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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