As a vibrant and diverse destination, Hawaii offers a culinary scene that is worthy of exploration to satisfy every foodie’s cravings. With the bountiful offerings of fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and exotic fruits readily available, Hawaii’s chefs have embraced their agricultural roots and local cuisine to create mouth-watering dishes that incorporate a mix of cultural influences. Here’s a guide to some of Hawaii’s culinary highlights that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Getting to know the local food culture
Before we dive into Hawaii’s culinary scene, it’s important to understand the local food culture that has shaped the cuisine we enjoy today. Hawaii’s indigenous cuisine, known as Hawaiian regional cuisine, was developed in the early 1990s as a response to the growing interest in locally sourced, sustainable cuisine. This culinary movement has become a hallmark of Hawaii’s food scene and has influenced the way in which chefs approach their craft.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Hawaii’s farm-to-table movement is perhaps one of the most unique and impressive in the world. With a year-round growing season and an abundance of fertile farmland, Hawaii’s chefs are spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing local, organic ingredients. The Big Island is home to some of the most diverse agricultural regions in the world and has an impressive array of small farms specializing in everything from coffee and cacao to tropical fruits and vegetables. Some of our favorite farm-to-table restaurants include Merriman’s, Māla Ocean Tavern, and Hali’imaile General Store.
Locally inspired dishes
Hawaii’s cultural diversity means that the cuisine is a beautiful fusion of East and West, with a unique Polynesian twist. In Hawaii, you’ll find dishes inspired by Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese and Portuguese cuisine alongside traditional Polynesian specialties like poke and kalua pig. Some must-try local dishes include:
- Poke – succulent chunks of raw ahi tuna dressed in sesame oil, soy sauce, and other seasonings.
- Lau lau – a traditional Hawaiian dish. A combination of pork and fish wrapped in ti or taro leaves and steamed.
- Kalua pig – tender, slow-cooked pork that’s been smoked using kiawe wood and shredded.
Street food
In Hawaii, street food holds a special place in the heart of locals and tourists alike. With a wide range of mobile food vendors and trucks, visiting Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without stopping by one of its many food trucks. Here are some of our favorite street food options in Hawaii:
- Shave ice – a Hawaiian staple, made with shaved ice, sugary syrups, and a variety of optional toppings.
- Plate lunches – a complete meal with 2 scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and an entree like kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, or mahi-mahi.
- Malasadas – fried doughnut-like pastry, filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.
Island drinks
No trip to Hawaii would be complete without experiencing the unique and delicious island drinks that are on offer. From fancy tropical cocktails to craft-brewed beers, there’s no shortage of refreshing drinks that will make your trip to Hawaii special. Here are just a few of our favorite drinks to try:
- Mai Tai – a classic Polynesian cocktail made with light and dark rums, orange curacao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup.
- Kona coffee – grown on the slopes of Hawaii’s Big Island, this coffee is known for its smooth flavors and subtle hints of chocolate and nuts.
- Hawaiian beer – Hawaii’s craft beer scene is growing, with local breweries producing a range of unique beers that use local ingredients like coconut, lychee, and pineapple.
In conclusion
Hawaii is a foodie’s paradise, with exciting street food stalls, gourmet restaurants, and an abundance of fresh and locally-sourced produce. Whether you’re a lover of traditional Hawaiian cuisine or unique fusion dishes taking inspiration from multiple cultures, there’s something for every palate in Hawaii’s culinary scene. So, get ready to feast your way through the beautiful islands of Hawaii and enjoy their unique culinary offerings.