Our guide on the most popular dishes in Hawaii for your next trip.
Hawaiian cuisine is a delightful blend of native Hawaiian, Asian, and American influences. Here are some of the most popular dishes from Hawaii, along with recipes, tips, and calorie information.
Hawaiian cuisine is rich in flavors and traditions, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a poke bowl or savoring the unique taste of Spam musubi, these recipes bring a taste of the islands to your kitchen. Each dish offers a unique culinary experience, combining traditional Hawaiian ingredients with influences from various cultures. Enjoy these popular Hawaiian dishes and embrace the aloha spirit in your cooking.
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Popular Dishes in Hawaii
1. Poke Bowl
Description:
A poke bowl typically consists of raw fish (usually ahi tuna), marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings, served over a bed of rice with various toppings.
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh ahi tuna, cubed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Cooked sushi rice
Toppings: avocado, cucumber, seaweed salad, edamame, pickled ginger
Instructions:
Prepare the Tuna
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, green onion, and sesame seeds. Add the cubed tuna and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Assemble the Bowl
Place a serving of sushi rice in a bowl. Top with marinated tuna and your choice of toppings. Serve immediately.
Tips:
Use the freshest fish available. Customize the toppings to your preference.
Calories:
Approximately 500 calories per bowl (varies based on toppings).
Read here how to make Poke Bowl
2. Kalua Pork
Description:
A traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow-cooking pork, usually in an underground oven (imu), until tender and smoky.
Ingredients:
4 pounds pork shoulder
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon sea salt
Banana leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder with liquid smoke and sea salt. Wrap the pork in banana leaves if available, and then in aluminum foil.
Cook the Pork
Place the wrapped pork in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred and Serve
Shred the pork and mix with the cooking juices. Serve with rice and traditional Hawaiian sides like macaroni salad.
Tips:
Use banana leaves for an authentic flavor. Cook the pork low and slow for the best texture.
Calories:
Approximately 400 calories per serving.
3. Loco Moco
Description:
A comfort food dish consisting of a hamburger patty served over rice, topped with a fried egg and brown gravy.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups cooked white rice
4 eggs
2 cups beef gravy
Instructions:
Prepare the Patties
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into four patties and cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Cook the Eggs
In the same skillet, fry the eggs to your desired doneness.
Assemble the Loco Moco
Place a serving of rice on each plate. Top with a beef patty, a fried egg, and ladle gravy over the top. Serve immediately.
Tips:
Use high-quality beef for the patties. Customize the gravy with onions or mushrooms for added flavor.
Calories:
Approximately 700 calories per serving.
Read here how to make Loco Moco
4. Spam Musubi
Description:
A popular snack in Hawaii, Spam musubi is made of a slice of grilled Spam on top of rice, wrapped with nori (seaweed).
Ingredients:
1 can Spam, sliced into 8 pieces
4 cups cooked sushi rice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
4 sheets nori, cut in half
Instructions:
Cook the Spam
In a skillet, cook the Spam slices over medium heat until browned and crispy. Add soy sauce and sugar to the skillet and cook until the Spam is caramelized.
Assemble the Musubi
Place a slice of Spam on a piece of nori. Top with a mound of sushi rice. Fold the nori around the Spam and rice to form a tight rectangle. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap for later.
Tips:
Use a musubi mold for uniform shapes. Allow the rice to cool slightly before assembling.
Calories:
Approximately 300 calories per piece.
5. Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
Description:
A traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, resulting in a smooth, gelatinous pudding.
Ingredients:
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
Instructions:
Prepare the Haupia
In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Gradually add this to the coconut milk mixture.
Cook the Haupia
Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Set and Serve
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavor.
Calories:
Approximately 150 calories per serving.
Read here how to make Haupia
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.