Get the most out of you Hawaiian Vacation and eat local!

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Oh man, writing about this is going to be difficult. My mouth is already watering.

What is Aloha Hawaiian BBQ?

Hey man, I don’t work here, I just eat here! 

When we arrived on island, I asked what to eat to get the most authentic feel for Oahu. I was really excited to start learning about the culture as soon as possible.

We all know the best and tastiest way to learn about a culture is through their local food.

Hawaii is an interesting situation. It is the most isolated island chain in the world. It has been heavily influenced by multiple outside cultures including that of the Continental United States and the nation of Japan.

This means you may not find what the Hawaiians ate 200 years ago, but you will definitely find a unique Hawaiian spin on the available food.

We fell in love with the food right away.

The Hawaiian Drive In

I was a little confused when I was told to go to a “drive in” to get the best Aloha Hawaiian BBQ. They did not steer me wrong! The Drive In will give you all the best stuff on one giant plate.

These plate meals are very popular. They typically come with rice and macaroni salad as well as whatever other main courses you want. I love the Lau Lau so much that I am dreading the day we leave Hawaii.

Lau Lau is pork wrapped in leaves and steamed. It is far more incredible than it sounds.

When you come to Oahu, find yourself a Drive IN! 

The Drive in is affordable. It may seem expensive, until you look at the portion sizes. One $25 plate was enough for the three of us to eat and not finish. In fact, it wouldn’t be so bad if they cut the portions in half and charged me less. Oh well.

Food Trucks

Food trucks are a must no matter where you go. I am always excited to see them. I once thought of getting another Master’s degree, this time in Anthropology. I fancy myself an Indiana Jones. My mentor did his PhD on Food Truck Culture and I was super intrigued.

Anyway. Food trucks are another great place to find the Aloha Hawaiian BBQ and dig in.

Again, they seem a little pricey, until you look at the portion sizes. They really know how to enjoy a meal around here I guess.

Ono Hawaiian Food

I am told that “Ono” means delicious. So, if you see any signs or names that say Ono, probably check it out. 

Also declare that the food was Ono as soon as you finish…because I guarantee it was!

Can I Make Aloha Hawaiian BBQ At Home?

Are you a good cook?

I kid.

I think a lot of the food found in Hawaii can be reproduced at home. Although, I am not sure where one might come across the leaves for Lau Lau. Super sad about that.

Getting the seasoning right will make all of the difference.

One of the first things I ate was Kalua Pork so I found a Hawaiian-based seasoning packet you can order and try.

Macaroni Salad

Another important element, in my opinion, is the macaroni salad. This was clearly an implant into the culture, from somewhere…but it is delicious and sort of mandatory at this point.

Well. It is a point of disagreement in our house. I am the only one who will eat mayonnaise, so.

I found this recipe for “Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad” over at Favorite Family Recipes

1 pound macaroni

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 carrots shredded

1/4 cup onion shredded (optional)

2 1/2 cups Mayonnaise Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise (no substitutes!)

1/4 cup milk

2 teaspoon sugar

kosher salt and pepper to taste

Closing Thoughts

Ezryn is thinking of starting your own “Food From Around The World” section on here and I am all for it. 

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube Channel and Follow Us on Instagram so you can learn more about traveling (and eating) on a budget. Plus see our journey from barely getting out of the house to seeing the world!

Our family is paying everything off and planning a trip around the world. It is our goal to share every money saving tip and trick we find along the way so you can travel more too!

Happy Travels