If you visit the island of Hawaii and don’t try any of the tropical fruits, you’ll be missing out on one of the highlights of this place! If you’re a fruit lover, the Big Island will be no less than heaven for you! Tropical fruits are widely available throughout the island. While you may know about some of the fruits, you will come across some that you’ve probably never even heard of.
So, let us take you through some of the most delicious exotic fruits to try in Hawaii.
Coconut
Coconuts are surely the most popular fruits that you’ll come across in almost every tropical location. With the massive amount of palm trees lined alongside the beaches, you will find exotic fruit at many vendor stalls on the Big Island. In places such as Waimānalo, you will find people who will drill a coconut to let you drink its water, and will then pop it open to let you eat the meat of the fruit. Moreover, not only is coconut water a great drink to quench your thirst, but it is also one of Hawaii’s most popular hangover remedies!
Pineapple
When you imagine Hawaii, you probably picture yourself lying on a beach surrounded by palms, surfers, and pineapple! Hawaii was the lead producer of pineapples in the world, so it’s no surprise if you imagine yourself surrounded by pineapples. In fact, you must visit the Dole Plantation Farm near O’ahu to see stunning fields of pineapples that stretch for miles.
Although there are almost 37 varieties of pineapple available in Hawaii, sugarloaf pineapples are a must-try! Available mostly in Hawaii only, it is surely is an extra special treat that you’ll only get to have there! Instead of yellow, the insides of the sugarloaf pineapple are more on the whitish side, and not only is this variety of pineapple extra sweet, but it is also much less acidic! Also, you can either try freshly cut pineapples, or you can also enjoy them as edible bowls to enjoy your fruity treats.
Papaya
Papaya from other countries and papaya from Hawaii must be considered two entirely different fruits. There’s a high chance that you won’t find sweeter papaya anywhere else than you will at Hawaii. While eating chopped-up papaya is the popular way to eat it, you should also try papaya seed dressing that is available at most Hawaiian restaurants and salad bars.
Mango
Just like papayas, Hawaii has the sweetest mangoes to offer! Hawaii is no less than a mango lover’s paradise; you will find shacks that provide mango-based desserts that you can devour. You are most likely to find the sweetest mangoes as little roadside stands since they are mostly home-grown. You can also rent Airbnbsthat has mango trees for easy access to this sweet and juicy fruit.
Guava
Guava is another exotic fruit that you’ll abundantly find on the Big Island. Not only is this delicious fruit highly beneficial for your health, but it is also extremely versatile. Guava is popularly used in spreads, drinks, and syrups – take your pick on how you want to try this exotic fruit!
Rambutan
Even though rambutan is native to Southeast Asia, they are also found growing in Hawaii during the peak months of February and March. So, you will easily find it at various farmers markets across the Big Island. Rambutan tastes very similar to lychee but is a little extra tarter. Also, many people can’t tell the difference between the two fruits, except for the most obvious tell – its shell.
Dragon Fruit
The majestic appearance of a dragon fruit makes you want to store it forever rather than eat it. In fact, when you look at this fruit while sitting on a beach in Hawaii, you’ll surely think about one thing – this is as tropical as it gets! So, when it comes to beauty and vibes, dragon fruit tops the list of exotic fruits. When it comes to taste, it’s important to know that this fruit has a consistency similar to kiwis, but has its own unique taste. Also, since dragon fruits contain a lot of seeds, you will get crunch in every bite.
Egg Fruit
Egg fruit is found in abundance throughout Central America. It gets its name from its vivid yellow flesh and texture. Also known as canistel, egg fruit can easily be found on the Big Island. This soft and savory fruit usually comes into season in the colder months. Not only can this exotic fruit be eaten on its own, but it also serves as a star ingredient for many things such as custards, shakes, and jams. In Hawaii, you will often find egg fruit in Indian and Thai cuisine.
Starfruit
Although starfruit is native to Southeast Asia, it can also be found in Hawaii. Not only is this crunchy and juicy fruit tasty, but it also offers many health benefits as it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium. Starfruit is available on the Big Island at any local farmers’ market where it is typically combined with other locally-grown fruit and sold as a fruit plate. You can not only eat starfruit by itself, but you can also have it in cakes or bake it as chips.
Cherimoya (Custard Apple)
Commonly known as sugar or custard apple, cherimoya is an exotic fruit that you must try on the Big Island. Even though it is known as custard apple, its texture or appearance is nowhere near an apple. Cherimoyas typically have a softer and grainy outside, and a soft and custard-like inside. However, since this exotic fruit is filled with seeds like a pomegranate, you will have to work your way through it to get its meat out.
Lilikoi or Passion Fruit
Lilikoi, also known as passion fruit, is commonly used to flavor drinks and cocktails. It is quite a small fruit that simply needs to be split in half and scooped with a spoon. Apart from cocktails and drinks, lilikoi is used in a lot of Hawaiian desserts, juices, jams, syrups, and even baked goods. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to try this delicious fruit in the form of butter on the Big Island. You can spread it on your toast or crepes to get the best taste!
With their remarkable appearances and delicious taste, these exotic fruits to try in Hawaii will give you a true island experience!
