What Kind Of Food Should You Have On Your Trip To Hawaii?

When most people think of Hawaii, they picture Honolulu - the capital city with its Neal S. Blaisdell Center arena, Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head crater. But there's so much more to the Hawaiian Islands than just Honolulu. The truth is each island has its unique culture and cuisine. So, what kind of food should you have if you're planning a trip to Hawaii? Here are some suggestions.

Poké - a raw fish salad that is popular in Hawaii

Poké is a beloved dish in Hawaii that originated from preserving raw fish. It is a unique salad dish that typically combines diced raw seafood, such as tuna or salmon, with rice and a variety of toppings and sauces, including seaweed, onions, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Poké is not only popular with locals. It has made its way onto sushi restaurants in Kaanapali and restaurant menus worldwide because of its unique flavor and wholesome ingredients. The treat has also been praised for its nutritional value, containing various heart-healthy vitamins and minerals. Poké is now enjoyed in Hawaii whenever people look for a healthy alternative to meat-based salads.

Spam - a Hawaiian favorite that can be eaten alone or as part of a dish

For those who have never heard of spam, it is a processed meat product made with pork, salt, and water. While primarily popular in Hawaii, spam has become increasingly well-known throughout the United States. It can be cooked and eaten alone or used to add a unique flavor element to recipes such as shoyu spam musubi. Spam is a great way to enjoy familiar flavors with a bit of an exotic twist that can give meals more richness and depth. Whether adding it as an ingredient or using it as the main attraction, spam can be a fantastic addition to any dish!

Poi - a traditional Hawaiian starch made from taro root

Poi is a staple of traditional Hawaiian cuisine prepared and shared with families for centuries. It's made by pounding the cooked taro root into a sticky paste, then adding water to achieve its soft, gooey texture. While poi might not be incredibly flavorful, it takes on the beautiful flavor of what it is served with, which could be anything from salty fish to coconut cream. This ancient food source is filled with carbohydrates, which makes it an excellent energy source for Hawaiians that work hard for their catch-of-the-day. Whether served at a luau or in your kitchen, there's no mistaking the vital role poi plays in Hawaiian culture and cuisine.

Laulau - a type of Hawaiian dish consisting of meat and vegetables wrapped in ti leaves

Laulau is one of the most iconic dishes to come out of Hawaiian cuisine. Traditionally, laulau is made with pork, chicken, or fish wrapped in ti leaves and then steamed until it's tender and juicy. The magic of laulau lies in its wrapping. The ti leaf adds a distinct flavor to the dish by locking in the moisture and intensifying its aroma as it cooks. It also keeps all the juices inside, ensuring each bite is flavorful and full of flavor! Enjoyed on special occasions and as an everyday comfort food, laulau infuses any meal with traditional Hawaiian hospitality.

Kalua pig - another Hawaiian favorite, typically served at luaus

Hawaii is known for its unique and delicious food, and in particular, it has several favorite dishes commonly served at local luaus. One of these favorites is Kalua Pig - a traditional whole hog roast that gets its flavor from being slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu. This pig is rubbed with sea salt and liquid smoke, then covered with banana leaves before being placed into the imu, and simmered over coconut briquettes until it's perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Most locals will say there's nothing quite like a plate full of Kalua Pig after it's been simmered in an imu - it's truly one of Hawaii's most beloved dishes.

Haupia - a coconut pudding dessert

Haupia is a classic luau dessert that hails from Hawaii. Traditional Haupia is made with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, creating an amazingly smooth and creamy dessert that can be enjoyed both warm and cold. For those looking to switch it up, variations of Haupia include adding unique soft fruits like mangoes and other tropical flavors. Served in small, individual cups with a crispy topping, Haupia is an unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth dessert perfect for ending your luau event on a sweet note.

While many Hawaiian dishes are popular with tourists, these six staples are favorites among locals. If you want to taste the real Hawaii, try spam, poi, laulau, Kalua pig, poké, and haupia during your visit. Bon appetit!

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