Tag Archives: Hawaii

Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Play, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Best Kayak and Snorkel Tours

March 31, 2017

The clear waters that wash the shores of Hawaii can seem very enticing when you are gliding across the surface in a kayak. So go ahead, jump in. But first, grab a mask and snorkel so you can fully appreciate the colors of the corals and follow the meanderings of the brilliantly hued tropical fish. If this sounds like your idea of a great day on the water, check out these seven combo trips that showcase the full beauty and diversity of the islands.

Visiting the Mokes

One of the most popular kayaking destinations in Oahu is a pair of small, deserted rock islands known as Na Mokulua, which locals refer to as “The Mokes.” The most popular starting point for the three-quarter-mile paddle to the site is Lanikai Beach, where there is no shore break to contend with. The smaller island, Moku Iki, remains off limits, and all landings happen on a beach on the larger island, Moku Nui. Snorkelers will find coral formations that begin in clear water right off the beach. Several tour companies run guided trips to the Mokes, and more paddlers make their own way in rented or personal kayaks, which means the place can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays.

Moku Iki is one of a pair of small islands that lie off the east coast of Oahu. It remains off limits, but kayakers can paddle to a beach on nearby Moku Nui. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Where’s Gilligan?

Fans of vintage television may be thrilled to hear that a trip to Coconut Island lands them on the location once used in the show Gilligan’s Island. But the castaways wouldn’t recognize the island these days, as it is now home to a research center operated by the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology. Trips begin at Heeia State Park, and make a half-mile crossing of Kaneohe Bay, which is fully sheltered from offshore waves. After touring the research facilities, the next stop is Horseshoe Reef, where snorkelers can explore the coral formations of Oahu’s only true barrier reef. This area is often home to sea turtles and eagle rays.

Kayak tours that begin at Heeia State Park pass by a historic fishpond before crossing the bay to Coconut Island and the snorkeling sites of Horseshoe Reef. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Maui’s Fishiest Place

The fish sanctuary at Maui’s Honolua Bay is one of the island’s best snorkeling venues. Due to limited and unsecured roadside parking and a lack of shore facilities, the site is best reached by water. As an alternative to big tour boats, several companies launch paddle trips from the nearby beaches at Kapalua, and head west along a shoreline of low cliffs and hidden bays. Tours usually include a stop on a small beach, and then head to the shallow western side of the bay where the best snorkel reefs are located. Summer is the best time for this excursion, as winter waves turn the outer reaches of the bay into a popular surf break.

A paddle around the headlands of Maui’s north coast leads to the marine preserve at Honolua Bay, which is home to some of the island’s best coral reefs. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Touring Turtle Town

The section of Maui’s south coast between Makena and Wailea has earned the nickname “turtle town” for the large number of sea turtles that are seen year-round on coral formations close to shore. There are more than a dozen reefs in the area that are visited by tour boats, which can put dozens of snorkelers in the water at one time. To avoid the crowds, savvy paddlers go early and join a small group tour led by guides who know the area, and are able to seek out sites away from the crowds. As a bonus, the trip to and from turtle snorkels takes in big views of Mount Haleakala and the offshore profiles of Molokini and Lanai.

Sea turtles can be found on coral reefs all around the islands of Hawaii, but tend to gather in greater numbers on the reefs along Maui’s south coast known as Turtle Town. Photo: iStock

History and Coral Reefs

The Big Island’s signature kayak and snorkel combo takes place in a marine preserve on the island’s west coast. History buffs will note that Kealakekua Bay is the site where the first westerner, lead by Captain James Cook, landed on Hawaii Island. The shores are also the site of the sacred temple, Hikiau Heiau, dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono. The bay is a favorite with both divers and snorkelers, as it is filled with vibrant coral reefs that are a home to a diverse range tropical fish, and often visited by schools of spinner dolphins. Permits are required for snorkeling or landing on the shores of the Captain Cook Monument, so it is best to book a trip with one of the several tour companies licensed to operate in the preserve.

A snorkeler begins a free diving plunge into the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay, which is known for its abundant fish life and colorful coral formations. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Cliffs and Caves

Just outside the village of Kailua, paddlers can launch into Keauhou Bay, which is rimmed in sea cliffs riddled with blowholes, arches and lava tubes. On guided tours, kayakers can play follow the leader as they make their way through narrow rock-lined channels and into sea caves. A highlight of many tours is a float into a large cavern where mineral stained pink walls are reflected in the clear water. After touring the cliffs and caves, paddlers beach their boats in a calm cove and spend time snorkeling on nearby coral formations, exploring tidal pools or—for the adventurous—leaping into the water from surrounding cliffs.

