What to see and typical dishes to discover in the paradise islands of the Pacific Ocean
Known around the world for its tropical beauty, Hawaii is an earthly paradise in the Pacific. This is precisely why it represents the ideal destination for an unforgettable trip. What to see on a trip to Hawaii?
The places to see are many and scattered among the main islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, but one of the most unmissable experiences involves Hawaii’s culinary specialties. Among the most not-to-be-missed is not only thepoké now popular worldwide, but also laulau, taro leaves cooked and stuffed with pork, fish or coconut cream.
What to see in Hawaii
From snorkeling in the bays, to hiking in the Hawaiian islands, to relaxing in the wonderful places on the islands, Hawaii has just about everything. There are plenty of places to see and suitable for all tastes.
Here are some of the most unforgettable experiences Hawaii offers.
Hawaii’s volcanoes
Located on the “Big Island,” Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It is one of Hawaii’s must-see attractions, with trails and hikes leading to the mouths of the volcanoes.
Once here, you can visit the summit of Kīlauea, via Crater Rim Drive, or take the Chain of Craters Road to see the East Rift and other coastal areas of the park.
Hanauma Bay
Known as one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is a curved portion of beach that creates a bay that was originally formed when part of a crater sank into the ocean.
Today it is home to a wide variety of ocean wildlife, offering snorkelers plenty of interesting wonders to see underwater. Thanks to a shallow reef just off the bay, larger waves are kept away, leaving the waters incredibly calm.
The “Grand Canyon” of Hawaii
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon State Park is another must-see stop on a trip to Hawaii. The canyon itself is about 16 kilometers long and more than 900 meters deep. Its distinctive beauty has made it a very attractive hiking area in Hawaii today.
To enjoy the beauty of the natural park without losing entire days, travelers can take the Canyon Trail to the east rim to discover the best views such as Waipoo Falls. The entire hike will only take 2-3 hours, but it is definitely worth it.
Honolulu’s Waikiki neighborhood.
The state capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, is a must-see on a trip among the Hawaiian islands. In fact, it generally marks the entry point to the rest of the islands. There are beautiful beaches here, but also great stores and restaurants concentrated in the Waikiki district.
For those who want to take a break from natural landscapes and feel like getting back a bit to the busy pace of city life, this is the perfect place to visit.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
While Hawaii is famous for its sunny beaches and beautiful sunsets, the night sky is also a breathtaking sight not to be missed! Mauna Kea, one of the best astronomical observation points in the world, offers a clear view of the skies as it is the highest mountain on Big Island. Here the blue skies show orange hues as the sun sets and offer a breathtaking light show.
Typical dishes of Hawaii
Many traditional Hawaiian dishes are foods originating from the Pacific Polynesian islands. Although the islands of Hawaii now include a diverse demographic of ethnic groups adding their own flavors, many tastes are similar to typical Polynesian dishes.
Here are some of the traditional foods to try while traveling to Hawaii!
Poke
Especially loved by locals and visitors, poke is a dish full of flavorful and simple ingredients. Most versions use tuna, diced and combined with onions, sesame seeds, limu seaweed, and soy sauce. Sometimes they substitute it with other freshwater fish or even octopus.
The dish is so popular that it has made its way across the ocean, becoming famous everywhere. But to taste the most authentic flavors of poke, it must be enjoyed in its place of origin.
Poi
Taro root, a vegetable similar to sweet potato, forms the basis of this classic side dish, Poi. Taro is baked or steamed and then pounded, gradually mixed with water until it forms a thick, delicious paste. The sauce, then, is added to shredded pork or lomi lomi salmon, eaten by the spoonful or used as a sauce for dipping other foods.
Lomi Lomi Salmon
Also widely used in poke, lomi lomi salmon is prepared using different techniques. Salted salmon is gently massaged and then mixed with onions, tomatoes, and hot chilies. The overall flavor combination gives a spicy but satisfying bite.
Kalua Pua’a
Kalua Pua’a is a dish made with pork slowly roasted in an underground oven. This particular type of cooking makes the meat so tender that it melts in the mouth. The wood smoke used in the oven gives the meat a pleasantly sharp flavor without the need for additional seasonings. Placed on rice, kalua pua’a is a hearty and delicious one-pot meal.
Hawaii, a journey through fire, water and taste
Hawaii is a paradise archipelago in the middle of the remote Pacific Ocean that has much to offer. Natural wonders offer active volcanoes that contrast with the crystal clear waters of the Ocean.
The mountains offer unique places to discover on treks and the beaches offer relax and night life. The local culinary culture isnow a mix of many traditions and tastes, but it is pleasant to discover the flavors of the dishes that originated among these islands.