When traveling to the Hawaiian islands, you must try out the amazing international cuisine that’s unique to the islands. Hawaiian food is a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects the history and culture of the islands. It includes both traditional dishes that are native to Hawaii, as well as fusion dishes that incorporate influences from various immigrant groups such as the Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Philipino.

Here are common dishes in Hawaii that you should try:

Oishi! (That’s Japanese for “Delicious”!)

Poke: Poke is a dish of diced raw fish, usually tuna or salmon, seasoned with salt, seaweed, onion, and other ingredients. It is a native Hawaiian dish that has been eaten for centuries, and it showcases the freshness and quality of the local seafood. Poke is often served as an appetizer or a main course, and it can be found in many restaurants and grocery stores in Hawaii.

Laulau: Laulau is a dish of pork, chicken, or fish wrapped in taro or luau leaves and steamed in an underground oven called an imu. It is a traditional Hawaiian dish that was prepared for special occasions and ceremonies, and it symbolizes the connection between the land and the sea. Laulau is usually served with rice, poi, and my favorite, lomi-lomi salmon!

Saimin: Saimin is a noodle soup dish that originated from plantation workers who came from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Portugal. It’s a fusion dish that combines different types of noodles, broth, and toppings, such as char siu, kamaboko, egg, green onion, and spam. Saimin is a popular comfort food that can be found in many restaurants and food trucks in Hawaii.

Loco Moco: Loco moco is a dish of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy. It is a modern Hawaiian dish that was invented in the 1940s by a group of teenagers who wanted a cheap and filling meal. Loco moco is a hearty dish that is often served for breakfast or lunch, and it can be customized with different types of meat, eggs, and gravy