The shores of Keauhou Bay are lined with rugged lava formations riddled with caves and tidal pools. These waters are ideal for exploration by kayak. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

From River to Reef

A favorite paddling trip on the island of Kauai begins on the banks of the Hanalei River. A short downstream paddle leads to the expansive semi- circular sweep of Hanalei Bay, which is surrounded by green mountain slopes and ringed by more than two miles of the island’s best beaches. If snorkeling is part of the plan, kayakers head toward Waikoko Reef, which lies on the northwestern edge of the bay. The entire reef can be explored during the calm conditions common in summer, but when winter swells roll in, the outer portion of the reef becomes a popular surf break, limiting snorkeling to areas closer to shore.

Kayak trips that begin in the Hanalei River lead into the expansive bay of the same name. The eastern end of the bay holds excellent snorkeling reefs. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

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Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

March 21, 2017

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Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic locations on earth. The supermodels may take center stage, but the resorts and beaches that provide the backdrop also draw oohs and aahs from readers and viewers. Here are some of the featured locations where you can indulge in an amazing beach vacation and maybe convince your mate to help recreate a few iconic poses from spots like the Pitons on St. Lucia. Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Barbados, Bermuda, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, Oahu, Palm Beach, St. Pete Beach, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

March 21, 2017

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The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th century. When pink crossed over to the New World it was embraced by builders of the 1920s and beyond.

Bermuda is a destination that is all about pink; there are pink sand beaches, pink mopeds, pink Bermuda shorts and pink buildings. Here, the pink Fairmont Southampton stands out among the green landscape of Southampton Parish.

Hawaii, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Premier Poolside Cabanas at Waikiki Beach

March 20, 2017

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Imagine yourself relaxing at a private poolside cabana at a luxurious tropical resort. Then, take it up another level by placing that personal oasis within sight of one of the world’s most iconic beaches. That’s exactly what you get when you settle into a cabana at one of these three premier resorts near the shores of Oahu’s Waikiki Beach.

Sheraton Waikiki

A poolside cabana at the Sheraton Waikiki can become your haven for relaxation or a base camp for beach fun. Each private space is set around the resort’s infinity-edge adult’s pool, with the sands of Waikiki just steps away, and views of the beach and Diamond Head crater in the distance. These shaded enclaves are fitted with privacy curtains, stocked with chilled drinks, and have wait staff on call. Should ambition strike, you can summon Waikiki Beach Services to schedule an outrigger canoe ride or surfing lessons.

With curtains that can be draw for privacy, or left open for ocean views, the cabanas at the Sheraton Waikiki are just steps away from the sand and a range of beach sports. Photo: Sheraton Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Privacy doesn’t have to mean being alone. The poolside cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort can accommodate up to five, as they are furnished with a sectional lounge, table and a pair of chaise lounges. Each perches on a stone pool deck that provides views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Pool attendants are on hand to keep you hydrated and satiated, and provide an additional perk of oishibori—the warm moist towels sometimes offered in Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Canvas-shrouded cabanas at the Royal Hawaiian Resort have direct views of Waikiki Beach, and include lounge seating for up to five, making them ideal for families. Photo: Royal Hawaiian

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Ocean views are elevated at the Ritz-Carlton, as the pool deck is located on the hotel’s eighth floor. With a theme of “above and beyond”, this space offers expansive views of Waikiki Beach via the treetops of Fort Derussy Park, a 20-acre green space between the resort and the sand. Here at the highest pool in Waikiki, guests can cozy up in their private cabanas, order meals and take in the Ritz hospitality. Waikiki Beach is just a 5-minute walk away, and there is a lineup of luxury boutiques nearby.

The pool deck at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers private cabanas with ocean views from an eighth-story vantage point. Photo: Don Riddle/Ritz-Carlton

Hawaii, Oahu, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Snapshots: Koko Crater, Oahu

March 13, 2017

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Rising more than 1,200 feet above the shores of the popular marine park at Hanauma Bay, Koko Crater is the most prominent landmark on the southern coast of the island of Oahu. It’s also the site of a popular yet challenging hike. The climb follows a railway line built to service artillery and lookout points during the Second World War.

