As a Wisconsinite, I am spoiled with a Friday Fish fry special every week—but my trip to Hawaii had food that was other-worldly that opened my eyes to the real world of seafood.

I thought that the fried cod was tasty back at home, until I had the pleasure of trying lobster in Hawaii. By far, it was the best, most memorable food that I have ever eaten.

To start off, an wonderful appetizer: Garlic Butter Shrimp 

This treat was like a teaser trailer for the main dish. The crispy edges with a shiny golden brown finish, with one bite the pure white was revealed and a rich flavor only salt-water can create. What’s different about the shrimp here? It is caught from local fishermen, sold to the restaurant, cleaned, marinated, sauteed, and served to your table in less than a day.

Another honorable mention was an appetizer introduced to me that trip: Calamari.

“Baby squids?!” I shrieked when my dad explained what this foreign word meant.

“Yes, I think you will like them! This is the best place to try it, where they are fresh!” he assured me.

I am so happy I trusted him, because the flavor and texture of the squid unlocked a true love for seafood that I never knew I had. 

And last, but most certainly not least: Dole Plantation Treat

If you are in Hawaii, you cannot leave without visiting the Dole plantation on the island to try the Pineapple Whip. I paid five dollars for pineapple whip made directly from the pineapples–grown on site–and vanilla ice cream, whipped into a perfect soft serve swirl. The sweet nectar that melts in your mouth, made fresh from nature’s candy.