Hawaiian food offers the best of ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘New American’ cooking styles, influenced by Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican and other Asian countries. Many dishes are based on chicken, pork, seafood and local fruit and vegetables cooked using traditional methods. The classic traditional Hawaiian feast is the luau based around a puaa kalua (whole pig) that has been shaved and rubbed with rock salt on the inside. It is then placed on chicken wire, filled with hot stones from the fire, and cooked in an imu (pit) along with sweet potatoes, plantains and sometimes laulau (pork, butterfish and spinach-like taro shoots wrapped in leaves and steamed). Served with traditional Hawai’ian poi (thick paste made from ground taro).
Regional specialities:
• Local seafood includes moi (mullet) ulua, opakapaka (pink snapper), lobster and yellowfin tuna.
• Hawaiian breakfast specialities are macadamia nuts and banana and coconut pancakes with coconut syrup.

Bars and nightclubs abound, especially on Oahu and Maui. Top international stars are booked, whilst luau shows (traditional Hawaiian banquets followed by live performances of music and dancing) are in themselves a great attraction. Jazz, big band music, tea dances and hula groups are all available.

The Aloha Tower Marketplace, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, are popular shopping areas. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2100. Some shops may open Sun 0830-1800.