Waikiki beach. The EASIEST

Waikiki, Hawaii, Seashells on Waikiki Beach WAIKIKI SEASHELLS © 1997 Rico Leffanta Seashells can be found in abundance on most tropical islands, but Hawaiian seashells are scarce in comparison. Waikiki sees thousands of snorkelers and scuba divers every day, each one looking for that souvenir seashell, resulting in thousands of people going back to their hotel room every night without have seen one single seashell. Of course, there are laws to protect endangered species, but every tourist seems to think, "What harm can come from my taking home one little seashell?" The simple answer is one little seashell can hold 1,000 eggs to perpetuate the species so, when someone takes that living shell, they are taking 1,000 other shells with it! At this rate, it doesn't take very many tourists very long before "common" seashells such as the Knobby Triton (pupu'olekiwi - Cymatium muricinum Roeding ) above are classified "uncommon", then "rare", "Endangered" and most finally, "extinct". Even when the shell is empty, hermit crabs should have first choice on vacated shells! Native Hawaiians (and local parents) need a Triton's Trumpet (Pu or Ole - Charonia tritonis Linaeus ) to herald their ceremonies (or call the kids home for supper - the ole sound can be heard two miles away!), cowries to lure the octopus home for dinner, and Hawaiians use many other shells for fish hooks, musical instruments and jewellery - especially for leis! The tiny turbinid and columbellid shell leis from "The Forbidden Island" (Ni'ihau) currently sell for hundreds of dollars. Shells like the Hawaiian Limpet (made famous by Frank De Lima's song, "Please don't eat me") ("Opihi- Patella sandwichensis Pease ) are polished and sold as coin purses in Waikiki's International Marketplace. You can see the difference between its natural ridged surface in the photo and after it has been polished. This one was polished by Mother Nature. Almost every day, people are surprised when I walk behind them and find a seashell they didn't see. It isn't that my eyesight is any better than their eyesight, it is simply that I know what I am looking for, and they do not. These photos show what to look for on Waikiki beach. The EASIEST way to find a seashell in Waikiki is to walk in the surf when the tide is coming in. Empty shells - even drilled empty shells - tend to collect and hold air, which gives them a lift on the current, which eventually brings them to shore. All of the shells in these photos were obtained by walking along Waikiki beach and watching them roll in with the tide. When the waves are high and the current strong, shells can roll in from deep and far, carrying shells one seldom sees in Waikiki, such as the rare and exceptionally beautiful Fragile Violet Snail (Pupupani - lanthina fragilis Lamarck ) (not pictured). My personal favourite is the Swollen Bubble ( Hydatina amplustre Linnaeus ). Its contrasting pink and black shell makes quite elegant earrings for blue-eyed blondes. I saw one of these shells, smaller than the one shown, on sale at Ala Moana in October, 2000, for $49.95!!! Only a few years ago, the retail price for a Swollen Bubble was only $5.95! Adam's Bubble ( Bulla adamsi Menke ) is quite common in Waikiki; in fact, the Hawaiian Hilton Lagoon has quite a population in excess of 5 cms. The Paper Bubble ( Hydatina physis Linnaeus ) is quite uncommon, and I have only found one Lined Bubble ( Bullina lineata Gray ) on Waikiki Beach, and that was five years ago. The first Polished Nerite (Kupe'e - Nerita polita Linnaeus ) taken to Britain was sold at auction in 1806 for nine guineas; yet most tourist never notice the shell unless they see its orifice. The most frequently seen shells on Waikiki Beach are of the Cowrie family, especially the Humpback (used by Hawaiians as an octopus lure) Snakehead, Money, and although classified "Uncommon", the Granulated Cowrie. Even broken Cowrie shells are used as jewellery because the Cowrie orifice is the only seashell that smiles at you (or frowns - when you see it upside down)! Cone shells are disappearing at an alarming rate. There are only three still commonly found on Waikiki Beach, the Hebrew Cone ( Conus ebraeus Linnaeus ), the Spiteful Cone ( Conus lividus Hwass ) and the Golden Yellow Cone ( Conus flavidus Lamarck ). Only a few years ago, the deadly Conus Textile Linnaeus (not shown) was fairly common, but its painful/deadly sting apparently did not protect it from determined collectors. Augers, Miters, Murexes and Spindles are seldom seen anymore. The