A Hawaii family vacation provides opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, and one surefire way to find the perfect balance is by settling down and trying some local cuisine.
Hawaiians celebrate a very rich cultural tradition and boast a tremendous menu of dishes that range from the sweetest of treats to the most savory of dinners.
If you've heard a bit about Island cuisine in the past, but aren't sure where to start, here are five of the more noteworthy dishes to sink your teeth into. Whether you prefer dining in Honolulu hotels or at a luau as the sun sets, you're sure to find something to your liking!
Poke
After you've grabbed your tropical cocktail from the bar (a Mai Tai cocktail is recommended!) and have made your way to your table, begin your Island dining experience with an order of Poke.
A classic Hawaiian appetizer, poke is a type of salad made up of different vegetables and raw fish. With a little hot sauce, some Maui onions, and fresh seaweed mixed in, you'll get your authentic meal started on the right foot with this delicious starter.
Kalua Pig
If attending a luau has made its way onto your itinerary, then it is an absolute certainty that you'll come across this local favorite.
Kalua is a method of cooking that has been popular on the island since the early 1900s and involves cooking a pig (as well as turkeys) on a spit in an underground oven. With the smoke etching itself onto the "pua," as it is known in Hawaii, you're left with a delicious, savory meal that will complement your overall luau experience!
Spam
While there may be a slight stigma attached to this canned meat in other parts of the world due to various comedy routines, the Hawaiians fell in love decades ago and continue to champion it in their dishes today.
One local favorite involves frying Spam and enjoying it over a bed of rice. Another local breakfast favorite is Spam and eggs.
Laulau
If you're after something light and flavorful for lunch, sitting down for a plate of laulau is a terrific way to go.
Laulau is fish wrapped in taro leaves with chicken, pork, or beef, and is steamed for your enjoyment. Served with a salad and some rice, it's the perfect Hawaiian lunch to recharge you after a fun day at the beach.
Coconut Ice Cream
As you walk back to your Maile Sky Court hotel after a day of adventures, treat yourself to some homemade coconut ice cream to top off your day of culinary delights.
There are plenty of small ice cream shops on the Islands that you can try; perhaps as a reward for a successful vacation, treat yourself to an afternoon of taste-testing!
Mom Foodie says
Now I just need to get myself to Hawaii
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Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I feel so picky right now because I can't eat much of that due to my fish distaste. Doggone it. I still want to go to Hawaii though!
Donna says
When I go to Hawaii (on my bucket list), I'll be sure to try these! 🙂
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
I need to go to Hawaii! I've never been and I'd like to try a couple of those.
Jenn says
I haven't had Spam in years. They sure know how to jazz it up!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
I've never eaten spam before, my mom use to buy it when I was little but I never cared for it. But the Spam and eggs do looks delicious though.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I not much into trying new foods, but I would love to visit!
Marcie W. says
I love Hawaiian food but haven't tried any of these. I am up for trying them all and would love to do so IN Hawaii!
Tammy says
I'm not a big fan of Spam.
Toni @ A Daily Dose says
OHHHH I already love SPAM 🙂
Becca @ Mama B says
Oh yes, I could use a Hawaii vacation!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
scared me I looked at coconut Ice cream and saw the picture above it and thought ewww that looks gross then I realized the picture was for something else Lol
Stefani says
I want to go to Hawaii to try some of these!
Apryl @ Christian Clippers says
The coconut ice cream sounds good!
rachel says
I would be all over the coconut ice cream!
Notorious Spinks says
Just give me the pig! Lawd... that pig! LOL!
Leilani says
I went to Hawaii in June and fell in love with Kalua Pork.