When dining in Hawai´i, a lot of the more affordable options you will encounter are in local food restaurants (local kine grindz, brah). We point out in the dining chapters that local food is generally combinations of Hawaiian, American, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and other cuisines. Of all these, Filipino dishes will most likely be the least familiar to the new visitor. Names like Longaniza and Pinakbet, without any further description, may be alien enough to dissuade a diner from branching out into the comfort food of the Philippines. Many of these dishes are hearty and meant to fuel a rigorous work day while others can be surprisingly healthy (eggplant is way more versatile than most western cooks give it credit for). Though you may not be at work, a full day in the ocean can wear you out more than you might realize. Besides, don’t think about calories and cholesterol, you’re on vacation! Probably the most prevalent Filipino dish you’ll see is Adobo. Though originally a Mexican dish, the Filipino version has earned its place on island menus. Usually seen as pork or chicken adobo, this stew-like fare uses a vinegar base with salt, soy sauce, pepper, garlic and other spices to make a flavorful and long lasting meal. Longaniza is a pork sausage, often served for breakfast with fried rice and a side of vinegar for dipping. Pinakbet is also popular in Hawai´I due to the abundance of fresh, local produce. Okra, eggplant and tomatoes are almost always a part of the dish but squashes, gourds and various other firm fleshed veggies can find their way in too. It is really tasty when done well. Finally, one more favorite that is not seen as often as the others is Tortang Talong. It is an eggplant omelet and one of the best, local breakfast dishes we have come across. It is easy to stick to more familiar foods when in the resort areas. We like a little (okay, a lot) of adventure with our relaxation and this extends to meal choices as well. Most local food is very budget friendly and goes hand in hand with exploring a new place, different from what you know back home. Have fun and enjoy!
Lu‘au
Tahiti Nui Lu‘au
Tahiti Nui Lu‘au offers a cozy setting, making you feel like part of a talented family. Instead of hundreds, the dining hall next to Tahiti Nui bar accommodates around 60 guests, creating a tight-knit atmosphere. Enjoy well-crafted mai tais and a show featuring traditional hula and Samoan fire dance.
Lu‘au Kalamaku
Lu‘au Kalamaku at Kilohana is one of the largest lu‘aus in Hawaii and offers a captivating theatrical production of the Polynesian migration to Hawai‘i. Guests can explore the grounds, visit vendor booths, and enjoy a drink while waiting. Seating is assigned with good views from nearly every table. The show features energetic performances, including an exciting fire knife dance.
Andrew Doughty is the famous author of the widely popular Hawaii Revealed series including Kauai Revealed, Oahu Revealed, Maui Revealed and the Big Island Revealed. He moved to Kauai many years ago after he fell in love with the beauty of the islands and decided to never go back. He is known for his candid opinion on each of Hawaii’s attractions, be it a restaurant, a helicopter ride, a beach or a resort. For the last two decades, he has managed to keep his identity anonymous so that his reviews can remain unbiased and only be influenced by his own opinions and thoughts. You can learn more about his beautiful journey at this link – About the author
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