Types of Food in the Hawaiian Islands

Kalua pork is the centerpiece of a luau. It is a whole pig that has been wrapped in ti leaves and cooked in an underground oven (called an imu) for a long period of time. In modern times, the dish can be made from pork butts in a regular oven or crock pot. Sea salt and green onions are the only flavoring ingredients occasionally deemed necessary. The flavors imparted by a traditional imu can be replicated with the addition of liquid smoke.

Poi is a favorite staple carbohydrate in Hawai'i. The taro plant grows prolifically on the Hawai'ian islands and its roots are pounded with water to make the thick paste-like substance. Because poi is practically flavorless, it best eaten alongside other dishes.

Breadfruit is a large, starchy tree fruit that is native to the Polynesian region. It can be marinated, baked, roasted, boiled or sauteed and is similar to a potato in texture and taste. Sometimes the core of the breadfruit is cut out, leaving a space that is filled with some kind of stuffing before baking the fruit.

SPAM--the canned block of processed pork--is very popular in Hawai'i and it is used in a surprising variety of ways. SPAM is featured in sushi, for breakfast, in stir fried dishes as fritters, in burgers and in sandwiches. It is sometimes cut into thin strips and fried.

A plate lunch is a modern Hawai'ian staple that has many variations of a common combination of rice, meat or fish and macaroni salad. It can include a fried egg and gravy too, and everything is served in huge portions.

Lomi-Lomi Salmon is a cold salad dish made by breaking up salted salmon by hand and mixing it with chopped onions and fresh tomatoes. It can be served as an appetizer or side dish and is a traditional part of a luau feast.

Poke is raw fish marinated with lemon or lime juice. Ahi, aku and octopus are often used for poke. There are different styles of poke--the traditional Hawai'ian type of poke has seaweed, onions and salt along with the marinated fish. Sometimes coconut cream is added, and sometimes Asian flavorings like soy sauce and sesame oil are used.