The 9 Best Food Tours In Honolulu

The 9 Best Food Tours in Honolulu

Honolulu isn’t just about soaking up the sun and gazing at surfboards—it’s also a fantastic place to explore Hawaiian cuisine and multicultural flavors. This city boasts a lively food scene where tradition meets innovation. Whether you’re craving poke, garlic shrimp, or want to explore hidden local eateries, food tours here offer a chance to taste authentic dishes, learn about their origins, and see a side of the islands many visitors miss.

In this guide, we’ll walk through nine of the best food tours in Honolulu. Expect everything from small-group explorations of local favorites, to full-day adventures that combine scenic waterfalls, cultural insights, and craft drinks. We’ve included tours suited for different interests and budgets, so you can find the perfect match—whether you want a quick bite, an immersive experience, or a private tour for your group.

Quick Overview of Honolulu Food Tours

Honolulu’s food tour scene covers a wide range of experiences. Da Local’s Food Tour of Oahu is a 3-hour small-group adventure focusing on the best local eats like poke and shave ice. Shared Food & Waterfall Tour in Honolulu combines food tastings with breathtaking scenery and cultural insights over 7 to 8 hours. For those seeking a private experience, the 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour offers a personalized drive past top eateries. Other options include bike tours, waterfall hikes, and even a brewery and food combo—each designed to show off different facets of Honolulu’s food, scenery, and local life.

Now, let’s explore each tour more deeply, so you can pick the one that fits your taste and schedule.

1. Da Local’s Food Tour of Oahu

At number 1, this 3-hour small-group tour (see details here) is perfect if you want a quick, authentic taste of Oahu’s best local eateries. The tour takes you to places loved by locals, bypassing tourist traps. You’ll sample dishes like poke, garlic shrimp, and shave ice, giving you a real Hawaiian flavor experience. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authenticity and the small group size (max eight people), which ensures a more personalized experience. The tour includes hassle-free pickup from your Honolulu accommodation, removing logistical worries.

Your guide, Victor, shares insights about Hawaii’s multicultural food influences and Hawaiian history, making each stop not just tasty but educational. Guests often leave stuffed and happy, with one commenting, “We left stuffed! My husband had leftovers!” This tour is a great pick for families, first-timers, and foodies looking for a relaxed, intimate experience.

Bottom Line: It offers a quick dive into local flavors, ideal if you have limited time but want a strong taste of Hawaiian cuisine.

2. Shared Food & Waterfall Tour in Honolulu

Number 2 on our list (check it out here) is a full-day adventure blending food, scenery, and culture. This tour is best suited for those wanting a more comprehensive experience. You’ll leave Waikiki behind and explore the North Shore’s backroads, visiting Waimea Falls—a highlight with its 45-foot cascade within a lush botanical garden. The trip also includes visits to a coffee and chocolate farm, a macadamia nut farm, and local food trucks serving garlic shrimp and poke.

What makes this tour special is its ability to combine culinary tastings with natural beauty. You’ll taste single-origin coffee, Hawaiian craft rum, and learn about the island’s agricultural heritage. The tour’s reviews praise the knowledgeable guide Yianni, who customizes the experience based on the group’s interests, making it feel like exploring with a friend. The inclusion of cultural insights and local flavors makes this a well-rounded choice.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a day of scenery with memorable food stops—a true taste of North Shore life.

3. Oahu’s Fun and Foodie Tour Groups of 5 or more Only!

Number 3 (more info here) is an award-winning, larger group experience designed for groups of five or more. This 6 to 7-hour tour begins with a top-rated breakfast at Café Kaila, known for its home-style favorites like French toast and eggs Benedict. The itinerary includes a Macadamia Nut Farm stop, the Dole Plantation train or maze, and sampling shaved ice at Matsumotos.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day with a mix of food, fun, and island sights. The driver doubles as the guide, sharing local stories and tips. Reviewers mention that the tour is flexible, with one saying, “Yianni was excellent! He made the trip fun and interesting.” The price reflects the length and variety of stops, making it a good value for a full-day experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for families or groups wanting a full, lively day that balances local eats and sightseeing.

4. Sea / Eat & See The North Shore

Number 4 (see the tour details) offers a relaxing 8-hour day exploring the North Shore’s iconic spots and local food. Starting with a hike to Makapu’u Lighthouse—famous for its panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings—you’ll also enjoy snorkeling with turtles at nearby beaches. The tour includes lunch at a shrimp truck, local fruit stands, and visits to the quaint town of Kailua.

