serves some of the finest poke on the island. Their holiday platters are a seafood lover’s dream.
  Location: 1039 Kekaulike St. Drive via Nimitz Hwy or take TheBus Route 1.

A Local's Take on Poke

“Every Christmas, my cousins and I put together a huge poke platter. The mix of fresh fish, shoyu, and seaweed always reminds me of home and family.” – Alika, Big Island Resident.

‍5. Sweet Potato Haupia Pie: A Festive Dessert

This vibrant dessert layers Okinawan sweet potato with a creamy coconut haupia topping, creating a sweet treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for adding an island-inspired twist to your Christmas celebrations.

Where to Indulge in Sweet Potato Haupia Pie

• Ted’s Bakery (North Shore, Oʻahu)
  Ted’s is famous for this iconic dessert. The creamy haupia and earthy sweet potato make it worth the drive.
  Location: 59-024 Kamehameha Hwy. Drive via Route 83.
• Diamond Head Market & Grill (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Their take on haupia pie is a crowd-pleaser, with a slightly modern twist. Great for holiday gatherings.
  Location: 3158 Monsarrat Ave. Walkable from Waikīkī or take TheBus Route 2.
• Ani’s Bake Shop (Pearl City, Oʻahu)
  Ani’s specializes in pies and pastries, and their haupia pie is a holiday standout. Locals rave about its perfectly balanced flavors.
  Location: 98-040 Kamehameha Hwy. Drive via H1 or take TheBus Route 40.

A Local's Take on Sweet Potato Haupia Pie

“My aunt makes sweet potato haupia pie every Christmas, but we always grab a few from Ted’s as backups because they disappear so quickly. It’s the ultimate Hawaiian dessert!” – Mālia, Oʻahu Resident

6. Fresh Island Seafood: A Coastal Celebration

Hawaiian Christmas dinners often feature the ocean’s bounty, from grilled mahi-mahi to coconut-crusted shrimp. Fresh seafood dishes bring a light and flavorful element to the holiday table, perfect for tropical celebrations.

Where to Enjoy the Freshest Island Seafood

• Mama’s Fish House (Maui)
  This iconic spot offers freshly caught seafood with gourmet preparations and an unforgettable oceanfront view. Their Christmas specials are both elegant and packed with island flavors.
  Location: 799 Poho Pl, Pāʻia. Drive via Hana Hwy.
• The Fish Hopper (Big Island)
  Known for their macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi, this oceanfront restaurant combines great seafood with a festive holiday atmosphere.
  Location: 75-5683 Aliʻi Dr, Kailua-Kona. Walkable from the town center.
• Paia Fish Market (Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi)
  A casual favorite among locals, their grilled fish platters are simple but bursting with freshness—perfect for a laid-back Christmas meal.
  Location: Multiple locations; try the Waikīkī spot at 2299 Kūhiō Ave. Accessible by TheBus Route 2.

A Local's Take on Island Seafood

“For Christmas, my dad would spear his own fish and grill it for the family. Now, whenever I eat at Mama’s Fish House, it brings back those memories of fresh, smoky seafood.” – Kimo, Maui Resident

7. Tropical Fruit-Inspired Treats

Hawaiian Christmas wouldn’t be complete without desserts inspired by the islands’ lush fruits. From guava chiffon cake to pineapple upside-down cake, these sweets add a vibrant tropical twist to holiday gatherings.

Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

• Liliha Bakery (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Famous for their coco puffs, but their guava chiffon cake is a holiday favorite. Perfect for bringing island vibes to your Christmas table.
  Location: 515 N Kuakini St. Drive via H201 or take TheBus Route 1.
• Haleakalā Creamery (Maui)
  Specializing in goat-milk caramel, they pair it with tropical fruit desserts that are as unique as they are delicious.
  Location: 903 Hāliʻimaile Rd. Drive via Hana Hwy.
• Wailua Shave Ice (Kauaʻi)
  Known for inventive flavors like mango-lilikoi, their frozen treats bring a playful twist to tropical desserts.
  Location: 4-1300 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa. Accessible by Route 56.