popular Chinese Horn ( Cerithium sinense Gmelin ) occasionally rolls up as an hermit crab's mobile home, and spotted Strombs ( Stombus maculatus Sowerby ) in a variety of colours still hit the beach, as do the Knobbed and Mulberry Drupes. Two years ago, the Ribbed Turbin ( Purpura aperta Blainville ) was the most common seashell found at the Hawaiian Hilton beach front; today it is rarely seen, but Arca family shells can still be found on the beach fronting Harbour Road parking lot during the winter months. The sun-bleached Spiny Helmet ( Casmaria erinaceus Linnaeus ) in the photo is rarely seen in Waikiki, yet was passed over by countless tourist walking over the coral rubble in front of the Hale Koa Hotel. I was surprised to find it in one piece, and because the shell was not drilled by a predator, it is a perfect home for an Hermit Crab, which really doesn't carry about exterior decoration providing the roof doesn't leak! This leaves the most collectible shell found at Waikiki (but seldom by tourist): the Tritons. Tritons, including Triton's Trumpet, are usually found at 2 1/2-7 cms., but calcium deposits usually whitewash their colours so, when the shells dry out under the sun, they become as white as the coral rubble which surrounds them, thus escaping easy detection. For reasons unbeknownst to me, Tritons in Waikiki deviate from normal colours, so it is well worth anyone's while to pick up a Triton shell and dip it in the ocean to ascertain its true colours! n.b. the background leaf in the photos is from the Breadfruit tree, (still Cooking after all these years) and crab mummies are quite collectible! What do I do with the shells I find? This morning (10.IX.00) was extraordinary because I found this flea cone (Conus Pulicarius Hwass) intact; a "common" shell, but uncommonly found unoccupied intact! The Triton is an exquisite variation of the Hairy Triton v (Cymatium Pileare Linnaeus) . The 2 cm. cowrie has a lovely honey glow to it, but I have been unable to identify it from my books.So, interesting shells are given to the Waikiki Aquarium to enable docents to "talk story" with visitors, and "show and tell". Intact shells suitable for hermit crab homes are taken back out to the reef where crabs needing larger homes can find them. The remaining shells are either distributed along Waikiki Beach where children (" keiki ") can find them (but I usually carry a few with me for children who can't find a shell). This is by far the most rewarding experience! This morning I saw a little girl looking for shells so I dropped a damaged humback cowrie shell where she could find it. As soon as she spotted it, she shouted to her sisters, "Come and see what I found!" The elder sister came over, took one look and said, "That's just an old rock!" The sister in the middle apparently didn't care whether it was a rock or a shell because she said, "Can I have it, please?" The middle sister then picked it up, confirmed it was indeed a shell, and off they went to show their treasure to mom! What a pity more children can't share that experience! Moana Valentine This is the especially rare and beautiful Bullina lineata Gray "Lined Bubble" delivered up in perfect condition by a stormy sea on February 14, 2001. This is only the second "Lined Bubble" I've seen on the beach, not only because it is "rare", but also because the shell usually retails between $200-$300, although it is so small (less than one-half inch) that 99.9% of the population can walk by it (or on it) without seeing it. Moral: never judge the value of a shell/person/thing by its size! YES! It CAN happen on Waikiki Beach! On July 23, 2002, Gunnel Grubb, Rektor of Scandanavia's oldest operating school (Katedralskolan, established in 1085) was diving along the reef fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel (Duke Kahanamoku Beach) and discovered this beautiful (and vacant !) black-lipped conch shell! You could be next! TO SEE CLICK Return to front page HOME Sharks in Hawaii SHARKS The Hawaiian Islands: Islands Hawaiian Volcanoes Volcanoes Hawaiian gods and goddesses Dieties The Hawaiian Lei Lei The Hawaiian Monarchy Ali'i Defining Aloha Aloha Hawaiian pearls and gold. Mana Waimea Valley, Oahu, Hawai'i WAIMEA Other Rico Leffanta web sites MORE * * * * * * * * The Seashells that smile at you are Cowries ("Leho") One beachcomber's hazard is the Portugese Man of War. This photo shows the Man of War's long stinger leading to the lovely blue bubble head children and adults like to pick up. It only takes once to learn this painful lesson!

