Hawaiiana

In the last few years, Hawaiian eateries have proliferated in Southern California. Now you can satisfy your cravings for mahi mahi and kalua pork without boarding a jet.

King’s Hawaiian

This expansive restaurant and bakery attracts families and Hawaii expats with a taste for lau lau (chicken and pork wrapped in taro leaves) and saimin, which is akin to Japanese ramen. For breakfast, golden French toast made with Hawaiian sweetbread is the crowd favorite.

* Entrees, $6.25 to $12.95; French toast, $5.25; 2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance; (310) 530-0050.

Yi Cuisine

Chef Rodelio Aglibot grew up in Honolulu. And his menu reflects that. For instance, he does a traditional poke ahi, and for dessert, malasadas, which he calls “Hawaii’s version of Krispy Kreme.” At the new Sunday brunch, choose from island classics such as loco moco, a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg and gravy on steamed rice, or Spam fried rice.

* Tuna poke, $14; brunch entrees, $10 to $16; 7910 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; (323) 658-8028.

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue

If McDonald’s were born in Hawaii, it might look something like this, with a bright red and yellow color scheme and TV monitors displaying crashing waves and palm trees. In addition to classic plate lunches with de rigueur creamy macaroni salad, you can get musubi (akin to sushi on steroids) with Spam, Portuguese sausage or chicken katsu.

* Plate lunches, $4.50 to $7.95; musubi, $1.69; 7880 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys; (818) 988-8890.

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

The latest in another chain of casual Hawaiian joints, this UCLA- adjacent plate lunch specialist seems to do well with the college crowd, who appreciate big portions of crispy shrimp and barbecue chicken. Blond wood and island-inspired art elevate Ono above the typical fast food eatery.

* Entrees, $4.39 to $7.99; 1147 Westwood Blvd., Westwood Village; (310) 209-1188.

Back Home in Lahaina

We find the giant fake tree in the dining room and lush faux greenery a bit, well, Disneylandish. But the menu offers plenty of choices, including healthy options such as grilled mahi mahi and Chinese chicken salad. Portions are generous. And if you can suspend disbelief, you could just be in Maui.

* Entrees, $5.95 to $10.95; 916 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach; (310) 374-0111.

-- Leslee Komaiko