Exploring the beauty of Hawaii is a dream for many people who aren't lucky enough to call the islands home. And yet, as beautiful as its ocean and volcanic views are—not to mention the stunning beaches—just as many people are interested in exploring Hawaiian cuisine. Here is a brief guide to a few must-try dishes.

What Foods Should You Sample in Hawaii?

1. Lau Lau

Lau lau is a delicious dish made up of pork wrapped in taro leaves and slowly smoked in an underground hot rock oven. The result is tender, moist meat and soft, edible leaves. This dish is often served with sides like rice, macaroni salad, or toss salad. Modern versions often substitute the pork for chicken or fish.

2. Kalua Pig

Kalua pig is probably the most famous dish of all traditional Hawaiian cuisine, frequently depicted in movies and television shows. The pig is slowly roasted underground in a pit called an imu. The meat becomes incredibly tender and intensely smoky. The final dish is comparable to pulled pork without the added element of barbecue sauce.

3. Lomi Salmon

Lomi salmon is a dish borrowed from other Pacific islands. Today, it is very strongly associated with Hawaii. This simple fare is made up of raw salt-cured salmon diced with tomatoes and chili peppers. The result is a salsa-like condiment great for adding to other dishes or just topping plain rice.

4. Saimin

Saimin is a traditional dish inspired by Chinese egg noodle soup that emerged during Hawaii's plantation era. Influenced by several changing groups of immigrants over the decades, modern ingredients like Spam® have been added to create the dish that is so popular with locals and tourists today.

5. Loco Moco

Loco moco is Hawaii's version of diner-style comfort food. A plate of white rice is topped with hamburger patties and a fried egg, then smothered in brown gravy. The dish was invented in 1946. Since then, at least 30 variations of it have been created.

Leeward Drive-Inn in Waipahu, HI, has taken great pride in serving affordable modern and traditional Hawaiian cuisine for over 50 years. If you're seeking an authentic dining experience, stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Visit their website or call (808) 671-7323 for current menu items.