Seasonal Food in Honolulu: What to Eat When

What is in season in Honolulu, and what to order when the market changes.

Next up in Honolulu

30 OctFood truck rally, 40-plus vendors

Spring

Yellowfin ahi: March through May the spring ahi run brings sashimi-grade Hawaiian yellowfin into the Honolulu Fish Auction; poke counters cycle through new colour grades weekly.
Ali'i tomatoes: Ho Farms Ali'i tomatoes hit the KCC Farmers Market from March; small-batch heirlooms from the Big Island.
Ulu (breadfruit): Spring ulu starts ripening in April from backyard trees across Manoa and Kalihi; chefs roast, fry or pound it like poi.
Local strawberries: Kula upcountry Maui strawberries arrive at Honolulu farmers markets through April; the season is short, eat them fast.

Going to Waikiki Spam Jam?

Hotels in Honolulu, 24 Apr 2027

Holidufrom USD 171 a night

Ka'u mangoes: Big Island Ka'u and Manoa Valley mangoes peak June through August; the most prized are the long-thin Hayden and the rounder Pirie varieties.
Hawaiian lychee: Backyard lychee trees fruit June and July; the KCC Farmers Market sells branches still attached.
Kona coffee cherries: Big Island coffee farmers start the picking season in late summer; the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival runs in November to celebrate the harvest.
Apple bananas: Backyard apple bananas (smaller, tarter than Cavendish) ripen year-round but peak summer; sold at every farmers market.

Going to Honolulu Night Market Kakaako?

Hotels in Honolulu, 17 Jul 2027

Holidufrom USD 171 a night

Ahi belly (otoro): October through November Hawaiian bigeye ahi belly hits sushi counters as the fish fatten before winter; Sasabune and Sushi Izakaya Gaku cycle it through.
Hamakua mushrooms: Hamakua Mushrooms on the Big Island send fresh shiitake, alii and pioppini to Honolulu chefs from autumn; Mud Hen Water and Senia plate them weekly.
Sweet potato (uala): Native Hawaiian uala (purple-fleshed sweet potato) harvests through autumn; chefs work it into purees and chips.
Lilikoi (passionfruit): October peak for the passionfruit that flavors mai tais at Monkeypod and pastry tarts at Cake Works.

Going to Hawaii Food and Wine Festival?

Hotels in Honolulu, 5-8 Nov

Holidufrom USD 171 a night

Onaga (long-tailed red snapper): Onaga peaks December through February and dominates Honolulu sushi counters; Sasabune treats it as a core nigiri course.
Whale season is peak ahi: Hawaiian humpback whales return December through April; ahi runs alongside them peak January and February at the Fish Auction.
Persimmons: Local Fuyu persimmons hit Honolulu farmers markets December and January; great in salads and chiffon cakes.
Hawaiian opihi (limpets): Reef opihi peak in cool months at the foot of cliffs; sold raw at Tamashiro-era markets and Maguro Brothers when supply allows.