When you think about Hawaiian food, poke is probably the first dish that comes to mind. While Hawaii is renowned for poke, the island has much more to offer — particularly when it comes to snacks.
Whether you enjoy salty, sweet, or sour treats, the Aloha State offers a variety of snacks guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Here, we'll explore Hawaiian snacks you simply must add to your cart the next time you're shopping at a Hawaiian grocery store or online.
Warning: Once you start snacking on Hawaiian treats, you might find it impossible to restrain yourself. So, what makes them so addictive? Here are some reasons why you might find it difficult to put them down once you start digging in:
Li Hing Mui, the iconic Hawaiian seasoning made from dried, salted plums, has the magical ability to turn even the most basic snacks into extraordinary flavor experiences. Known for its unique combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, this powder has become an essential ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine, transforming everything from fruits to candies into irresistible treats.
By adding Li Hing Mui powder to fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or papaya, you elevate the sweetness with a punch of savory saltiness and a hint of tang, creating a delightful contrast. For those who love savory snacks, adding Li Hing Mui to rice crackers, popcorn, or even chips adds depth and an unforgettable flavor boost. The versatility of this seasoning is what makes it so beloved in Hawaii, and it’s easy to see why it has taken snacking to a whole new level. Looking for even more creative ways to enjoy Li Hing Mui? Check out our blog on Must-Try Ways to Use Li Hing Mui Powder for delicious inspiration!
Want to indulge in delectable Hawaii food? Here are 21 made-in-Hawaii snacks you must try. Be warned, though. These tasty Hawaiian treats might lead to serious cravings!
Want a flavorful seasoning that you can add to just about anything? Well, that's what li hing powder is! Li hing mui powder is a seasoning made from ground, dried, and salted plums. It has a sweet, salty, and tangy taste, making it a great addition to many snacks.
It's super popular in Hawaii, and you can add it to all sorts of things, such as tropical fruits, shaved ice, popcorn, rice crackers, and even cocktails! Give it a shot if you've never tried it to add an extra punch to your favorite snacks.
Li hing mui seeds are the kind of snack that grabs hold of your taste buds and doesn’t let go. A longtime island favorite, these addictive little bites combine salty, sweet, and tangy flavors in a way that keeps snack lovers coming back for more.
Made from dried, preserved fruits like plums, Li hing mui seeds are coated in a signature seasoning made from salted plum skin. The result? A snack that packs an intense punch, delivering a mouthwatering contrast of flavors with every bite. Li Hing Mui seeds offer plenty of varieties to suit every craving, red li hing mui, sweet & sour ume, sweet li hing mui and white li hing mui.
Tired of the same old candy flavors? Then, surprise your taste buds with li hing mui drops. Li hing mui drops are hard candies coated with li hing mui powder, giving them a sweet, salty, and tangy taste.
If you want an unconventional snack that you can easily carry on the go, and li hing mui drops to your grocery cart the next time you're out shopping.
Sweet seedless li hing mui is the perfect Hawaiian food for snackers who enjoy treats that combine sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
And best of all? Each pack has a generous amount of plums, making the snack perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Pro tip: Add sweet seedless li hing mui to your yogurt, ice cream, or smoothies for a flavorful kick.
Li hing mui mango blends the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe mango with the unique flavors of li hing powder, resulting in a delicious treat packed with flavor.
Whether you're looking for a quick Hawaiian snack to enjoy at home, at work, or on the go, this tropical treat is an excellent way to satiate your cravings.
Lemon strips are made from dried lemons that are cut into thin strips and then dried and coated with sugar, salt, and other ingredients. The result? A tasty treat with a chewy texture and a tangy flavor. Give them a shot if you enjoy snacks with a sweet and tart flavor.
Thinking of grabbing a bag of potato chips to satisfy your cravings? Not so fast! Instead of munching on an entire bag of potato chips and feeling guilty after, consider arare.
Arare or mochi crunch are crunchy Japanese rice crackers. They come in various flavors, ranging from sweet and salty to savory and even umami, so you're guaranteed to find a flavor that appeals to your taste buds.
And the best part? Unlike potato chips, arare crackers are lower in fat and calories, making them perfect for people watching their weight.
Dried Shredded Cuttlefish or Ika is a popular Hawaiian food. It has a unique flavor that's kind of salty and savory, and some people say it has a fishy taste.
While dried shredded cuttlefish is an excellent standalone snack, you can add it to your soups, salads, and noodle dishes for a protein boost and extra flavor.
Your taste buds may take some time to get acquainted with dried shredded cuttlefish, though. However, it can be pretty addictive once you get used to the flavor!
Smoked cuttlefish is a snack unlike any other. It's made from octopus smoked over wood chips, giving it a unique smoky taste.
Try smoked cuttlefish if you're an adventurous snacker looking for a healthy snack rich in vitamin B12, potassium, and iron.
When most people think about jerky, traditional beef jerky comes to mind. Want to try something a bit more unusual than regular beef jerky? Then, give fish jerky a shot!
Fish jerky is a popular Hawaiian snack that's made from fish like salmon or ahi tuna, which has been dried and seasoned with salt and spices. It's a healthy snack rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals.
