When you think about Hawaii, what thoughts enter your mind? Maybe you envision picturesque beaches lined with tall palm trees swaying majestically in the cool breeze. The state is definitely popular among tourists from the U.S. and elsewhere.
Did you know more than 9.2 million people visited Hawaii in 2022? That’s a significant number considering the island’s population is around 1.5 million.
The state offers scenic beaches, national parks, and historic museums if you enjoy sightseeing. Do you have an adventurous spirit? Perhaps snorkeling with manta rays or surfing at Waikiki Beach is up your alley. Do you consider yourself to be a steward of the environment? Eco-tourism is an option since you can experience Hawaii’s delicate ecosystem up close and personal. Visit the botanical gardens or tour a coffee farm.
Whether you’ve always wanted to visit Hawaii or you got the urge to check it out after seeing a print brochure promoting the state, it’s never a bad time to plan a vacation.
There are plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy in the Aloha State. But don’t get so caught up in them that you forget other great things about Hawaii. One of the other things to experience is the culinary experiences the state offers. If you enjoy trying new dishes when on vacation, what follows is a look at some foods to try in Hawaii.
Poke
If you believe that some of the best dishes are simple, then Poke may be right up your alley. Its primary ingredient is raw ahi tuna which is cut up into little cubes. Sesame seeds, onions, soy sauce, and limu seaweed are added to the mix. If tuna isn’t your favorite seafood option, that can be substituted with some octopus or freshwater fish. You’ll hardly find a restaurant along the mainland that doesn’t offer some variation of Poke. It’s a dish worth trying if you want to sample a uniquely Hawaiian dish.
Kalua Pua’a
Do you like your pork slow-roasted? Well, Kalua Pua’a is a dish you’ll want to tuck into. This Hawaiian dish is cooked in an underground oven. Since it’s slow-roasted, the pork is so moist and tender that it just about melts off of the bone. Rather than having a bunch of added ingredients, Kalua Pua’a is infused with the unique flavor of the wood smoke during the cooking process. Kalua Pua’a is served over a bed of rice.
Poi
Poi is a dish made from taro root. If you’re unfamiliar with taro root, it’s a vegetable similar in taste and texture to sweet potato. Poi is made by steaming or baking taro before mashing the taro. Water is gradually added until what’s left is a thick paste. It can be enjoyed just about any way you wish. For instance, you can eat Poi with salmon or pork. But that’s just a recommendation since you can eat it alone or with whatever you want.
Loco Moco
When you visit Hawaii, you must try Loco Moco. It’s made with a hamburger patty with a fried egg and gravy on top of it. This is then placed on a bed of rice. It’s the sort of thing you’ll enjoy if you want a quick and filling meal after a day out on the town.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Lomi Lomi Salmon is a popular Hawaiian side dish made with raw salmon that has been shredded and mixed with sweet Maui onions and tomatoes. You can also add green onions, macadamia nuts, red pepper, toasted sesame oil, and other ingredients.
These are just some of the tasty dishes you can enjoy when you visit the Aloha State. Whether you’re an avid foodie or you simply like to eat nice food, Hawaii has what it takes to whet your taste buds and satiate your hunger.