Hawaiian side dishes are often vibrant and complement main courses with their tropical ingredients and unique taste profiles.
These sides add depth and character to any meal, from refreshing salads to savory bites.
Whether you’re hosting a luau or want to try something new, these 21 Hawaiian side dishes will bring the spirit of the islands to your table.
Explore the best Hawaiian sides that pair perfectly with your favorite dishes.
Best Hawaiian Sides that Pair Well with Dishes
1. Poi
Poi is a traditional Hawaiian side dish made from mashed taro root.
It provides a unique texture and slightly sour taste.
It is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is often served with savory dishes.
Its smooth and starchy consistency makes it a perfect complement to meat dishes, helping balance out strong flavors.
- Taste: Slightly sour with a mild, earthy flavor.
- Texture: Smooth, starchy, and creamy.
- Best For: Traditional Hawaiian meals, especially with pork or fish.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Extra Tip: Poi thickens as it sits, so add water if needed to adjust consistency.
2. Lomi Lomi Salmon
Lomi Lomi Salmon is a refreshing salad with salted salmon, tomatoes, and onions.
It is often served cold and provides a bright, tangy flavor that contrasts well with richer dishes.
The freshness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the salmon make this side dish both light and satisfying.
- Taste: Tangy, salty, and refreshing.
- Texture: Crisp and juicy with chunks of salmon and vegetables.
- Best For: Pairing with grilled meats or traditional Hawaiian dishes.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing contrast to hot dishes.
- Extra Tip: Use ripe tomatoes to enhance the sweetness and balance the saltiness of the salmon.
3. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy side dish with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and simple seasonings.
It’s a classic accompaniment to many Hawaiian plates, offering a comforting and satisfying texture.
This dish perfectly balances savory and grilled meats, providing a cool, creamy contrast.
- Taste: Creamy and tangy, with a slight sweetness from the mayo.
- Texture: Smooth and tender with soft macaroni.
- Best For: BBQs or plate lunches, especially with grilled meats.
- Serving Tip: Chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Extra Tip: Add a splash of vinegar for an extra tangy kick.
4. Haupia
Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian coconut pudding that is often served as a dessert, but it is also a sweet side dish.
Made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, haupia has a firm, jelly-like texture and a rich coconut flavor.
It’s a great way to add a tropical flair to your meal.
- Taste: Rich and creamy with a strong coconut flavor.
- Texture: Firm, jelly-like consistency.
- Best For: Sweet, refreshing side for any Hawaiian meal.
- Serving Tip: Cut into squares and serve chilled.
- Extra Tip: Top with toasted coconut for added crunch and flavor.
5. Taro Chips
Taro chips are a crunchy, healthier alternative to regular potato chips and offer a nutty flavor.
These chips are made from thinly sliced taro root, fried, or baked until crispy.
Taro chips are perfect as a snack or side dish with sandwiches, sliders, or poke bowls.
- Taste: Slightly nutty with a mild earthiness.
- Texture: Crispy and crunchy, similar to potato chips.
- Best For: Pairing with dips, poke, or as a crunchy side.
- Serving Tip: Serve them freshly fried for maximum crispiness.
- Extra Tip: Sprinkle with sea salt or a dash of furikake for additional flavor.
6. Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet potato salad adds a delicious twist to the traditional potato salad.
It uses Hawaiian sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and creamy texture.
This dish combines the sweetness of the potatoes with tangy seasonings and crunchy vegetables, making it a perfect side for barbecued meats or grilled seafood.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and slightly savory.
- Texture: Creamy with chunks of tender sweet potatoes.
- Best For: Pairing with grilled meats or tropical dishes.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing side dish.
- Extra Tip: Add green onions or bell peppers for an extra crunch.
7. Pineapple Coleslaw
Pineapple coleslaw is a tropical take on the classic coleslaw.
It combines the crunch of cabbage with the sweetness of fresh pineapple.
The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes this a refreshing side that pairs well with rich, savory dishes like pork or fried foods.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and slightly creamy.
