Traditional Hawaiian Food often gets overshadowed by the fusion and ethnic dishes prevalent in Hawaii today. However, the native Hawaiian cuisine, deeply rooted in its culture, has maintained its unique identity and traditional cooking methods. To truly experience Hawaiian cuisine, one must explore the authentic flavors of traditional Hawaiian food.
While plantation-era influences have subtly integrated into the modern Hawaiian diet, the essence of traditional Hawaiian food remains distinct. If you’re eager to taste the genuine flavors of Hawaii, seek out the dishes listed below. These are not just tasty; they represent the heart of Hawaiian culinary tradition and are beloved comfort foods you’ll want to savor during your visit to the islands.
Hawaiian cuisine is constantly evolving, embracing a diverse range of flavors. Yet, traditional Hawaiian food stands apart with its simplicity, fundamental ingredients, and deliciousness, forming the cornerstone of any Hawaiian meal or gathering.
Unveiling Traditional Hawaiian Food
Traditional Hawaiian food encompasses well-known dishes like poke, Kalua pork, poi, and lau lau. These iconic dishes are often featured at luaus, local eateries, and family-run establishments across the islands, offering a genuine taste of Hawaiian heritage.
Native Hawaiians ingeniously crafted their cuisine from staple canoe plants brought to the islands, locally grown fruits and vegetables, regional meat sources, and natural sweeteners. This resourceful approach gave rise to a unique culinary identity.
Over time, Hawaiian cuisine also absorbed influences from missionaries and plantations, resulting in a distinctive blend of local flavors. Plantation workers from various cultures shared their foods during communal lunches, further enriching the evolving culinary landscape of Hawaii.
To truly immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, discovering its traditional food is essential.
Where to Find Authentic Hawaiian Food
You can find traditional Hawaiian dishes in various local settings, from casual eateries and family-owned takeout spots to delis and farmers markets that offer prepared meals. These local favorites represent the most delicious and authentic Hawaiian cuisine experiences you can have.
Many of these dishes are also centerpieces at luaus and local gatherings, where they are shared and enjoyed communally. Mom-and-pop shops often feature Hawaiian dishes as part of plate lunches, while cafes may offer specialized selections. For a dedicated traditional Hawaiian food experience, seek out venues specializing in these dishes.
Must-Try Traditional Hawaiian Foods
When visiting Hawaii, make sure to sample these quintessential Hawaiian foods. They are indigenous, incredibly flavorful (“onolicious”), and deeply connected to the islands’ heritage.
Kalua Pork
Kalua Pork is a cornerstone of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. “Kalua” refers to the traditional Hawaiian cooking method of baking in an “imu,” an underground oven. This technique involves steaming a whole pig in the imu, covered with ti leaves and hot rocks, infusing the meat with a distinctive smoky and tender flavor. While traditionally prepared in an imu, modern adaptations often utilize slow cookers or instant pots for convenience, making it accessible to home cooks.
Where to find it: Kalua pork is widely available across Hawaii. Restaurants, takeout spots, and even grocery stores commonly offer it as a staple meat and a popular Hawaiian dish. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a favorite throughout the islands.
For those wanting to recreate this dish at home, slow cooker and oven-baked versions are readily achievable with numerous recipes available online.
Watch how to make Kalua pork, a quick traditional Hawaiian dish
Lau Lau
What is Lau Lau?
Lau Lau is a quintessential Hawaiian food experience. The term “lau” means “leaf” in Hawaiian, and Lau Lau perfectly embodies this, representing “wrapped goodness.” This native Hawaiian dish is deeply craved by locals and visitors alike. Lau Lau consists of pork and butterfish (or salted butterfish) wrapped in layers of lu’au (taro) leaves, then steamed until the ingredients meld into a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Even the taro leaves, a staple green in Hawaiian cooking, become deliciously edible. This authentic Hawaiian food is a beloved dish, cherished for its unique flavor and cultural significance. If you see Lau Lau on a menu in Hawaii, ordering it is highly recommended – it’s a truly delightful and essential traditional Hawaiian dish.
