What’s in a Hawaiian Plate, Anyway?

*This web story was originally published in November 2020, and updated in March 2026. The short list was included in our FALL/WINTER 2025 issue.

The best lū‘au in Hawai‘i will serve the authentic stuff: succulent kālua pig, creamy haupia and, of course, poi. So if you are lucky enough to get handed that perfect plate, here’s what you’ll be eating:

width= — From upper-right, going clockwise: *kālua* pig, sweet potato, *pipi kaula* and *lau lau*.
*Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino*

Poi

The staple starch of Native Hawaiians, poi is made from mashing the root of the taro plant. It’s sticky, slightly sweet and sometimes sour.

Poke

Cubed raw fish—usually ‘ahi (tuna)—tossed with seaweed, sweet onions and ‘inamona (roasted kukui, or candlenut).

Sweet Potato

Originally from South America, the ‘uala, or Hawaiian sweet potato, has been a staple food since ancient times in many parts of Polynesia. These potatoes are violet-purple and starchy, great steamed and slightly salted.

Pīpī Kaula

Basically Hawaiian-style beef jerky.

Kālua Pig

Smoked pulled pork that’s been cooked in an underground oven, called an imu, until fork-tender. It’s salty and pairs well with rice or poi.

Lau Lau

Pork or butterfish is wrapped in taro—often referred to as lū‘au leaves—and ti leaves and steamed. Yes, you can eat the lū‘au leaves. (Some would argue it’s the best part!)

Squid Lū‘au

This classic lū‘au dish is made with taro leaves (aka lū‘au leaves) simmered with chunks of octopus and coconut milk. This can also be made with beef instead of squid.

Chicken Long Rice

This side dish features tender, bite-size chicken with glass noodles.

Lomi Salmon

This side dish combines salted salmon, diced tomatoes and chopped onions. It’s served cold.

Haupia

Similar to coconut pudding, this coconut-based dessert is both creamy and firm and served cold.

This list was published in our FALL/WINTER 2025 issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.

Catherine Toth Fox is the former editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine and continues to contribute to the website and print publication.