13 Under-The-Radar Hawaii Sandwich Spots Worth Island-Hopping For
Forget the tourist traps serving soggy club sandwiches at resort prices.
Hawaii hides a world of sandwich shops where locals line up for pillowy bread piled high with island flavors, fresh-caught fish, and sauces that’ll make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about handheld meals.
These aren’t the places plastered across guidebooks or Instagram feeds. They’re the neighborhood counters, surf-town delis, and farm cafes that islanders guard like precious secrets.
I’ve chased down the best bites across four islands, and trust me, each one is worth the detour.
1. Sprout Sandwich Shop (Kaimukī, Oʻahu)
In a sunny Kaimukī nook, Sprout stacks bright, crunchy veg with house spreads on pillowy bread, the kind of beach-day fuel that tastes like sunshine and sea salt.
Their lineup rotates, but hearty classics and veggie standouts anchor the board, made to order and generous.
I stumbled here after a morning paddleboard session, dripping wet and starving, and ordered their signature veggie stack. The crunch of fresh sprouts against creamy avocado spread nearly made me weep with joy.
Grab a seat outside and watch the neighborhood buzz by while you demolish something wholesome that somehow feels indulgent.
2. Andy’s Sandwiches & Smoothies (Mānoa, Oʻahu)
College-town energy, ripe avocados, and a chalkboard crammed with old-school combos define this Mānoa institution. Andy’s is where turkey, sprouts, and island produce meet soft rolls and plenty of aloha.
The vibe feels like your favorite uncle’s kitchen, if your uncle happened to make the best sandwiches in the valley. Students and professors alike crowd the counter during lunch rush, all chasing that perfect balance of fresh and filling.
It’s the stop that turns a rainy Mānoa morning into a memory, especially when paired with one of their tropical smoothies.
3. Storto’s Deli (Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu)
North Shore surf wax and deli perfume mingle here in the most beautiful way possible. You’ll watch them layer Storto’s-style subs till they’re happily overstuffed, practically bursting at the seams with meats, cheese, and tangy toppings.
Grab your sandwich and wander toward Aliʻi Beach, paper wrap crinkling, sauces soaking through in all the right spots. The ritual is half the magic.
Locals know to order early before the lunch rush hits and the line snakes out the door, filled with surfers and families clutching numbered tickets.
4. Kua ʻĀina Sandwich Shop (Haleʻiwa, Oʻahu)
A Haleʻiwa institution that still grills a smoky, dripping burger or mahi sandwich that feels like pure North Shore nostalgia. Char on the outside, juicy within, and plenty of avocado if you know how to ask.
The first time I bit into their mahi sandwich, juice ran down my wrist, and I didn’t even care. That’s the kind of messy, delicious experience Kua ʻĀina delivers every single time.
Sit at the worn wooden tables and soak in decades of surf culture while your taste buds do a happy dance.
5. EARL Sandwich (Kaimukī / Kakaʻako / Kapolei, Oʻahu)
East Coast subs rewritten with island swagger define the EARL experience. Think hot, melty cheesesteaks, Italian subs, and weekend breakfast sammies, all dialed for maximum crave.
The bread crackles, the fillings spill, and you understand why locals plan errands around EARL runs. There’s something almost addictive about the way they balance textures and flavors, making even a simple sub feel like an event.
Multiple locations mean you’re never too far from your next fix, which is dangerous knowledge once you’ve tasted their goods.
6. Aloha Melt Waikīkī (Honolulu, Oʻahu)
Late night, neon glow, and a four-cheese lava flow between thick, griddled slices create pure magic at Aloha Melt. Plus, tomato soup you want to dunk until the cup is bare.
It’s grilled cheese with a cheeky Waikīkī wink, open deep into the night when hunger strikes after beach bonfires and long walks along the shore. The cheese stretches for days, Instagram-worthy but better in your mouth.
Grab a stool by the window and watch the nighttime parade of tourists and locals alike, all chasing their own version of comfort.
7. Kahuku Farms Café (Kahuku, Oʻahu)
Field-to-panini romance on the North Shore comes alive at Kahuku Farms. Basil-fragrant spreads, just-picked greens, and warm sandwiches eaten a few steps from the vines make this spot unforgettable.
Sit under the palms and taste how farm hours keep the café humming with freshness. Everything here speaks of sun-ripened produce and hands-on care, the kind of meal that reminds you food grows in dirt, not factories.
Browse the farm stand afterward and take home whatever caught your eye on your plate, still warm from the soil.
8. Tin Roof Maui (Kahului, Maui)
Chef Sheldon Simeon’s counter spot slips serious flavor into casual baskets that’ll ruin you for ordinary sandwiches. Order the Spicy Chicken Sandwich or the panko-crusted kajiki Fish Sando and watch steam curl into the trade winds.
Fast, fiery, and absolutely sticky-finger good, Tin Roof proves that James Beard-level talent can thrive in a strip-mall setting. I’ve watched people close their eyes on the first bite, lost in the crunch and heat.
Don’t skip the sides either, they’re crafted with the same attention that makes the sandwiches legendary.
9. 808 Deli (Kīhei, Maui)
Beach-day specials, pressed panini, and fridge-cold sides that ride perfectly to Kamaʻole sands make 808 Deli a South Maui essential. The deli’s small, the flavors are big, and the line says everything you need to know.
Locals grab lunch here before hitting the water, stashing wrapped sandwiches in coolers alongside drinks and sunscreen. The pressed sandwiches arrive hot and crispy, edges sealed tight to lock in all the melty goodness inside.
Order at the counter, then head straight to the beach for the ultimate Maui picnic experience.
10. Poi Dog Deli (Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island)
A Kona local favorite with a playful menu and a loyal following that borders on cult status. Stacked subs, house pickles, and a vibe that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit define Poi Dog.
Bite in and you’ll see why they keep winning best sandwich year after year in local polls. The bread-to-filling ratio hits that perfect sweet spot, and the pickles add just enough tang to cut through the richness.
Grab a table on the lanai and settle in, because rushing through a Poi Dog sandwich feels like a crime against deliciousness.
11. Christine’s Deli (Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island)
Italian-leaning, mom-and-pop warmth radiates through every sandwich at Christine’s. Meats are sliced thick, dressing is bold, and every sandwich tastes like a small feast you’ll remember for days.
Call ahead, then unwrap on a shady bench for maximum bliss, letting the flavors bloom as you watch Kona life drift by. I once ate mine parked at the harbor, watching boats return with their catch, and it felt like the most perfect lunch imaginable.
The portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to once you taste it.
12. Hawaiian Style Café (Hilo & Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island)
Big Island comfort in sandwich form arrives hot and hearty at Hawaiian Style Café. Think open-face prime rib or local-style plates that tuck neatly into bread, the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs in the best possible way.
Portions are generous, the vibe is old-school, and you’ll leave smiling and full, possibly needing a nap in your car before continuing your island adventures. The gravy alone deserves its own fan club.
Two locations mean both sides of the island get to enjoy this particular brand of delicious, no-frills satisfaction.
13. Midnight Bear Breads (Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi)
Slow-fermented loaves, then hot-pressed panini that perfume the historic street with butter and basil, make Midnight Bear a Kauaʻi treasure. Order a pesto grilled cheese or a market special, and wander the gallery row with your hands happily full.
The bread alone is worth the trip, crusty and tangy with that perfect sourdough chew. When pressed hot with fillings, it transforms into something approaching sandwich perfection.
Grab extra bread for later, because once you taste their baking, regular store-bought loaves will feel like sad cardboard in comparison.