Today, the cross ties of the abandoned rail line form stair steps for hikers, who negotiate more than 1,000 of these wooden risers on the way to the top. The hike is a favorite of former President Obama, who once scattered his mother’s ashes from the summit. As an easier alternative to the summit route, visitors can follow a two-mile loop through a botanical garden in the center of the crater.

Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Plan, Trip Ideas

Hawaii Road Trips: Big Island Volcano Adventure

February 27, 2017

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Any visit to the Big Island should include at least a day spent discovering the island’s fiery origins, and nature’s amazing transformation of ash wastelands into verdant rainforest. All of this and more can be seen with a day of road tripping along the island’s southeastern coast, with plenty of interesting stops, short hikes and maybe even a swim along the way.

A night scene of molten lava seeping from underground fissures to meet the cooling waters of the Pacific. The hot flow will solidify to create new land. Photo: iStock

The trip begins in Hilo, where Highway 11 leads into the area known as the Puna District. A right turn onto Highway 130 takes you through an orchid farm to historic village of Pahoa, where you can stock up on fresh fruits grown in the region’s rich volcanic soil. Follow route 132 to begin the 12- mile scenic drive along the coast that offers many reasons to stop.

A favorite stop is the lighthouse at Cape Kumukahi, which is Hawaii’s easternmost point. A scientific monitoring station located on the point has shown that the easterly winds that wash the point are the cleanest air in the world.

The lighthouse at Cape Kumukahi sits at the easternmost point in the Hawaiian Islands, with sea breezes that bring what is said to be the freshest air in the world. Photo: iStock

After taking in the big view of sea, sky and breaking surf, stop by the nearby beach to watch body surfers challenge the breakers. Leave the big waves to the experts, as you have two excellent chances to get wet just down the road. First up are the Waiopae Tidepools, which offer clear, fish filled shallows, sheltered from the waves. A half-mile down the road is the thermal pools at Ahalanui Park, where sulphur water heated by volcanic vents provides a relaxing soak.

A body boarder challenges breaking surf in a rock-bound cove near Cape Kumukahi, which is the easternmost point in the Hawaiian Islands. Photo: iStock

The highway hugs the shore, passing two more beach parks and the site of Kalapana. This coastal hamlet was partially covered by a lava flow in 1990, and at a coastal overlook you can still see steam rising from an active vent where hot magma meets the cooling waters of the Pacific. If time permits, Lava Tree State Park offers a short hike through unique formations formed when lava flowed over trees, creating enduring stone replicas of their trunks.

Trees grow in black lava at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Over time, their roots will begin to break down the rock to create fertile topsoil. Photo: iStock

A return to Highway 11 will bring you to the artists’ community of Volcano Village, an oasis of rainforest green just outside the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s a good place to grab a bite and top off the tank before heading into the park. At first, the park’s Crater Rim road remains cloaked in greenery. The scenery changes as you pull off at Kilauea Overlook, and survey the vast tracts of cinder and blackened rock that drop into Kilauea Iki Crater. There is a four- mile trail that descends into the Crater, then climbs the opposite rim, but you’d need study shoes, plenty of water and sun protection to take that on.

The green-clad upper rim of Kilauea Iki Crater provides a stark contract to the interior, which is a realm of cinder and ash, with steaming phosphorous vents. Photo: iStock

Instead, take a relaxing walk along the crater rim, and then make a short drive to another overlook that gives access to the Thurston Lava Tube. A lava tube is the solidified remains of what was once a flowing underground river of molten rock. Some stretch for miles, but the Thurston cave is relatively short, and has lighting and walkways that make exploration easy.

A walkway leads to the entrance of the Thurston Lava Tubes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Inside, stairs lead down to a lit passage where lava once flowed. Photo: iStock

By now, it’s probably getting on toward late afternoon, but there’s still time to take in one more sight. Continue southward onto the Chain of Craters Road, which winds through a barren landscape of black lava rock. But even here, there are signs of life. Grasses and ferns grow through cracks in the lava. Lone Aalii and Ohi’a Lehua trees stand like solitary sentinels, their roots probing crevices in the rock for pockets of water, and slowly but inexorably turning rock into gravel, then soil.

