Taste The Tropics At 15 Of Washington’s Best Hawaiian Cuisine Spots
Washington might be thousands of miles from Hawaii, but you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy island flavors.
From traditional plate lunches to fresh poke bowls, the Evergreen State has embraced Hawaiian cuisine with open arms.
These 15 eateries bring the aloha spirit to the Pacific Northwest, offering authentic tastes that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.
1. Kauai Family Restaurant
Family recipes shine at this South Seattle gem where generations of island cooking tradition come to life.
The loco moco here will make you weak in the knees – a hamburger patty topped with gravy and a perfectly fried egg.
Their spam musubi has a cult following among locals who know authentic Hawaiian grindz when they taste it. Cash only, so come prepared!
2. Kona Kitchen
Morning cravings? Kona Kitchen’s Hawaiian breakfast with Portuguese sausage and eggs might just be your new weekend ritual. The late-night crowd swears by their saimin noodle soup after an evening out.
Founded by the beloved late actress Yuji Okumoto and his wife, this restaurant doubles as a community hub. Their spam musubi wrapped in nori makes for the perfect handheld snack any time of day.
3. Bobby’s Hawaiian Style Restaurant
Kalua pig so tender it practically melts on your fork awaits at Bobby’s. The smoky, savory meat pairs perfectly with their mac salad, which strikes that ideal balance between creamy and tangy.
Bobby’s unpretentious strip-mall location belies the authentic island cooking happening inside. Their plate lunches come piled high enough to feed you twice over – the true Hawaiian way of showing love through food.
4. Musubi Kai
Musubi madness reigns supreme at this specialty shop dedicated to Hawaii’s favorite handheld snack.
Beyond classic spam, their creative variations include teriyaki chicken, unagi, and spicy tuna that push the musubi envelope.
Perfect for grabbing lunch on the go, each rice bundle comes wrapped in crisp nori and made fresh throughout the day.
Their homemade teriyaki sauce alone is worth the trip – sweet, savory, and clinging perfectly to each grain of rice.
5. Marination Ma Kai
Waterfront views and Hawaiian-Korean fusion create magic at this West Seattle favorite. Their miso ginger chicken tacos have developed an almost religious following among Seattle foodies.
The patio overlooking Elliott Bay might be the closest thing to dining in Hawaii without leaving Washington.
Don’t miss their Mac Salad – a creamy, tangy masterpiece that’s earned them multiple “best in Seattle” nods over the years.
6. 45th Stop N Shop & Poke Bar
Hidden inside an unassuming convenience store lies some of Seattle’s most authentic poke. The salmon with avocado poke bowl has converted many first-timers into regular customers.
Students from nearby UW flock here for affordable, filling meals that don’t sacrifice quality. Made-to-order bowls mean nothing sits around getting soggy.
Grab some Hawaiian Sun fruit punch to complete your mini island vacation in the middle of Wallingford.
7. Cakes Of Paradise Bakery
Sweet tropical dreams come true at this Georgetown bakery specializing in Hawaiian desserts.
Their haupia cake – layers of coconut pudding between light vanilla cake – has been known to cause spontaneous happiness.
Locals plan ahead to snag their guava chiffon cake for special occasions. The pastel pink color and delicate tropical flavor make any celebration more festive.
Their butter mochi squares deliver that perfect chewy texture that’s nearly impossible to find outside Hawaii.
8. Pasifika Grill & Bar
Eastside diners have struck gold with this upscale take on Pacific Island cuisine.
Their kalbi short ribs caramelize beautifully on the grill, delivering that perfect sweet-savory balance that keeps tables full every weekend.
Cocktails here deserve special mention – the Lilikoi Margarita blends passion fruit with quality tequila for a taste of tropical luxury.
9. Patrick’s Café & Bakery
Malasadas that would make any Hawaiian grandma proud emerge hot and fresh from Patrick’s kitchen daily.
These Portuguese-Hawaiian donuts come rolled in sugar and filled with custard, chocolate, or tropical fruit creams.
Beyond sweet treats, their plate lunches deserve attention too. The chicken katsu crunches perfectly with each bite.
10. Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max
Celebrity chef Sam Choy brings his poke expertise to Seattle with spectacular results.
The food truck that became a brick-and-mortar sensation serves poke that’s deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition yet playfully creative.
Their garlic shrimp plate pays homage to North Shore food trucks with plump shrimp swimming in buttery garlic sauce.
Rice bowls topped with furikake and fresh poke make for a quick lunch that feels like a special occasion meal.
11. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
This Hawaiian chain brings consistent island comfort food to multiple Washington neighborhoods.
Their chicken katsu comes with that signature crispy coating that somehow stays crunchy even under a blanket of curry sauce.
The BBQ mix plate offers a tour of Hawaiian favorites – beef, chicken, and short ribs all glazed with their sweet-savory sauce.
12. Big Island Poke
Renton’s poke paradise lets you build your dream bowl from scratch. The shoyu tuna base gets an extra dimension from their house-made marinade that balances soy, sesame, and subtle sweetness perfectly.
Toppings here go beyond standard fare to include crispy garlic chips, pickled mango, and spicy aioli drizzles.
Their limu (seaweed) poke brings authentic Hawaiian flavors that transport you straight to Hilo’s famous poke shops.
13. Aloha Plates
Tacoma’s favorite food truck serves Hawaiian classics with heartwarming hospitality. Their loco moco gravy achieves that perfect consistency – thick enough to coat each bite but not so heavy it overwhelms.
The kalua pork nachos represent the best kind of fusion – crispy chips loaded with smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and tropical pico de gallo.
14. Da Tiki Hut
Kitsch meets quality at this tiki-themed spot where the food delivers way beyond what the playful decor might suggest.
Their Kahlua pork egg rolls offer a creative twist on tradition – crispy wrappers stuffed with tender shredded pork and served with pineapple sweet chili sauce.
The lomi lomi salmon – a refreshing mix of salt-cured salmon with tomatoes and onions – makes the perfect side dish to balance richer menu items.
15. Ohana Hawaiian BBQ
College students and locals alike flock to this Bellingham spot for affordable island comfort food.
Their Loco Moco features a hand-formed burger patty smothered in mushroom gravy that’s rich enough to make you consider drinking it straight.
The portions here are genuinely Hawaiian-sized – meaning you’ll likely have leftovers for tomorrow. Their teriyaki sauce balances sweetness and umami perfectly, clinging to each grain of rice.
