You also can't leave the island without trying poke, the Hawaiian classic has become increasingly common on the mainland. If that sounds a bit too heavy, try huli-huli chicken, a grilled chicken dish coated in a sweet teriyaki marinade. Loco moco is another favorite, comprising a slab of teriyaki-flavored beef that sits on a bed of rice and topped with a fried egg and gravy. This dessert was brought over by Portuguese immigrants and is basically a hole-less doughnut coated with sugar and sometimes filled with a custard, chocolate or fruit filling.Īnother tradition is the plate lunch, a robust dish that always consists of two scoops of rice and macaroni salad alongside a serving of meat that could range from kalua pork (the type of meat traditionally served at luaus) to mahi-mahi.

For something sweet, sink your teeth into a malasada. Manapua resembles traditional Chinese pork buns and are packed with delicious fillings such as sweet potato, barbecue pork or curry chicken, to name a few. If that's a little too unconventional for your liking, try manapua. There's also Spam musubi, which resembles sushi, but instead of fish, you'll be treated to a slice of flavored Spam. Saimin is just the start of imports with a Hawaiian twist. Hamura Saimin in Lihue, situated in southeastern Kaua'i, is said to have some of the best saimin on the island. It's thought that the dish originated on plantations in the 1800s, when workers of all ethnicities would gather for meals and contribute what ingredients they had. What appears to be plain ramen is actually a combination of broth, noodles and green onions which can be topped with anything from sausage to kimchi to dumplings. One of the best examples of this cultural immersion is reflected in a dish called saimin. Make reservations well in advance, as cars may be difficult to come by if you try to rent one once you arrive.Ĭlassic Hawaiian dishes often come in the form of comfort food (don't expect a whole lot of salads) and are typically a unique blend of the many different cultures that have immigrated to Hawaii. Plan ahead if renting a car While driving may offer the best way to get around the Garden Island, rental cars are in high demand. Helicopter tours are a great way to view the valleys and coast from a bird's-eye view.

See the island from the air Much of the island is inaccessible from land. Always check conditions with an official before starting a hike or entering the water. If you want to do a lot of swimming at many different beaches, come just before or during summer.Īlways check conditions before you hike or swim Conditions in Kaua'i can change hourly and unanticipated changes have resulted in serious injury and even death. Though rainy season officially occurs from November to March, the Hawaii tourism board recommends travelers bring rain gear with them no matter what time of year they visit.ĭon't visit in winter if you want to swim Due to rough conditions, many of the beaches in Kaua'i – especially on the North Shore – become unsafe for swimming during the winter months. It will probably rain Kaua'i is the rainiest of the Hawaiian Islands.

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