When you’re out on Oahu, whether you’re visiting or you call it home, you’ll want to make sure you try the best of everything. While Oahu is known for its gorgeous beaches, it also features a host of delicious local foods to try.
From the natural wonders to the food, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you want to experience these great flavors for yourself, without falling into tourist traps, check out food tours in Oahu.
Best Luaus In Oahu [🏅Top Pick]
Paradise Cove Luau
🌟 4.5/5 stars (4,405+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 4 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you want to experience a traditional Polynesian luau, complete with Hawaiian cuisine, you need to try this Oahu foodie tour.
You’ll be immediately pulled into the fun with a tropical Mai Tai greeting and a lei. From there, try your hand at traditional Hawaiian crafts and play Hawaiian games. As the entertainment begins, you’ll enjoy a dazzling flower shower, followed by the Royal Court Procession and imu (earth oven) ceremony. Afterward, you can dive into a feast and guide yourself through the best food in Oahu, Hawaii, on the scrumptious buffet. With local foods, such as fresh seafood, kalua pork and tropical fruit, you’ll get a taste of all the traditional foods in the area.
James S. (More Reviews)
As if this weren’t enough, throughout the night you’ll see the stunning sunset on Paradise Cove and enjoy a show from award-winning performers, including local musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Between the food and the show, you can be assured this will be a night to remember.
Tip: If you decide to book this Hawaiian luau, pay attention to the different dining packages and transportation options, so you can cater the tour to your needs.
👍 Highlights Of Paradise Cove Luau Food Tour:
- Dinner buffet, blending Hawaiian food and continental cuisine
- Lei & Mai Tai greeting upon arrival
- Traditional Polynesian activities and entertainment
- Enchanting views of Paradise Cove
Chief’s Luau Admission
🌟 4.7/5 stars (2,845+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Take your Oahu foodie tour to the next level and experience a luau with this tour. Headed by the Original World Fire Knife Dance Champion, Chief Sielu, this option offers a delicious Hawaiian buffet and an unparalleled show.
Rosendo D. (More Reviews)
As you enter the luau, you’ll receive a lei greeting and a warm welcome. From there, immerse yourself in traditional culture by learning the art of headband weaving from the locals. Afterward, the lavish buffet will open with traditional foods, such as pineapple glazed chicken and kalua pork. As a top-tier entertainer and comedian, Chief Sielu ensures you experience the best Polynesian show, which is even interactive. You’re sure to remember this evening, as this is one of the best luaus on Oahu.
Tip: Make sure you pay attention to the different ticket tiers while your booking, as the packages vary.
👍 Highlights Of Chief’s Luau Admission Food Tour:
- High-energy, interactive Polynesian show
- Lavish buffet with traditional Hawaiian foods
- Lei greeting upon arrival at the luau
- Fun headband weaving activity
Oahu Food Tours On A Cruise
Three Star Deluxe Sunset Dinner And Show
🌟 4.5/5 stars (1015+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Sail away on a romantic dinner cruise to appreciate the beautiful Hawaiian sunset and an accompanying show with this Oahu food tour.
You’ll be greeted with pier-side hula dancing and a welcome “champagne” toast to celebrate. Once aboard your vessel, the Star of Honolulu, enjoy the beautiful views back on Waikiki and explore the different levels of the boat – all the way up to a gorgeous observation deck.
Teri G. (More Reviews)
Afterwards, settle in for a delicious meal of seafood and steak, as you listen to a mix of Hawaiian music and jazz. Watch the sunset dip below the horizon and paint the sky in amazing colors as you dine. As for the show, “60 Years of Aloha,” it’s an incredible celebration of Hawaiian culture and tradition, with some audience participation (if you like).
👍 Highlights Of Three Star Deluxe Sunset and Show Food Tour:
- Two-hour sunset cruise with amazing views
- Welcome “champagne” toast with hula dancing
- Spectacular show, featuring traditional dancing and Hawaiian culture
- Delicious dinner, featuring steak and seafood, with 2 premium beverages included
Star Casual Sunset And Show Cruise
🌟 4.5/5 stars (1,955+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
You can have an unbelievable dinner cruise, featuring the amazing Hawaiian sunset, on this Oahu food tour.
As you arrive at the boat, enjoy traditional hula dancing by the pier. Make sure you take advantage of the views from the boat, as there are panoramic views to take in the beautiful sunset.
Josh D. (More Reviews)
On this cruise, you’ll be treated to a luxurious 3-course dinner, featuring crab, steak and other delicacies. While you enjoy your meal, sip on a traditional Mai Tai cocktail and watch a live show. The onboard entertainment, which includes the “60 Years of Aloha,” features incredible dancing and cultural traditions.
👍 Highlights Of Star Casual Sunset And Show Cruise Food Tour:
- Incredible sunset cruise with amazing views
- Delicious 3-course meal, including local foods
- One signature Mai Tai cocktail, coffee and tea included
- Show onboard the ship, featuring dancing and cultural demonstrations
Biking And Walking Food Tours In Oahu
Hawaiian Food Tour – Off The Beaten Path
🌟 5/5 stars (450+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you’re worried about finding the best places, where the locals eat, this is one of the best food tours in Oahu for you.
This walking tour takes on a tasting journey through some of Oahu’s best local spots and flavors. Your expert local guide will pick you up and take you to the first location. As you move from location to location, your guide will tell you about Hawaii’s interesting history and culinary heritage. This walking tour will allow you to take in the sights in a small group setting for an intimate experience.
