Hawaii offers limited halal food options compared to mainland US cities, but Muslim travelers can still enjoy the islands with proper planning. Honolulu on Oahu has the most halal restaurants, while fresh seafood provides an excellent halal-friendly alternative across all islands. Compare with halal. Explore halal certification for more information.
Halal Food Accessibility in Hawaii
Hawaii has limited halal accessibility:
- 20-30 halal restaurants mainly in Honolulu
- Fresh seafood: Abundant halal-friendly option
- Ethnic restaurants: Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern
- Other islands: Very few halal options
- Self-catering: Recommended for extended stays
Honolulu Halal Options
Halal Restaurants
- Himalayan Kitchen: Nepali and Indian
- Curry House: Indian cuisine
- Kan Zaman: Middle Eastern
- Arancino: Italian with seafood options
- Various kebab shops: Check certification
Waikiki Area
Limited but available:
- Marukame Udon: Seafood udon (no pork)
- Tropical Farms: Food truck with halal options
- Hotel restaurants: Some accommodate halal requests
- Seafood restaurants: Best reliable option
Chinatown (Honolulu)
- Pho shops: Seafood versions available
- Vietnamese restaurants: Specify no pork
- Asian markets: Some halal products
Seafood Strategy
Seafood doesn’t require halal certification - making it ideal in Hawaii:
Best Seafood Options
- Poke: Raw fish salad (Hawaii’s specialty)
- Ahi tuna: Fresh and abundant
- Mahi mahi: Popular local fish
- Shrimp: Garlic shrimp trucks on North Shore
- Lobster: At nicer restaurants
Seafood Spots
- Nico’s Pier 38: Fresh fish market and restaurant
- Ono Seafood: Famous poke
- Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck: North Shore icon
- Fish markets: Buy fresh and grill
What to Avoid
- Loco moco: Traditional version has pork
- Spam musubi: Contains pork
- Kalua pork: Hawaiian staple to skip
- Mixed plate lunches: Often contain pork
Island-by-Island Guide
Oahu (Honolulu)
- Best halal options in the state
- Honolulu has ethnic restaurants
- Waikiki has limited choices
- North Shore: Seafood trucks
Maui
- Very limited halal options
- Focus on seafood restaurants
- Self-catering recommended
- Grocery stores have some halal products
Big Island (Hawaii)
- Minimal halal restaurants
- Fresh fish markets available
- Resort restaurants may accommodate
- Pack snacks and plan ahead
Kauai
- Almost no halal options
- Seafood is your friend
- Vegetarian options available
- Self-catering essential
Halal Grocery Shopping
Honolulu
- Down to Earth: Organic with some halal
- Safeway: Limited halal products
- Costco: Halal chicken sometimes available
- Asian markets: Some halal items
Tips for Self-Catering
- Book accommodation with kitchen
- Stock up in Honolulu before other islands
- Bring non-perishables from mainland
- Fresh produce widely available
Muslim-Friendly Activities
Mosques
- Muslim Association of Hawaii: Honolulu
- Friday prayers available
- Contact in advance for visit
Modest Beaches
- Hanauma Bay: Snorkeling, less crowded
- North Shore: More relaxed atmosphere
- Kualoa Beach: Family-friendly
- Early morning visits recommended
Activities
- Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay
- Pearl Harbor: Historical site
- Diamond Head: Sunrise hike
- Luaus: Skip or request vegetarian/seafood
Practical Tips
- Embrace seafood: Fresh fish is everywhere and halal-friendly
- Poke bowls: Hawaiian specialty, perfect for Muslims
- Stock up Honolulu: Before visiting other islands
- Kitchen rentals: Best for longer stays
- Shrimp trucks: North Shore must-try
- Ask ingredients: Many dishes can be modified
- Luaus: Inform about dietary needs in advance
- Pack snacks: For day trips and excursions
- Breakfast: Many hotels offer eggs, fruit, seafood
- Research ahead: Limited options means planning essential