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20 Most Popular Traditional Hawaiian Foods

Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that. The islands’ native Hawaiians, who arrived centuries ago, brought their own dishes, which were then influenced by the foods of the Polynesians, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and other cultures that settled in Hawaii.

Today, Hawaiian cuisine is a delicious and diverse mix of flavors. From the hearty kalua pig to the refreshing shave ice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 20 of the most popular traditional Hawaiian foods:

1. Kalua pig

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Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish of slow-cooked pork. The pork is typically cooked in an underground oven called an imu, which is lined with rocks and filled with hot coals. The pork is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for several hours until it is tender and falling apart.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pig, preferably a piglet
• 10-12 banana leaves, washed and dried
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

2. Dig a hole in the ground that is large enough to fit the pig.
3. Line the bottom of the hole with rocks and fill it with hot coals.
4. Wrap the pig in the banana leaves and place it in the hole.
5. Cover the hole with more rocks and dirt.
6. Cook the pig for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and falling apart.

2. Poi

Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root. Taro is a starchy root vegetable that is native to Southeast Asia. To make poi, the taro root is cooked and then pounded into a smooth paste. Poi can be eaten plain or used as a thickener for soups and stews.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound taro root, peeled and cut into chunks
• Water

Instructions:

1. Place the taro root in a pot and cover it with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the taro root is soft.
3. Drain the taro root and place it in a bowl.
4. Use a poi pounder or food processor to pound the taro root into a smooth paste.
5. Add more water if needed to get the desired consistency.

3. Lomi lomi salmon

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Lomi lomi salmon is a traditional Hawaiian salad made with diced salmon, tomatoes, onions, and spices. The salmon is typically cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and Hawaiian chili peppers before it is diced. The tomatoes and onions are then added to the salmon along with salt, pepper, and other spices. The lomi lomi salmon is typically served with poi or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon, cured in salt, sugar, and Hawaiian chili peppers
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other spices, such as garlic powder, ginger powder, and chili powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the salmon, tomatoes, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well.
3. Add other spices, if desired.
4. Serve with poi or rice.

4. Lau lau

Lau lau is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with pork or fish that is wrapped in taro leaves and steamed. The taro leaves help to keep the pork or fish moist and flavorful. Lau lau is typically served with poi or rice.

Ingredients:

• Pork or fish, cut into chunks
• Taro leaves, washed and dried
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Other spices, such as garlic powder, ginger powder, and chili powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a piece of pork or fish in the center of a taro leaf.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices, if desired.
3. Fold the taro leaf over the pork or fish and secure it with a toothpick.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining pork or fish and taro leaves.
5. Steam the lau lau for 30-45 minutes, or until the pork or fish is cooked through.
6. Serve with poi or rice.

5. Manapua

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Manapua is a traditional Hawaiian dish of steamed buns filled with pork or barbecue beef. The buns are typically made with flour, water, sugar, yeast, and salt. The filling is typically made with pork that has been cooked and shredded, along with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices. Manapua are typically served with sweet and sour sauce.

Ingredients:

• For the buns:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
  • 1 pound pork, cooked and shredded
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. To make the buns, combine the flour, water, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. To make the filling, combine the pork, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
6. Mix well.
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
9. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and flatten it into a 4-inch circle.
10. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle of dough.
11. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal.
12. Place the buns on a greased baking sheet.
13. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
14. Serve warm with sweet and sour sauce.

6. Chicken long rice

Chicken long rice is a traditional Hawaiian dish of noodles made with chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles. The noodles are typically cooked in a broth flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Chicken long rice is typically served with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (8 ounces) rice noodles
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package directions.
4. Serve the chicken long rice hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

7. Spam musubi

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Spam musubi is a popular Hawaiian snack or meal that consists of a slice of Spam on rice, with a strip of nori seaweed on top. The Spam is typically cooked and then grilled or broiled. The rice is typically cooked and then seasoned with furikake, a Japanese seasoning made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and other spices. Spam musubi is typically served with shoyu, a Japanese soy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 slice Spam, cooked and grilled or broiled
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut in half
• Furikake seasoning, for seasoning the rice (optional)
• Shoyu, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a slice of Spam on a piece of rice.
2. Top with a piece of nori seaweed.
3. Season the rice with furikake seasoning, if desired.
4. Serve with shoyu, if desired.

8. Saimin

Saimin is a noodle soup that is made with Chinese egg noodles, pork, shrimp, and vegetables. The soup is typically flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Saimin is typically served with green onions and chili peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) Chinese egg noodles
• 1 pound pork, cooked and shredded
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Chili peppers, sliced, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
2. In a large pot, combine the pork, shrimp, onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked noodles and heat through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and chili peppers.

9. Loco moco

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Loco moco is a popular Hawaiian dish that consists of a hamburger patty, white rice, fried egg, and brown gravy. The dish is typically topped with ketchup and served with macaroni salad or french fries.