Where to find it: Lau Lau is commonly found at local mom-and-pop takeout spots specializing in traditional Hawaiian food, grocery stores with prepared food sections, and cafes or restaurants. Some establishments even offer upscale versions of Lau Lau as pupu (appetizers).
Follow this easy video recipe for Lau Lau
Squid Lu’au
What is Squid Lu’au?
Squid Lu’au stands out as a particularly comforting and delicious Hawaiian dish. This traditional Hawaiian comfort food is definitely worth seeking out during your visit. Squid lu’au features tender squid cooked in creamy taro leaves and coconut milk. Sometimes, chicken is added to enhance the dish with a richer, savory flavor. While perhaps less known outside of Hawaii compared to other traditional dishes, Squid Lu’au is a local favorite. Try to find it at a local cafe or restaurant for a truly satisfying and authentic taste of the islands.
Where to find it: Squid Lu’au may not always be on takeout menus, but it’s often available at local cafes and family-run takeout places that feature traditional Hawaiian cuisine. It’s a must-try for those wanting to explore beyond the more common Hawaiian dishes.
Learn to make delicious squid lu’au now
Purple Sweet Potato
What is Purple Sweet Potato?
Among the diverse array of Hawaiian foods, the purple sweet potato holds a significant place as a staple in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. It is one of the canoe plants brought by the early Polynesian voyagers, cultivated as a vital source of starch. The purple sweet potato is versatilely prepared – boiled, steamed, or baked. It can be enjoyed in chunks or mashed, similar to poi. Yams, another nutritious canoe plant, were also commonly grown and consumed alongside sweet potatoes. As a side dish accompanying Hawaiian meals, sweet potatoes provide a perfect starchy complement to the savory and often salty flavors of other Hawaiian dishes.
Where to find it: Purple sweet potato is a typical Hawaiian side dish available at many takeout establishments and is often included in plate lunch specials at takeout spots, deli counters, and roadside food vendors offering Hawaiian meals.
Explore our post dedicated to the Hawaiian sweet potato for more inspiration and visuals of this delightful food of Hawaii.
Here’s a simple sweet potato recipe to try
Poi
What is Poi?
Poi is an indispensable part of every Hawaiian meal and a foundational dish in Hawaiian cuisine. It’s a staple starch made from taro root. To make poi, cooked taro root is pounded with a stone pounder (“pōhaku”) and water is gradually added until it reaches the desired smooth, gooey consistency. Traditionally, poi is left to ferment for a few days, which develops a slightly sour taste. This fermentation process also affects its consistency, with fresh poi being sweeter and thicker, and older poi becoming more liquid and tangy.
Where to find poi: Most Hawaiian plate lunches will include poi as part of a mixed plate, commonly found at takeout spots and family-run cafes.
Poi is a uniquely Hawaiian food and is worth trying as an accompaniment to the richer, flavorful dishes of Hawaiian cuisine.
Explore our dedicated post on Poi for its history, recipes, and fascinating facts about this important and culturally significant food of the islands.
Watch a video about the tradition of Poi making below
Haupia
What is Haupia?
Haupia is a beloved Hawaiian dessert, often described as a coconut pudding. It’s made from coconut milk, sugar, and a thickening agent like cornstarch, creating a smooth, creamy, and subtly sweet dessert. Haupia is the perfect light and refreshing way to conclude a rich Hawaiian meal. It comes in various forms, from firm squares to softer, pudding-like consistencies.
Where to find haupia: Haupia is frequently included in mixed plates at takeout places and mom-and-pop shops. You can also order haupia separately as a dessert, and some variations include layers of purple sweet potato for added texture and flavor.
Make Haupia easily with this recipe
Lomi Salmon
What is Lomi Salmon?
