Traditional Hawaiian Foods
While many people associate Hawaii with pineapple and coconuts, exploring the traditional cuisine of Hawaii will introduce you to a much wider variety of delectable dishes you won’t want to miss out on. Some of these dishes are at our top 5 Hilo restaurants on the Big Island, which are within an hour’s drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast! Fully immerse yourself in paradise by trying any of these traditional Hawaiian foods.
Poi
There are few foods more traditionally Hawaiian than poi. Hawaiian poi is made from taro, a starchy root vegetable. The taro is typically steamed or baked before being mashed together with water until a paste-like consistency is achieved. While the poi can be served immediately, it is typically left to ferment over time, giving it subtly sour notes. You can find poi at most restaurants, and it is often served as a side dish with meals.
Poke
Hawaiian Poke is a delicious and customizable meal. It consists of raw fish marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, and other spices served on a bed of white rice. Because the type of fish and spices used can vary, poke is a very versatile meal. Try aku poke, made with skipjack tuna, or be adventurous and try he’e poke, made with octopus meat! Traditional poke is made with Hawaiian salt, seaweed, and ground candlenut meat, but due to its international popularity, you can find poke prepared in many different ways. Try the poke at a few different restaurants and compare the differing flavors!
Kalua Pig
Attending a traditional Hawaiian lu’au is a one-of-a-kind experience. Of course, the food at a lu’au is the main event, and Kalua pig is usually the main course. Kalua is a traditional Hawaiian cooking method using an underground oven called an “imu.” The imu is constructed within a large pit in the ground, consisting of a hardwood fire for heat and layers of dry stones, banana trees, and banana leaves. The pig is cooked underground and covered by vegetation, stones, and soil. Once fully cooked, the meat is shredded and served. It is a truly unique Hawaiian culinary experience you won’t want to miss.
Lomi-Lomi Salmon
For a light and refreshing traditional Hawaiian dish, treat yourself to Lomi-Lomi salmon, a salad typically served as a side dish. Another dish commonly served at lu’aus, Lomi-Lomi salmon, is also found in many Hawaiian homes and restaurants due to its simple recipe. You can even try making this dish in your home with only three or four necessary ingredients! All you need is quality salted salmon, tomatoes, sweet onions, and scallions if you’re looking for a little extra flavor. Lomi-Lomi salmon is always served cold.
Haupia
Don’t forget the dessert! Haupia is a Hawaiian coconut pudding, though it is quite different from the puddings you may be familiar with. It is made by mixing coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and water, but it isn’t typically served in a bowl. Haupia is mixed and poured into a pan and chilled until it is a firm consistency, reminiscent of eating cake. Though it is a traditional Hawaiian dessert, it isn’t uncommon to see Haupia served with your meal rather than at the end. You may even see it at breakfast, as a topping on pancakes or French toast.
Book your stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast today to enjoy all that traditional Hawaiian food offers.