Photo by puuikibeach of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/puuikibeach/

With hundreds of islands and over seven hundred miles of coastline, the state of Hawaii features some of the most beautiful and pristine locations in the world. For a family looking for a little bit of everything on their next vacation, Hawaii can be the perfect place to visit. But, unless they know where they’re going, families can find themselves spending a majority of their vacation time travelling from island to island. That is, unless they visit the North Shore of Oahu, which offers a touch of traditional Hawaiian culture with modern amenities and great places to eat.

Oahu “The Gathering Place”

Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, features the state capital, Honolulu, on its southern coast. The eastern coast of the island features excellent fishing in Kaneohe Bay. But it is the North Shore of Oahu that can provide families with the perfect vacation itinerary.

For the family members searching for a little bit of traditional Hawaiian sports experience, the North Shore provides three well-known surf spots: Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Ehukai Beach. All three locations provide excellent surf waves and plenty of easily accessible surf instruction for beginners. And for those interested in the sport, Ehukai Beach is one of the world’s premier locations for surf competition. In fact, Ehukai Beach has made the North Shore of Oahu the most famous surfing location in the world.

Photo by puuikibeach of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/puuikibeach/

The Polynesian Experience

For those interested in Hawaiian culture but not so interested in the world of extreme sports, the North Shore also offers a bevy of other options. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers families the opportunity to plan a “personalized Polynesian experience.” This can include a cultural tour guide and entrance to a variety of traditional Hawaiian villages.

Once the family has seen what it was like to live in a traditional Polynesian village, it might be time to move on to more traditional modern beach activities. The North Shore offers a wide variety of things for those wishing to experience the outdoors. The entire family can stick together on the hiking trails by beautiful Waimea Bay.

Or, if they feel like spending some time on the water, there are a number of fishing and boating options. Chupu Charter’s North Shore Fishing experiences provide excellent big-game fishing opportunities with trained professionals. If the family is interested in the fish but not in fishing, there are also Shark Tours available. And for those who want to be on the move all the time, there are paddle, hang gliding, and horseback riding lessons available on the North Shore.

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Then, once everyone is worn out from a hard day of island exploration, there are a number of restaurants that provide the perfect Hawaiian fine dining experience. Because of the close proximity to traditional Hawaiian fishing areas, almost all North Shore restaurants offer the freshest seafood in the world, guaranteeing that there is something for everyone to try. But just in case, there are also a number of restaurants featuring traditional American fare.

Photo by IGARSS 2010 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/igarss2010/

A Hawaiian feast, or luau, typically features a wide variety of fish and meat dishes with wine and entertainment. Though many people feel that entertainment is necessary for a modern luau, the food is actually the most important and traditional aspect. There are a number of ways to prepare traditional luau dishes and many of them feature teriyaki sauce, a soy sauce marinade that originated in Japan.

Combining Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian Cooking

While many of the earliest Hawaiian dishes did not feature marinades or seasonings, many luau foods are actually created from a combination of Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian cooking influences. Over time, teriyaki marinades became the most common form of marinade in luau cooking. Many traditional Hawaiian dishes, which are commonly served at luau’s, are made with teriyaki sauce.

Photo by IGARSS 2010 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/igarss2010/

Kailua Pua’a

One of the most common dishes at a traditional luau is slow-roasted pork, sometimes referred to as Kailua Pua’a. As the name suggests, slow-roasted pork takes several hours to prepare and, unlike many other luau dishes, does not feature a wide variety of seasonings. Typically, slow roasted pork is covered in sea salt and roasted for three to four hours. While traditional Kailua Pua’a is not made with teriyaki sauce, it is always served with long rice that has been cooked in teriyaki sauce. Because the two dishes are always served together, the teriyaki sauce is often available to apply to the pork once it has been plated.

Teriyaki Chicken & Shoyu Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is probably the most common meat alternative to slow-roasted pork at traditional Hawaiian luaus. This traditional dish is placed in a teriyaki marinade prior to grilling. After the chicken has been grilled, it is traditionally served with pineapple and teriyaki-flavored long rice. Shoyu chicken is another common luau dish. Like traditional teriyaki chicken, it is marinated in teriyaki sauce prior to grilling. The main difference is that shoyu chicken is also seasoned with sugar, garlic, and ginger.

