Hawaii Like a Local: The five places tourists don't know about Hawaii

We asked Hawaiian Airlines for their top five places to take you off the beaten track and into the true heart of Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines’ non-stop long-haul service from Sydney and Brisbane to Honolulu has made it the perfect time to book that trip to Hawaii that you’ve always dreamt of. You’ll get a taste of what makes Hawaii so special from the moment you first step on board the Hawaiian Airlines flight and experience the authentic Hawaiian hospitality. Can you imagine a better way to start your trip?

Get Fresh: KCC Farmers’ Market, Oahu

If you want to skip indulgent wining and dining, KCC is where you can go straight to the source of fresh food and even fresher information. Local farmers and food producers man the stalls giving out insider tips on how to pick the best pineapple and the secrets to grilling prawns for maximum flavour. Chow down on Kettle Pop, wrap your lips around mason jars of guava juice or fill your belly with hot pork soups. The Saturday version is massive, with busloads of people being dropped off for a browse, so be smart and go to the Tuesday afternoon session when it’s less hectic.
FIND IT: Kapiʻolani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA

Ice, Ice, Baby: Matsumoto Shave Ice, Oahu

You’ll be giving Paddlepops the side-eye after you’ve snacked on Matsumoto Shave Ice at the drawcard store in Haleiwa Town. The cloudlike ice is mixed with azuki beans, ice cream and condensed milk to create the stuff summer dreams are made of. Not to mention the rainbow of colours makes for a super pretty Instagram snap. Hot tip? If you want to double down on your taste-testing or just want a slightly shorter line, Aoki’s Shave Ice store is just a few steps away and locals say it’s lineball on whose mix is better.

FIND IT: Matsumoto Shave Ice 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712-1411

Daily Grind: Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, The Big Island (Hawaii)

Make tracks through the historic coffee town of Holualoa, on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, until you spot the bright green cottage (look for the clock at the tip of the roof!) and you can score yourself a cup of award-winning java. While you drink it in, feast your eyes on the endless green of the surrounding 30-acre gourmet farm. There’s also a 45-minute tour you can take that covers the growing, harvesting and roasting process. But for the full coffee experience, we suggest designing your own DIY tasting tour across Hawaii, from Hula Daddy to Ueshima Coffee (UCC) which makes its witches brew from cracked coffee, not ground; the Hilo Coffee Mill, Buddha’s Cup, Kona Joe and Rooster’s Farm. Sure, you might never sleep again with all that caffeine, but hey more time to get busy in Hawaii, right?
FIND IT: Hula Daddy, 74-4944 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725, USA

Snacks On! Ken’s House of Pancakes, The Big Island (Hawaii)

You’re going to want to come hungry to Ken’s because the macadamia nut pancakes with guava and coconut syrups are just the start of the party in your mouth. The famous joint has been turning out addictive dishes for almost 50 years with locals and tourist types constantly coming back for more Portuguese sausage omelettes with kimchi or their sweet bread made with island bananas laced with rum. Stop in even at 4am after a big night, because the doors are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, meaning you can dine on oodles of noodles and kalua pork any old time, if breakfast isn’t your thang (or you’re keen for a sleep in before hitting the streets). Seriously, the menu is five pages long, so take our tip and go on Tuesday night for the to-die-for all you can eat tacos. Book a trip with Hawaiian Airlines’ easy Neighbour Island flight service so you don’t miss a trip to Ken’s.
FIND IT: Ken’s House of Pancakes, 1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA

Moon Dance: Twilight at Kalahuipuaa, The Big Island (Hawaii)

Each month at Mauna Lani, the rising of the full moon moves local storytellers to gather in front of Eva Parker Woods Cottage for a magical night of traditional song, dance and story sharing. The night begins as the sun sets and evening sets in, the dark bringing with it crisp stars to witness the sharing of family stories, history, singing and dancing. The simple cottage front verandah acts as a makeshift stage, but as the musicians and creators practice their art you can be transported anywhere their imagination takes you. Locals, visitors and voyagers from around the world are all invited to join in the exchange of dreaming and energy, a rare chance to be touched by the true aloha spirit.
FIND IT: Mauna Lani Bay Hotel68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr.Kohala Coast, HI 96743

Hawaiian Airlines are the authority on authentic travel experiences in Hawaii, check out Hawaiian Airlines Travel Guide for more recommendations.

Hawaiian Airlines offer a long-haul service to Hawaii from Sydney and Brisbane with easy connections to Neighbour Islands. If you’ve been thinking of going to Hawaii, now is the time to book!