A great Hawaiian meal isn’t just about the main dish—it’s also about the delicious sides that bring balance, flavor, and texture to the plate. Whether you’re enjoying kalua pork, grilled huli huli chicken, or a fresh poke bowl, the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level.
If you’ve ever visited a Hawaiian restaurant Santa Cruz, you know that traditional Hawaiian cuisine offers a mix of rich, smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. From creamy mac salad to crispy coconut shrimp, the best side dishes enhance the dining experience and give you a true taste of the islands.
Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, here are the best sides to complement your Hawaiian meal.
- Hawaiian macaroni salad
Hawaiian mac salad is a staple in Hawaiian plate lunches and one of the most iconic side dishes. Unlike typical macaroni salad, this version is creamier, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.
What makes it special?
- Made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and a splash of vinegar for a slight tang.
- Sometimes includes shredded carrots, celery, or onions for extra crunch.
- Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, adding a cool, creamy contrast to smoky flavors.
A plate lunch at any of the downtown Santa Cruz restaurants serving Hawaiian food almost always includes a scoop of mac salad, making it a must-try side dish.
- Lomi lomi salmon
Lomi lomi salmon is a fresh and flavorful Hawaiian side dish that resembles a salsa. It’s made with salted salmon, diced tomatoes, onions, and green onions, creating a bright, refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
Why it’s a great side dish:
- The saltiness of the salmon balances out the rich, savory main dishes.
- The tomatoes and onions add a juicy, fresh bite.
- It’s traditionally served chilled, making it a refreshing complement to warm entrees.
Lomi lomi salmon is especially good when paired with kalua pork, as its acidity and freshness help cut through the richness of the slow-cooked meat.
- Poi
Poi is one of the most traditional Hawaiian side dishes. Made from taro root that is cooked, mashed, and mixed with water until it reaches a smooth, pudding-like consistency, poi has a unique, slightly sour flavor.
Why try it?
- Poi is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and is considered a staple of the native diet.
- Its mild, slightly tangy taste pairs well with salty or smoky dishes like kalua pork or grilled fish.
- It provides a smooth texture that balances out crunchy or crispy foods.
For those unfamiliar with poi, it may take some getting used to, but it’s worth trying for an authentic Hawaiian dining experience.
- Coconut rice
Coconut rice is a simple but flavorful side dish that enhances almost any Hawaiian meal. Made by cooking rice with coconut milk, it has a lightly sweet taste and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and seafood.
Why it works well with Hawaiian food:
- The coconut flavor adds a subtle sweetness that complements savory dishes.
- It’s light and fluffy, making it a great base for saucy proteins like teriyaki chicken or poke.
- It adds a tropical touch to the meal, enhancing the overall island vibe.
Many downtown Santa Cruz restaurants that serve Hawaiian cuisine offer coconut rice as an option, and it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful side.
- Grilled pineapple
Pineapple is a key ingredient in many Hawaiian dishes, but grilled pineapple takes it to another level. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a rich, smoky sweetness that pairs well with both meat and seafood.
What makes it a great side dish?
- It adds a sweet, juicy contrast to salty or smoky flavors.
- The slight char from grilling gives it a deeper, more complex taste.
- It can be eaten as a side, added to rice, or even served as a dessert.
Grilled pineapple pairs exceptionally well with huli huli chicken, teriyaki beef, or shrimp skewers.
- Sweet potato and taro chips
Instead of traditional potato chips, Hawaiian cuisine often features sweet potato and taro chips as a crunchy side dish. These chips are lightly salted and sometimes served with a creamy or spicy dipping sauce.
Why they’re a great side:
- They provide a crispy texture to balance out softer dishes like poke or poi.
- They’re a healthier alternative to regular potato chips, with natural sweetness and earthiness.
- They make a great snack before the main meal or as a side for sandwiches and grilled meats.
These chips can often be found at Hawaiian grocery stores, and restaurants, or even made at home with a simple oven-baking method.
- Crispy coconut shrimp
Coconut shrimp is a popular Hawaiian-inspired appetizer that works perfectly as a side dish. Coated in shredded coconut and lightly fried, these shrimp are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Why you’ll love them:
- The coconut coating adds a tropical twist with a slightly sweet crunch.
- They pair beautifully with dipping sauces like mango chutney or sweet chili sauce.
- They add a fun, restaurant-quality touch to any Hawaiian meal.
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent to go with your meal, coconut shrimp is a fantastic option.
- Spam musubi
Spam musubi is a beloved Hawaiian snack that can also work as a side dish. Made with a slice of grilled Spam on top of rice and wrapped in a strip of nori (seaweed), it’s like a Hawaiian version of sushi.
Why it’s a must-try side dish:
- It’s portable and easy to eat alongside other Hawaiian favorites.
- The salty, savory Spam pairs well with mild and sweet flavors.
- It’s a classic Hawaiian comfort food that’s both filling and delicious.
You can find Spam musubi at many Hawaiian restaurants, and it’s a great addition to any island-inspired meal.
- Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
While technically a dessert, haupia is often served as a side dish alongside traditional Hawaiian meals. This smooth, coconut-flavored pudding is light and refreshing, making it a great complement to rich and savory foods.
Why it works well with a meal:
- Its mild sweetness balances out salty and smoky dishes.
- The coconut flavor ties in perfectly with other Hawaiian flavors.
- It’s a light way to end a meal without feeling overly full.
Many Hawaiian restaurants in Santa Cruz serve haupia as part of a plate lunch or as a standalone dessert.
