The 16 most Instagrammable dishes on Oahu right now
These restaurants are presenting food in creative, out-of-the-box ways.
In an age when taking pictures of food has become the new norm, restaurants are trying harder than ever to become the next viral food trend to hit the internet. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie or just trying to step up your Instagram game, these 16 spots are sure to impress every one of your followers. Just remember: no eating until after the picture’s taken.
Banán’s papaya boat
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If you’re looking to eat healthy and satisfy your sweet tooth, Banán’s açai bowl, piled high into a papaya boat, should be at the top of your list. Multiple locations, bananbowls.com.
Domo Café’s colorful sushi
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Taste the rainbow with Domo Café’s colorful assortment of sushi. 1016 Maunakea St., Honolulu, domocafe.net.
Dole Plantation’s Dole Whip
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The Dole Plantation is known for two things: its gigantic maze that can occupy hours of your time, and its world-renowned Dole Whip soft serve. Trust us, get the Dole Whip. 66-1500 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawa, doleplantation.com.
Liliha Bakery’s Coco Puffs
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This local favorite is always popping up on your friends’ Instagram feeds (even more so when you’re trying to stick to that diet). It’s OK to indulge, as long as you do it in moderation, right? Multiple locations, lilihabakery.com.
Waiahole Poi Factory’s Hawaiian plate lunch
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This Windward Side staple of traditional Hawaiian food cannot be beat. Sit outside and breathe in the fresh country air with views of the ocean, as you eat kalua pork, rice, lomi salmon and laulau. 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, waiaholepoifactory.com.
Yum Cha Hawaii’s pig-shaped bun
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Although this restaurant is less than a year old, it has already made a name for itself on social media with its adorable pig-shaped dessert dumplings. They went viral in the cutest way possible. 1341 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu.
Matsumoto’s Shave Ice
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When you ask anyone where the best shave ice is on the island, Matsumoto is usually the first place they’ll say. 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, matsumotoshaveice.com.
Earl Kaimuki’s Cubano sandwich
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This sandwich shop does both open-faced and closed sandwiches that won’t disappoint. If you’re feeling particularly ravenous, the Cubano is packed with braised pork belly, ham, Swiss cheese and roasted garlic dijonaise. 1137 11th Ave., Honolulu, earlhawaii.com.
Bee & Tea’s bubble tea … in a light bulb
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Specializing in classic bubble teas, Bee & Tea will let you choose to get your drink in a light bulb for a better Instagram aesthetic. All that’s left is to pick which wall you want to use as a background for your picture. 131 Hekili St., Kailua, beeteashop.com.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck’s garlic shrimp plate
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The original garlic shrimp truck has been a local favorite since its opening in 1993. Is there really anything better than shrimp, butter, garlic and more butter? 66-472 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, giovannisshrimptruck.com.
Ubae Hawaii’s purple desserts
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Ubae has perfected ube, the Filipino yam, as an art form. These bright, purple potato desserts will have your friends drooling at their phones. 1284 Kalani St., Honolulu, ubaehawaii.com.
Hawaiian Sweet Potato Factory’s colorful sandwiches
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Its Ohana Farmer sandwiches come piled high on purple sweet-potato bread, with local veggies and more sweet potato, with your choice of meat. Who knew purple could look so good? 1440 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, hspf-hawaii.com.
Café Maiko’s matcha anything
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The No. 1 spot for matcha lovers out there, Café Maiko also serves shave ice and a soft-serve sundae for those long, hot days in Hawaii. 2310 Kuhio Ave., Honolulu, matchacafe-maiko.com/eng.
Leonard’s Bakery’s malasadas
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These malasadas have been voted the best in Hawaii, and it’s because they are. You can choose to get them plain or gloriously filled, as shown in the picture above. 933 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu, leonardshawaii.com.
Sweet Creams’ ice cream roll up
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A dessert that originated in Thailand, ice cream roll ups have become super trendy and can be found right in Honolulu. Watch the Sweet Creams’ staff mix your chosen ingredients and roll up your ice cream right in front of you. 1430 Kona St., Honolulu.
Moena Café’s strawberry pancake
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This restaurant is known for its over-the-top pancakes, but we believe its strawberry pancake is the most outrageous of them all. Multiple locations, moenacafe.com.
