Honolulu isn’t just about stunning beaches and vibrant city life—it’s a food lover’s paradise. The city offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences, blending traditional Hawaiian dishes with multicultural influences. Whether you’re craving a private day exploring surf beaches and pineapple farms or eager to sample the best local bites at food trucks and eateries, Honolulu’s food tours deliver authenticity and flavor. Our favorites include Beaches, Food & Aloha: Private Oahu Tour for its highly customizable experience and wildlife viewing, and Da Local’s Food Tour of Oahu for its intimate taste of local favorites.
What makes Honolulu particularly great for food tours is the city’s blend of rich local ingredients, such as fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and locally grown coffee and chocolate. Plus, many tours include cultural insights, making your tasting experience more meaningful. From uncovering off-the-beaten-path eateries to enjoying fresh poke bowls or garlic shrimp from food trucks, Honolulu’s culinary scene invites you to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.
Quick Overview
The list below covers a variety of food tours suited to different interests and budgets. You’ll find private custom tours that include scenic sightseeing and wildlife spotting, like Beaches, Food & Aloha, as well as shorter, intimate food tastings such as Da Local’s Food Tour. Other options include combined sightseeing and foodie adventures, such as Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour, or family-friendly experiences like We Go Eat – Secret Aloha Bites. Read on for detailed insights into each experience.
1. Beaches, Food & Aloha: Private Oahu Tour
At number 1, the Beaches, Food & Aloha: Private Oahu Tour stands out for its fully customizable approach—perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with authentic local experiences. This private tour lasts around 6 to 7 hours and includes round-trip transport from your hotel, making it a stress-free way to explore the island’s highlights. Your guide can tailor your day to include surf beaches, pineapple and macadamia farms, or wildlife sightings like whales and sea turtles.
One of the tour’s unique features is its flexibility—you can build an itinerary from over 30 activities and attractions, and even purchase a souvenir drone footage video of your adventure. Visitors consistently praise guides like Tyler, Martin, Ric, and Jenny for their knowledge and friendly approach. Reviews highlight how personalized the experience feels and how it’s suitable for families, couples, or groups seeking a luxurious yet authentic day. For a memorable way to see Oahu on your terms, this private tour offers both flexibility and value.
Bottom line: If you want a tailored, scenic, and cultural experience with expert guidance, this private tour is hard to beat.
2. Da Local’s Food Tour of Oahu
Number 2 on our list, Da Local’s Food Tour of Oahu is perfect for those wanting an intimate taste of Hawaiian cuisine without the touristy fluff. For around $150 per person, you’ll explore several local eateries, trying everything from poke and garlic shrimp to shave ice. The tour is small-group—max eight people—which means you get a more personal experience and lots of time to ask questions and chat with your guide.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic Hawaiian food and culture. Lanai, the guide, shares insights into the history behind each dish and the local culinary scene. Guests rave about how stuffed they leave and how the tour feels like a day out with a friend who really knows the island’s best kept secrets. The tour includes hassle-free pickup from your Honolulu accommodations, making it a convenient way to taste the island’s flavors.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, authentic food experience with a personal touch, this tour delivers on flavor and local insight.
3. We Go Eat – Secret Aloha Bites
Number 3 is We Go Eat – Secret Aloha Bites, offering a delicious exploration of Honolulu’s diverse food scene in about 3 hours. This small-group tour takes you to as many iconic and off-the-beaten-path eateries as possible, with stops in Chinatown to try local poke and spam musubi—the classic snack. The tour includes snacks, lunch, and drinks, making it a satisfying and filling experience.
Lanai, the guide, is known for his Hawaiian history and cultural stories, enriching your tasting adventure. Reviewers appreciate how this tour introduces them to places they wouldn’t discover on their own, and the fun, family-friendly atmosphere makes it appealing for all ages. The mix of local seafood, traditional snacks, and cultural stories makes for an engaging snapshot of Honolulu’s culinary diversity.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a quick, flavorful dive into local favorites with a friendly guide.
4. Shared Food & Waterfall Tour in Honolulu
Ranking at number 4, the Shared Food & Waterfall Tour in Honolulu combines culinary delights with scenic nature. Over 7 to 8 hours, you’ll leave Waikiki behind to visit North Shore’s backroads, tasting single-origin coffee and chocolate at Waialua Estate, exploring Waimea Falls, and ending at local food trucks for garlic shrimp and poke. The tour also includes a craft rum tasting with native Hawaiian sugarcane, making it a true taste of island life.
This experience is praised for its cultural insights and the chance to see Waimea Valley’s botanical garden. The guide distills the scene with stories about Hawaiian history and local production, making each stop more meaningful. Reviewers particularly enjoy the combination of nature and food, with many noting the waterfalls and coffee tasting as highlights.
Bottom line: Perfect for nature lovers who want to combine scenic views with authentic island flavors in a full-day experience.
5. Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour
At number 5, Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour is an extensive 8- to 9-hour journey. It combines sightseeing at landmarks like the Halona Blowhole, Dole Plantation, and Diamond Head Beach Park, with tasting local treats such as beer, macadamia nuts, and Dole Whip. This tour is popular for travelers wanting a rundown of Oahu’s must-see spots along with delicious bites.
The tour includes hotel pickups and a variety of food stops, offering good value for those wanting both cultural sights and flavors. Reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like JP and Tyler make the experience smooth and engaging, and people appreciate the chance to try local foods like malasadas and pineapple.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full day of sightseeing mixed with sampling the island’s best bites in one seamless experience.