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy with juicy pineapple chunks.
- Best For: Serving with BBQ meats or sandwiches.
- Serving Tip: Serve cold to enhance the refreshing taste.
- Extra Tip: Add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing.
8. Spam Musubi
Spam Musubi is a beloved Hawaiian snack and side dish made of grilled Spam on top of sushi rice, wrapped in nori (seaweed).
It’s savory, salty, and slightly sweet, offering a quick, portable, filling, and flavorful side or snack.
Combining the umami from Spam and the rice’s softness makes it a hit at any gathering.
- Taste: Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.
- Texture: Soft sushi rice paired with firm Spam.
- Best For: A hearty side or snack, perfect with grilled meats.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Extra Tip: Drizzle with teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
9. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a fragrant, slightly sweet side dish that perfectly complements spicy or savory main courses.
The rice is cooked in coconut milk, giving it a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Coconut rice pairs wonderfully with seafood, chicken, or tropical-themed meals, adding a soft, sweet contrast.
- Taste: Mildly sweet with a rich coconut flavor.
- Texture: Soft and slightly creamy.
- Best For: Serving with spicy or savory dishes.
- Serving Tip: Fluff the rice before serving to enhance texture.
- Extra Tip: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture.
10. Kimchi
Although traditionally Korean, kimchi has become popular in Hawaiian cuisine due to the islands’ multicultural influences.
This fermented cabbage dish is spicy, tangy, and crunchy, making it a bold side that adds flavor to any meal.
Kimchi pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes.
- Taste: Spicy, tangy, and slightly sour.
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy with a hint of chewiness.
- Best For: Adding bold flavors to grilled or fried dishes.
- Serving Tip: Serve cold for a refreshing contrast to hot meals.
- Extra Tip: Use it as a topping for rice bowls or poke.
11. Poke
Poke is a traditional Hawaiian side made from raw fish, typically tuna, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and light, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Poke can be customized with various toppings, such as avocado, seaweed, or spicy mayo, offering endless flavor combinations.
- Taste: Fresh, savory, and slightly tangy.
- Texture: Tender fish with a slight chew.
- Best For: Pairing with rice, salads, or as a standalone side.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the freshest taste.
- Extra Tip: Top with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.
12. Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is a sweet, smoky side dish that perfectly complements savory meats like chicken or pork.
The grilling process caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness while adding a smoky flavor.
It’s an easy and delicious side dish that brings a tropical flair to any meal.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky.
- Texture: Juicy with a slight caramelized crust.
- Best For: Pairing with grilled meats or as a refreshing side.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm, straight off the grill.
- Extra Tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon or chili powder for extra flavor.
13. Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is a light, refreshing dish often served with sushi or poke.
It’s made from seaweed marinated in a tangy dressing, offering a mix of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
The texture is slightly crunchy, contrasting with softer dishes like fish or rice.
- Taste: Salty, sweet, and slightly tangy with umami notes.
- Texture: Slightly crunchy and chewy.
- Best For: Pairing with seafood or rice dishes.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for maximum freshness.
- Extra Tip: Garnish with sesame seeds or chili flakes for added flavor.
14. Huli Huli Chicken Skewers
Huli Huli chicken skewers are a flavorful, smoky addition to any Hawaiian meal.
Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger, the chicken is grilled to perfection, offering a tender and juicy bite.
These skewers are perfect for serving at BBQs or luau-style gatherings.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky with a savory finish.
- Texture: Juicy and tender with a slight char from grilling.
- Best For: Grilled meals, BBQs, or tropical-themed parties.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot off the grill for the best flavor.
- Extra Tip: Brush with extra marinade during grilling for added flavor.
15. Lau Lau
Lau lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by wrapping pork (or fish) in taro leaves and steaming it until tender.
The taro leaves provide an earthy flavor, while the meat inside becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Lau lau is a hearty side that pairs well with rice and poke.
- Taste: Earthy and savory, with tender, flavorful meat.
