Kalua pig is an authentic Hawaiian food that dates back hundreds of years and is often served as the main course at luau. Once you learn more about the dish, you’ll understand why.

What Is Kalua?

Kalua pig was the centerpiece of celebratory Hawaiian feasts known as ‘aha‘aina. Although it was once reserved for kings and chiefs, all were eventually able to partake in the delicious pork as the feasts turned into luau under King Kamehameha II. Hundreds of men and women would flock to these events, in large part for the pig.

Kalua refers to cooking in an underground oven. It’s a traditional technique used for a variety of Hawaiian foods, most notably pig. The oven, known as an imu, is built by digging out a large pit. A firepit made from a slow-burning hardwood, like the native koa or kiawe species, is then built inside. Low-moisture retention stones are placed over the fire and allowed to sit for two to three hours to reach maximum temperature. 

The hot stones are spread out over the coals and lined with pounded banana leaves and a second layer of ti leaves. A whole pig is then added and covered with additional ti and banana leaves and sometimes vegetables, like taro and breadfruit. Afterward, the entire pit is buried in soil to pack in the steam and moisture while the pig cooks for the next several hours.

What Makes Kalua Pork Unique?

While some refer to this Hawaiian food as pulled pork, the flavor profile is unmatched. The long cooking process allows the meat to soak in the smoke from the hardwood and leaves. The cooking time also produces succulent meat that falls off the bone. When you taste it, you’ll be hard-pressed to swap back to the pork you’re used to. 

If you’re craving kalua pork or other authentic Hawaiian cuisine, find it at Hawaii Food Products, based in Waipahu. For 65 years, this food distributor has provided ready-to-eat Hawaiian foods across the state and to the mainland. Their ingredients come from local farmers, and all of their dishes are made using traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques. Visit their website to see their available products and where to find them locally, and call (808) 676-9100 to place an order.