The Big Island’s cultural diversity is best tasted through its food. Immigrants from Japan, Portugal, the Philippines, and beyond all brought their recipes here, creating a uniquely Hawaiian mix of flavors.
With “local food” we mean both locally grown and/or produced foods that are also well known outside of the Hawaiian islands, such as coffee, chocolate, and beer, as well as the “truly” local food whose recipes are unique to Hawaiʻi.
You can of course also sample all the locally grown food at many farmers markets across the Big Island.
Coffee, Chocolate, Beer and Macadamia nuts
Hawaii’s tropical climate allows for the production of many exotic crops that you cannot find anywhere else in the Unites States. Hawaii is the only state where coffee is commercially produced, which has led to the world famous Kona coffee and the just as tasty but less well-known coffees from the Kaʻu, Puna and Hamakua districts.
Chocolate is another of the exotic crops that is grown on the Big Island. The cacao is farmed organically on the rich volcanic soil, and afterward locally processed and sold on Hawaii. Macadamia nuts are the healthier local product. These nuts are among the most healthy of the world and are connected to e.g. lower cholesterol levels.
After indulging in these treasures, you can finish your day with a local beer. There are (micro) breweries in Waimea (the Big Island Brewhaus), Kona (the Kona Brewing Company) and Hilo (the Hilo Brewing Company). Their beers are sold in bars and supermarkets all over the Big Island.
Iconic Local Foods & Dishes on the Big Island
There are many snacks that are typically Hawaiian other than the “Big 4” listed above. Some of these snacks were already consumed by the traditional Hawaiian population. Others are the result of the unique ethnic melting pot that has become current-day Hawaiʻi.
If you happen to see any of these snacks during your vacation on the Big Island, we heartily recommend having a bite!
Poke
Is raw fish marinated typically with soy sauce, onions and lemon (but many other marinades also exist). It has become more popular worldwide because of the rise to popularity of the “Poke Bowl” but is very typical to Hawaiʻi and, honestly, tastes the BEST here on the islands :D.
You can find poke in most restaurants but also in the supermarkets. The local KTA supermarket, for example, is a good place to pick up some poke. Other good places to get poke are the Suisan Fish Market in Hilo and Umekes in Kona.
Spam Musubi
Is the local adaptation to the traditional “sushi” hybrid – made with SPAM. Hawaiʻi is the biggest consumer of SPAM of the country and perhaps even of the world. People in Hawaiʻi love the stuff! Give the SPAM version a chance, it is really tasty (even though it doesn’t sound like it),
You can find spam musubi in local supermarkets, gas stations, the L&L Hawaiian BBQ chain restaurants, and perhaps even in a restaurant or two.
Fun fact: SPAM has managed to become a local treat in many pacific island communities. Check out the video below for recipes and reviews by Beryl Shereshewsky for the local SPAM treats in Hawaiʻi (obviously), South Korea, Guam, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico:
How People Eat Spam | South Korea, Hawaii, Guam, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico
Poi
Is a traditional Hawaiian “pudding” made from the taro root that was a main source of carbohydrate for the native Hawaiians. Poi is typically served at a Luau but you can also buy it at local supermarkets like KTA.
Lomilomi Salmon
Is a fresh tomato and salmon salad and is a traditional side dish served at Hawaiian Luaus. You can also find it at local supermarkets and restaurants and sometimes at fish markets such as Suisan in Hilo.
Laulau
Consists of fish and pork wrapped in taro and ti leaves and smoked in an underground emu oven. Delicious but cumbersome to make yourself. Available at local restaurants and supermarkets such as KTA.
Kālua Pig.
Kālua is a traditional Hawaiian cooking method that utilizes an emu, or underground oven. The word kālua literally means “to cook in an underground oven” and also describes the flavor of food cooked in this manner. Kalua pig is traditionally served at Hawaiian Luaus but is omnipresent on the island as part of breakfast, plate lunch (e.g. at L&L) or at a buffet.
Haupia
Is a traditional Hawaiian dessert made from coconut milk and cornstarch. Available in most supermarkets and restaurants.
Shave Ice
Is Hawaiʻi’s most famous frozen treat — finely shaved ice (never “shaved”!) piled high and flavored with colorful syrups. Often served over a scoop of ice cream or with sweet red beans, shave ice is the perfect way to cool down after a day in the sun. Popular places to try include Gecko Girlz Shave Ice in Waikoloa and Kona and Kula Shave Ice in Hilo.
Loco Moco
Is a favorite local style dish with steamed rice, a hamburger patty, fried egg and brown gravy. Guaranteed to get you through the day! You can get this almost anywhere on the island.
Mochi
(small Japanese rice cakes) are now a very popular snack in Hawaiʻi. For one of the best tastes of the Island, go to Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo and ask for the Strawberry Mochi!
Huli Huli Chicken
Huli means ‘to turn’ in the Hawaiian language, and it is a great description of these chickens. They are roasted golden brown over a grill while they are continuously turned. We like to get our chickens at the farmers market.
Malasadas
are Portuguese sugared and fried balls of fluffy yeast dough. Tex Drive In in Honokaʻa serves (according to us) the best malasadas on the island. The Punaluʻu bake shop is another popular place to go for malasadas.
Malasadas are Portuguese sugared and fried balls of fluffy yeast dough. Not the most healthy choice but SO tasty!