What are good Hawaiian side dishes?

Some of the best Hawaiian side dishes bring together creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Classics include Hawaiian macaroni salad, pineapple coconut rice, lomi salmon, and haupia (a coconut pudding). You’ll also love dishes like sweet furikake corn, sautéed tropical veggies, and taegu (a spicy dried fish salad). These sides pair beautifully with grilled meats or seafood—and they come together with minimal fuss.

What kind of food do you serve at a Hawaiian party?

Think vibrant, flavor-packed dishes that are easy to share! For a true Hawaiian party (or luau), serve a mix of savory mains like kalua pork, huli huli chicken, or grilled fish. Pair those with side dishes like macaroni salad, pineapple rice, lomi salmon, and baked beans with a tropical twist. Add a sweet note with coconut desserts like haupia or kōʻelepālau. Don't forget fresh fruits and refreshing drinks like pineapple punch or POG juice!

What sides go with Hawaiian chicken for dinner?

If you’re serving Hawaiian-style chicken (like huli huli chicken), try balancing it with creamy and fresh sides. Pineapple coconut rice adds a sweet contrast, while Hawaiian macaroni salad brings that cool, tangy bite. Roasted or sautéed veggies with pineapple, lomi salmon, or sweet corn with furikake round out the meal perfectly. These sides make weeknight dinners feel like a mini vacation!

What are typical side dishes?

Typical side dishes vary by cuisine, but in general, they’re designed to complement your main dish. In American and Hawaiian-style meals, you’ll often find sides like: Potato salad or macaroni salad Rice (steamed or flavored) Beans (baked or refried) Roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens Corn on the cob or sweet corn with seasoning In Hawaiian cuisine, sides often include a blend of sweet and savory—like pineapple rice or coconut-based salads.

What sides do you have at a luau?

At a traditional luau, side dishes help showcase the variety and heart of Hawaiian cooking. You might find: Poi (mashed taro root) Hawaiian macaroni salad Lomi salmon Sweet potato pudding (kōʻelepālau) Taegu (spicy dried fish) Pineapple coconut rice Fresh tropical fruits These dishes add richness, color, and that island vibe to every bite!

What’s a good Hawaiian appetizer?

For starters, poke (seasoned raw fish salad) is a top-tier Hawaiian appetizer. You can also offer smaller portions of lomi salmon, taegu, or inamona (nut topping) served with taro chips. If you're craving something warm, try mini Spam musubi or skewered huli huli chicken bites. Sweet potato fritters or coconut shrimp can also bring big flavor to the table.

10 Easy & Flavorful Hawaiian Side Dishes to Try Today

Name: The Best 10 Hawaiian Side Dishes
Prep time: PT-487546H22M4S
Cook time: PT-487546H22M4S
Total time: PT-487546H22M4S
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: Check each recipe separately

Description

A vibrant collection of 10 easy and authentic Hawaiian side dishes including macaroni salad, pineapple rice, lomi salmon, and haupia—perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or luaus.

Ingredients

Check each recipe separately

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Instructions

Check each recipe separately

Notes

Most recipes are simple, prep-ahead friendly, and ready in under 45 minutes.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Baking, Sautéing, Chilling
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Polynesian