I see you at work looking at those TikTok videos before your vacation 😜
TikTok creators may rise, fall, or suddenly pivot to dance trends—but for foodies, they’re still one of the best ways to get real-deal, up-to-the-minute eats intel.
This list is updated annually. You’ll find last year’s Top 5 creators at the bottom of the article so you can see who made the list again and who dropped off.
Skip the outdated brochures and Yelp rabbit holes—these Hawai‘i TikTokers offer a fresh lens on what’s truly worth tasting. As someone who genuinely enjoys spending (ahem, researching) hours immersed in food content, I’ve come across creators who capture the heart of Hawai‘i’s diverse dining scene, beyond the viral fluff. Here are five standout TikTokers every foodie should currently be following.
@fiveftfoodie
Second year on the list and starting to branch out into non-food video but still a ton of food reviews and insight.
Who is @fiveftfoodie: A dynamic and down-to-earth creator known for showcasing casual dining spots and hidden gems across Oʻahu.
What @fiveftfoodie covers: From beachside food trucks in Kailua to tucked-away noodle shops in Honolulu, this account highlights authentic bites that rarely make the guidebooks.
Why follow: Her honest reviews, high-energy style, and clear voiceovers make it easy to follow recommendations, even without sound.
Top video pick: Don’t miss her review of a humble poke spot in Honolulu. She breaks down everything from fish freshness to portion sizes, offering a true poke lover’s perspective.
Don’t miss my popular post about the best Sunday brunch buffets on Oahu, I have videos on several of them as well.
@hungry.lilbean
Starting to branch out with some food content from South Korea and Japan, but still “2 full scoops” of Hawai’i content.
Who is @hungry.lilbean: A playful and creative food explorer with a sweet spot for both savory bites and whimsical presentation.
What @hungry.lilbean covers: Frequently filming in Kaimukī, Waikīkī, and Kapahulu, she spotlights everything from trendy cafés to late-night ramen haunts.
Why follow: Her storytelling keeps you engaged, and she often introduces under-the-radar menu items that even locals may not know.
Top video pick: I love nachos and this location in Aiea has a plate that makes me drool just looking at it.
@onlyfoods808
Who is @onlyfoods808: A passionate local foodie who gravitates toward comforting, down-home meals that resonate with island-style flavors.
What @onlyfoods808 covers: Think hearty plate lunches, loco mocos, and malasadas—shared with the kind of local knowledge only a kamaʻāina can offer.
Why follow: Their approachable tone feels like chatting with a friend or cousin who always knows the best spots, often enriched with cultural backstory.
Top video pick: Shiros Saimin in Waimalu is one of my personal and family favorites, get the side of pork adobo and just drop it into your bowl of saimin, mmmmm.
@kellishiromabraiotta
Who is @kellishiromabraiotta: A refined and thoughtful creator with a love for elevated dining and visually stunning culinary experiences.
What @kellishiromabraiotta covers: Omakase sushi, hidden fine-dining gems, and upscale island cuisine that maintains a strong sense of place.
Why follow: Her aesthetic storytelling offers a beautifully curated look at the islands’ high-end food scene, without losing its roots in local tradition.
Top video pick: Her visit to a speakeasy inside a pawn shop is pretty unique, I haven’t seen anyone else cover this.
@lunchladyguy
New to this list and the only recent addition, @lunchladyguy earns his spot by focusing on real Hawaiʻi food and everyday local favorites rather than just trendy or high-end dining.
Who he is: @lunchladyguy is a Hawaiʻi-based foodie and home cook who focuses on real, everyday local food. His content highlights portion size, price, and taste, with an emphasis on cooking on a budget and feeding families — not chasing trends.
What he posts: His videos cover a mix of home-cooked meals and local food spots around Hawaiʻi, with a strong focus on comfort food and neighborhood favorites. Instead of high-end or “fancy” dining, he showcases the kind of food locals actually eat, making his content especially relatable.
Why follow: If you want a break from overproduced food content and just want honest looks at good local food, this account delivers. It’s a great follow for visitors who want to eat like a local and for residents who appreciate straightforward, no-frills food recommendations.
Favorite video: Pastele stew for the win.
Last Year’s Top 5 List
Each year, this list evolves as new creators emerge and others shift focus, slow down, or change platforms. Below are the Top 5 Hawaiʻi foodie TikTok creators from last year’s list. Some continue to appear year after year, while others make room for new voices worth following.
@fiveftfoodie – Known for high-energy, honest reviews of casual eats and hidden gems across Oʻahu, from beachside food trucks to low-key local favorites that rarely make the guidebooks.
@hungry.lilbean – A playful storyteller who highlights cafés, ramen spots, and under-the-radar menu items around Kaimukī, Waikīkī, and Kapahulu, often with a creative, whimsical twist.
@onlyfoods808 – A go-to account for comforting local food, featuring plate lunches, saimin, malasadas, and island classics shared with genuine kamaʻāina perspective.
@kellishiromabraiotta – Focused on elevated dining experiences, including omakase sushi and refined island cuisine, with beautifully curated visuals that still honor local roots.
@eatsbyren – A fast-paced creator covering trending eats and bold fusion flavors, from Korean tacos to vegan katsu, blending global influences with local culture.
If a creator from last year is still actively posting and sharing Hawaiʻi food content, they’re linked above so you can easily revisit their account. This section is meant to highlight consistency and growth over time, not to permanently rank creators.
Tips for Making the Most of Hawai‘i Food TikTok
Save videos to plan smarter: TikTok’s save function lets you build a personalized itinerary of places to eat while on-island.
Engage with creators: Ask questions in the comments—many creators reply with extra tips, alternate locations, or off-menu suggestions.
Build your own food map: Turn your favorite TikToks into a custom Google Map so you can snack your way across the islands with ease.
TikTok Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or seeking fresh ideas as a local, these are my current five Hawai‘i TikTok creators that I think offer more than food recommendations—they provide authentic, often heartfelt windows into the islands’ diverse culinary identity. From humble lunch counters to elegant omakase, their content celebrates the many flavors that define Hawai‘i.
Did I miss your favorite local food creator? Share their handle or your go-to neighborhood spot in the comments—let’s keep this island food map growing.
