HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s Labor Day Weekend! And most of us in Hawaiʻi need to find that perfect thing to take to the cookout this weekend.
But with so little free time, knowing what to get becomes as important as getting it.
So, we created a list of easy-to-get foods and beverages that you can grab and go on your way to all the fun.
Local-style mains and proteins
- Poke by the pound: Ahi shoyu, spicy ahi, limu, or even tako poke from Foodland, Tamura’s, Nico’s or your neighborhood fish market. Always a hit with zero prep.
- Fried chicken buckets: Zippy’s chicken, Mitsu-Ken garlic chicken or even Costco’s roast chicken for easy sharing.
- Kalua pork: Many local supermarkets sell pre-cooked trays (Foodland, Times, Safeway). Just reheat and serve with cabbage or sliders.
- Teriyaki beef/chicken skewers: Pre-marinated packs from Costco or Marukai are grill-ready.
Sides and potluck staples
- Mac salad: It’s a local favorite, and you can grab tubs fresh-made from Foodland or Zippy’s.
- Potato mac salad combo: Perfect Hawaiʻi comfort food (chilled, ready-to-serve).
- Poi or lomi salmon: Sold at Hawaiian food counters or even frozen versions at local stores.
- Namasu or pickled veggies: A tangy, refreshing side to balance the heaviness of BBQ meats.
Quick snacks and pupu
- Spam musubi – 7-Eleven Hawaiʻi, Foodland or local okazuya always stocked with them.
- Chips + dips with local flavor: Taro chips, shrimp chips or tortilla chips with guacamole, kimchi dip or poke as a dip.
- Sushi platters and sushi bakes: Pre-made rolls or cone sushi as well as sushi-inspired baked casseroles from Don Quijote, Marukai, Foodland, Don Quijote or even Costco.
- Edamame with Hawaiian salt: Quick, salty snack that travels well.
Sweets and desserts
- Liliha Bakery coco puffs: Always a crowd favorite but go early before they sell out.
- Haupia or haupia pie: Easy grab from local bakeries or Foodland.
- Butter mochi squares: Available at most supermarkets or farmer’s markets.
- Shave ice kits: If you’re hosting, you can grab syrups and ice to make a DIY shave ice station.
- Fresh fruit Platter – Pineapple, mango, lychee or papaya are light and refreshing.
Drinks
- Hawaiian Sun and Aloha Maid cans: Quick tropical flavors like Pass-O-Guava, Lilikoi and Green River are always a hit.
- Local cold brews or teas: Kona coffee cold brew, mango iced tea or plantation iced tea.
- Li hing mui lemonade: You can find mixes or ready-to-drink versions at farmer’s markets and some stores.
- Bubble tea grab-and-go): Places like Teapresso or local boba shops offer gallon jugs for parties.
Whatever you decide to grab, it’ll be a big hit since sharing food is always the best way to bond and enjoy life together.