PipiKaula

For those who aren’t fans of pork or chicken, or simply want a wide variety of dishes, another excellent teriyaki dish is PipiKaula. Pipi Kuala is a Hawaiian beef jerky that is made with strips of marinated flank steak. The strips are traditionally placed in a drying box with teriyaki sauce, ginger, chili peppers, and garlic. The strips should be left in the marinade for one to two days so that the meat soaks up a large amount of the teriyaki sauce.

Roast Pork and Ahi Poke: Photo by tweber1 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tweber/

Ahi Poke

For those looking for a traditional Hawaiian seafood dish, one of the most common one found at luaus is known as Ahi Poke. Traditionally, Ahi Poke is used as an appetizer. Ahi poke is made with raw ahi tuna, which is seasoned with salt and onion. After seasoning, the tuna should be placed in a marinade of teriyaki or soy sauce and sesame oil and chilled until time for serving.

Two other traditional Hawaiian dishes with teriyaki sauce that are often served at luaus include sautéed teriyaki mahimahi and broiled teriyaki beef. Mahimahi, a naturally sweet fish, can also be baked with a teriyaki glaze.

Photo by Hawaii Savvy of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaiisavvy/

Maui is among the top vacation destinations in Hawaii, and for good reason. The island offers countless activities for tourists, both indoors and out, as well as spectacular views from nearly anywhere on the island. Maui boasts over 120 miles of coastline with sparkling blue waters, as well as many unique inland environments. This popular vacation spot offers something for everyone, from romantic getaways to family vacations.

On Maui, one of the most popular tourist activities is the luau. The largest hotels in Maui offer a weekly luau to give tourists a taste of life in Hawaii. A Hawaiian feast, luaus offer traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique new takes on exotic tropical cuisine, in addition to breathtaking entertainment, often including fire dancers and hula dancing. The delicious buffet found at a luau nearly always includes Palua Pork, which is sometimes cooked in the traditional manner of utilizing an underground oven to cook an entire pig.

When visiting Maui, or any other Hawaiian island, do not forget to leave time for the beach. Maui is known for its beautiful sands and sparkling blue waters. If you want to sneak a peek at the underwater life, including coral, tropical fish, and manta rays, try scuba diving or snorkeling. To see the marine life without getting wet, schedule a submarine tour. There are many other ways to enjoy the waves, too, including surfing, jetski rentals, and of course, swimming. A number of specialty tours and cruises offer unique views of the island and the waters surrounding it. Whale watching is a particularly popular cruise between December and April.

Photo by mycameraisaweapon of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/my-camera-is-a-weapon/

There are plenty of unique environments to explore away from the water. Maui is home to two volcanoes, which have created a mountainous region known for its unique ecosystem. Explore this area by Jeep or by helicopter. Visit the Oheo Gulch or Seven Sacred Pools area to swim in a series of waterfalls and pools emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Local legend claims that swimming all seven from start to finish will bring you luck for a year.

The island of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, running along the eastern coast of the island. There are countless lookout points offering amazing views along this highway. Other vantage points can be found by hiking or biking one of Maui’s many trails, which also offers you the opportunity to spot the unique plants and animals that call Maui home. The environments on the island range from lowlands to forests to rainforests, each filled with a diverse range of exotic species.

For the most part, the best views are said to be along the coastline. However, there are inarguably thousands of amazing views available all across the island. The best sunrise view is said to be the view from Haleakala crater. This crater was caused by the eruption of Haleakala; this volcano last erupted in 1790, and you can still see the lava flows from this eruptions. One of the highest mountains in the world, it measures five miles from seafloor to the summit, towering 10,000 feet above the sea. For sunset, make your way to Lahaina, a wharf offering a street of shops and restaurants and frequent whale watching and sunset cruises.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/

A lei is a beautiful necklace or wreath usually made of tropical flowers, though there are also versions made of rare shells or other materials. The most popular choices for floral leis include orchids or the Plumeria. Both are large, fragrant blossoms.

Leis are an ancient Hawaiian custom; Captain Cook saw Hawaiians wearing leis in 1779, but the tradition is believed to date back several centuries further. In ancient times in Hawaii, a special lei was worn as a symbol of the wearer’s social rank. The type of flower or construction of the lei differentiated the wearer’s rank. Today, Hawaii’s governor or other important figures often wear leis for holidays or significant public appearances.

In both ancient and modern times, leis have been given or worn for important occasions ranging from births and deaths to graduations, victories, or religious ceremonies. A religious lei ceremony would be used to ask the gods for fertile crops or safety when traveling. Different colors or flower varieties could be incorporated depending on the symbolism of the occasion.