Ingredients:

• 1 hamburger patty
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 fried egg
• 1 cup brown gravy
• Ketchup, for serving
• Macaroni salad or french fries, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the hamburger patty according to your preference.
2. Place the cooked hamburger patty on a bed of rice.
3. Top with the fried egg and brown gravy.
4. Serve with ketchup and macaroni salad or french fries, if desired.

10. Garlic shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a simple and delicious dish that is made with shrimp that are cooked in a garlic sauce. The shrimp are typically cooked in butter or olive oil, and the garlic sauce is typically made with garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. Garlic shrimp is typically served with rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. Add the garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and black pepper to the skillet.
4. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Serve immediately.

11. Kalbi ribs

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Kalbi ribs are Korean-style short ribs that are grilled or barbecued. The ribs are typically marinated in a sweet and sour sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other spices. Kalbi ribs are typically served with rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds kalbi ribs
• Marinade:
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. To make the marinade, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the ribs to the marinade and turn to coat.
3. Marinate the ribs for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Preheat the grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
5. Grill or broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately.

12. Kulolo

Kulolo is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made with taro, coconut milk, and sugar. The taro is typically cooked and then pounded into a smooth paste. The coconut milk and sugar are then added to the taro paste and the mixture is then cooked until it is thick and creamy. Kulolo is typically served chilled.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds taro root, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Cook the taro root in boiling water until it is soft.
2. Drain the taro root and mash it until it is smooth.
3. Add the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to the mashed taro root and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake the kulolo in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, or until it is set.
6. Let the kulolo cool completely before serving.

13. Haupia

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Haupia is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. The coconut milk and sugar are cooked until they are thickened, then the cornstarch is added and cooked until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Haupia is typically served chilled.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the haupia cool slightly.
7. Pour the haupia into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Let the haupia cool completely before serving.

14. Coconut cream pie

Coconut cream pie is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made with coconut cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. The coconut cream is typically cooked until it is thickened, then the eggs and sugar are added and cooked until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The pie is then topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut cream
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Toasted coconut, for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust.
3. Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, or until set.
4. Let the pie cool completely before serving.
5. Top the pie with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

15. Malasadas

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Malasadas are fried dough pastries that are dusted with sugar. They are typically made with yeast dough that is fried until golden brown. Malasadas are typically served with a variety of toppings, such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, or haupia.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Cinnamon sugar, for topping (optional)
• Chocolate sauce, for topping (optional)
• Haupia, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
2. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
3. Stir in the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of the flour.
4. Beat the mixture until smooth.
5. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
8. Punch down the dough and roll it out to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
9. Cut the dough into circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter.
10. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Fry the malasadas in batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
12. Drain the malasadas on paper towels.
13. Serve the malasadas warm with your favorite toppings.

16. Shave ice

Shave ice is a Hawaiian dessert made with shaved ice that is topped with a variety of syrups, fruits, and other toppings. Shave ice is typically made with large blocks of ice that are shaved into thin flakes. The ice is then topped with a variety of syrups, such as strawberry, pineapple, and mango. Shave ice can also be topped with fruits, such as banana, kiwi, and strawberries. Other popular toppings include whipped cream, condensed milk, and mochi.

Ingredients:

• 1 large block of ice
• Syrup, for topping (optional)
• Fruits, for topping (optional)
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Condensed milk, for topping (optional)
• Mochi, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Shave the ice into a large bowl.
2. Top the ice with your favorite toppings.
3. Serve immediately.

17. Acai bowl

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Acai bowl is a popular Hawaiian dish that is made with acai berries, granola, fruits, and other toppings. Acai berries are a type of berry that is native to Brazil. They are a good source of antioxidants and other nutrients. Acai bowls are typically topped with granola, fruits, such as banana, strawberries, and blueberries, and other toppings, such as honey, nuts, and seeds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup acai puree
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1/2 cup fresh fruit, such as banana, strawberries, and blueberries
• Honey, for topping (optional)
• Nuts, for topping (optional)
• Seeds, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the acai puree and granola in a bowl.
2. Top with the fresh fruit and other toppings.
3. Serve immediately.

18. Mai Tai

Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail that is made with rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. Mai Tai is a popular drink in Hawaii and is often served at luaus and other celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces light rum
• 1 ounce dark rum
• 1 ounce orange curaçao
• 1 ounce orgeat syrup
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• Ice
• Mint sprig, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the rum, curaçao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.

19. Guava chiffon cake

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Guava chiffon cake is a light and airy cake that is made with guava puree. Guava is a tropical fruit that is native to South America. It has a sweet and tangy flavor. Guava chiffon cake is typically served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup guava puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the guava puree, oil, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

20. Huli huli chicken

Huli huli chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish of grilled chicken that is marinated in a sweet and sour sauce. The chicken is typically grilled over an open fire, but it can also be grilled in an oven. Huli huli chicken is typically served with poi or rice

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, ketchup, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and turn to coat.
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Preheat the grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
5. Grill or broil the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately.

Traditional Hawaiian cuisine is a delicious and diverse mix of flavors that has been influenced by the cultures of the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Europe. These delicacies will tantalize your taste buds. From the hearty kalua pig to the refreshing shave ice, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Hawaii today!