What is Poi? - Hawaii Discount

🌺 What Is Poi? Hawaii’s Most Traditional Food

Of all the great activities when you travel, most of us secretly look forward to the food the most. Vacation is the perfect excuse to indulge, taste what the locals eat, and immerse yourself in the culture over a great meal. Hawaii is no exception—there are many incredible dishes to try while you’re here, and one of the most traditional and historic is poi.

🥣 The Basics of Hawaiian Poi

Hawaiian cuisine includes favorites like malasadas, flavorful chicken dishes, and locally caught fish straight from the ocean. But poi stands apart as one of the oldest and most traditional foods in Hawaii. It has been a staple since the earliest days of settlement in the islands. Many visitors are unsure about trying it—usually because of the texture or simply not knowing what it is—but when you visit Hawaii, tasting poi is almost a rite of passage.

🌱 How Poi Is Made

Poi is made from the taro root, a plant that has long been central to Hawaiian life and agriculture. The process is simple but deeply rooted in tradition.

• The taro root (kalo) is cleaned and steamed or baked until tender
• The cooked root is then pounded on a wooden board using a stone pounder
• Water is slowly added to create a smooth, starchy paste
• The result is poi, with a consistency that can range from thick to almost liquid

During preparation, the key question is “How many fingers?” This refers to how many fingers you’d use to scoop it up—thicker poi might be “two-finger” poi, while a thinner version might be