The traditional Hawaiian lei is given not only during important occasions but also as a symbol of welcoming, respect, love, or appreciation. Though in centuries past lei-giving was usually reserved for particular occasions, today the lei has many different meanings, and is seen at nearly every public occasion on the islands. Though not part of the ancient Hawaiian way of giving leis, today the giving of a lei is often accompanied by a kiss on the cheek, particularly if the recipient knows the lei giver well.

One occasion in Hawaii where leis are almost always seen is a wedding. Leis are incorporated into weddings in several different manners. The couple may exchange leis during the ceremony, as a symbol of their love and commitment. Before the ceremony itself, the wedding officiate may hold or bless the flowers. Instead of giving leis to each other, the couple can also give them to family members, symbolizing the joining of the two families. They may be used in place of corsages and boutonnieres for the wedding party, or given as wedding favors to the guests. When given to wedding guests, the lei symbolizes the couple’s appreciation for your support.

Photo by Neeta Lind of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/people/neeta_lind/

Leis are often given to visitors of the islands as a symbol of the “spirit of aloha.” Difficult to translate, ‘aloha’ means a greeting, a farewell, joy, hope, love, and other positive feelings. Leis made of beautiful flowers are a non-verbal expression of the ‘aloha’ spirit. Today, there are almost no restrictions on lei giving; leis are given on dozens of different occasions, and for a wide range of symbolic reasons.

All leis are hand-woven, and represent a gift of love. This special gift should be treasured; some are actually quite rare because of the variety of flower used. Receiving a lei made of one of these flower species is a very high honor; most are made specifically for adorning important statues or monuments.

If you have received a flower lei, wear it around your neck, wrapped around your neck, or on the brim of a hat. Do not wear the lei around your neck if you are pregnant; according to superstitious beliefs, this symbolizes the tangling of the umbilical cord. The lei should not be removed when you are in the presence of the lei giver. Never refuse the offering of a lei, which is considered rude. After the flowers have wilted, return it to the place where the flowers were  gathered, hang it in a tree, bury it, or otherwise return it to the earth, but do not throw it in the trash.

In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

Photo by Phillie-Casablanca of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/philliecasablanca/

Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

Photo by suchitra of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrasudar/

Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.

Photo by horschmology of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/horschmology/

Though many modern luaus stray from traditional luau cuisine, with menus incorporating such varied foods as macaroni salad and sushi, many large luau events still adhere to more traditional culinary choices. Many of these traditional luau foods have been eaten in Hawaii for centuries. When visiting Hawaii, be sure to attend a luau party for an exotic feast and entertaining surprises. On the mainland, throw a Luau-themed party for the perfect summer celebration.

Your own luau feast should start with Kalua Pork, a well-known mainstay of luau menus. At large luau events, an entire pig is often roasted all day in a specially-constructed pit oven. For a smaller luau party, cook a pork roast slowly in liquid smoke and Hawaiian rock salt. Once it is fully cooked, shred it. Though many people think of a whole roast pig when they think of a luau, it is entirely possible to approximate this delicious dish on a smaller scale.

Another popular and authentic meat choice for a luau party is chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, which gives it a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavoring. Serve this dish with pineapple rings on the side. Seafood fans will enjoy Lomi Salmon, another excellent choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish that is often seen at today’s luaus is a combination of shredded salmon filet, diced tomatoes, and crushed ice. Serve your meat choice with long rice cooked in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or teriyaki sauce. Another delicious tropical side dish is a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple.

Photo by IGARSS 2010 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/igarss2010/

Nearly every traditional luau includes poi as a unique side dish, as it was a staple of Hawaiian diet for many centuries. A nutritious dish made from the root of the taro plant, it can be purchased fresh in some locations. To make poi yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Add water to the mashed root until it forms a pudding-like consistency, and serve cold. Another traditional luau food to incorporate taro is actually known as ‘luau.’ This dish is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and baked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative; this creativity should continue in the way the buffet is displayed. For example, serve the tropical fruit in a bowl constructed from a hollowed out watermelon, or thread the fruit onto bamboo skewers. Many of the larger professional luaus use each dish to create a uniquely shaped display across the buffet table.

Don’t forget to create a fitting dessert for your luau. Many Hawaiian desserts incorporate coconut milk. Haupia, a traditional coconut-based Hawaiian dessert, is made by combining three cups of coconut milk and half a cup of sugar in a saucepan. Once this mixture is warm, stir in half a cup of cornstarch, which thickens the dessert. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill this dessert, and serve once it has become firm.

