The beautiful islands of Hawaii have long been a haven for foodies, with their unique blend of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, Asian flavors, and modern twists on classic dishes. It’s no wonder that Guy Fieri, the host of the popular Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, has visited the islands multiple times, showcasing the best of Hawaiian cuisine to a national audience. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most memorable episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filmed in Hawaii.
Episode 1: “Hawaiian Classics” (Season 2, Episode 13)
In this episode, Guy Fieri visits some of the most iconic eateries in Hawaii, including Helena’s Hawaiian Food, a local institution in Honolulu that has been serving traditional Hawaiian dishes like laulau and kalua pig for over 70 years. He also stops by Ono Seafood, a popular poke shop with multiple locations throughout the islands, and tries some of their famous spicy tuna poke.
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
Helena’s Hawaiian Food is a must-visit for anyone looking to try authentic Hawaiian cuisine. This family-owned restaurant has been a staple in the community for generations, serving up classic dishes like laulau, kalua pig, and poi. Guy Fieri raves about the laulau, saying it’s “the best he’s ever had.”
Must-Try Dish: Laulau
Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with pork, beef, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection. It’s a must-try when visiting Helena’s Hawaiian Food.
Episode 2: “Island Eats” (Season 5, Episode 14)
In this episode, Guy Fieri explores the island of Oahu, visiting some of the best eateries in Honolulu and beyond. He stops by Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, a popular food truck that serves up some of the best shrimp plates in the islands, and tries some of their famous garlic shrimp.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a local institution in Hawaii, with multiple locations throughout the islands. This food truck serves up some of the best shrimp plates in the state, with a variety of flavors to choose from, including garlic, lemon butter, and spicy.
Must-Try Dish: Garlic Shrimp
The garlic shrimp at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a must-try when visiting the islands. This dish is made with succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and served with a side of rice and macaroni salad.
Episode 3: “Big Island Eats” (Season 10, Episode 13)
In this episode, Guy Fieri visits the Big Island, exploring some of the best eateries in Kailua-Kona and Hilo. He stops by Hilo Bay Cafe, a popular restaurant that serves up some of the best seafood in the islands, and tries some of their famous fish tacos.
Hilo Bay Cafe
Hilo Bay Cafe is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Hilo, serving up some of the best seafood in the islands. This restaurant is known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative dishes like fish tacos and seafood laulau.
Must-Try Dish: Fish Tacos
The fish tacos at Hilo Bay Cafe are a must-try when visiting the Big Island. This dish is made with fresh, sustainable fish cooked in a flavorful batter and served in a crispy taco shell with a side of salsa and avocado.
Episode 4: “Maui Eats” (Season 12, Episode 14)
In this episode, Guy Fieri visits the island of Maui, exploring some of the best eateries in Lahaina and Kihei. He stops by Sam Sato’s Noodle Shop, a popular restaurant that serves up some of the best noodle dishes in the islands, and tries some of their famous dry noodles.
Sam Sato’s Noodle Shop
Sam Sato’s Noodle Shop is a local institution in Maui, serving up some of the best noodle dishes in the islands. This restaurant is known for its dry noodles, which are made with a special type of noodle that is cooked to perfection and served with a variety of toppings.
Must-Try Dish: Dry Noodles
The dry noodles at Sam Sato’s Noodle Shop are a must-try when visiting Maui. This dish is made with a special type of noodle that is cooked to perfection and served with a variety of toppings, including vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Episode 5: “Kauai Eats” (Season 15, Episode 13)
In this episode, Guy Fieri visits the island of Kauai, exploring some of the best eateries in Lihue and Kapaa. He stops by Hamura’s Saimin Stand, a popular restaurant that serves up some of the best saimin in the islands, and tries some of their famous saimin.
Hamura’s Saimin Stand
Hamura’s Saimin Stand is a local institution in Kauai, serving up some of the best saimin in the islands. This restaurant is known for its traditional saimin, which is made with a special type of noodle that is cooked to perfection and served in a flavorful broth.
Must-Try Dish: Saimin
The saimin at Hamura’s Saimin Stand is a must-try when visiting Kauai. This dish is made with a special type of noodle that is cooked to perfection and served in a flavorful broth, topped with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, meat, and seafood.
| Episode | Location | Restaurant | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 2, Episode 13 | Honolulu | Helena’s Hawaiian Food | Laulau |
| Season 5, Episode 14 | Oahu | Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck | Garlic Shrimp |
| Season 10, Episode 13 | Big Island | Hilo Bay Cafe | Fish Tacos |
| Season 12, Episode 14 | Maui | Sam Sato’s Noodle Shop | Dry Noodles |
| Season 15, Episode 13 | Kauai | Hamura’s Saimin Stand | Saimin |
In conclusion, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured some of the best eateries in Hawaii, showcasing the unique flavors and dishes of the islands. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to modern twists on classic dishes, these episodes are a must-watch for any foodie looking to explore the best of Hawaiian cuisine.