No exploration of Hawaiian cuisine is complete without Lomi Salmon. This refreshing side dish is a mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, and salted salmon (or fresh salmon prepared to mimic salted salmon). “Lomi” means “to massage” or “rub” in Hawaiian, referring to how the ingredients are gently massaged together. Lomi Salmon is typically served chilled and is often paired with poi, complementing the starch with its fresh and slightly salty flavors. Lomi Salmon is incredibly simple to make at home.
Where to find lomi salmon: Lomi Salmon is a staple side dish in any mixed Hawaiian plate, making it readily available with most Hawaiian meals.
Create your own Lomi Salmon with this simple recipe.
Chicken Long Rice
What is Chicken Long Rice?
Chicken Long Rice reflects the multicultural influences on Hawaiian cuisine. Originating during the missionary era, Chinese contract laborers introduced glass noodles (long rice noodles), which were incorporated into a flavorful soup. Chicken Long Rice evolved into a beloved Hawaiian dish, featuring a broth rich with ginger and garlic, combined with tender chicken and translucent noodles. It’s a comforting and versatile dish, enjoyed as a side or a main course.
Where to find it: Chicken Long Rice is a common offering at plate lunch spots, farmers market food vendors, family-run shops, and even local grocery stores with prepared food counters.
This popular dish is often found at luaus and potlucks. Learn to make easy Chicken Long Rice with readily available recipes.
Pipikaula
What is Pipikaula?
Pipikaula is a traditional Hawaiian-style jerky, meaning “beef rope.” It’s prepared by seasoning beef, then traditionally air-drying it outdoors. After drying, pipikaula is typically fried or charbroiled, giving it a unique texture and concentrated flavor. It’s often enjoyed with poi or rice.
Modern versions of pipikaula may use oven-drying techniques for faster preparation and incorporate various marinades and sauces to create different flavor profiles. Pipikaula elevates any Hawaiian meal, adding a savory and deeply flavorful element.
Where to find pipikaula: Look for pipikaula at farmers markets, roadside stands, food trucks, and local takeout counters that specialize in Hawaiian entrees.
For those who enjoy culinary challenges, you can make your own Pipikaula at home.
Kulolo
What is Kulolo?
Kulolo is a baked Hawaiian dessert, similar in concept to haupia but using grated taro instead of coconut as the primary ingredient. It combines grated taro, mature coconut milk or cream, and sugar. Traditionally baked in an imu for several hours, modern recipes often utilize ovens. Kulolo has a dense, fudgy texture and a rich taro flavor, sweetened and enhanced by the coconut.
Where to find Kulolo: Kulolo is often sold at roadside stands, farmers markets, and some local takeout places that offer Hawaiian food and desserts.
Discover how to make Kulolo or Taro pudding with various online recipes.
Breadfruit or Ulu
What is Breadfruit?
Breadfruit, known as “ulu” in Hawaiian, is a starchy fruit, similar in function to a potato in Hawaiian cuisine. A canoe plant brought by early Polynesians, breadfruit is a versatile staple. It’s prepared in numerous ways: steamed, baked, boiled, or even deep-fried. Chefs and home cooks are continually finding new ways to incorporate breadfruit into modern menus, highlighting its importance as a local starch.
Where to find breadfruit: You can purchase breadfruit at farmers markets or find it as part of a mixed Hawaiian plate at various takeout establishments.
“Ulu” is a significant starch in the Hawaiian diet and is enjoyed for its mild flavor and adaptability in cooking.
Explore a breadfruit primer with Chef Sam Choy to learn more about preparing breadfruit.
Luau Stew
What is Lu’au Stew?
Lu’au Stew is a comforting and deeply flavorful Hawaiian dish, often reminiscent of home-style cooking. The base of the stew is cooked taro leaves, seasoned and simmered to tender perfection. Protein is added, most commonly beef brisket, which infuses the stew with rich, savory flavors. Other typical ingredients include coconut milk, ginger, onion, pepper, and sometimes seaweed, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Where to find Lu’au Stew: Lu’au Stew is popular at takeout spots, cafes, and family-run food counters that offer home-style Hawaiian dishes.
