Diverse cultures have helped make Hawaiʻi what it is today: a beautiful, fascinating, and rich destination that has so much to offer. These many influences have also led to a totally unique cuisine that has enticed foodies from all over the country.
If you’re planning a Hawaiian getaway, here’s a quick rundown of the trademark flavors and ingredients you’ll find, and some of the local dishes you have to try before you leave.
Historical and Cultural Influences on Hawaiian Cuisine
Traditional Hawaiian cuisine draws heavily from the food and cooking methods of the islands’ first settlers, the Polynesians. Native Hawaiians relied on the land and sea for sustenance, developing dishes that made use of local ingredients like fish, taro, and coconut.
As more immigrants arrived in Hawaiʻi, they brought their own culinary traditions with them. This has led to a cuisine that’s been influenced by Japanese, Filipino, and Korean cooking styles, to name just a few. Each culture contributed to the development of Hawaiʻi’s food scene, making it a rich and diverse melting pot of flavors. The blending of native Hawaiian foods with the culinary practices of immigrants has led to a unique fusion. That’s why, at many restaurants, you’ll find traditional Hawaiian dishes as well as Korean and Japanese items on the dinner menu.
The best part is, you can sample it all in the form of traditional Hawaiian dishes, or modern-day fusion twists. To get the full range of flavors, book yourself a meal and a show and enjoy a range of flavors and cooking traditions that represent Hawaiʻi today. Our authentic hula show in Waikīkī offers a wide assortment of food options, all set against a beautiful, outdoor backdrop of ocean views and palm trees.
Staple Dishes
Whether it’s the locally sourced ingredients, the welcoming atmosphere, or that unforgettable beach-side setting, some meals are uniquely Hawaiian and just can’t be recreated anywhere else. While you’re in the area, make sure to try a few of these authentic dishes.
Poi, made from taro root, is rooted in Polynesian culture and has become one of the most iconic traditional Hawaiian dishes. Poi is a hallmark of Hawaiian cuisine.
Poke has become a global sensation in recent years, but it has long been a staple in Hawaiʻi. This raw fish dish is traditionally made with diced ahi tuna, sea salt, and seaweed, though modern variations often incorporate soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. Poke is a versatile dish that can be customized with a wide variety of ingredients.
Kalua pig is a tender, smoky dish that is carefully slow-cooked for hours, seasoned, and served once it’s reached perfection. Kalua pig is often served at lūʻaus, such as our sought-after hula show in Oʻahu.
A beloved comfort food, loco moco is a hearty dish consisting of rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg. It has become a staple of local diners and lunch spots.
Spam musubi is a simple yet satisfying snack made by placing a slice of grilled Spam on a block of rice, wrapped with nori (seaweed). This portable dish is found everywhere in Hawaiʻi, from convenience stores to food trucks.
The plate lunch is a quintessential Hawaiian meal that typically includes rice, macaroni salad, and a protein such as beef, chicken, or pork. It’s become a go-to option for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
And finally, no visit to Hawaiʻi is complete without trying shave ice, a refreshing dessert made from finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrups or condensed milk. It’s the perfect way to cool off after a day in the sand and sun.
The Lūʻau: A Celebration Centered Around Food
You can’t talk about Hawaiian dishes without mentioning the lūʻau: a joyful celebration with a deep heritage, and yes, amazing food to go along with it.
The lūʻau has become a cultural hallmark of Hawaiʻi. It’s a communal feast that brings people together to enjoy traditional dishes like kalua pig, poi, and haupia (coconut pudding), along with music and hula shows.
Lūʻaus are not just a meal, but a joyous expression of Hawaiian culture and hospitality. If you happen to be in Oʻahu, you can reserve a spot at one of the best hula shows in town, and also get the opportunity to enjoy live music and lei-making.
A Natural Love of Seafood
Hawaiian food culture is also rooted in the abundant local resources. It should be no surprise that Hawaiians lean heavily upon fresh, locally caught seafood, including tuna, mahimahi, and shellfish. It’s become a top destination for anyone who relishes fresh fish and tropical fruits.
And thanks to a range of cultural contributions, you’ll never get bored. You can try the local seafood prepared in many different ways. At some of the most popular restaurants in Hawaiʻi, you’re likely to find an array of sushi rolls and even a raw bar on the menu in addition to more expected items, such as pork and beef.
Hawaiian BBQ
Even if you’ve never been to Hawaiʻi, you may already be familiar with the sweet, tangy flavors associated with Hawaiian BBQ. This signature style of Hawaiian BBQ is called Imu, a true medley of cooking technique with underground oven to slow cook any type of protein. With the traditional way of Hawaiian BBQ, Imu, the meat is buried in a dug pit, covered with banana leaves and it is slowly cooked by the steam of hot lava rocks underneath a layer of branches to separate the meat from directly touching the hot lava rocks. The foundation of this style of cooking changed when the introduction of immigrant cultures to Hawaiʻi. The Japanese immigrants added their seasonings to Hawaiian foods and that’s the teriyaki influence from Japan. Another way of Hawaiian BBQ is called Pūlehu, which is cooking meat over an open fire. Hawaiian also use sugar cane (Kō) and sea salt (paʻakai) to flavor their meats before the introduction of shoyu or soy sauce by Japanese and Chinese immigrants.
The Best Way to Sample Hawaiian Cuisine
Hawaiian cuisine is a celebration of diversity, history, and a deep connection to the land and sea. From traditional dishes like kalua pig to modern fusion creations, Hawaiʻi’s food culture is as rich and vibrant as the islands themselves.
You really can’t capture the unique mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients in one meal; and you truly have to visit Hawaiʻi to get the full experience. Once you arrive and really immerse yourself in the culture, you’ll gain a much deeper appreciation for the cuisine and foods that the locals love.
Try it all with a dinner show and buffet that offers a tantalizing selection of local favorites and fusion twists. It’s the perfect way to try many different dishes and styles, and all in a gorgeous, beach-side setting.
Once you get home, you’re bound to look back fondly on every shave ice on the beach and sushi roll on the terrace.
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