Hawaii is a paradise not just for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes but also for its unique and mouth-watering cuisine. The islands boast a rich culinary tradition that combines flavors from different cultures, creating dishes that are both delicious and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Aloha State or just want to experience its flavors from afar, there are certain Hawaiian foods that you simply must try.
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Poke
To make a traditional Hawaiian poke, you’ll need fresh ahi tuna, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, seaweed, sesame seeds, and a little bit of salt. Start by cutting the ahi tuna into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl. Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the tuna, then sprinkle in some chopped green onions and seaweed. Toss everything together until the tuna is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve it over a bed of rice and garnish with sesame seeds and a pinch of salt.
Kalua Pig
Kalua pig is a simple yet flavorful dish that requires a pork shoulder, Hawaiian sea salt, liquid smoke, and ti leaves (or banana leaves if you can’t find ti leaves). Rub the pork shoulder generously with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke. Wrap it in ti leaves and place it in a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily. Shred the meat and serve with rice and a side of lomi salmon for a true Hawaiian feast.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
For lomi lomi salmon, you’ll need salted salmon, tomatoes, onions, and green onions. Begin by dicing the salted salmon into small cubes. Next, chop the tomatoes and onions into similar-sized pieces. Combine the salmon, tomatoes, and onions in a bowl, then add chopped green onions. Use your hands to gently mix, or “lomi lomi,” the ingredients together until well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Spam Musubi
Spam musubi is a tasty and portable snack made with Spam, sushi rice, soy sauce, sugar, and nori (seaweed). Start by slicing the Spam into 1/4-inch thick pieces and frying them in a pan until they are golden brown. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and sugar, then pour it over the Spam slices in the pan and let them caramelize. Press a scoop of sushi rice into a musubi mold (or use your hands to shape it), place a slice of Spam on top, and wrap it with a strip of nori. Enjoy this delightful snack warm or at room temperature.
Loco Moco
To make loco moco, you need ground beef, rice, eggs, beef broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Form the ground beef into patties and cook them in a skillet until browned on both sides. Meanwhile, cook the rice and fry the eggs sunny-side up. In the same skillet, make a gravy by combining beef broth, soy sauce, and a cornstarch slurry until thickened. Serve the beef patty over a bed of rice, top with the fried egg, and pour the gravy generously over everything.
Haupia
Haupia requires coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and water. In a saucepan, mix coconut milk and sugar, and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the coconut milk mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, let it cool, and refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares and serve as a refreshing coconut dessert.
Malasadas
For malasadas, you need flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, milk, and oil for frying. Start by dissolving yeast in warm milk, then mix with flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter to form a dough. Let the dough rise until doubled in size. Roll out the dough and cut it into squares or rounds. Fry the pieces in hot oil until they are golden brown and puffed. Roll the warm malasadas in sugar and enjoy them plain or filled with custard or jam.
Shave Ice
To make shave ice, you’ll need ice, flavored syrups, and condensed milk. Start by shaving ice using a shave ice machine or a blender until you have a fine, fluffy texture. Scoop the shaved ice into a bowl or cone and drizzle your choice of flavored syrups over the top. For an extra treat, pour a bit of condensed milk over the syrup for a creamy finish. Enjoy this refreshing dessert immediately before the ice melts.
Saimin
Saimin requires wheat noodles, dashi or chicken broth, soy sauce, char siu pork, kamaboko (fish cake), and green onions. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and set aside. In a pot, heat dashi or chicken broth and add a splash of soy sauce for seasoning. Place the cooked noodles in bowls, then pour the hot broth over them. Top with slices of char siu pork, kamaboko, and chopped green onions. Serve this comforting noodle soup hot and enjoy.
Manapua
For manapua, you need flour, yeast, sugar, water, and your choice of fillings (typically char siu pork). Start by making the dough: dissolve yeast in warm water, then mix with flour and sugar to form a dough. Let it rise until doubled in size. Roll out the dough into small circles and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal. Steam the buns in a steamer basket until they are puffy and cooked through. Enjoy these savory buns hot.
Laulau
To make laulau, you need pork, fish (optional), Hawaiian sea salt, and taro leaves. Cut the pork into chunks and season with Hawaiian sea salt. Wrap each piece of pork (and fish, if using) in taro leaves, then wrap the bundles in ti leaves. Steam the laulau in a large pot for several hours until the meat is tender. Serve the laulau hot with rice and poi for a traditional Hawaiian meal.
Poi
For poi, you’ll need taro root and water. Start by peeling and steaming the taro root until it is soft. Mash the taro while gradually adding water until you reach a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Poi can be eaten fresh, or you can let it ferment slightly for a tangier flavor. Serve this traditional Hawaiian staple alongside meats and fish for a complete meal.
Huli Huli Chicken
Huli huli chicken requires chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and pineapple juice for at least a few hours. Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning frequently and basting with the marinade until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized. Serve this flavorful barbecue chicken with rice and a side salad.
Mochi
To make mochi, you need glutinous rice flour, sugar, water, and your choice of fillings (like red bean paste or ice cream). Mix the glutinous rice flour with water and sugar to form a smooth batter. Steam the batter until it becomes a sticky dough. Dust a surface with cornstarch, then roll out the dough and cut it into small circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle and pinch the edges together to seal. Enjoy these chewy and sweet treats as a dessert.
Chicken Long Rice
Chicken long rice requires chicken thighs, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, and long rice noodles. Start by cooking the chicken thighs with sliced ginger and minced garlic until the chicken is browned. Add chicken broth and soy sauce, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Soak the long rice noodles in hot water until they are soft, then add them to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth. Serve this light and comforting dish hot.
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