19 Hawaiian Side Dishes That Scream Summer

These Hawaiian side dishes are about to spice up your luau party. From healthy salad bowls, easy rice dishes to sweet bread and snack mix, I’m confident to say that nothing can go wrong.

Surprisingly, the cuisine of Hawaii is influenced by many different cultures (Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, and Polynesian), which accounts for its diversity in the use of ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavors.

19 Authentic Hawaiian Side Dishes You Cannot Miss

Given that, you will be deep in regrets if you don’t try the following Hawaiian side dishes. Keep reading and explore the best side dishes that represent the beautiful Aloha State!

Hawaiian Salad Side Dishes

1. Hawaiian Coleslaw
2. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
3. Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad
4. Orange Coconut Salad

Hawaiian Noodles And Rice Side Dishes

5. Pineapple Rice
6. Hawaiian Fried Rice
7. Chicken Long Rice

Hawaiian Sweet Side Dishes

8. Hawaiian Rolls
9. Mashed Okinawan Sweet Potatoes
10. Banana Bread
11. Hawaiian Mango Bread

Other Hawaiian Side Dishes

12. Hawaiian Baked Beans
13. Hawaiian Kabobs
14. Bacon-wrapped Pineapple Bites
15. Hawaiian Corn Chowder
16. Furikake Snack Mix
17. Ahi Poke Bowl
18. Hawaiian Ranch Dip
19. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salsa

The trip to the Aloha State is about to begin. Come on in!

Fresh Hawaiian Salad Side Dishes With Layers Of Flavors

I proudly present to you the best salad side dishes coming from the culinary world of Hawaii. They are a diverse blend of premium-quality ingredients that guarantee to elevate your culinary experience to the extremes.

1. Hawaiian Coleslaw

Channel the Aloha State with this tropical take on your traditional coleslaw. It’s a refreshing combination of familiar faces like cabbage and carrots, along with newcomers such as fresh pineapple, black sesame seeds, and a ginger soy lime dressing.

The result is always more than meets the eye: the crunch is lovely, and the taste will transcend your taste buds straight to heaven. The unique dressing keeps me coming back for more every time.

So next time you feel the ordinary coleslaw is too “ordinary” to serve as an accompanying dish with sandwiches, how about trying out the Hawaiian version instead? The addition of new ingredients will certainly bring about a whole new cuisine experience to remember.

Make this healthy Hawaiian coleslaw this summer. See video to know more:

2. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

A trip to Maui is now only a few steps away with this delectable macaroni salad. If your regular mac and cheese bores you to death, here’s a healthy alternative that regains your appetite immediately.

Once cooked, macaroni is tossed with carrots and onions, along with vinegar, pickle juice, and pickle relish for a tangy twist. The creamy dressing made with mayo, sugar, and black pepper ties everything together, and the crowd is sure to love to have some extra.

When I first tried out this macaroni salad, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Can I store macaroni salad in the freezer?” It was so delicious that I, a picky eater, wanted to make a large batch of macaroni salad so that I could eat this dish to my heart content whenever I desired.

3. Hawaiian Potato Mac Salad

With Hawaiian macaroni salad, the two side dishes have become a fixture on every household table in Hawaii during lunch, dinner, or any special gatherings. The tradition lives on and even progresses beyond the island territories.

With this recipe, you can recreate a healthy bowl of salad at your convenience. Potato and macaroni are cooked together under high heat, seasoned with a spice mixture to enhance the flavor. Add peas, onions, shredded carrots, and mayo, and mix everything up!

4. Orange Coconut Salad

This salad is sweeter than fiction, and it has all the makings to be your next favorite side dish! Of course, you can serve this one for dessert as well – it will become a big hit at the next luau party.

What do you have in a generous portion of this salad? Luscious navel oranges are tossed in creamy Greek yogurt and coconut extract to create a powerhouse combination that brings the sun right to your toes! Additional toppings are marshmallows and berries.

Scrumptious Noodles And Rice Sides That Scream Summer

Summer is here already, and the hot weather and the sunburns are probably getting on your nerves. Here’s a suggestion: avoid the heat, stay at home, and whip up these easy noodles and rice side dishes inspired by the Hawaiians.

5. Pineapple Rice

Pineapple rice is a simple and tasty side dish that is warmly welcomed to any barbecue party. The intricate blend of flavors turns out to be a fusion between Hawaiian and Thai cuisine, which results in a dramatic kick that you can’t get out of your head.