Kauai HI

Kauai, Hawaii Vacations: Poipu Shores Resort Activities Site Shortcuts --------------- ONLINE RESERVATIONS --------------- HOT DEALS Hot Deals Sign-up --------------- RESORTS & HOTELS Islands of Hawaii - Oahu - Kauai - Maui - Big Island - Molokai Islands of Micronesia - Saipan New Zealand --------------- PACKAGES & PROMOTIONS --------------- PLAN YOUR STAY Golf Tennis Diving Water Sports Family Activities Shopping Events Calendar-- --------------- TRAVEL AGENTS --------------- TRAVEL PARTNERS --------------- MEETINGS & INCENTIVES Request for Information --------------- CONTACT US --------------- ABOUT US --------------- Site Map Privacy Policy Back to Home Page Poipu Shores is one of the island of Kauai's finest condominium resorts offering many activities waiting for you to explore by land, sea and air. Visit Castle Resorts and Hotels online to make your Kauai, Hawaii vacation reservations now. Kauai Coffee Company 1 Numila Rd, Eleele, HI 96705 808-335-5497#800-545-8605 Hawaii's largest coffee estate features a visitor center. Learn about coffee growing, stand amidst coffee trees and sample estate roasted coffee. Free admission. Wailua Falls Beautiful waterfalls made famous by the Fantasy Island series. Waimea Canyon Appropriately nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific by Mark Twain, this natural wonder offers spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Spouting Horn Located in the Poipu area. Poipu's top attraction, this lava tube spouts a geyser of water when the waves roll in, often with a deep moaning sound. Kauai Lagoons - Kiele Course 3351 Hoolaulea Way, Lihue, HI 96766 808-241-6000#800-634-6400 Designed by Jack Nicklaus and rated among the nation's 100 best, this course offers magnificent ocean holes and ample challenge. Kauai Lagoons -Lagoons Course 3351 Hoolaulea Way, Lihue, HI 96766 808-241-6000#800-634-6400 Designed for players of all levels, this award-winning course features Scottish style links and undulating greens. Princeville Golf Club - Makai Course 4080 Lei O Papa Rd, Princeville, HI 96714 808-826-3580#800-826-1105#800-826-4400 A 27-hole golf course that is open to the public. Golf shop, driving range, lessons, club rentals, snack shop and tennis courts. Princeville Golf Club - Prince Course 5-3900 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722 808-826-5000#800-826-1105#800-826-4400 An18-hole golf course open to the public. Golf shop, driving range, lessons, club rentals, snack shop, tennis courts, spa, restaurant and bar. Grove Farm Golf Course at Puakea 4315 Kalepa Street, Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-8756 An enjoyable 10-hole golf course that features wide fairways and inviting greens in excellent condition. Kiahuna Golf Club 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa, HI 96756 808-742-9595 A challenging course with great views of the island. Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course 2250 Ainako Street, Koloa, HI 96756 808-742-8711 The home of the PGAs Grand Slam of Golf has a world class, highly rated layout. Bali Hai Helicopter Tours Inc. PO Box 626, Hwy 50, Hanapepe, HI 96716 808-335-3166#800-325-TOUR Owner-operated company that offers more for less. Perfect 30-year safety record. CJM Country Stables Inc. 1731 Kelaukia St, End of Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 808-742-6096 Picturesque tours of crystal blue sea and magnificent mountains in the Poipu area. Suitable for everyone. Hawaii Helicopters Inc. Princeville Airport, Princeville, HI 96754 808-826-6591#800-367-7095 Breathtaking tours, charters and live videos available on twin-engine jet helicopters. Sights include Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Waialeale Crater. Na Pali Explorer 808-335-9909#800-852-4183 Adventure craft featuring a ride along Kauai's coast. Snorkel and hike at a fishing village. Departs from Port Allen. Smith's Motor Boat Service Inc. 174 Wailua Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746 808-821-6892 Cruise to the Fern Grotto and enjoy local legends, live entertainment, music and hula dancing. Will Squyres Helicopter Tours 3222 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766 808-245-8881#888-245-HELI Discover Kauai's natural wonders. Perfect safety record and 30 years experience. FAA Part-135 Certified. Captain Andy's Sailing 808-335-6833 Exciting sailing adventures along Kauai's spectacular coastline. Snorkel/picnic cruises, romantic sunset sails, whale watching tours, and the ultimate Na Pali Coast cruise. Hawaii Movie Tours 356 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 808-822-1192#800-628-8432 Interactive tours of Kauai movie sites by air, land and sea. Holoholo Charters 3416 Rice St, Anchor Cove Shopping Ctr, Lihue, HI 96766 808-246-4656 Adventure tours around Kauai's coast and to the Forbidden Island. Group charters and weddings available. Safari Helicopter Tours 3225 Akahi St, Lihue, HI 96766 808-246-0136#800-326-3356 FAA Part-135 Certified carrier features air-conditioned super A-STAR helicopter and the safaricam video-sound system. Sunrise Diving Adventures and Nitrox Tropical Divers 4-1435 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746 808-822-REEF#800-695-DIVE Hawaii's first PADI enriched air dive center features underwater scooter and cavern specialties, introductory dives, and kayaks. Hui O Laka - Koke'e Natural History Museum PO Box 100, Kekaha, HI 96752 808-335-9975 Interpretive exhibits and visitor center open every day 10am-4pm. Activities, hikes, festivals and volunteer opportunities. Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy

Hawaiian Jewelry > 4

Hawaiian Heirloom 14k Gold Bracelet Jewelry from Hawaii [Contact Us] [Ordering Information] [FAQ] [Our Guarantee] [View Cart] Hawaii City > Shopping > Hawaiian Jewelry > 4 Piece Sets > SET-8S 8 mm Sterling Silver Hawaiian Jewelry 4 Piece Set Base Price - $249.00 Description - 8mm width sterling silver bracelet, ring and vertical pendant using 2.0mm heavy weight thickness solid 14k sterling silver. Free 18" 1.5mm silver chain You may request design only, black enamel lettering, or engraved lettering (additional charges) for the outside of your Hawaiian jewelry set Order Number - SET-8S U.S. Orders - Free U.S. Priority Mail Shipping for this item and no sales tax Return Policy - This Hawaiian jewelry set is custom made when you order - no return or refund for this item. Want to mail/fax in your order or manually complete our online order form? Click Here Have a question? Click Here Sizing - Extra charges apply for larger sizes - see below for more information. Free Backside/Inside engraving - There is room on the backside of the bracelet (60 letters), ring(20 letters) and pendant(12 letters) for a short engraved message. After you click on the "Order Now" button you can enter your request in the Comments section on the next page. Example: Ring inside: Love John Secure Online Ordering - Order now using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB How to order now: 1) Select your bracelet and ring size 2 ) Select your ring and bracelet design 3 ) Select your ring and bracelet lettering type 4) Enter your outside custom lettering for your bracelet and ring 5) Select your pendant flower option 6) Select your pendant lettering type 7) Select