| |
|
|
| |
Home
>
World
> North America
> United States
> Hawaii
|
Social Profile
Food & Drink: Hawaiian food offers the best of 'Pacific Rim' and 'New American' cooking syles, influenced by Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese and other Asian countries. Many dishes are based on chicken, pork, seafood and local fruit and vegetables cooked using traditional methods. Special condiments and spices are used (see below). Much of the food available on the islands is basically US with Asian influences brought in by the assortment of ethnicities that make up the population.
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). The steam is prevented from escaping by encircling the pig with banana and coconut husks and taro leaves and covering the pit with wet burlap bags. The cooking process takes about six hours. The kalua pig is eaten with fingers and is accompanied by the traditional Hawai’ian poi (thick paste made from ground taro), opihi (a salty, black, clam-like mollusc) and lomi lomi salmon (salmon rubbed with an onion and tomato marinade). Chicken luau comprises tender chicken pieces cooked with taro tops and coconut cream. Garnishes include limu (seaweed), paakai rock salt and chopped roasted kukui nuts. 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. Fresh fruit and nut ice-creams or sorbets make excellent desserts.
The minimum legal drinking age is 21 years of age. It is illegal to consume alcohol in parks and on beaches.
Nightlife: 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.
Shopping: 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.
Sport: Golf courses are numerous and scenic. Deep-sea fishing is very popular off Hawaii’s Big Island. The Hawai’ian islands are particularly good for watersports. For would-be yachtsmen, one-week yachting charters are available, with or without crews. All boats are equipped with Coast-Guard-approved safety equipment and are under Coast Guard supervision. Surfing is, of course, a very popular sport – for both participants and spectators. Snorkelling is especially popular near the Molokini Crater off Maui, as well as at various sites around each of the islands. In addition, there are some exciting international events such as the Canoe Races, in which outrigger canoes race against each other. One particularly gruelling race course runs from Molokai to Waikiki. Races take place from autumn to spring.
Special Events: There is a variety of events and festivals on the different islands. An up-to-date list can be found on the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau website (www.calendar.gohawaii.com).
Selected events in 2003 include: Jan 13-19 Sony Open in Hawaii 2003, Oahu. Jan 29-Feb 9 World Championship of Women’s Bodyboarding, Oahu. Feb 1 Hula Bowl Maui All-Star Football Classic, Maui. Mar 31-Apr 6 Merrie Monarch Festival (cultural festival, including Hawaii’s most prestigious hula competition), Hawaii. Jul Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, Maui. Jul-Aug 41st Annual International Festival of the Pacific, Hawaii. Aug Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Hawaii. Sep-Oct Aloha Festivals (Hawaii's largest multicultural festival).
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
|
|
|
