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Where to Find Hawaiian Food in Tucson

Guide

Where to Find Hawaiian Food in Tucson

by Matt SternerMar 6, 2024Updated Aug 4, 20263 min read
From savory kalua pork to refreshing poke bowls, these restaurants bring the flavors of the islands to the Southwest, offering a delicious escape to paradise right here in Tucson. That's right — here in the desert where saguaros roam and tumbleweeds challenge semi-trucks on the highway. We've also included national chains in this guide since Hawaiian cuisine isn't as easy to find in Arizona.
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8 spots

(Screen capture from "Cabali And The Tiki Mug Obsession")

Cabali

8195 North Oracle RoadOro Valley

CocktailsSpirits
Cabali is Tucson's newest tiki bar located next door to The Landing at 8195 N. Oracle Rd. — there's a "secret door" inside the restaurant that leads to the bar. Douglas “Fini” Finical, co-owner of The Landing and Fini's Landing, has been collecting tiki mugs for years and they’ll have more than 1,000 of them on display inside the new bar. Sure, they don't serve food at Cabali but there's plenty of seafood next door at The Landing.
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Also featured inWhat to Eat & Drink in Oro Valley, ArizonaTiki Tucson: 8 Bars to Escape the Heat This SummerBest Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in June 2024

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

203 South Wilmot RoadMidtown

Brothers Tyler and Cameron McNie opened its first location in Belton, Missouri in 2018. The McNies originally come from the West Coast, but some Midwest friends from Kansas City inspired them to bring a version of their family’s Hawaiian grill restaurant here.

“The restaurant features a striking design and island vibe with a kitchen void of freezers, fryers, and microwaves,” the franchise owners said about the spot in Tucson. “The concept offers island-inspired comfort in the form of food Hawaiian plate lunches as well as sides.”

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Also featured in30+ Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in Tucson in 2024Hawaiian Barbecue Chains New to Tucson in 2024Hawaiian Bros Island Grill to Open its First Tucson Location

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

After 16 years of operating on East University Boulevard, Tucson restaurant Jimmy’s Pita & Poke opened its second location on River Road in 2019. Although you can get your poke in a pita, the rice is so good that you don’t really need to make the switch. We dig the option to add jicama, which is a non-traditional topping choice but offers a nice bright crunch.
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Also featured inWhere to Eat Along the Sun Link Streetcar RouteWhere to Eat in Southern MaranaWhat I Order and Eat in Tucson as Editor

(Photo courtesy of Kahu Hawaiian BBQ)

Kahu Hawaiian BBQ

1570 East Tucson Marketplace BoulevardSouth Side

The restaurant quietly opened at Tucson Marketplace, which is over near Dave & Busters and the Cinemark movie theater. Before this new spot in Tucson, Kahu Hawaiian BBQ was serving out of its sole location in Phoenix. There doesn’t appear to be an official website for the chain but you can find their menu online — classic Hawaiian barbecue staples, Chicken Katsu, Crab Rangoon, and more.

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Also featured inHawaiian Barbecue Chains New to Tucson in 2024

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Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

4625 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

A tiki bar with an island vibe and a menu that’ll transport you straight to the tropics. Can you believe they've been open now for 60 years in Tucson? Order their Seared Ahi Salad, the Monkeys and Birds — your choice of sirloin or chicken skewers marinated and charbroiled — or their much-loved Miso Salmon, and wash it down with a classic tiki cocktail. Plus, their weekday Happy Hour from 4 – 7 p.m. are a steal!
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Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Your Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023Dry January: Where to Find Mocktails, NA Beers & More in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue)

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

4210 North 1st Avenue #150Midtown

The Honolulu-based restaurant chain opened its first Tucson location in January 2024, making it the third location overall in Arizona.

The restaurant is located at 4210 N. First Ave. and serves similar dishes found at Hawaiian Bros — plate lunches. The restaurant is quickly becoming a favorite on that side of town with menu items like barbecue meats, rice plates, and Spam Musubi.

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Also featured in30+ Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in Tucson in 2024Hawaiian Barbecue Chains New to Tucson in 2024

(Photo courtesy of LemonShark Poke)

LemonShark Poke

2501 East Grant Road #3University & 4th Ave

LemonShark Poke was founded by guitarist Tobi Miller of rock band The Wallflowers and race car driver Richard Gottlieb. The Tucson location serves signature poke bowls and hot plates such as Sticky Pineapple Chicken, Chicken Katsu, and Coconut Shrimp. Small bites range from Potstickers to Spam Musubi.

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Also featured inLemonShark Poké now open on Grant Rd. & Tucson Blvd.

Pure Poke and Prep

6501 East Grant RoadEastside

Seafood
Poke bowl mix-ins can be added to your belly’s content and include purple cabbage, organic mixed carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, cucumber salad, avocado, edamame, ginger, green onion, jalapeño, mango, seaweed salad, maple-soy roasted sweet potatoes, wasabi, watermelon radish, and white onion.
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Also featured inPassport for Tucson Foodie Insiders [Map]Tucson Restaurants Participating in Indie Week 2023Foodie 15: Best Poke in Tucson
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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona