Hawaii

Hawaii has a very diverse culture, which has resulted in some very diverse food. The roots of Hawaiian cuisine stem from Polynesian voyagers in the 1700s, later adding the influence of American, European, and Asian immigrants.

Hawaii is known as the "Aloha State," and they love sharing their good spirit with visitors to the island by welcoming them with traditions like luau feasts, including kalua pork wrapped in banana leaves.

The islands' rich volcanic soil provides fertile ground for a variety of crops, including pineapples, bananas, coffee beans, macadamia nuts, and sugarcane. And did you know that an abundance of sweet potatoes also grows on the island?

This melting pot of cultures and fresh island produce creates iconic Hawaiian specialties bursting with bold flavors. From the sticky-sweet huli huli chicken to the island's unique take on the Japanese convenience store staple spam musubi.

No trip to the islands is complete without indulging in the creamy, coconut-infused haupia pie or digging into a refreshing poke bowl. For a classic island plate lunch, the loco moco smothers white rice and a burger patty in a blanket of rich brown gravy and a sunny-side-up egg.

When the tropical heat calls for a sweet treat, Hawaiians turn to the frosty oasis of shave ice - this icy dessert comes drenched in a rainbow of fruity syrups like guava, lilikoi, and coconut for the ultimate way to beat the heat.