For the rice, I like to use Jasmine rice for its pleasing aroma. The rice has a subtle sweetness that gives way to crush pineapple, red chili flakes, cilantro, and lime to shine. It’s flavorful, and you love to pair it with grilled dishes or savory steak.

6. Hawaiian Fried Rice

Where can you find the best fried rice on Earth? Some say China, some say Thailand, but my heart belongs to this tropical Hawaiian fried rice. It’s the stepping stone that brings me to Hawaiian cuisine.

The yellow-tinted rice looks gorgeous, and the dish is loaded with many summer-ready ingredients, from your beloved pineapple kind and ham to bell peppers and toasted coconut. Can’t you see I’m drooling already?

You cannot resist this amazing Hawaiian-style fried rice! You can see this video to know more:

7. Chicken Long Rice

This Hawaiian noodle dish with a touch of Chinese cuisine will please even the pickiest eaters. Although it’s a side dish, the Hawaiians like to serve it as a soup or a light meal as well.

The “long rice” used to make this dish is, in fact, glass noodles with the signature springy-chewy texture. The chicken broth is light yet rich, and the chicken is cooked to desired tenderness. Adjust the taste with soy sauce and garnish with green onions.

Hawaiian Sweet Side Dishes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Your vanilla life is about to get excited with these fantastic sweet side dishes coming from the Aloha State. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day, because why not?

8. Hawaiian Rolls

It’ll be a huge oversight not to mention these sweet rolls when talking about Hawaiian cuisine and its notable dishes. And if you’re familiar with French sliders, chances are that you’re also no stranger to Hawaiian sweet rolls, which are said to originate in Hilo.

These sweet, fluffy rolls will become a sheer delight next to your main course. The key to a successful batch of rolls is using two ingredients, which are sugar and pineapple juice, for a unique subtle sweetness. The glossy finish makes them look even more appetizing.

9. Mashed Okinawan Sweet Potatoes

This side dish has my attention already with that alluring purple color! As the name implies, the vegetable is widely cultivated in Okinawa, Japan, and it was the Polynesians who brought the potatoes to the island.

Like regular sweet potatoes, these purple variants have a slightly sweet flavor that goes easy on your tongue. When cooked, the purple color turns even darker, and it’s the sign that they are ready to be mashed. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy the taste!

10. Banana Bread

What’s so special about this banana bread? It is absolutely delicious, and you will see yourself adding this to your daily rotation. The traditional recipe is said to come from Kona Inn, which lies in the West of Hawaii.

The bread is moist and crumbly, loaded with tropical aromas from the summer holy trinity: banana, pineapple, and coconut. The locals love to have this delicacy with dried fruits for a yummy Hawaiian breakfast, and I guarantee that you will share the same idea!

Anytime you feel like using bananas to make desserts, I suggest prioritizing this luscious banana bread from Hawaii. The fruity notes from bananas and pineapples will surely enchant even the most demanding palates.

11. Hawaiian Mango Bread

Another side bread from the volcanic island, this one promises to make you swoon with delight – and of course, it delivers. Your staycation has never been more enjoyable with this quick and simple recipe!

I love how the mango chunks manage to sneak in the bread and peek out to attract your attention with that bright golden hue. As you take a bite, the succulent mango bursts into exquisite flavors, and you can also feel the comforting notes of cinnamon.

Let’s bake this Hawaiian mango bread to serve your family. You can see this video to know more:

More Hawaiian Side Dishes For Your Backyard Luau Party

A Hawaiian party right at your home? I’d love to be the guest. Of course, besides the tiki torches and hula dancers, the food is an essential element that makes your party a roaring success. Scroll down for some side dishes inspiration!

12. Hawaiian Baked Beans

Not many people like baked beans, but the Hawaiian version of this dish will prove the opposite. It’s a rich and flavorful blend of ingredients swimming in a sweet and savory broth, and the best part is you can make this side dish with your slow cooker!

Indeed, there are more than just baked beans in this hearty side dish. You can expect to find juicy pineapple chunks, diced ham, minced onions, and a host of seasonings. BBQ sauce rounds all the flavors with its smoky tones that remind you of a wild summer trip.