Find a fantastic beef lu’au stew recipe designed for the instant pot for convenient home cooking.
Poke
What is Poke?
Poke is arguably the most globally recognized Hawaiian food. This raw fish salad is immensely popular in Hawaii, with countless variations in ingredients, sauces, and flavors. Traditionally, poke was made using whatever fresh seafood was available from the ocean, simply prepared with basic seasonings. Classic Hawaiian-style poke typically includes cubed raw fish (often ahi tuna), onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili pepper, and garlic.
Where to find poke: Poke is ubiquitous in Hawaii. You’ll find specialty poke shops, grocery stores, and takeout places all offering diverse poke selections across the islands.
Discover why poke is so beloved throughout the Hawaiian islands.
Opihi
What is Opihi?
Opihi is a highly prized native Hawaiian food, a type of limpet shellfish found clinging to rocky shorelines around the islands. Gathering opihi is a dangerous task, contributing to its higher price and esteemed status. Opihi is typically harvested from rocks and eaten raw, much like an oyster, offering a taste of the fresh ocean. The raw “ocean goodness” of Opihi is often enhanced with sea salt and sometimes seaweed to add further depth of flavor and texture. Occasionally, opihi is grilled or incorporated into dishes with various sauces and ingredients.
Where to find opihi: Opihi is less commonly found on standard menus due to its scarcity and harvesting challenges. You might find it at seafood markets, roadside vendors specializing in seafood, or select local grocery stores.
Watch Gordon Ramsay try Opihi with local chef Sheldon Simeon to learn more about this unique Hawaiian delicacy.
Experiencing traditional Hawaiian cuisine is an indispensable part of visiting the islands. The unique blend of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques in Hawaiian food vividly reflects Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re enjoying classic dishes like poke or venturing into new tastes like poi, you are sure to embark on a memorable culinary adventure. Come prepared with an open mind and a hearty appetite to fully appreciate the deliciousness of traditional Hawaiian food.
Explore More Hawaiian Food Topics
What is Hawaiian Comfort Food?
The diverse culinary influences from plantation workers created a melting pot of dishes that became shared favorites during lunches, potlucks, and gatherings across the islands. These dishes evolved and assimilated into local tastes, becoming what is now recognized as Hawaiian comfort food. You can find these comforting dishes at many cafes, mom-and-pop shops, and takeout counters throughout Hawaii.
Explore our post on Hawaiian comfort food for more inspiration on local favorites.
Hawaiian Breakfast Food
Discover the popular and local island breakfast favorites in Hawaii. From comfort food classics like Loco Moco and malasadas to Portuguese sausage with rice, these are all popular breakfast choices across Hawaii.
Check out our favorite Hawaiian breakfast foods for more ideas and images.
What is Hawaiian Food?
Learn more about the cultural fusion that shaped Hawaiian food into what it is today. From shared potluck dishes to Hawaiian fusion and regional cuisine, explore the foods and culture of the islands.
Visit this post on Hawaiian food for more information and inspiration on the diverse dishes enjoyed in Hawaii today.
More Food-Focused Topics:
Hawaiian Desserts to Try on the Islands
Tropical Fruits of Hawaii
Farmers Markets in Hawaii
Popular Hawaiian Dishes You Need to Try
Delicious Hawaiian Snacks
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Conclusion: Savoring Traditional Hawaiian Food
Have you had the chance to try any of these traditional Hawaiian foods? Did any dishes particularly stand out to you?
If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Hawaiian cuisine, look for the dishes mentioned above at local cafes, takeout counters, roadside stands, farmers markets, or even fine dining restaurants in Hawaii. You’ll be sure to immerse yourself in the unique flavors and tastes of Hawaiian food.
Thank you for exploring traditional Hawaiian foods with us. We hope this post has been informative and a valuable guide for your culinary adventures in Hawaii.
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