What makes this experience stand out is its mix of adventure and leisure, with opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and beach lounging. The guide arranges snorkeling gear and customizes stops based on your interests. Reviewers love the tour’s combination of scenic beauty and authentic local flavors, making it ideal for active travelers who want a balanced day.

Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re after an adventure-packed day with scenic views and tasty island eats.

5. 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour

Number 5 (more info here) is a private, customized tour that takes you on a 6-hour drive around Oahu’s best food spots. For $229.95, your party visits local favorites like Leonard’s Malasadas, the Yellow Shrimp Shack, and fried banana lumpia on the North Shore. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience without the fuss of large groups.

The tour emphasizes finding authentic, non-touristy eateries. Reviewers highlight the friendly guide and the variety of food stops, noting that Wade’s recommendations led to some of their favorite bites in Oahu. This tour is best suited for foodies who want flexibility and personal attention.

Bottom Line: A great choice if you prefer a private, tailored food tour with insider picks.

6. Half-Day Waterfall Tour – Hike, Scenic, Food and Photo

Number 6 (see details here) offers a 4.5-hour adventure into hidden waterfalls and scenic vistas. The tour features a moderate rainforest hike to two secret waterfalls, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. After the hike, you’ll visit the Tantalus Lookout for sweeping city views, then enjoy a local poke lunch.

What makes this tour special is its focus on off-the-beaten-path nature experiences combined with local cuisine. The guide, Eric, is praised for making the hike challenging but rewarding, and the waterfall is described as “beautiful and secluded.” This tour suits active travelers comfortable with a moderate hike who want a blend of nature and local food.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a unique outdoor experience paired with local flavors.

7. Hawaii: Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour

Number 7 (find out more) is a 10-hour comprehensive tour covering Oahu’s main attractions, including beaches, Byodo-in Temple, and scenic vistas. It combines sightseeing with local food tastings and a Hawaiian-style lunch.

This tour is best for travelers wanting a full overview of the island’s highlights along with culinary stops. It’s especially valuable for first-timers who want to maximize their time and see everything in one go. The admission to Byodo-in Temple is included, adding a cultural touch. Reviewers mention the full day packed with variety and interesting commentary from the guide.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for comprehensive sightseeing combined with local eats.

8. Hawaiian Foodie Bike Tour

Number 8 (details here) offers a 4-hour guided bike ride through Honolulu’s multicultural neighborhoods. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to explore local eateries without the car, cycling 6-8 miles through back streets, parks, and hidden spots.

What makes this tour stand out is its local narration from a 40-year resident, sharing stories and small food stops at local, affordable establishments. It’s a fun, informal way to taste Hawaiian specialties and discover neighborhoods often overlooked by travelers. Reviewers praise the friendly guide and the balance of exercise and food.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active food lovers wanting an interactive, off-the-beaten-path experience.

9. Honolulu: Brewery and Local Food Tour

Rounding out the list, this brewery and food tour (see details here) is for those who want to sample craft beers along with Hawaiian-inspired modern cuisine. It’s a 4.5-hour experience focusing on Honolulu’s arts district, with brewery tours (available on the second Saturday of each month) and a Hawaiian lunch.

This tour appeals to beer lovers and foodies who enjoy local breweries and artistic neighborhoods. It’s a more intimate experience, for up to two people, and includes a farmers market stop. Reviewers mention the interactive murals and the brewery tour led by brewmaster as highlights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for beer connoisseurs seeking a modern take on island flavors in a lively arts setting.

How to Choose Your Food Tour

When selecting the best food tour in Honolulu, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you’re short on time but want a taste of local food, Da Local’s Food Tour is a clear choice. For a full day combining scenery and flavors, the Shared Food & Waterfall Tour offers a balanced mix. Travelers looking for a private experience should consider the 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour, which can be tailored to your preferences.

For those wanting active outdoor exploration paired with local bites, the Half-Day Waterfall Tour delivers a scenic adventure, while the Hawaiian Foodie Bike Tour combines exercise and cultural discovery. If craft beer and art appeal, the Brewery & Food Tour offers a contemporary experience.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as popular tours fill quickly.

Final Thoughts

Honolulu offers a diverse range of food tours that showcase everything from authentic Hawaiian dishes to scenic outdoor adventures. For a quick, flavorful intro, Da Local’s Food Tour is hard to beat. Want a comprehensive day with cultural insights? The Shared Food & Waterfall Tour is an excellent choice. And for those who prefer a private, flexible experience, the 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour delivers personalized attention.

Whatever your interest and schedule, Honolulu’s food scene is ready to satisfy your curiosity and appetite. Be sure to book early, and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian adventure!