One thing that can either make or break this dish is the consistency. So make sure you know the correct technique to make baked beans thicker in case the dish is too watery, and how to make it more saucy when the dish is too thick. Remember, consistency is the key to success.

13. Hawaiian Kabobs

When it comes to kabobs, all rules are broken – have fun playing with your favorite ingredients to create your signature recipe. Make sure that everything on the stick complements each other well in terms of both colors and flavors.

If you are new to this whole kabob thing, here’s a quick guide. You can use grilled chicken or beef, and some common components like pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or sweet onions. Of course, you can’t miss a homemade dipping sauce!

14. Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Bites

Grab the hula skirts and ukulele; this side dish is about to take you to the tropical island of Hawaii! It’s a blend of simple ingredients with sophisticated flavors that you can never erase from your mind.

These bite-sized treats are so simple and call for very little work. All you have to do is wrap the bacon strips around the pineapple pieces, then coat with brown sugar, and bake until crisp and caramelized. The sweet and savory flavors are utterly divine!

15. Hawaiian Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is another side dish that you want to make all summer long! Although it is a modern dish, it has gained massive popularity in recent years, followed by many innovative variations.

When the searing heat is gone and the breezy wind kicks in, this chowder is an ideal choice to serve your family. Potatoes are simmered with chicken broth, then go in the milk, corn kernels, and ham. The decadently warm dish is ready as the mixture thickens.

16. Furikake Snack Mix

It’s not an authentic luau if this side dish is not on the table. I’m talking about furikake Chex mix, a lip-smacking treat that combines various ingredients to achieve that crunchy goodness filled with summer vibes. It’s sweet; it’s savory; it’s everything!

What is furikake anyway? It’s a dry Japanese condiment sprinkled on food, especially on veggie dishes in Japanese, to impart an umami taste. Other conventional Chex mix elements like Chex, Honeycomb cereals, and pretzels are still there, waiting to be drenched in maple syrup.

This furikake party mix is a real deal – easiest recipe ever!

17. Ahi Poke Bowl

Ahi poke bowl looks like a pricey item on the menu of a fancy restaurant rather than a Hawaiian side dish. Some people say that poke was invented during pre-colonial times in Polynesia before dethroning salad to become the new health staple.

The centerpiece of this recipe is sushi-grade “ahi,” or yellowfin tuna served raw and chopped in cubes. They are marinated with soy sauce or sometimes sriracha and frequently enjoyed with brown rice, fresh veggies, and toasted macadamia nuts.

Today, this beautiful and nutritious dish is an icon of Hawaiian street food culture. In other variations, the Haiwaiins might replace the tuna with octopus or freshwater fish. 

Learn how to make ahi poke bowl, a first-rate side dish from Hawaii. You can see this video to know more:

18. Hawaiian Ranch Dip

Your ranch dressing is about to get a summer makeover with this crowd-pleasing recipe inspired by the Hawaiians. The dip is perfect for savoring with breadsticks, pizza, or any grilled dishes.

Like the original version, sour cream, mayo, and buttermilk are incorporated to create a creamy mouthfeel. The flavors are brightened with pineapple juice, grassy notes from parsley and dill weed, and Worcestershire sauce is that special X-factor you’re looking for.

This wonderful ranch dip can blend will with many flavors or sauces normally found at Wingstop. However, I’d say that the best match would be the sweet and sour Hawaiian wings. If you’ve never tried this combination before, I urge you to give it a go – you’ll certainly love it.

19. Sweet And Spicy Pineapple Salsa

This salsa opens the gates to the tropical paradise with its succulent flavors, and that vivid color combination will make you water for sure. Red salsa and pico de gallo, goodbye for now!

Not only does this salsa go with almost anything, but it is also jam-packed with intense flavors of pineapple, Roma tomatoes, and red onions. Jalapenos come in to turn the heat up with its acidic afterburn, and a squeeze of lemon juice helps balance everything out.

A Hawaiian Summer Getaway Right In Your Kitchen

These Hawaiian side dishes always remind me of a summer trip where you leave all your stress behind. It’s the feeling when you tuck your toes into the sand and relax on the lounge chairs while hearing the calming ocean sounds hitting the shores. It’s amazing how good food hits your senses.

I hope you enjoy reading about these side dishes, and it would be nice to see you recreating them and relishing the taste. Comment below to share your results or any tips and tricks when cooking these Hawaiian side dishes. Mahalo, or thank you!