A Local's Take on Tropical Fruit Desserts

“My mom always baked guava cake for Christmas, but now I grab one from Liliha Bakery. It tastes just like home, and no one can tell it’s store-bought!” – Kaila, Oʻahu Resident

8. Saimin: A Cozy Christmas Comfort Food

Saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino cuisines, is a beloved comfort dish. Topped with char siu (barbecue pork), green onions, and fish cake, it’s perfect for warming up during holiday gatherings.

Where to Slurp the Best Saimin

• Shiro’s Saimin Haven (Aiea, Oʻahu)
  A legendary spot for old-school saimin. Their hearty broth and homemade noodles feel like a warm hug during the holidays.
  Location: 98-020 Kamehameha Hwy. Accessible via Route 83 or drive via H1.
• Hamura Saimin Stand (Kauaʻi)
  Famous for their no-frills, comforting saimin. It’s a family tradition to stop here after Christmas shopping.
  Location: 2956 Kress St, Līhuʻe. Drive via Route 50.
• Manago Hotel Restaurant (Big Island)
  Rustic and cozy, their saimin has been a local favorite for generations. Perfect for a post-beach meal during the holidays.
  Location: 82-6150 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Drive via Route 11.

A Local's Take on Saimin

“I grew up eating saimin during the holidays. My favorite memory is slurping noodles at Shiro’s with my cousins after we decorated the Christmas tree—it always felt so festive.” – Emi, Oʻahu Resident

9. Ahi Tuna Carpaccio with Island Flavors

For a light and elegant dish, ahi tuna carpaccio infused with island ingredients like macadamia nuts, wasabi, and citrus is a must-try. It’s a modern take on Hawaii’s love for fresh, high-quality fish.

Where to Find the Most Elegant Ahi Tuna Carpaccio

• Morimoto Asia Waikīkī (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Chef Morimoto’s ahi carpaccio is a masterful blend of freshness and flavor. Perfect for foodies looking for something upscale this holiday season.
  Location: 2490 Kalākaua Ave. Walkable from Waikīkī or take TheBus Route 2.
• Hali’imaile General Store (Maui)
  Their carpaccio is elevated with a macadamia nut crust and tropical citrus dressing—a true showstopper for holiday dining.
  Location: 900 Hāliʻimaile Rd. Drive via Hana Hwy.
• Roy’s Waikoloa (Big Island)
  Innovative and always fresh, Roy’s ahi carpaccio brings an artistic flair to traditional island ingredients.
  Location: 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Accessible via Route 19.

A Local's Take on Ahi Tuna Carpaccio

“I had carpaccio at Morimoto’s for the first time last Christmas, and it changed the way I think about ahi. The flavors are so delicate yet bold—it’s unforgettable!” – Mānoa, Oʻahu Resident

10. Traditional Hawaiian Beverages

Hawaiian drinks like lilikoi juice, mai tais, and coconut water add tropical cheer to any Christmas celebration. For a warm treat, Hawaiian-style hot chocolate with coconut and macadamia nut is a must.

Where to Sip the Best Hawaiian Drinks

• Waikīkī Brewing Company (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
  Known for craft beers infused with island flavors, their holiday brews are perfect for a festive toast.
  Location: 1945 Kalākaua Ave. Walkable from Waikīkī or take TheBus Route 2.
• Big Island Brewhaus (Big Island)
  This local brewery crafts small-batch ales with tropical twists. Their holiday specials always feel like Christmas in a glass.
  Location: 64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea. Drive via Route 190.
• Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice (Maui)
  Their lilikoi juice is a fan favorite, offering a refreshing twist on classic holiday drinks.
  Location: 819 Front St, Lāhainā. Accessible via Route 30.

A Local's Take on Hawaiian Beverages

“Every Christmas, we toast with lilikoi juice mixed with sparkling water. It’s a simple drink, but it always brings back memories of my grandma squeezing fresh passion fruit for our holiday dinners.” – Pua, Maui Resident

Hawaiian Christmas dishes aren’t just about the flavors—they’re about the memories and connections we share over every bite. This holiday season, let the islands’ culinary magic inspire your own celebrations, whether you’re indulging in kālua pig, savoring sweet potato haupia pie, or raising a toast with lilikoi juice. May your holidays be filled with aloha, warmth, and the spirit of ohana.