Foods That You Need to Try When in Hawaii

Have you ever wanted to go on a dream vacation to Hawaii? While the magical sights are definitely a significant draw, the food is what really seals the deal. Known as comfort food, Hawaiian cuisine offers all the flavors and tastes that will bring back memories and make your mouth water. Poke bowls, spam musubi, and Hawaiian rolls are just some of the many delights that make up this cultural melting pot. The islands have numerous flavors from around the world, combined by native Hawaiians who fuse influences from Asia, North America, and Europe to create something truly unique. So if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, prepare your taste buds for some incredible dishes.

What Characterizes Hawaiian Food?

Hawaiian food is characterized by its bold and vibrant flavors, with a focus on fresh local ingredients. Think tangy teriyaki made with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce or deep purple sweet potato mashed with coconut milk. Moreover, because of its focus on fresh ingredients, you can often discover some genuinely great vegetarian options that will titillate the tastebuds of vegetarians and carnivores alike! The traditional way to prepare Hawaiian food is to use an ‘imu,’ an underground oven often lined with hot stones and filled with ti leaves that infuse the meal with a unique aroma. Besides traditional Hawaiian cuisine, Hawaii also has many flavors influenced by different cultures, such as Chinese steamed buns, Portuguese bean soup served with linguica sausage, and Filipino BBQ sticks. So with all this in mind, what are some of the most popular dishes that make this Polynieasn archipelago so unique?

Poke Bowls

Poke bowls are a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and an absolute must-try when you visit Hawaii. Poke bowls are typically composed of raw fish, preferably Ahi tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other condiments. You can then top them with a variety of vegetables, such as seaweed, cucumber, and sweet onion. Poke bowls are light, flavorful, and healthy, making them the perfect accompaniment to a hard day of surfing! The combination of raw fish and fresh vegetables offers a unique blend of flavors you won’t find anywhere else and, while not suitable for vegetarians, is fine for pescetarians. Essentially, visiting Hawaii without trying a poke bowl would be like visiting Italy without trying pizza…just unthinkable!

Spam Musubi

You’d be surprised how even the oddest ingredients can become a national favorite! Spam Musubi is a popular Hawaiian food you should absolutely try if you ever find yourself on the islands. This treat is a type of sushi made using Spam and rice, wrapping it all together with subtle flavors of soy sauce and sugar. The snack has become so beloved that it can be found everywhere, from convenience stores to higher-end restaurants. It’s even been used as a gift among locals! It’s small enough to travel well, making it an ideal food for picnics or heading out for a day at the beach.

Haupia

Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert you won’t want to miss if you have a sweet tooth and find yourself in Hawaii! The creamy, jelly-like coconut dessert is sweet and often adorned with tropical fruits to make it even more decadent. It’s simple to make and consists of only a handful of ingredients you can find almost anywhere throughout the state. Traditionally, haupia was made with just coconut milk and sugar, then chilled until set, but nowadays, it often has other ingredients added for flavor and texture, such as:

• Arrowroot powder or cornstarch for thickening
• Condensed milk for sweetness (which also happens to be a firm favorite throughout the islands)
• Pandanus leaf extract for flavor and color
• Pineapple juice or macadamia nut butter (sometimes)

All of these add-ins create an incredibly delicious treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more. You will find this served as a dessert or snack in almost every local restaurant you set foot in, making it arguably one of the most popular dishes in Hawaii.

Kalua Pig

When you’re in Hawaii, one dish that’s impossible to miss is Kalua Pig. This smoky, salty, and tender pork dish is a staple of island cuisine. Kalua Pig is traditionally prepared by roasting an entire pig underground in an imu or wood-fired pit, which gives it its signature smokiness. The key to a delicious Kalua Pig is the seasoning…it needs plenty of Hawaiian sea salt, liquid smoke, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional!), and even soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to really bring out all the flavors. Top this off with onions or bell peppers, and you have an unforgettable meal!

There you have it, a delicious rundown of some of the best foods to try when in Hawaii. From traditional favorites like Kalua Pig to more modern dishes like poke and spam musubi, you can be sure that there’s something for everyone’s taste buds in the Aloha State.