The guide’s ranking · Honolulu

Best Lomi Salmon
in Honolulu

Lomi Salmon is a refreshing side dish that serves as the perfect acidic counterpoint to the heavy, fatty flavors of kalua pig and laulau. It consists of diced salted salmon, tomatoes, and sweet onions (usually Maui onions), which are "massaged" together by hand (**Lomi** means to massage or rub in Hawaiian). This process breaks down the fibers and allows the juices to meld. The defining characteristic is the **'Freshness and Balance'**—it should be bright, salty, and cold, with the crunch of the onions contrasting the soft salmon. The trap is using poor-quality, mushy tomatoes or salmon that is overly salty without being properly rinsed. Expect to pay $5–10 as a side.

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Why locals care

Lomi Salmon is a refreshing side dish that serves as the perfect acidic counterpoint to the heavy, fatty flavors of kalua pig and laulau. It consists of diced salted salmon, tomatoes, and sweet onions (usually Maui onions), which are "massaged" together by hand (**Lomi** means to massage or rub in Hawaiian). This process breaks down the fibers and allows the juices to meld. The defining characteristic is the **'Freshness and Balance'**—it should be bright, salty, and cold, with the crunch of the onions contrasting the soft salmon. The trap is using poor-quality, mushy tomatoes or salmon that is overly salty without being properly rinsed. Expect to pay $5–10 as a side.

Ranked Lomi Salmon stops in Honolulu

Helena's Hawaiian Food

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Go: 10:30 (Line forms before they open; cash only).

Price: $$

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Yama's Fish Market

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Verdict: A second mention for their consistently high-quality traditional Hawaiian-style poke.various locations

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Young's Fish Market

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Go: 11:30.

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Waiahole Poi Factory

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Go: 13:00 (After a morning hike or beach trip).

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Rainbow Drive-In

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Go: 10:00 (For a "Mixed Plate" brunch).

Price: $

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Nico's Pier 38

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Verdict: Located right next to the fish auction; the freshness here is literally unbeatable.Kalihi

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Fort Ruger Market

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Verdict: A neighborhood institution known for their "Secret Sauce" poke and great boiled peanuts.Diamond Head

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Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering

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Go: 09:30 (Line starts early for their famous fried chicken too).

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Fresh Catch

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Go: 12:00.

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Highway Inn

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Go: 11:30.

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Haili's Hawaiian Foods

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Go: 12:30.

Price: $$

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Stamp availableGoogle Maps

Liliha Bakery

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Verdict: Their dinner service includes a very solid, traditional kalua pig plate.various locations

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Zippy's

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Verdict: A reliable, 24/7 source for a consistent and comforting kalua pig and cabbage meal.various locations

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Don Quijote

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Verdict: A great place to find hot, ready-to-eat laulau from some of the island's best local producers.various locations

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Marukai Wholesale Mart

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Verdict: Another excellent source for fresh, high-quality laulau in a convenient grocery setting.various locations

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Ige's Lunchwagon & Catering

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Verdict: A local legend for their "Lunchwagon" style plates featuring some of the best laulau on the island.Aiea

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Paniolo Poke

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Verdict: Known for their generous portions and high-quality "classic" Hawaiian seasonings.various locations

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Times Supermarkets

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Verdict: Another great grocery store option for surprisingly good, daily-made kalua pig.various locations

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Foodland Farms

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Verdict: A second mention for their high-quality, "gourmet" version of this classic side dish.various locations

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Top score

0.0 / 10

Verified venues

19 stops

Per meal

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