For someone who grew up in Hawai’i, the majesty of the Flatirons seen when driving west on Highway 36, feels reminiscent of the stunning Ko’olau mountain range on O’ahu. Admittedly, moving with my family to the Denver area has me missing much from my island home, including the Pacific Island comfort food I grew up eating.
But with the help of a warm, growing community of Hawai’i locals here, I set out to find the best island-inspired eateries in and around Denver. And it turns out, home was a few bites away. I just needed to know where to look.
Ohana Island Kitchen
Named Denver’s OG Poke Purveyor, Ohana Island Kitchen is best known for the spicy tuna poke bowl, which Hawai’i locals agree is one of the best you’ll find in the area. Ohana also offers classic SPAM Musubi, mac salad, and kalua pork, the traditional slow-cooked, smoked meat many know of. There’s even a keiki menu, which is made for the kids. Add on an imported bottle of Waiakea Alkaline Volcano Water, and it’s a true island meal. 2563 15th St. Suite 105, Denver, ohanadenver.com
Aloha Cones
To be fair, Denver may not be the first place you look to find authentic poke, which traditionally is a type of Hawaiian raw fish cut into cubes. But, when the craving hits, Aloha Cones delivers. After all, the brand started in the islands in 2013.
The Colorado spot resides in a no-frills storefront in the Denver Health building, the restaurant’s warm welcome and fresh traditional flavors have many Hawai’i-born diners flocking to it for the unique poke nachos and classic Hawaiian poke bowls. 601 North Broadway, Suite #125, Denver, alohaconesdenver.com
No Ke Aloha
One surefire way to tell if a Hawaiian eatery is legit is by taste-testing the mac salad. No Ke Aloha in Aurora exceeds expectations on that front. This popular food truck-turned-cozy storefront dishes up Hawaiian and other Polynesian-inspired classics, such as SPAM musubi and loco moco, which classically is a hamburger steak over rice, topped with brown gravy and an overeasy egg. The restaurant also offers a variety of mixed plate options, and each includes rice, mac salad, and a meat or veggie entree. Try all this in a casual, friendly atmosphere. 854 S. Buckley Rd., Aurora, nokealoha.com
Roots Cafe
The drive to Colorado Springs to visit Roots Cafe for ono grinds (the Hawaiian slang for delicious food), for a Pacific Islander foodie like myself, is worth the trip. On the menu you’ll find a range of well-loved family style dishes, notably the chicken katsu and garlic shrimp.
While the food at Roots Cafe first draws you in, it’s the staff who remind you of what you love and miss about the islands and brings you back for more. 330 E. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs, no website
Kona Hawaiian BBQ
In 2022 this family-owned eatery started popping up around Denver and the metro area, now it has five locations, including one in Johnstown. Kona Hawaiian BBQ is best known for the mixed plates, particularly the BBQ meats and kalbi ribs, a traditional marinated grilled beef dish. Across the board, customers praise the restaurants’ consistency and overall quality. Multiple locations, konahawaiianbbq.com
Today Hawaiian BBQ
For a tasty BBQ chicken plate north of Denver, check out Today Hawaiian BBQ in Thornton. The colorful and quaint eatery has heart and serves decent-sized portions at reasonable prices. Families like ours especially appreciate the quick, friendly service that is synonymous with the aloha spirit. 9191 Washington St. Unit H, Thornton. todayhawaiibbqthornton.com
Julie’s Kitchen
If looking for traditional Filipino food with a Hawaiian spin, Julie’s Kitchen in Colorado Springs, is a small, welcoming spot dishing all the comfort foods. We’re talking pork adobo, crispy lumpia, the classic fried noodle dish called pancit, and halo-halo, a decadent purple yam and coconut dessert. 3750 Astrozon Blvd., Colorado Springs, no website
Ollie’s Malasadas
Last but certainly not least, to satisfy one’s Pacific Island sized sweet tooth craving, the hour-long trip to Windsor is worth it. After all, malasadas, the Portuguese sugar-rolled fried doughnuts popular in Hawai’i, are not a common dish found on the mainland. Luckily we have Ollie’s that does this dessert right.
Be warned, with the dough fried fresh and island-inspired fillings such as lilikoi (passion fruit) and ube (purple yam), this spot can get busy. But as with all good things, the wait is well worth it. 408 Main St., Windsor, olliesmallies.com