Tufts of grass sprout from fields of black volcanic ash along the shoulders of the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Photo: iStock

Over the years, this road has been repeatedly covered by lava flows. It is once again open, and leads to the sea. Before it was covered in flowing lava, this coast was once rich farmland, and the site of sacred temples. Today, it provides a dramatic lesson of how this island chain was formed. Visitors who make it to the coast are standing on some of the youngest land in the world.

The Chain of Craters Road leads across desolate lava flows to end of the coast, where surf crashes against some of the youngest land in the world. Photo: iStock

Eat, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Trip Ideas

Hawaii’s Best Street Parties

February 6, 2017

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Forget hotel floorshows and tourist-centric luaus. For an authentic take on Hawaii, do what the locals do and take to the streets. Street parties are a thing on each of the major Hawaiian Islands, and they happen on Friday nights. Stores and galleries put on special showings, food trucks and craft stands show up and live music is often in the mix. Here are the places to be if you want to party like a local.

Oahu

Honolulu’s Chinatown district comes alive on First Fridays, as thousands converge on the 12-block area around the Hawaii Theatre. This district is home to an eclectic mix of galleries, clothing boutiques and wine shops, many of which stay open late to host exhibitions, tastings and live entertainment. Some sweeten the offering with special deals. The mixing and mingling goes on from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m., then the parties continue at nearby restaurants and clubs.

Two weeks later, the action switches to Third Saturday and the Honolulu Night Market. This monthly happening is an indoor-outdoor event that takes place at the Cooke Street Warehouse in the Kaka’ako district. The program varies, but usually includes showings by local clothing designers and a mix of arts and crafts booths. To ramp up the vibe, there’s a skate ramp, live music, food trucks, drink service and a kid’s zone. The action starts around 6 p.m.

The final Friday of the month is the time to Eat the Street. Starting at 4 p.m., more than 40 of the island’s most popular food trucks gather on South Street. It’s best to come early if you don’t want to wait in line, because crowds of up to 7,000 show up to chow down. After sampling some of the unique culinary choices, diners linger for live performances and check out the offerings of street vendors.

Galleries in Honolulu’s Chinatown district often stage special events, showings and wine for First Fridays, which bring thousands downtown to mix and mingle. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Maui

Pau hana is the Hawaiian expression for the end of the workday spent relaxing with family and friends. The island of Maui enjoys some pau hana time each week with Friday Town Parties. Held in one of four different historic downtowns each week, these gatherings combine live musical performances with featured artists, food and drink, children’s activities and a bit of strolling, shopping and conversation. The party rotates around the island, with Wailuku First Friday, Lahaina Second Friday, Makawao Third Friday and Kihei Fourth Friday. Months that have a fifth Friday provide an excuse to carry the festivities to the ferry for a trip to the nearby island of Lanai. The evening gathering centers around Dole Park, and spreads to the streets of downtown Lanai City to include live performers, food vendors and special discounts and prizes at local merchants.

The historic seaside village of Lahaina is one of four towns on the island of Maui that hosts a revolving series of Friday evening festivals throughout the year. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Kauai

The normally quiet town of Hanapepe turns lively for Art Night, which takes place every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Maui Street. A dozen of the town’s galleries stay open late for showings, and local artists and artisans set up in curbside kiosks. Food trucks provide refreshment, while street musicians perform both contemporary and traditional Hawaii tunes. It’s a family friendly affair with the sort of small town vibe not found on other islands.

Galleries and shops in the town of Hanapepe stay open late for the town’s Friday Night Festival and Art Walk, which is one of the favorite gatherings on the island of Kauai. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Hawaii Island

The Big Island’s take on Friday parties happens on the east coast town of Hilo. Aloha First Friday delivers the requisite combination of arts and crafts displays, live music, food and family activities. This gathering often has a local vibe, as townsfolk come to mix and mingle. But visitors are always welcome, and vacationers staying at west coast resorts will sometimes make the cross-island drive to join in the festivities.

For west coast residents and visitors wanting to stay closer to home base, the seaside town of Kailua stages the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll one Sunday each month. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., a portion of Ali’i Drive is blocked off for the gathering, and more than 100 vendors set up shop on the street and sidewalks, offering everything from tie-dyed t-shirts and handmade jewelry to fine works of art. There’s plenty of food and a concert that often features native Hawaiian music.