6. Oahu’s Fun and Foodie Tour Groups of 5 or more Only!
Number 6, Oahu’s Fun and Foodie Tour Groups of 5 or more Only! is a Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award winner for 2023. This is a private, fun-focused tour lasting about 6 to 7 hours, with a dedicated driver-guide taking you to top spots like Café Kaila, Halona Blowhole, and the Dole Plantation—plus sampling local dishes along the way.
This tour is designed for larger groups and emphasizes a relaxed, engaging experience. Reviewers love the personalized approach, lively commentary, and excellent food stops like malasadas and local shrimp. It’s a great fit for families or groups who want a flexible, fun day without rushing.
Bottom line: For groups of friends or families seeking a lively, personalized tour with excellent food, this experience offers great value.
7. Sea / Eat & See The North Shore
Number 7, Sea / Eat & See The North Shore combines scenic hikes with local food stops. Starting with a walk up to the Makapu’u Lighthouse for panoramic views, you can often spot whales depending on the season. Afterward, relax on North Shore beaches and enjoy snorkeling gear to see sea turtles, then finish with a shrimp truck lunch.
This tour shines for its mix of outdoor activity and culinary exploration. The guide’s local knowledge enhances visits to Haleiwa and nearby fruit stands. Reviewers praise the balance of adventure and relaxing beach time, ideal for active travelers wanting a taste of island life.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers eager to combine scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, and local eats.
8. 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour
Coming in at number 8, the 6 Hour Local Food Plate Jeep Tour offers a private, off-road experience with a focus on discovering top local eateries. For about $230 per person, you’ll visit places like Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas, the Yellow Shrimp Shack for garlic shrimp, and other hidden gems.
The tour is well-suited for foodies who like exploring on a jeep and trying specific Hawaiian dishes. Reviewers highlight the personalized service and the variety of stops—each with its own flavor story. It’s a great option if you prefer a private, tailored experience and love local food.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous food lovers who want a private tour with exclusive access to the island’s best eats.
9. North Shore Foodie Fun: Eat, Explore, Enjoy (Incl. Dole)
Number 9, North Shore Foodie Fun offers a relaxed 6.5-hour adventure through North Shore’s farms, beaches, and towns. Key stops include Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, and local fruit stands, with tastings of pineapple, macadamia nuts, coffees, and chocolates. The tour also includes snorkeling at a turtle-friendly beach.
The guide’s focus on local products and scenery makes this a great choice for travelers wanting a balanced day of food, culture, and natural beauty. Reviewers mention the friendliness and the hands-on experiences, including tasting and sightseeing.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to combine foodie stops with light outdoor activities and scenic views.
$159.00 per person
10. Hawaii: Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour
Number 10, Hawaii: Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo Tour is a full-day trip covering major landmarks and local bites. It’s perfect for travelers who want a rundown in about 10 hours, including stops at beaches, cultural sites, and food markets.
This tour includes a visit to Byodo-in Temple and sampling of local snacks, desserts, and lunch. Reviewers appreciate the detailed narration and the chance to see the island’s diversity in one day. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad introduction.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking an all-in-one experience with plenty of sightseeing and tastings.
11. Honolulu: Brewery and Local Food Tour
At number 11, the Honolulu: Brewery and Local Food Tour offers an arts and craft beer experience paired with Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Limited reviews suggest it’s ideal for beer lovers wanting to explore Honolulu’s arts district and enjoy a relaxed, flavorful evening.
Included are brewery tours on the second Saturday of the month, with tastings at local breweries and a Hawaiian lunch. It’s suited for those who enjoy craft beer and want a more modern, artsy vibe.
Bottom line: Great for beer enthusiasts looking for a laid-back tour with local eats and culture.
$600 per group up to 2
12. Honolulu: Waikiki Food Tour with Local Guide
Finally, the Waikiki Food Tour with Local Guide is a 3-hour walk through Waikiki’s culinary scene. It includes malasadas, poke bowls, and artisanal shave ice, with a focus on Hawaiian and international flavors.
Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to get a flavorful taste of Waikiki, reviews mention the friendliness of guides and the variety of treats sampled. It’s a solid choice for a quick, engaging introduction to local cuisine.
Bottom line: Perfect for those with limited time wanting an authentic taste of Waikiki’s flavors.
$100 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour
Choosing between these Honolulu food tours depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a personalized, scenic experience that combines wildlife viewing and cultural sites, Beaches, Food & Aloha is a top pick. For those eager to focus solely on food, Da Local’s Food Tour offers an intimate look at local favorites, while We Go Eat is perfect for a quick, family-friendly tasting adventure.
Consider your timing—full-day tours like the Oahu Island Sightseeing and Food Combo suit travelers who want variety, whereas shorter experiences like the Waikiki Food Tour are ideal for tight schedules. If you’re a group or celebrating, the private Oahu’s Fun and Foodie Tour provides a personalized, lively outing.
Booking early is recommended for popular tours, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays. Confirm what’s included—some tours combine cultural storytelling, scenic sightseeing, and tastings—that align best with your interests.
In summary, Honolulu offers a fantastic range of food tours that go beyond just eating—they’re about discovering local flavors, culture, and scenery in small, memorable bites. Whether you prefer a private day exploring wildlife and beaches, an intimate foodie experience, or a comprehensive island adventure, there’s something here to make your visit truly delicious. Don’t wait—reserve your spot early and get ready to taste the real Honolulu.