Just so you know, I may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Links may be affiliate links, which won't cost you anything extra when you purchase. For full affiliate disclosures, click here.
Aloha, visitors. Hawai’i travel policies and procedures change frequently. Always check the Hawai’i Safe Travels site for the latest information. Mahalo for your support.
Why you need Hawaiian food recipes: For your next staycation
While travel continues to be a challenge for many, food supplies have stabilized in most places, so cooking can be a great way to travel without an airplane.
Here are some of the Hawaiian food recipes that you’ll want to try, most from my other blog, Refresh.
Starter: Huli huli Chicken Wings
Check out this easy, tasty take on huli huli (Hawaiian-style barbecue) on your next batch of wings.
Main: Kalua-style Pork
No, it this is not a traditional recipe for kalua pork, but is a kalua pork-inspired recipe that doesn’t call for (sometimes hard-to-find) liquid smoke.
Sides
- Haiga-style Rice – Never cooked haiga style rice before? It’s foolproof in your instapot. Measure 2 (US standard) cups of rice and add 1 ½ cups water. Gently swirl the rice to polish and then drain and rinse until water is clear. Place the drained rice in the bottom of your instapot and cover with 2 ⅓ cups water (or to your first knuckle, if your fingertip is on top of the rice). Level the rice, and seal the instapot; pressure cook for 4 minutes and allow for 10 minutes natural release, before a manual release.
- Mac Salad – Make your own Hawaiian-style macaroni salad like this one from FavFamilyRecipes, or add some boiled, cubed potatoes for potato-mac salad.
- Hawaiian Sweet Bread – buy your favorite brand of Hawaiian sweet bread or rolls, or make your own at home using this easy recipe.
Fruits and Veggies
Hawaiian-style meals are heavy on the protein and carbs, light on the fruit and veggies. My solution? Serve up a pineapple on the side – especially easy with this tool. You could also heat up some edamame, if you want something green on the plate. Or whip up some pickled onions from the recipe from the Kona Historical Society digital cookbook.
Dessert: Lilikoi (Passionfruit) Tarts
These individual treats are the perfect finish to your island-style meal. And small, single-serve desserts are great for distanced celebrations as well.
Bonus: Cocktail
What to drink with your Hawaiian food recipes? A cocktail, of course! While rum may be the go-to for many Hawaiian cocktails, there is an emerging niche of Hawaii-produced vodkas. Try some in this easy, refreshing cocktail:
- Hawaiian vodka (such as Pau or Ocean), as desired
- Fever Tree Grapefruit soda (or sub grapefruit juice + sparkling water)
- a twist of lime
- Combine all ingredients in a chilled glass and serve with ice.
Related Posts:
22 Ways to Celebrate Hawaii at Home: Gifts for Hawaii Lovers
Kona Take Out: 5 Tempting Ways to Stay in and Eat Well
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Delicious, Low-Dairy Recipe via Refresh