When planning a luau, remember that the food is the most important attribute. A modern luau party, which should be planned as a feast for the senses, often combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique luau-style cuisine that is actually a fusion of several styles. When creating your own luau feast, remember to incorporate lots of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Luau party food inspiration should be drawn from the island environment of Hawaii; a wide variety of tropically-inspired foods completes the luau atmosphere.

Photo by puuikibeach of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/puuikibeach/

The island of Maui is always among the top vacation destinations in the world, and is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. This island offers numerous tourist activities for couples and families, and stunning views from nearly any vantage point on the island. Maui is known for over 120 miles of sparkling beaches and several unique inland habitats created by the two volcanoes on the island. This popular vacation destination has something for everyone, whether your trip is a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

When visiting Maui, don’t miss out on the chance to visit a luau. Many of the larger hotels offer a professional luau every week to give tourists a taste of this traditional Hawaiian feast. Luaus offer traditional Hawaiian cuisine and exotic tropical dishes that are actually a fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures. This delicious buffet includes Palua Pork, often cooked in the customary manner of an underground oven, where the pig is roasted all day long. The breathtaking entertainment at a luau often includes hula dancing and Samoan fire dancers.

Of course, when visiting Maui you must leave time for enjoying the beach. The island is known for beautiful white sands and gleaming blue waters. Try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling to catch a peek of marine life, which includes bright tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. A submarine tour is an interesting way to see these creatures without getting wet. To enjoy the waves, rent a surfboard or jet ski or go swimming in the warm waters off Maui’s beaches. There are also several specialty cruises and tours designed to offer unique views of the island and the surrounding waters. If your visit is scheduled between December and April, take advantage of the opportunity to embark on a whale watching cruise.

Photo by krismartis of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/krismartis/

Although you may not think of forests when you think of Hawaii, there are plenty of inland environments for you to explore. Home to two volcanoes, Maui has a unique rainforest ecosystem. This mountainous region can be explored by helicopter or by Jeep. The eastern coast of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, which offers countless lookout points and opportunities to see breathtaking views. Maui’s many trails offer ample opportunities for biking and hiking, where you may spot some of the unique plants and animals that call the island home. Each of Maui’s unusual environments is filled with a vast array of exotic species. One of the most popular destinations on the island is Oheo Gulch, also know as Seven Sacred Pools. Swimming through this series of waterfalls and pools, which empties into the Pacific Ocean, is said to bring good luck.

Although the best views are said to be along the coast, there are thousands of amazing views available in the inland areas, too. The view from Haleakala crater, formed by one of Maui’s volcanoes, is said to be the best sunrise. This volcano last erupted over two hundred years ago; you can still see this eruption’s lava flows. This is actually one of the highest mountains in the world, though much of its height is hidden underwater. For the best sunset views, head to Lahaina. This wharf is known for its restaurants and shops in addition to whale watching and sunset cruises.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/

A lei, one of the most well-known symbols of Hawaii, is a beautiful hand-woven wreath or necklace. It is most often made of tropical flowers, although shells or other materials may also be used. The most popular flowers for leis are orchids and plumeria; both are large and fragrant blossoms.

The giving of leis, and ancient Hawaiian custom, was observed by Captain Cook in 1779. The tradition is believed to date several centuries earlier than even this sighting. The original purpose of the lei was to distinguish between the varying social ranks. The wearer’s rank was reflected in the type of flower and construction method used in the lei. Today, leis are still worn by Hawaii’s most important figures, especially on holidays or for important public appearances.

Leis are also customarily worn or given on important occasions, ranging from births and deaths to victories, graduations, and religious ceremonies. Though not part of the ancient Hawaiian culture, today the giving of the lei is ordinarily accompanied by a kiss on the cheek, especially if the giver knows the recipient well. Depending on the symbolism of the occasion, different colors or varieties of flowers might be incorporated into the floral wreath. In ancient times, a lei ritual completed as part of a religious ceremony would be used to ask the gods for fertile crops or safety when traveling or fishing.

