If You’re From Hawaii, These 11 Classic Dishes Hit Home

As the most isolated population center on earth, located more than 2,000 miles from the closest continent, the Hawaiian Islands are unique. Everything from our culture to the food we eat is a bit different than the mainland. From traditional Hawaiian dishes to those inspired by other cultures, there are certain foods abundant throughout the islands you simply can’t find elsewhere. And if you grew up in Hawaii, chances are these 11 classic dishes bring back memories – and serious cravings.

1. Loco Moco: The Comfort Food Every Local Knows

The loco moco: A beef patty nestled into a bed of rice with a fried over-easy egg balanced on top, with a smothering of brown gravy bringing everything together. It’s a shame the rest of the country knows nothing of this mouthwatering comfort food from Hawaii.

2. Spam Musubi: Hawaii’s Most Iconic Grab-and-Go Snack

More Spam is sold in Hawaii than anywhere else in America, reflecting the islands’ unique food history and postwar influences. So it makes sense that the islands have created a popular snack food made with this canned lunch meat. Spam Musubi is made with a chunk of marinated Spam sandwiched between rice and wrapped in seaweed.

3. Laulau: A Traditional Hawaiian Dish Wrapped in History

Laulau is a native Hawaiian dish consisting of pork wrapped in taro leaves and slow-cooked until tender and flavorful. While this can be considered an acquired taste, most true locals love this uniquely Hawaiian dish.

4. Poi: The Staple That Connects Hawaii’s Past and Present

You sure won't find this traditional Hawaiian dish anywhere else. Poi is made by pounding boiled taro roots and mixing them with water until the desired smooth consistency is achieved. This dish holds
deep historical and cultural significance in Native Hawaiian cuisine

5. Haupia Pie: The Creamy Coconut Dessert Locals Love

Haupia, a traditional coconut milk-based Hawaiian dessert, is a pudding and is most often used to make a delicious chocolate haupia pie. Locals love this delicacy, and when visiting, don't forget to try it for unforgetable experience.

6. Mac Salad: The Plate Lunch Side You Can’t Skip

The slightly tangy and slightly sweet Hawaiian macaroni salad is easily our favorite part of any Hawaiian plate lunch. There is no way you can miss this cuisine on locals' plate lunches, so it's worth a try when you visit.

7. Poke: Fresh, Flavorful, and Pure Hawaii

Poke, which means "to cut crosswise" in the Hawaiian language, is a raw fish dish. This dish traditionally consists of rice topped with cubed raw, marinated, and seasoned tuna. Since gaining popularity on the mainland, many creative variations of this traditional Hawaiian dish have emerged. However, Hawaii obviously still does it best.

8. Kalua Pork: Slow-Cooked Flavor Straight from the Imu

This traditional dish is usually cooked in an underground oven, called an Imu, and served at most Hawaiian luaus and traditional eateries. Unfortunately, all you’ll find elsewhere is plain, old, boring pork.

9. Acai Bowls: A Hawaii Breakfast That Became a Classic

There is nothing quite like an acai bowl full of acai berries, fresh fruit, granola or oatmeal, and a drizzle of honey, after a sunrise hike. This is such a healthy and satisfying breakfast, and I’m still trying to perfect the sweet meal at home. Acai berries may be native to South America, but they have certainly gained popularity in Hawaii over the years.

10. Manapua: The Sweet and Savory Bun Found at Every Corner

Manapua translates to "delicious pork thing" in Hawaiian, and that is exactly what it is – diced pork filling inside a steamed white bun. You can substitute other meats, or even bean paste if you would like. This is one of the best foods in Hawaii!

11. Saimin: Hawaii’s Beloved Noodle Soup Comfort Bowl

This wildly popular noodle soup dish is inspired by Japanese ramen, Filipino pancit, and Chinese mein. It was developed by immigrants during Hawaii's plantation era, and has become a staple of Hawaiian cuisine ever since. While you can find ramen elsewhere, saimin is special.

How many of these dishes and iconic foods in Hawaii do you enjoy? Please let us know by completing this nomination form.

Surprised not to find malasadas or shave ice on this list? We didn’t think these Hawaiian favorites could be classified as "dishes," but we’re still obsessed. Learn more about Hawaiian foods.

Do these dishes make you crave for a food-focused trip? The Only In Your State itinerary planner is the tool you can use to map out bakeries, local eats, and must-try food stops across Hawaii.