Travel Itinerary
Hawaiian cuisine brings the sunny flavors of the islands right to Washington state! From juicy kalua pork to sticky rice bowls topped with fresh poke, these restaurants serve up authentic island dishes that transport you straight to paradise. Whether you’re craving a plate lunch or a tropical cocktail, Washington’s Hawaiian food scene has something delicious waiting for you.
1. Marination Ma Kai – West Seattle
Perched beside the water, diners soak in sweeping Seattle skyline views while aromas of miso ginger chicken and kimchi fried rice float from the kitchen.
Hawaiian and Korean flavors mingle in each dish, creating a kind of magic that feels both comforting and exciting. Weekends lure in hungry crowds, so early arrivals win the best seats. When sunshine glimmers across Puget Sound, the patio transforms into the city’s tastiest front-row view.
2. Kona Kitchen – Seattle & Lynnwood
Family-owned comfort food heaven where island traditions meet mainland cravings. The loco moco (hamburger patty over rice with gravy and egg) might change your life forever.
Late-night karaoke sessions turn dinner into an unforgettable party. Founder Yuji Okumoto (yes, the bad guy from Karate Kid II!) often greets guests himself.
3. Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max – Seattle & Sea-Tac
Where celebrity chef Sam Choy’s fresh poke creations steal the spotlight! Started as a food truck and exploded into multiple locations because the food’s just that incredible.
Try the garlic ahi poke bowl with furikake seasoning. Even airport travelers detour to the Sea-Tac location rather than settle for boring terminal food.
4. Pasifika Grill & Bar – Bellevue
Upscale island dining sends taste buds swaying like a hula, with coconut-crusted mahi-mahi topped by bright mango salsa sparking bursts of tropical flavor.
One sip of a happy hour mai tai delivers a playful kick, while modern interiors glow with Pacific artwork that begs for a slow stroll between courses. By the time dessert arrives, plans for the next visit are already dancing in your mind.
5. Aloha Island Grill – Spokane
Eastern Washington’s tropical treasure serves island-style plate lunches that’ll make you forget you’re surrounded by pine trees instead of palm trees! Their kalua pork practically melts in your mouth.
Generous portions mean you’ll definitely have leftovers. The owners’ infectious cheerfulness makes every customer feel like ohana (family).
6. Hang 10 Hawaiian BBQ – Spokane
South Hill’s surf-themed spot brings smoky island BBQ spirit straight to the mainland. Teriyaki chicken lands that sweet-savory harmony, leaving fingers sticky in the best way and the air rich with grilled aroma. Vintage surfboards line the walls, wrapping diners in vacation vibes without the plane ticket.
Can’t decide? A mixed plate lets you ride a wave of three meaty masterpieces all at once.
7. Hawaiian Sun BBQ – Everett
Hidden gem shines from a humble strip mall, serving flavor bombs so bold your taste buds might break into a luau dance.
Kalbi short ribs hold legendary status with locals, smoky-sweet aromas drawing crowds who can’t stay away. Staff greet regulars like old friends, often sliding in extra mac salad when a playful shaka comes their way.
8. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – Renton
Famous Hawaii-born chain dishes out true plate-lunch comfort across Washington, filling the air with the scent of sizzling katsu chicken.
Crisp on the outside and tender inside, each cutlet keeps fans lining up week after week. Generous portions feel big enough to feed a village, while spam musubi offers a grab-and-go bite that nails salty-sweet harmony in every chew.
9. Pac Island Grill – Federal Way
Kalua pork is so tender it falls apart with just a stern look! This family-run spot brings generations-old recipes from Molokai straight to Federal Way.
Their hurricane fries topped with kalua pork should be illegal, they’re so addictive. Weekend specials often feature hard-to-find Hawaiian dishes like pipikaula (Hawaiian-style beef jerky).
10. Aloha Grill – Renton
Flavor bombs burst from a modest strip mall treasure, where garlic shrimp plates release buttery, garlicky aromas that echo North Shore food trucks minus the plane ticket.
Sauce clings so perfectly you’ll be tempted to sip it like soup, rich enough to leave lips smiling. Owners import key ingredients from Hawaii itself, keeping island authenticity alive in every bite and making each plate feel like a little passport to paradise.
11. A1 Hawaiian BBQ – Kent
Massive portions meet friendly prices at a Kent hotspot locals can’t stop loving. Mixed plates arrive piled high, big enough to feed an army and loaded with island specialties begging to be sampled together.
BBQ chicken paired with creamy mac salad strikes flavor gold, while silky haupia finishes the meal with coconut-scented sweetness that lingers long after the last spoonful.
12. Ohana Belltown – Seattle
Urban island spirit collides with craft cocktails in a downtown hangout buzzing with energy. Poke nachos flip Hawaiian tradition into a modern masterpiece, each bite bursting with freshness and flair.
Tropical drinks arrive in playful tiki mugs, aromas of pineapple and rum floating through the air before the first sip. When late-night happy hour kicks in, it becomes the go-to stop after a show, serving bar food’s cooler, tastier cousin.