It's only been a little over a week since I was in Hawaii and I'm already jonsing for some of that local goodness.  A tweet about that great local food prompted some inquiries about what local expats eat so I thought I'd just blog about it.

Here are some of the places where I downed some ono grinds on this last trip.

Soon's Korean BBQ

Soon's is the best "Korean" BBQ in Hawaii (IMO).  All their food is tasty but their meat jun is really what sets them apart from the rest.  The secret's in the sauce.  In Hawaii we think of meat jun as Korean food but I'm told there's actually no such thing in Korea.
 

Ono Hawaiian Food

Ono Hawaiian Food serves traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi, pipikaula, and laulau.  I had just eaten Hawaiian food the night before so I opted for some of their equally good tripe stew instead of the Hawaiian items.  A word of warning, this place is well known and recommended by hotels so expect a line.

Waiola Store

Everyone knows Matsumoto's shaved ice but the locals who know go to Waiola Store. Besides unique flavors like haupia (sweet coconut) and lilikoi (passion fruit), Waiola also offers azuki (red beans), ice cream and mochi balls as additional options with their fine shaved ice.  It's arguably as good or better than Matsumoto's and you don't have to drive for an hour to get some.
I'm told the secret to fine shaved ice is to use sugar water for the ice.

Zippy's

Zippy's is certainly no secret but I don't know any expats who can go back to Hawaii and not eat at Zippy's at least once.  There are many Zippy's restaurants across the island serving their famous chili & rice (yep, that's how we roll. None of this cracker BS). Their fried chicken and potato macaroni salad buckets are also very popular especially for beach picnics.

KC Waffle Hotdog

While these dogs taste good, they're value is probably more sentimental.  The original KC drive-inn is gone and there are only a few places left on the island where one can get these unique, slightly sweet, corndog-like treats.  One such place is in the center kiosk at Kahala Mall.  Warning, these carry a huge nostalgia tax ($3.75 ea).

Sugoi

Sugoi's fame grew from their sweet and salty garlic chicken (originally from Mitsuken I believe) but their menu has really grown and all their food is onolicious.  Their menu is primarily based on Japanese "okazuya" style bento but they also have more contemporary local plate lunches as well.

They were incredibly busy packing hundreds lunches for a catering job when we visited there.  Guess business is really good.

Pa'ina Cafe

Pa'ina Cafe wasn't there when I left Hawaii in '06 but it's become quite popular since it opened.  Their menu includes plate lunches, sandwiches and salads but most of my friends like their poke bowls.  The one pictured above includes lomilomi salmon, shoyu poke and kalua pig all over rice.

Hungry Lion Cafe

Unlike Paina, Hungry Lion has been in Hawaii as long as I can remember.  I don't recall eating there often but after that meal I know I'll be going back on my next visit home.  The dish above is the June Jones Special which includes eggs, spam, portuguese sausage and cornbeef hash over fried rice.  Doesn't get any more local than that!

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