Hawaiian Style is a common phrase used throughout the state of Hawaii. Yes, the fiftieth state, definitely has a style all of it’s own. What is Hawaiian style? It means so many things. Laid-back is one way to describe it, but also it means diverse cultures, foods and so much more. This article is going to take you to my favorite place, Hawaii. I was born and raised in New York, but moved to Hawaii in my early twenties. Once in Hawaii, I never thought that I would come back to live in New York. Fast forward, here I am in Upstate New York enjoying the “country life”, but Hawaii is still in me.
As a result of reading this article, those of you that have never been to Hawaii will perhaps get a little glimpse of the culture. It is something which is quite different from the “Hollywood version.” Those of you who have traveled there might learn a new thing or two from someone who lived there for more than a decade. Last but not least, those of you that live there now will probably just read this article and hopefully go “yeah that’s why I live here.”
The origins of Hawaii
Approximately 1,500 years ago, many groups of Polynesians came from the Marquesas, and then later others came from Tahiti. They arrived at the Hawaiian Islands after travelling by canoes, known as outriggers. What is truly amazing is that they navigated the thousands of nautical miles of ocean by means of the stars. Unfortunately, as is seen in so much of human history, there was blood shed and suffering along the way. There were many factions, causing there to be wars amongst the Polynesians in their new territory. It wasn’t until 1810 that King Kamehameha united the peoples of the Hawaiian islands.
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of well over 100 Islands. Many people don’t know that. I certainly didn’t before I first visited Hawaii. Of course most of those islands are uninhabited. Moreover, there are 8 main islands where people live. They are Oahu, Maui (known as the Valley Isle), the island of Hawaii (otherwise known as the Big Island), Kauai (otherwise known as the garden Isle), Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kaho’olawe.
The 8 most popular Islands
Oahu is where most people come for their first trip to Hawaii, especially the famous Waikiki. The outer Islands as they are called when living in Hawaii are quieter with smaller populations. About 70% of the population of Hawaii live on the island of Oahu. Oahu means heart of Hawaii and is certainly true to its name. In addition, it has been nicknamed, the Gathering Place. It’s a bustling and busy place, but there’s always an underlying calmness. Perhaps it’s the ocean, that usually is no more then a half hours drive away from anywhere on the island. Maybe it’s just the laid-back Style, that Hawaiian style of the people that live there.
Maui is characterized by deep and lush valleys. Hawaii or the big Island is so named because of the active volcanoes that keep it growing in size. Kauai, or the garden isle is known for it’s rainforests and mountain ranges. It is the oldest island and the wettest. In fact, Kauai boasts the rainiest spot on earth, namely Mount Waialeale.
Islands with different characteristics
Molokai has the highest sea cliffs in the world. It also has a high percent of native Hawaiians who strive to maintain the old ways of life. Lanai was the home of many pineapple fields. In fact, 75% of the world’s pineapple used to come from Lanai. It is a privately owned island. In addition, Niihau is also privately owned and has a very small population of residents. Access is limited to this island, as you need to know someone living there or be invited to visit .
Lastly, is Kaho’olawe which is practically uninhabited, and has no permanent residents at this time. Kaho’olawe used to be a military practice area for the US since the end of WWII. That ceased in 1990. Over the centuries people from all over the world have come to these Hawaiian Islands. For instance, Europeans (including the famous Captain Cook), Asians, North, South, and Central Americans, and many others have arrived to be a part of the Hawaiian Style way of life..
Hawaiian style- the food
As they say in Hawaii, “you like grind?” (grind your teeth that is or in other words “do you want to EAT?”) Oh yes what can I say about the food? Basically it’s a fusion on steroids. As discussed in the previous paragraph, there are so many cultures from Pacific Islanders, original Hawaiians, Europeans, Asians, and of course people from the Americas that live in Hawaii. They’ve all brought their own way of cooking and special foods to be blended, and enjoyed by everyone.
However, we will talk first about some of the more common Hawaiian Foods. Most people have either seen on TV, or perhaps attended a typical Hawaiian luau. The featured food is the Kalua Pig. The pig is prepared, and wrapped in banana leaves before being covered with coals. This is called the Emu or underground oven. After the pig has been down under for approximately 8-10 hours it will have been cooked thoroughly. It is then shredded. It’s absolutely delicious! Here is a link to a recipe for oven roasted Kalua Pig. With a few tweaks you can also make this in a slow cooker. Now you can have Kalua pig without going to the luau.
Hawaiian Style Luau definitely means Poi
Another featured food is poi. Poi is made from the Taro plant root, a starchy root vegetable somewhat like a sweet potato. It is pounded into a mash. For many ancient Hawaiians this was eaten with everything. Then there is laulau. This is one of the first things I try to get when I go back to Hawaii. Lau lau is meat, usually pork that is wrapped in Taro leaves and steamed. It can also be placed in the emu so that it can cook right along the Kalua Pig.
And then there is Poke. This is raw fish with soy sauce, green onions, Kukui nut, and seaweed. The word poke in Hawaii means to cut into pieces and that’s exactly what is done with the fish raw fish that is and then it’s mixed with the other ingredients. Interestingly, Poke has increased in popularity in other parts of the US. In Hawaii you can buy poke in any Costco. Lastly, for dessert there is haupia. Haupia is basically a coconut pudding. It can also be made as a cake.
Foods from around the world that make up the Hawaiian Style
There are many other favorites that come from other cultures. For instance, Malasadas. These are a sugary donut-like pastries that originated with the Portuguese. Not to mention, there are so many variations of sushi and other Japanese Foods. The Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and especially the Filipinos have made their mark on the foods of Hawaii. You will also find many fast food chains and restaurants known for a fusion type menu. If you like to eat, Hawaii is the place for you.
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