Joseph W. (More Reviews)
Along the way, you’ll try a variety of classic foods, such as manapua, pork adobo, dumplings, local fruits and fresh seafood. Since these are local dishes, made with fresh ingredients, you can expect a delicious sampling excursion. This Honolulu food tour is a truly can’t-miss experience for those who want to pick up tips on how to eat like the locals do.
👍 Highlights Of Hawaiian Food Tour – Off The Beaten Path:
- Walking tour of Oahu’s best food spots – eat where the locals eat
- Delicious samples of a wide variety of local foods
- Expert local guide with tips for the best restaurants
- Tour capped at 12 participants for a personalized experience
Hawaiian Food Tour By Bike In Oahu
🌟 5/5 stars (185+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
If you want your Oahu foodie tour to have a more sporty twist, consider taking the Hawaiian Food Tour by Bike.
Hop on a bicycle and whiz around the island, while you try foods at 5-6 different stops. After your guide picks you up at your Waikiki hotel, you’ll be provided a bicycle and a helmet. Enjoy the sites from your bicycle, such as the statue of Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Shell, while your expert guide tells you incredible facts about Hawaii. Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water during the tour.
Edwin M. (More Reviews)
While biking is fun, you’re bound to love the food. You’ll stop at several local cafes, restaurants, and bars to try different classic Hawaiian food, with enough to amount to a whole lunch. You are guaranteed a taste of many delicious foods as well as stops that you wouldn’t find on your own. It’s a great way to see more of Oahu and get to know its foods.
👍 Highlights Of Hawaiian Food Tour – Off The Beaten Path:
- Local food tastings at several cafes, restaurants and bars
- Bicycle with helmet included, plus transportation from Waikiki Beach hotels
- Professional guide with local tips
- Bottled water to keep you hydrated
Lanai Tabura Curated Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour With Pickup
🌟 5/5 stars (50+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Try a different take on an Oahu foodie tour, with this curated chef experience from the winner of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race,” Lanai Tabura.
This excurion with Lanai Tabura is a great way to experience the best of local cuisine with an expert. On this walking tour, you’ll explore Oahu’s food scene. You’ll move from place to place, trying different dishes and hearing about Hawaiian history. Make sure you come with lots of questions, so you can get the most out of your tour and all the best tips on where to eat later.
Diana R. (More Reviews)
As for the dishes, you’ll have food tastings from several places, including a recreated sugar plantation (Hawaii Plantation Village), a local poke spot, the People’s Cafe and more. You can expect typical dishes done to perfection, such as fresh seafood, opihi, spam musubi, warm malasadas and many more. You’re guaranteed to leave with a full belly and lots of stories about Hawaii’s culture and cuisine. This is a great way to try the local food in Oahu, Hawaii.
👍 Highlights Of Lanai Tabura Curated Aloha Plate Hawaii Food Tour With Pickup:
- Small group—capped at 9 travelers—so you have a very personalized experience
- Excellent food tastings from local businesses
- Walking tour, accompanied by acclaimed chef Lanai Tabura
- Soda and bottled water included throughout
What To Expect On Oahu Food Tours
If you’ve never been on a food tour in Oahu or elsewhere, you may not know exactly what to expect. Rest assured, that’s normal. While different food tours have many variations, there are some things that are common to almost all of them:
See The Sights: Many of these food tours will take you through different areas of Oahu. This means, in lots of cases, you’ll get to take in some of the best tourist sites and try food at the same time. If you want to see something specific, make sure you inquire about the tour route before finalizing your booking.
Meet Other Foodies: Lots of Oahu food tours will cap their participants at a relatively low number, such as 20 or less (with Oahu luaus as the exception). This means you’ll get the chance to get to know other foodies and travelers. It also allows you to have more time with your guide to ask questions and gather all the best tips.
Taste Great Food: Most food tours will give you tons of food samples from different local spots, so you can try a variety of great food. This is an awesome way to make sure you don’t miss out on classic Hawaiian cuisine. If you have something in particular you want to try, make sure you check out the menu before you sign up for your tour.
Get Expert Knowledge: Like any Hawaii food tour, these local culinary excursions in Oahu are a great way to gather some local knowledge on the food scene, history, and culture. These tours are typically led by local friendly guides, who are eager to answer any questions you have. They’ll share facts about Oahu as well as stories. Make sure you come with great questions to get the most out of your tour.
FAQs About Food Tours In Oahu
What food is Oahu known for?
Since there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to say exactly what food Oahu is known for. Some of the most popular answers will be poke, manapua, malasadas and shaved ice. These foods are very well known in Hawaii generally. You’ll find that lots of food tours include these dishes. If you want to try a particular dish, make sure you check the menu before signing up.
How long is an Oahu foodie tour?
If you went through our entire list, you’ll see there is some variation based on which one you decide to take. You can expect tours to last between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the type of tour you select. If you’re trying to plan around another tour or activity on your trip, make sure you’re paying attention to the tour details.
Should I eat before an Oahu food tour?
Generally, you won’t want to have a big meal before you take off on your food tour. Most of these fantastic foodie adventures include tastings that add up to a meal or lavish buffets, which will leave you full. Of course, this varies by tour, so make sure you know what to expect before you head out.
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
If you’re working around an allergy or dietary restriction, make sure you contact the tour company before booking to confirm if they can accommodate your situation. While some tour providers have options for different dietary preferences and restrictions, some cannot work around those needs or will need advance notice to plan for you.
Are drinks included on an Oahu food tour?
Normally, drinks are not included, unless you see it specifically noted in the details. Some will include a welcome cocktail, coffee or tea, soda or bottled water, but this is highly variable. If you don’t want to purchase drinks, you can always bring your own water bottle, so you won’t have to make extra purchases.