Aloha and welcome to 808 Eats, your one-stop guide to delicious eats that perfectly complement your Oahu pickleball adventures! Whether you’re crushing it on the court at Ke’ehi Lagoon or rallying with friends at a local park, you’ll need some tasty treats to keep your energy levels up.
Pre-Game Grub:
- Acai Bowls: Kickstart your day with a vibrant acai bowl packed with fresh fruit, granola, and your favorite toppings. Acai bowls are a delicious and healthy way to fuel your body for an energetic pickleball session. Popular spots include The Local Bowl or Island Vintage Coffee.
- Poke Bowls: A quintessential Hawaiian dish, poke bowls are perfect for a pre-game meal. Fresh, cubed raw fish tossed in flavorful sauces with your choice of toppings like seaweed salad, avocado, and edamame provides protein and complex carbohydrates to keep you going. Check out Poke Bar or Foodland for delicious poke options.
Post-Game Refreshment:
- Loco Moco: For a hearty post-game meal, a classic Loco Moco hits the spot. This Hawaiian dish features white rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and savory gravy. Head to Rainbow Drive-In or Leonard’s Bakery for a taste of this local favorite.
- Plate Lunch: Another local staple, plate lunches offer a variety of savory options. Choose from proteins like teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, or lau lau (slow-cooked pork wrapped in taro leaves), served with rice and macaroni salad. Rainbow Drive-In and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue are popular choices.
Hydration Heroes:
- Fresh Coconut Water: Replenish electrolytes and stay cool with refreshing coconut water straight from the source!Look for stands selling young coconuts at local beaches or farmers markets.
- Local Fruit Smoothies: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, fresh fruit smoothies are a delicious way to rehydrate after a game. Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and guava create a taste explosion in every sip. Check out Aloha Bowls or The Banan for delicious smoothie options.
Sweet Treats:
- Shaved Ice: Cool down after a hot pickleball match with a refreshing shave ice. This Hawaiian dessert features fluffy, finely shaved ice topped with syrups and your choice of sweet toppings like condensed milk, fruit, or mochi (sweet rice cakes). Matteo’s Shave Ice or Wailana Coffee Shop are local favorites.
- Malasadas: These Portuguese doughnuts are a local favorite. Light and fluffy on the inside, malasadas are often dusted with sugar or filled with delicious custards and jams. Leonard’s Bakery is a must-visit for these sugary treats.
Explore and Experiment:
This is just a taste of the amazing culinary scene Oahu has to offer. Don’t be afraid to explore local farmers markets, food trucks, and hidden gems to discover your own favorite pre and post-game meals.
Share Your Eats!
We love seeing what fuels our fellow pickleball enthusiasts! Snap a photo of your pre or post-game meal and share it on social media using #808Eats. We might just feature your delicious finds in a future post!
Mahalo for reading, and happy eating (and pickling)!
