Once you’ve experienced the Aloha Spirit of Hawaii, you’ll understand the strong pull toward those magic-swept islands in the central Pacific Ocean. Luckily for us, there are plenty of ways to savor the cuisine and culture of this special place here on Seattle soil.
Every May, Visit Seattle helps the local community celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which they call “a time to honor the thriving communities who have helped define Seattle’s past and present and will shape its future.” Seattle Center hosted a vibrant AANHPI Heritage Month celebration that brought dance, music and vendors in early May, while the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival celebrated there in mid-September.
Year-round, Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum in the Chinatown-International District shines a spotlight on the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Currently, you can wander the exhibit DISplace (up through Jan. 4, 2027), which is co-curated by Native Hawaiian artist and kapa maker Lehuauakea and artist and educator Kanani Miyamoto.
And, of course, there are plenty of eateries around town that serve up delicious flavors and welcoming hospitality from the islands, prepared in both traditional and modern ways. We’ve included a mere sampling of offerings below, but you can use The Intentionalist’s website to explore more than 1,000 AANHPI-owned businesses.
Of note: The islands have weathered their share of challenges in recent years, from the early September impact of Hurricane Lowell (specifically to Kauai) to the Maui fires that destroyed much of historic Lahaina three years ago. There, local organizations like Hua Momona Farms and Foundation, Treecovery Hawaii (open to volunteers who want to pitch in) and Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate (which ships its goods nationwide) continue to help the resilient community rebuild, if you’re interested in offering support from afar.
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Ma‘ono
You can savor chef Mark Fuller’s delicious Hawaii-style fried chicken at multiple locations. His dishes pay homage to Kauai, where he spent summers with his grandparents. In Koke‘e, his family would gather around his grandmother’s picnic chicken, “crispy and packed with a secret seasoning blend that started it all.” Today their signature sandwich features buttermilk-fried goodness, Hawaiian-inspired seasoning shake and the raved-about bread-and-butter takuan on a butter-toasted King’s Hawaiian bun. Be sure to also enjoy sides like the cucumber poke and potato mac salad.
*If you happen to find yourself in Maui’s Wailuku neighborhood, head to welcoming café-bar The Parlay, where their Korean fried chicken sandwich will blow you away.
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These popular Hawaiian-Korean fusion eateries bring Aloha to the shores of Alki, the streets of downtown Seattle and the heart of Columbia City. Each location brings a distinctly different vibe, yet consistently tasty food — from fish tacos and kimchi fried rice to pork and Spam sliders or larger combo plates (with several vegan and gluten-free options available as well). Be sure to learn about their beloved Nunya Sauce, a signature creamy, tangy and slightly spicy condiment.
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Ono Poke
This Edmonds eatery was built on a shared passion for “great food, strong community and doing things the right way.” Founder Steven Ono was born and raised in Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu, where he grew up fishing and diving, plus learning the art of poke from his uncle Reuben. Here in Seattle, he and local chef/restaurateur Shubert Ho offer the authentic flavors of Ono’s home; they built this eatery “as a place to ‘talk story’ and enjoy real, fresh, Hawaiian-style poke. (Choose your base, choose your poke, choose your side.)
*For the real deal in Hawaii, grab a seat at happening Tikehau Lounge in Kihei’s Wailea Village, where you’ll quickly learn why their poke bowls keep winning accolades (and their cocktails, with names like Maui Banana Manhattan and Pandan Killer Milk Punch, do too!).
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Serving Georgetown since 1993, this casual eatery is credited by many for serving the most authentic Hawaiian food around. Loyal customers return for the island soundtrack playing overhead and hearty portions of dishes like their chicken and pork combo Hawaiian-style plates, Lawai crispy chicken and Lau Lau with mac salad.
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This modern Hawaiian food concept brings the street cuisine of the islands to Seattle, just a block from Pike Place Market. Pick up poke bowls, donburis over rice or a variety of Spam musubi, which showcase the marriage of Spam and musubi, a Japanese rice ball wrapped in seaweed. You’ll also find takeaway treats from mango marshmallows to original shrimp chips.
*At this downtown Seattle spot you’ll also find loco moco, a Hawaiian comfort food (think rice, a juicy beef patty, savory brown gravy and an egg) that’s found most everywhere on the islands. On Maui, a beachside lunch at Castaway Café (whether it entails loco moco or otherwise) means good vibes and ocean breezes amongst locals and guests of neighboring villas, located just north of downtown Lahaina. Folks also rave about the loco moco at spots like Aloha Mixed Plate and Tin Roof Maui.