- Texture: Soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Best For: Serving alongside traditional Hawaiian dishes.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot and unwrap just before eating.
- Extra Tip: Pair with a side of rice to balance out the richness of the lau lau.
16. Shoyu Potatoes
Shoyu potatoes are a simple yet delicious Hawaiian side dish made from boiled potatoes tossed in a savory soy sauce (shoyu) mixture.
The combination of tender potatoes and the salty, umami flavor of soy sauce makes this dish a great pairing for grilled meats or seafood.
- Taste: Savory with a rich umami flavor from the soy sauce.
- Texture: Soft and tender potatoes with a slightly crispy exterior.
- Best For: Complementing grilled meats or seafood.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm and drizzle with extra shoyu for added flavor.
- Extra Tip: Garnish with green onions for a fresh touch.
17. Kalua Pork Sliders
Kalua pork sliders bring the smoky, tender flavor of traditional Kalua pork to bite-sized sandwiches.
The pork is slow-cooked until it falls apart and then served on soft buns with a bit of coleslaw or pineapple for added sweetness.
These sliders make a fun, crowd-pleasing side dish or snack.
- Taste: Smoky, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Texture: Tender and juicy, paired with soft buns.
- Best For: BBQs, parties, or Hawaiian-themed gatherings.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with a side of coleslaw or pineapple slices.
- Extra Tip: Add a slice of grilled pineapple for extra tropical flavor.
18. Fried Rice
Hawaiian-style fried rice is packed with flavor, featuring ingredients like Spam, eggs, peas, and green onions.
It’s a savory, filling side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
The combination of salty Spam and fluffy rice makes it a must-have for large gatherings or casual meals.
- Taste: Savory, slightly salty, with hints of garlic and onion.
- Texture: Fluffy rice with a mix of soft and crispy bits.
- Best For: Pairing with grilled meats or as a side to seafood.
- Serving Tip: Serve hot with a sprinkle of green onions on top.
- Extra Tip: Add pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
19. Ahi Tuna Bites
Ahi tuna bites are a perfect light side dish or appetizer. They feature cubes of seared or raw tuna marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil.
These flavorful bites are typically served with wasabi or spicy mayo, offering a fresh and slightly spicy addition to any Hawaiian meal.
- Taste: Fresh, savory, with a hint of spice.
- Texture: Tender, with a slight sear or raw softness.
- Best For: Seafood lovers or as a refreshing side.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled or lightly seared, topped with sesame seeds.
- Extra Tip: Pair with soy sauce and pickled ginger for added depth of flavor.
20. Papaya Salad
Papaya salad is a refreshing and colorful side dish that combines the sweetness of ripe papaya with the crunch of vegetables and a tangy dressing.
This tropical side is both light and flavorful, offering a great contrast to heavier main dishes.
The mix of sweet and savory makes it a versatile dish.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, and slightly savory.
- Texture: Crisp vegetables with tender papaya chunks.
- Best For: Light side dish for rich, savory meals.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the freshest taste.
- Extra Tip: Add crushed peanuts for an extra crunchy texture.
21. Mango Salsa
Mango salsa is a vibrant and flavorful side that pairs the sweetness of mango with the heat of jalapeños and the brightness of lime juice.
It’s a versatile side that works well with grilled meats, fish, or chips.
The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors makes it a standout dish at any gathering.
- Taste: Sweet, tangy, with a spicy kick.
- Texture: Juicy, with a slight crunch from the vegetables.
- Best For: Serving with grilled fish, chicken, or chips.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing side.
- Extra Tip: Add chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Hawaiian side dishes bring a tropical flair to any meal, offering a variety of flavors and textures that complement everything from grilled meats to seafood.
From the creamy richness of Hawaiian macaroni salad to the sweet and smoky grilled pineapple, these 21 side dishes are sure to enhance your dining experience.
Whether you’re planning a luau or simply want to add a bit of island flavor to your meals, these sides offer a delicious and unique way to enjoy the best of Hawaiian cuisine.