Hilo’s historic downtown district is the setting for the monthly First Friday gathering, which brings locals and visitors into the streets for food, music and fun. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Oahu, Stay, Trip Ideas

Hawaiian Resorts With Holiday Traditions

November 14, 2016

So staying home for the holidays isn’t your thing… but you do enjoy celebrating the Christmas spirit. You can have it both ways at several of Hawaii’s premier resorts, where traditions of the season unfold against a backdrop of sunny skies, surf-washed beaches and the blue ocean.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

Hula dancers and island-style holiday music welcome Santa to the shores of the Outrigger Waikiki. On December 10, children can greet Santa as he makes his first visit, where he will arrive by outrigger canoe. A chat with Old Saint Nick and a photo session takes place in the resort’s main lobby, which is the site of more family holiday festivities through the month of December. The resort is decked in traditional Hawaiian Christmas decorations, gingerbread houses and edible Christmas trees. Eggnog is at Friday evening receptions on the 16 and 23 of December, and festivities staged throughout the month give guests the opportunity to learn about Hawaiian Christmas culture and celebrate the holidays with island style. http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaii/oahu/outrigger- waikiki-beach-resort

When Santa makes his yearly visit to the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, he leaves the sleigh up north and makes his entrance to the beach by riding a canoe through the surf. Photo: Outrigger Waikiki

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona, Big Island

From December 19, 2016 until January 3, 2017, in-house resort guests and homeowners at the Four Seasons can look forward to an array of special activities to celebrate the holidays. Premier events are the luaus and Polynesian shows that take place on December 20 and 27, adding a touch of the islands to the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, families gather at the resort’s Hualalai ballroom for arts and crafts, face painting and a special appearance from Santa. The following day, Christmas dinner takes the form of a buffet at the ULU Ocean Grill with sushi, seafood cold bar, carving board selections, and seasonal-inspired favorites. New Year’s Eve kicks off with a buffet under the stars, and afterward guests are encouraged to kick off their shoes and head to the sand for dancing and a dessert buffet. As the year comes to a close the fireworks begin. http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

Beachfront dining and a midnight fireworks show on New Year’s Eve are just two of the memorable holiday traditions enjoyed by guests of the Four Seasons Hualalai resort in Kona. Photo: Four Seasons

Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu

Each December for nearly a decade, guests heading into the lobby of this Waikiki oceanfront resort are greeted by holiday images in the form of sand sculptures. Every year the hotel ships in several tons of sand and invites skilled sand sculptors to create unique wonders. The first creation of the 2016 holiday season is a family of four ready to surf, snorkel and hit the beach. The most iconic creation of 2015 was a tableau of Santa Claus playing the ukulele and singing to Mrs. Claus. These sculptures bring people in from all over the islands and returning guests come back year after year to participate in this unique tradition. On Christmas Day, guests enjoy a special dinner buffet masterfully prepared by Executive Chef Darren Demaya and his team, served at Kai Market overlooking the infinite edge pool and Waikiki Beach. http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com

Each year since 2007, the Sheraton Waikiki has invited talented sand sculptors to create unique works for the holiday season; this work known as “Santa’s Selfie” was created in 2015. Photo: Sheraton Waikiki

Hawaii, Maui, Play, Trip Ideas

Maui’s Mermaid Magic

October 27, 2016

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Forget whales and dolphins. The most unusual marine mammals you may discover in the waters around Maui are mermaids. Yep, as in women with tails. Make that women wearing tails. A mermaid suit may seem like a costume, but it’s actually an innovative type of diving gear that has spawned a new sport. Built into the tail is a special swim fin that resembles the tail fluke of a whale. Known as a mono fin, it holds the user’s two feet inside one fin to create a powerful whale-like swimming motion. Mono fin swimming first gained popularity in the sport of free diving, and it was only a matter of time before imaginative innovators added the fabric sheath to create the appearance of a tail.

A trio of breath-holding free divers wearing special mono fin-equipped mermaid tails descends onto a coral reef on the western shore of Maui. Photo: Hawaii Mermaid Adventures

Swimming with a mermaid tail takes a bit of practice, which is exactly what is offered at Hawaii Mermaid Adventures. Located in the Kihei region on Maui’s west coast, this school for aspiring mermaids offers training sessions that prepare participants for supervised swims on nearby coral reefs. Instructors are certified lifeguards with years of experience. In addition to teaching the techniques of monofin swimming, the program delves into mermaid mythology and sailors’ tales, along with fascinating facts on marine life and underwater environment. A high point of the two-hour swimming session is an underwater photo shoot that captures mermaid memories with images that can be shared as proof that mermaids really do exist.

