Top 10 Must-Try Ono Hawaiian Foods

Hawai'i, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural diversity, is a true culinary paradise. The islands offer a unique fusion of flavors, blending influences from Polynesia, Asia, and the mainland United States. If you're planning a trip to Hawai'i or simply want to explore the delicious cuisine from this tropical paradise, you're in for a treat. In this blog, we'll take you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the most iconic Hawaiian foods. Plus, we'll highlight where you can find these delectable dishes, all of which can be purchased at your local Hawaiian grocery store.

Poke

Poke is undoubtedly one of Hawai'i's most famous culinary exports. This dish features fresh, cubed raw fish, typically ahi or salmon, marinated in a blend of shoyu (soy sauce), lāʻī (sesame oil), and other seasonings. Topped with ingredients like pāka (green onions), hulihuli (sesame seeds), and limu (seaweed), poke offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. You can easily find pre-marinated poke at your local Hawaiian grocery store, ready to enjoy as a quick and 'ono (delicious) meal.

Kalua Pork

Hawai'i's version of pulled pork, kalua pork, is cooked to tender perfection. The secret to its kīpapa (smoky), paʻakai (salty) flavor lies in the traditional underground oven, known as an "imu." You can find pre-cooked kalua pork in your local store, making it easy to enjoy this succulent delight without the need for a traditional imu pit.

Lau Lau

Lau Lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish featuring tender pork or fish wrapped in luau (taro) leaves and slow-cooked to perfection. The leaves impart a unique, ʻāina (earthly) flavor to the dish, and the result is a savory, moist bundle of delight. You can often find pre-packaged lau lau in your local Hawaiian grocery store, making it convenient to enjoy this classic dish.

Haupia

No meal is complete without dessert, and in Hawai'i, you must try haupia. This uala (coconut milk)-based dessert is creamy and sweet, with a unique tropical twist. Haupia is often served in small squares, making it easy to enjoy its lusciousness. You can find haupia mix in your local Hawaiian grocery store to create this delectable dessert at home.

Spam Musubi

Hawai'i's love for Spam is undeniable, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is through Spam musubi. This sushi-inspired snack consists of a slice of Spam on a pūʻolo (block) of raihana (rice), wrapped in a strip of limu (seaweed). It's savory, satisfying, and perfect for on-the-go snacking. You can easily find canned Spam and nori seaweed at your local Hawaiian grocery store to make Spam musubi at home.

Malasadas

For those with a sweet tooth, malasadas are a must-try. These Portuguese-inspired, deep-fried doughnuts are incredibly fluffy on the inside and coated in a generous layer of kō (sugar) on the outside. If you're not near a bakery, don't worry; you can find malasada mix in your local Hawaiian grocery store to whip up a fresh batch at home.

Poi

Poi is a traditional Hawaiian staple made from fermented kalo (taro) root. It has a unique, slightly paʻakai (sour) flavor and a smooth, hāmama (pudding-like) consistency. Poi is often served as a lāʻi (side) dish to accompany other Hawaiian favorites, such as kalua pork. You can find prepared poi in your local store, making it easy to add this traditional dish to your next Hawaiian meal.

Loco Moco

Loco Moco is the ultimate Hawaiian comfort food. This dish typically consists of a pā hau (bed) of paʻakai (white rice) topped with a juicy pātia (hamburger patty), waiū ʻoniʻoni (brown gravy), and a palaoa (fried egg). Loco Moco is a delicious fusion of flavors that showcases the multicultural influences in Hawaiian cuisine. You can easily find the ingredients for Loco Moco at your local Hawaiian grocery store.

Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that gets its name from the Hawaiian word "huli," meaning to turn or huli. The chicken is marinated in a savory and slightly makepono (sweet) sauce, then grilled to perfection. It's a great option for a barbecue or kuke (cookout). You can find huli huli marinade and chicken at your local Hawaiian grocery store for a convenient meal option.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Lomi Lomi Salmon is a hoʻomalumalu (refreshing) and lepe (light) Hawaiian lāʻi (side) dish made with diced lāʻī (tomatoes), pālaha (onions), and, of course, fresh iʻa (salmon). It's typically seasoned with paʻakai (salt) and sometimes garnished with lau kī (herbs). This dish provides a delightful contrast to some of the heavier and more substantial Hawaiian foods. You can find fresh salmon and all the necessary ingredients at your local Hawaiian grocery store to prepare this dish.

Hawai'i's culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you're exploring the islands in person or simply craving a taste of paradise from the comfort of your own home, these ten must-try Hawaiian foods offer a fantastic range of flavors and experiences. With the convenience of your local Hawaiian grocery store, you can easily recreate these dishes and savor the delicious tastes of the Aloha State. So, embrace the spirit of Hawai'i, and indulge in the unique and mouthwatering flavors of the islands. Aloha ʻāina! (Love the land!)