What is Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is a popular American food reality television series that premiered in 2007. The show is hosted by Guy Fieri, a chef, restaurateur, and food enthusiast, who travels across the United States in a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, sampling the best local cuisine from diners, drive-ins, and dives. The show is known for its entertaining and informative content, showcasing the diversity of American food culture.
The show’s format typically features Guy Fieri visiting three to four restaurants in each episode, where he meets the chefs, learns about their cooking techniques, and samples their signature dishes. The show also features interviews with the restaurant owners, chefs, and local food experts, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the local food scene.
Why did Guy Fieri choose Hawaii for some episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Guy Fieri chose Hawaii for some episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives because of the state’s unique and diverse food culture. Hawaii is a melting pot of different cuisines, including traditional Hawaiian, Asian, American, and European, which offers a wide range of exciting and exotic flavors to explore. The show’s producers were attracted to Hawaii’s vibrant food scene, which is characterized by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and a blend of traditional and modern flavors.
By featuring Hawaii in some episodes of the show, Guy Fieri aimed to showcase the state’s culinary diversity and introduce viewers to new and exciting flavors. The episodes filmed in Hawaii feature a range of restaurants, from traditional Hawaiian eateries to modern fusion restaurants, and highlight the state’s unique food culture, which is shaped by its geographic location, cultural heritage, and history.
What are some of the best episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filmed in Hawaii?
Some of the best episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives filmed in Hawaii include “Hawaiian Classics,” “Island Flavor,” and “Tropical Taste.” These episodes feature a range of restaurants, from traditional Hawaiian eateries to modern fusion restaurants, and showcase the state’s unique food culture. The episodes highlight the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and a blend of traditional and modern flavors.
The episodes also feature Guy Fieri trying some of Hawaii’s iconic dishes, such as poke, laulau, and shave ice, as well as some modern twists on traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The episodes are entertaining, informative, and mouth-watering, and provide viewers with a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s culinary scene.
What are some of the must-try dishes featured in the Hawaii episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Some of the must-try dishes featured in the Hawaii episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives include poke, laulau, shave ice, and loco moco. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other flavorings. Laulau is a classic Hawaiian dish made from pork, beef, or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed to perfection. Shave ice is a popular Hawaiian dessert made from shaved ice flavored with various syrups.
Loco moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort food made from a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy, all served over a bed of rice. These dishes are all featured in the Hawaii episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and are must-try items for anyone visiting the state. The show also features some modern twists on traditional Hawaiian cuisine, such as fusion dishes and innovative uses of local ingredients.
Can I visit the restaurants featured in the Hawaii episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
Yes, many of the restaurants featured in the Hawaii episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives are still open and welcoming visitors. The show’s producers often choose restaurants that are popular with locals and visitors alike, and many of the featured restaurants have become tourist attractions in their own right. Visitors can stop by the restaurants, try the dishes featured on the show, and meet the chefs and owners who were featured on the program.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the restaurants featured on the show may have changed ownership or menus since the episode was filmed, so it’s always a good idea to check for updates before visiting. Additionally, some restaurants may offer special “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” menus or tours, which can be a fun way to experience the show’s culinary highlights.
How can I plan a foodie trip to Hawaii inspired by Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
To plan a foodie trip to Hawaii inspired by Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, start by researching the restaurants featured on the show and creating a list of must-try dishes and eateries. Consider visiting the islands featured on the show, such as Oahu, Maui, and Kauai, and plan your itinerary around the restaurants and dishes you want to try.
You can also consider taking a food tour or culinary class to learn more about Hawaiian cuisine and cooking techniques. Many tour operators offer Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-inspired tours, which can be a fun and convenient way to experience the show’s culinary highlights. Additionally, be sure to try some of Hawaii’s iconic dishes, such as poke, laulau, and shave ice, and explore the state’s vibrant food trucks and markets.
Are there any other food and travel shows that feature Hawaii?
Yes, there are several other food and travel shows that feature Hawaii, including “Man v. Food,” “Bizarre Foods,” and “Top Chef.” These shows offer a range of perspectives on Hawaiian cuisine and culture, from traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine. Additionally, many food and travel bloggers and influencers have featured Hawaii in their content, showcasing the state’s culinary highlights and hidden gems.
Some popular food and travel shows that feature Hawaii include “Hawaii Food Tours,” which explores the state’s culinary scene through guided tours and tastings, and “Cooking Hawaiian Style,” which showcases traditional Hawaiian recipes and cooking techniques. These shows offer a range of perspectives on Hawaiian cuisine and culture, and can be a great way to learn more about the state’s food scene.