Local groceries

[CaptainAmerica]

Besides SPAM and fresh fruit, is there anything I should be buying in the grocery stores that's unique to Hawaii? Thinking mostly breakfast foods and snacks... I don't plan on cooking lunch or dinner in the room.

 

[Noah_t]

Macadamia nuts for pancakes! Let me know if you or anyone else has a good source for Coconut syrup too.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Hurricane Popcorn. (Popcorn with furikake and rice crackers). There are other flavors (I.e. - Typhoon), but start with the original.

besides crack seed (li hing mui, etc.) most other things are not really unique to the islands, but adopted imports. Arare (Japanese rice crackers), and local style potato hops make great snacks.

BTW - SPAM isn’t really unique to Hawaii.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Oh - and musubi - another Japanese import, but you’ll find a decent selection (besides spam) and they make great snacks to take to the beach, or while you’re out driving.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Hurricane Popcorn. (Popcorn with furikake and rice crackers). There are other flavors (I.e. - Typhoon), but start with the original.

besides crack seed (li hing mui, etc.) most other things are not really unique to the islands, but adopted imports. Arare (Japanese rice crackers), and local style potato hops make great snacks.

Thanks.

BTW - SPAM isn’t really unique to Hawaii.

Yes of course. I should have said "iconic" or "signature" rather than "unique."

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Oh - and Manapua (buns filled with different meats)

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Thanks.


Yes of course. I should have said "iconic" or "signature" rather than "unique."

it is funny - Spam is available everywhere - but besides people who have spent time in the islands, I don’t know of anyone who eats it in this area (PNW). We have a large ex-Pacific Islander community, so all of the markets carry it. Wonder what it’s like in other areas.

 

[EveV]

Pineapple rolls, Macadamia nuts, Malasadas

 

[corgi_monster]

1. Hawaiian Sun juices
2. Kona coffee - 100% Kona only though, don't waste your time or money on anything that says "blend"
3. Hawaiian Sun jams
4. Coconut Peanut Butter (https://northshoregoodies.net/)
5. Li hing flavored gummies, preferably the ones that also include lemon peel. This is my favorite brand by a mile: https://www.hawaiicandyfactory.com/
6. Frozen treats: Mochi ice cream, macadamia nut ice cream
7. Stay away from Hawaiian wines, they're horrible imo. The rum, though, is worth a try.
8. Furikake Chex Mix
9. Macadamia Popcorn Crunch (https://www.instacart.com/store/items/item_686301251?v4_item_id=items_15312-19738553)
10. Teriyaki sauce to fry your spam. Add the sauce about 3/4 of the way through and turn the heat down to low so it doesn't burn. Also, nori (seaweed) so you can make spam musubis. Takuan (pickled radish) is a great side dish if you can stand the smell. Personally, I love it. But if you've never tried it, open the container on your balcony because it smells like a jar of fresh farts.

 

[cgattis]

I recommend some red and black salt, although that’s for use later at home. Use the red to make kalua pork and the black to finish any meat. I also second all the flavors of mac nuts, although I think the onion and garlic is my fave. And I’m not much of a wine drinker, but I didn’t care for any of the wines I tried either (although still brought some back as gifts); glad to hear it’s not just me. @corgimonster tell us more about this furikake Chex mix!!