Hawaiian Food

When most people think of Hawaiian food the famous Luau immediately comes to mind. When you did deeper into Hawaiian culture you'll discover many Hawaiian dishes that are to die for.

If you're not a very adventurous eater, it may take you awhile to warm up to the traditional Hawaiian food, but all is not lost. Hawaii has food options for you too.

Hawaii has some of the best seafood in the world, and as you'd expect from a state that's surrounded by water the shellfish, muscles, lobster, grouper and Mahi Mahi is at the peak of freshness all year round.

Here's a list of traditional Hawaiian foods you must eat on your next visit to the islands...

Poi - Produced by mashing the cooked Kalo plant (baked or steamed) to a highly viscous fluid, then adding water until the desired consistency is achieved. Ranges in consistency from liquid to dough-like (more about Poi here).

Haupia - Coconut based pudding sometimes used as cake frosting for weddings.

Lau Lau (Lau Lau) - A dish made up from taro leaves, salted butterfish, and either pork, beef, or chicken. The entire dish is wrapped in ti leaves and is usually steamed.

Lomi - Fresh salmon that is massaged by hand to break down its tissues and remove the salt. Chunks of the fish are mixed with onion and tomatoes.

PuPu (Pu Pu) - And no, it's not what you're thinking - PuPu originally referred to fish, chicken, or banana relish served with Kava Modern variations of Pu Pu are chicken, fish, sushi, teriyaki meat and seafood served with relish.

Kalua Pork - Pork shoulder or pork butt that is rubbed with salt, wrapped in ti plant leaves, and slow smoked.

Mahi Mahi - An abundant fish native to the Hawaiian waters. Known for its' firm meat and rich flavor (also known as the Dolphin fish in other parts of the world).

Do yourself a favor and get a real flavor for the islands by eating some authentic Hawaiian food when you're on your vacation. You can always go home and eat at Applebee's whenever the urge for mediocre food strikes!