Enjoy it as a standalone snack, or add it to your salads, soups, or wraps to boost their protein and flavor.
Beef jerky is a timeless Hawaiian food with a long shelf life, and it is easy to carry around, making it beloved among people who spend a lot of time outdoors. It's also rich in protein, making it popular among fitness enthusiasts looking for a quick energy boost.
And the best part? Beef jerky is available in various flavors, ranging from teriyaki and garlic to Korean BBQ, so you're sure to find a flavor that delights your palate.
Dried shrimp is a treat that's made from shrimp that's dehydrated and salted. This results in a crunchy treat with a unique umami flavor.
Grab a bag of dried shrimp if you want to snack on a healthy treat that's high in protein and low in calories and fat.
Salted tamarind is a sweet and sour treat made from tamarind — a tropical fruit with a unique tangy flavor. Salted tamarind is typically made using tamarind fruit that's peeled, deseeded, dried, coated with salt, sugar, and other spices, and then left to dry.
This results in a delicious treat that's bursting with flavor. Treat your taste buds to salted tamarind if you want to enjoy a healthy snack rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Don’t let its small size fool you, Salted Li Hing Mui is a snack that packs a flavor explosion like no other. Known as saladitos or salted dried plums, this island favorite is a tangy, salty, and slightly sweet treat that has been winning over taste buds in Hawaii for generations.
The Chinese salted plum made its way to Hawaii decades ago and has since become a must-have for anyone who loves bold, mouth-puckering flavors. Whether you eat it straight from the bag. Salted Li Hing Mui delivers a punch that keeps you coming back for more.
Red Li Hing Mui is a classic Hawaiian snack with a bold mix of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. This dried plum is addictively chewy and can be enjoyed straight from the bag. A favorite in Hawaii, it’s perfect for those who love intense, mouth-puckering treats.
Looking to indulge in an unconventional alternative to regular strawberry belts? Then, you must try li hing mui strawberry belts.
Li hing mui strawberry belts are coated with li hing mui powder, giving them a unique sweet, salty, and sour taste. Try them out if you're an adventurous snacker looking for a one-of-a-kind candy experience.
Gummy bears are a timeless treat enjoyed by both children and adults. Li hing mui gummy bears offer a unique spin on regular gummy bears. They are seasoned with li hing mui powder, giving them a sweet, sour, and salty flavor.
If you enjoy gummy bears and want to try something different and delicious, you can't go wrong with li hing mui gummy bears.
Want to enjoy a fruity treat and add color to your snack bowl or trail mix? Then, grab a bag of li hing mui rainbow belts. As the name suggests, these gummy treats come in various colors and are infused with li hing mui powder, giving them a unique taste.
Li hing mui brite crawlers are gummy worms dusted with li hing mui powder. The result is a chewy, mouthwatering treat that's bursting with salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Try them out if you're hankering for something sweet and salty or just want to try something different.
Li hing mui sour patch kids offer a unique spin on gummy candy. They are soft and chewy like gummy candy but seasoned with li hing mui powder, giving them a sweet, salty, and sour taste.
Best of all, they are available in various flavors, including lemon, orange, and cherry. If you love chewy treats, they're a must-try snack.
Li hing mui peach strips combine the sweet and fruity flavors of dried peach with the salty and tangy taste of li hing mui powder, resulting in a one-of-a-kind treat.
Snag a bag if you want to satisfy your cravings with a sweet and salty Asian snack.
Hawaiian snacks are available in a variety of flavor profiles. Whether you enjoy sweet, salty, sour, or umami treats, you're sure to find a snack that excites your palate.
Ready to try these or other snacks? At Snack Hawaii, we offer a wide variety of authentic affordable Hawaiian snacks. Whether you reside in Hawaii or the mainland, shop now for a vast collection of snacks, and we'll deliver them straight to your doorstep.
Li hing mui is a dried, salted plum that originated in China and has become a beloved ingredient in Hawaiian cuisine. The term "li hing" translates to "traveling plum," reflecting its journey across cultures. What makes li hing mui so popular is its bold combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, which create a unique taste experience.
One of the most well-known variations is salted li hing mui, which is often ground into a powder and used as a seasoning for fresh fruits, candies, popcorn, and even cocktails.
Absolutely! Hawaiian snacks are an excellent gift you can send to friends or family. Whether you're looking for sweet, salty, sour, or umami treats, you're certain to find a snack your loved ones will enjoy.
There are many vegan or gluten-free Hawaiian snack options. If you're on a vegan or gluten-free diet, some snacks you might want to try include taro sticks and mixed chips.
You should store your snacks in airtight containers at room temperature to keep them fresh. If you want to store snacks like beef or fish jerky for longer, consider freezing them. As a rule of thumb, always check the snack packaging to determine the best way to store your Hawaiian snacks to maintain their freshness.
The time Hawaiian snacks take to maintain their freshness varies from snack to snack. While some snacks can last several months if properly stored, others stay fresh for a few weeks. Always check the snack packaging to determine how long your snacks will stay fresh.
Hawaiian snacks are perfect for sharing because of their variety of flavors and unique textures, making them a hit at any gathering. Whether you're sharing with friends or enjoying them solo, their bold, delicious taste is sure to satisfy every craving.
