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Where to Find Hawaiian Food in Tucson

Guide

Where to Find Hawaiian Food in Tucson

by Matt SternerMar 6, 2024Updated May 31, 20243 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 N Oracle RdOro Valley

Cocktails/Spirits
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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 395-1099
Also featured inCabali documentary screening brings Tiki culture spotlight to TucsonTiki 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 S Wilmot RdMidtown

Hawaiian

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.”

Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 391-4341
Also featured inVeterans Day 2024: Food Discounts & Freebies in Tucson30+ Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in Tucson in 2024Hawaiian Barbecue Chains New to Tucson in 2024

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

HawaiianMediterraneanAmerican
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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 912-4972
Also featured inWhere to Eat in Southern MaranaThe Essential Foodie Guide to MaranaQuisty’s Sandwiches is Now Open on Broadway Boulevard (MENU)

(Photo courtesy of Kahu Hawaiian BBQ)

Kahu Hawaiian BBQ

1570 E Tucson Marketplace BlvdSouth Side

HawaiianBBQ

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.

Website ↗(520) 372-2159
Also featured in30+ Restaurants & Bars That Have Opened in Tucson in 2024Hawaiian Barbecue Chains New to Tucson in 2024

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Kon Tiki Restaurant & Lounge

4625 E Broadway BlvdMidtown

AmericanPolynesianHawaiianTiki
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!
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 323-7193
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Your Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2025Guide to Late Night Food in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue)

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

4210 N 1st Ave suite 150Midtown

HawaiianBarbecueAsian Fusion

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.

Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 989-3816
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 E Grant Rd #3University & 4th Ave

HawaiianPokeAsian

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.

Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 771-6681
Also featured inDesert Shark (Formerly LemonShark) Has Officially OpenedSneak Peek of the New Concept ‘Desert Shark’ (Formerly LemonShark Poke)Restaurants New to Tucson in 2019

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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 829-7669
Also featured in10+ Local Businesses Contribute to This Year’s ‘Tucson Night to Shine’Monday Munchies: Nachos at Pure Poke & PrepBest Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2024

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