Leis are an appropriate Hawaiian gift not only for important occasions, but also as a symbol of appreciation, respect, love, or welcoming. Although lei giving was traditionally reserved for special occasions, today a lei has many different meanings, and can be seen at nearly every public gathering on the islands. In fact, many visitors receive a lei upon their arrival to the islands. The lei is given as a symbol of the “spirit of aloha,” which means a greeting, farewell, joy, hope, love, or other positive feelings. Leis made of beautiful flowers are meant as a non-verbal expression of aloha spirit.

In Hawaii, leis are almost always seen at weddings. There are several different ways to incorporate leis into the ceremony. The couple may have the wedding officiant bless or hold the flowers, which are then exchanged as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other. The leis may also be given by the couple to family members, a move that symbolizes the joining together of the families. The wedding party may wear leis instead of corsages and boutonnieres, or they may be given to guests as wedding favors, symbolizing the couple’s appreciation for guests’ support.

Photo by usdalton of FLickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/12568072@N05/

Today, leis are given on dozens of different occasions and symbolize many different feelings. Though there are almost no restrictions on lei giving, you do have a few responsibilities if you are the recipient of a lei. All leis are hand-woven, representing a gift of love. This gift should be treasured, especially if it is made from a particularly rare flower, which is considered a high honor. The lei should never be refused, and it should be worn around the neck, wrapped around your head, or on a hat brim. Do not wear it around your neck if you are pregnant; superstitious beliefs say that this symbolizes the umbilical cord tangling. Once the flowers have wilted, return it to nature, either to the place where the flowers were gathered, or letting it get carried away by a body of water. Never throw a flower lei in the trash.

Photo by MrTravis of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrtavis/

The traditional Hawaiian feast now known as the luau dates back hundreds of years. Before the reign the Hawaiian King Kamehameha II, men and women in Hawaii were not allowed to eat together. After abolishing this law in 1819, he held a symbolic feast with women invited. At this feast, King Kamehameha served a traditional dish involving chicken wrapped in Taro leaves and baked in coconut milk. This dish, known as ‘Luau,’ gave this feast its name.

Rather than simply a party, luaus were held in recognition of important events, from notable visitors to a coming of age celebration. During the first luau dinners, diners sat on the ground and ate food placed on leaves and woven mats. Traditional foods for these early luaus included roast pig and mashed taro root (a staple of the Hawaiian diet), both of which are still served at many luaus today. In these days, women in Hawaii were forbidden from eating certain foods, considered delicacies. King Kamehameha II was sure to incorporate these into his symbolic feast. All of these foods were eaten with the fingers; no utensils were used.

While it was certainly a festive occasion, these luaus were only held for certain events, not solely for entertainment value. These luaus were a very specific type of celebration; they were not just any Hawaiian party. Luaus, both then and now, have always been large feasts. In fact, King Kamehameha II often invited hundreds of guests; sometimes, guests ate in several shifts because there was not enough room for everyone.

Today, luau parties are held all over the islands, both for tourists and for celebratory reasons. Guests at luaus receive a lei, a necklace of woven flowers, as a symbol of welcoming. Though many visitors to Hawaii visit large commercial luaus, they are still held throughout the island for more symbolic occasions.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/

Commercial luau parties held just for tourists are held weekly at the most popular hotels in Hawaii. These professional luaus are not only feasts, but also entertaining displays. Often visitors at a luau will see thrilling fire dances, which are actually Samoan rather than Hawaiian in origin, in addition to traditional Hawaiian hula dancers. If you are visiting Hawaii on vacation, be sure to visit a luau, not only for its delicious food but also for the entertainment. Often, crafts and souvenirs are sold in addition to more traditional foods and entertainment. Many tourist-centered luaus offer the opportunity for guests to learn a simple hula dance from traditional dancers.

Today’s luau parties are actually a fusion of cultures, including Asian, Polynesian, and Hawaiian influences in addition to mainland dishes served with tropical flair. Today, teriyaki sauce is a staple flavor in luau foods, giving each dish a sweet yet savory flavor. You may even see teriyaki sauce marinated Spam, a canned meat that is quite popular in Hawaii, in addition to more traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and Kalua Pork. Luau parties were quite popular during the 1960s, so some luaus incorporate cocktail foods from this era, even macaroni salad, or cocktail weenies in teriyaki sauce. Today’s luau parties may simply be Hawaiian themed, and range drastically in their adherence to traditional luau foods and customs.

Photo by Tropic~7 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepbackcabin/

In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Photo by suchitra of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrasudar/

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

Photo by ashleytheartist2002 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleytheartist2002/

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Photo by Tiger Girl of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigergirl/

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.