The Hawaii Traveler

If you’ve read or heard anything about the culinary customs of old Hawai’i, you’ve no doubt heard about poi.
What it is:
Poi is a starch made from taro root, breadfruit, or sweet potato that has been cooked, pounded into a paste, and fermented.  It’s usually eaten with the fingers, and should accompany some other serving, such as meat.
Poi was used in the old days as a way to make more palatable meats cured and preserved with salt in the absence of refrigeration.  Today it’s used as a thickener for Hawaiian foods, such as soups, stews, and sauces.
The food poi is sometimes …read more

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Spam katsu, a traditional Japanese dish, with a modern twist
 
You may have heard about Spam Jam on Oahu, and the Hawaiian obsession with beef jerky. And now there’s an entire cookbook dedicated to Hawaiian recipes involving everyone’s favorite pork product (you know you love it): Spam. In Muriel Miura’s Hawaii Cooks With Spam, now you can join the islands in its Spam enthusiasm anytime.
Miura’s menu of Spam delicacies even include a recipe for Spam Nori Maki Sushi, which you can find at NPR, where she was interviewed. Not only are Pan-Pacific recipes honored, but you’ll find everything, …read more

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BIG ISLAND
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE PACIFIC
Hilo’s annual celebration of all things Hawaiian. For more information call the Japanese Chamber of Commerce at (808) 934-0177.
KAUA’I
GARDEN ISLAND ORCHID SHOW
An orchid show of hundreds of varieties for those who want to buy, or those who want to learn about orchid culture or cultivating them. In Lihue at Vidinha Stadium. For more information call (808) 742-0333.
MAUI
WHALERS VILLAGE MAUI ONION FESTIVAL
Enjoy the fun and the food based on this world-famous vegetable. Activities include cooking demos and an onion eating contest. Includes farmer’s market and music. At Whalers Village in the Kaanapali Resort. For more …read more

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On the Big Island, there are many a fragrance to be sniffed.  The flowers, the ocean air. The coffee.
If you’re a coffee lover–and even if you aren’t, you’ve probably heard that Kona Coffee is some of the best in the world. Personally, I agree, but beware: Not all “Kona Coffee” is the real deal. Look for the labels that say 100% Kona Coffee. Yes, you’ll pay a premium for it, but you might as well stay home with Mrs. Olson for the quality you’ll find in the brands that fill their bags with a high percentage of other …read more

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A fish farm in China
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Jack Parkinson Pics

OK, a brief departure from Kaua’i Week for just a split second…
If you’re convinced that our 50th state is all about sitting back and watching the sun set while holding a lava flow cocktail, take note: Hawai’i is a multi-faceted place, where entrepreneurship and advances in commerce and technology thrive. For example, in recent news, Hawaii Oceanic Technology (HiOT), based in Honolulu, has taken the spotlight for developing an ecologically sound answer to fish farming.
Traditionally, fish farming has earned a bad rap for polluting waters and interfering with the …read more

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Last Tuesday, we learned that the humumunukunukuapua’a regained its status as Hawaii’s state fish, even though there was some controversy over the matter. The humu’s opponents reminded legislators that the fish, also known as the rectangular trigger fish, isn’t unique to Hawai’i, and that the ancient Hawaiians held the less tasty humu in such low esteem that they used the dried carcasses as fuel for their fires.
Who knew a funny looking fish could be so controversial? Don’t worry, one thing is for sure: Eating fish in Hawaii is much simpler than declaring it a representative of the state. …read more

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Don’t let the name fool you; TNT has nothing to do with blowing anything up, unless you consider that Travel ‘N Tourism News Hawaii is a great way to –KABLAM!–expand your knowledge of Hawai’i travel. With features such as Ask the Big Kahuna, Best (Hidden) Places, local tips, and a calendar categorized by island, you’re sure to have a blast during your trip.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by Syriloth

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Jon over at b5 media’s own DC Traveler challenged the rest of the travel and culture crew to concoct some of our very own drinkie poos this week. And so I proclaim:
Hear ye, hear ye! The b5 media World Cocktail Celebration round up is on, and you’re invited.
From Sydney to San Francisco, and L.A. to Washington, D.C., bartenders, mixologists, and their clients will celebrate the other World Cocktail Week May 8 – 13th, a great way to bring attention to the best bars in the country and support your local watering hole.
The real-world World Cocktail Week benefits The …read more

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by © neikirk73

Who says taste has to be complicated? Or expensive? Some of the most delicious dishes ever experienced on the islands are to be found–dare I say?–on a paper plate. Maybe it’s the atmosphere. I’ve heard outdoorsman say that everything tastes better when cooked over a campfire, and maybe everything’s just as ono (“delicious”) when in Hawai’i. Who cares? Let’s eat.
First on the menu: Saimin (“sigh-min”), a chicken noodle soup that rendered me unable to bear the thought that I ate those cheap Ramen noodles in college. And beyond. Where to get it: pretty …read more

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If you’re lucky enough to take a longer trip to the islands, or if you’re interested in saving a little cash during your trip (and who isn’t?), or you want to take advantage of the fact that your accommodations include a kitchen, you might find yourself with the urge to eat more than a few meals in, instead of at restaurants. This works great when you’re traveling with “keikis” (Hawaiian for children) who have no interest in fine dining, and who, what with the excitement and time change, have a tough time staying awake past 5:00 PM. (Frankly, I have …read more

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