Eat, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, Trip Ideas

Favorite Hawaii Luau Foods

October 4, 2016

Any visit to Hawaii should include a luau. These traditional island-style parties are part feast, part performance and all about having a good time. Though menus sometimes vary, there are favorites that almost always show up on the table. Here are some of the savory staples that you can expect to enjoy.

Poke

A favorite luau appetizer is poke, which is the Hawaiian word for cutting or slicing. Dishes that go by this name are made from chunks or slivers of raw fish marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and seasonings. Traditional versions include aku and he’e, which are made from yellow fin tuna or octopus, respectively. Creative chefs may substitute salmon or shellfish, and garnish with chopped onions, chilies, seaweed, fish eggs and wasabi.

The raw fish dish known as poke is believed to originate with fishermen who marinated trimmings from their catches in soy sauce and spices to create a tasty appetizer. Photo: iStock

Luau Stew

Locals love a savory bowl of Hawaiian oxtail soup, and will debate which island kitchen turns out the best recipes. Also known as luau stew, this hearty broth is created by stewing the namesake beef tails in their own juices until tender. Steamed taro leaves and a dash of coconut milk go into the pot, along with savory accents such as ginger, anise, orange peel, peanuts, chili and mustard.

Hawaiian luau stew is an island favorite. This version of oxtail soup is made by simmering the meat until tender, then adding spices and steamed taro leaves. Photo: Leigh Anne Meeks/ iStock

Hawaiian Pizza

Though not a traditional food, Hawaiian Pizza has found its way onto many luau buffet tables. Both the name and the idea of combining ham and pineapple on a pizza crust are actually credited to a Canadian baker. The recipe spread across North America before arriving in the islands. Local versions may substitute a Hawaiian favorite, spam, and include additional garnishes such as red onions and green bell peppers.

Despite the name, Hawaiian pizza is actually an import first created in Canada. When it appears on luau menus, it is often with a nod to the local preference for spam rather than sliced ham. Photo: NA Grittsaom/iStock

Huli Huli Chicken

Luau guests are often treated to the enticing scent of grilling huli huli chicken. What sets this version of the barbecue favorite apart is the constant basting and turning the birds receive while on the grill. In the Hawaiian language, the word “huli-huli” means turn, turn. It is this constant attention and the frequent basting that keep the meat juicy and tender. Purists say that this dish is best when made from local fowl that are a cross breed of domesticated chicken and the red jungle fowl that roam the islands.

Grill masters baste huli huli chicken in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, fresh lemon and pineapple juices, with accents of ginger, garlic, brown sugar and sherry. Photo: Robson Abbot/ iStock

Poi

Poi is the original Hawaiian comfort food, and a long-time staple starch of the native island diet. This porridge-like dish is made by mashing the cooked root of the taro plant into a pasty liquid, and then adding water before it is served. Depending on the amount of water added, it can take on consistencies from liquid to dough-like. When served fresh it is known as sweet poi, and when left standing to ferment, it becomes sour poi.

Depending on consistency, the starchy dish made from crushed taro root may be called “one, two or three-finger” poi, referring to the number of fingers required to scoop it up. Photo: iStock

Kalua Pork

A Kalua pig is often the centerpiece of a luau. The traditional Hawaiian cooking method known as kalua begins by digging a dirt pit known as an imu, where rocks are heated by an open fire. A pig wrapped in wet burlap and layered with banana leaves is then placed in the pit, along with more hot rocks. The pit is covered and left to slow cook for six to eight hours. The result is meat that is uniformly juicy and tender, embellished by the smoke flavors of hardwoods. It is usually served shredded, and is delicious without the need for any additional sauce.

The pit cooking methods of Kalua allow steam and smoke flavors from koa wood, ti and banana leaves to infuse the meat with a mild yet distinct flavor. Photo: iStock

Visiting the Mokes

Where’s Gilligan?

Maui’s Fishiest Place

Touring Turtle Town

History and Coral Reefs

Cliffs and Caves

From River to Reef

Sheraton Waikiki

The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Oahu

Maui

Kauai

Hawaii Island

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona, Big Island

Sheraton Waikiki, Oahu

Poke

Luau Stew

Hawaiian Pizza

Huli Huli Chicken

Poi

Kalua Pork

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