your pendant outside custom lettering 8) Select your chain length 9 ) Click on the "Order Now" button on the bottom of the page The price at the bottom of the screen will update each time you select a new option for your new bracelet. Bracelet Size: Size 7 Size 7.25 Size 7.50 Size 7.75 Size 8.0 Size 8.25 + $2.50 Size 8.50+ $5.00 Size 8.75 + $7.50 Size 9.0 + $10.00 Size 9.25 + $12.50 Size 9.50 + $15.00 Size 9.75 + $17.50 Size 10.0 + $20.00 There is a $2.50 charge for each 1/4 size above size 8.0. Sizing Information Ring Size: Size 4 Size 4.5 Size 5.0 Size 5.5 Size 6.0 Size 6.5 Size 7.0 Size 7.5 Size 8.0 Size 8.5 + $10.00 Size 9.0 + $10.00 Size 9.5 + $10.00 Size 10.0 + $10.00 Size 10.5 + $10.00 Size 11.0 + $10.00 Size 11.5 + $10.00 Size 12.0 + $10.00 Size 12.5 + $10.00 Size 13.0 + $10.00 There is a $10.00 charge sizes above size 8.0. Bracelet & Ring Design: Hawaiian Scroll and Plumeria Maile Leaf and Plumeria Hawaiian Scroll Maile Leaf Cut Out Edge Hawaiian Scroll & Plumeria + $79.00 Cut Out Maile Leaf & Plumeria + $79.00 Cut Out Edge Hawaiian Scroll + $79.00 Cut Out Edge Maile Leaf + $79.00 Outside Bracelet & Ring Lettering Type: No Lettering - Design Only Black Enamel Lettering Engraved Lettering + $49.00 Outside Bracelet Lettering: (20 letters/spaces max) Outside Ring Lettering: (9 letters/spaces max) Would you like a flower on top of the pendant? : No Yes Outside Pendant Lettering Type: Black Enamel Lettering Engraved Lettering + $20.00 Outside Pendant Lettering: (12 letters/spaces max) 1.5mm Sterling Silver Chain Length: 18" Length - FREE 20" Length + $5.00 22" Length + $10.00 Select here... Qty: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Price: Add Hawaii Gift Card +$2.95: No Thanks Yes + $2.95 Gift Card Message: Add Deluxe Jewelry Polishing Cloth +$4.95: No Thanks Yes + $4.95

Hawaii Volcanoes Photo Gallery

Hawaii Volcano Photo Gallery Pu`u `O`o - Kupaianaha Eruption of Kilauea Lava Moving Through Trees  You are here: About > Travel > Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Travel Go Hawaii Essentials Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best? Clickable Map of the Hawaiian Islands Beach Guide Hawaii Pictures Clickable Map of Maui, Hawaii Topics A Hawaii Vacation Planner Big Island of Hawaii Kauai Maui / Molokai / Lanai Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki South Pacific Culture, History & Language Hawaii Lodging Hula Luau Maps and Weather Pearl Harbor Photos, Video & Cams Recipes Shopping and Gifts Buyer's Guide Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie HilHilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Multi-Day Guided Tours Top Hawaii Guidebooks Top Maui / Molokai / Lanai Guidebooks Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Hawaii Volcanoes Photo Gallery Pu`u `O`o -Kupaianaha Eruption of Kilauea Volcano - May 21, 1998 Photographs by J. Kauahikaua, USGS photo and caption credit U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Top: Aerial view looking southwestward across one of the lava breakouts (shiny grayand red surface) produced when magma from Pu`u `O`o reentered the tube systemfollowing a brief pause in the eruption. The lava channel spreading from theskylight in the tube (lower right) is feeding an `a`a flow that moves downPulama pali (left) out of view. Bottom: Lava moves through trees in one of the many kipuka created by the Pu`u `O`o-Kupaianahaeruption. Following many of the eruptive pauses in 1998 and 1999, breakoutsrepeatedly sent flows into several kipuka, sometimes completely covering themwith lava. priorphoto next photo Return to Hawaii Volcanoes Photo Gallery Index Return to Hawaii Photo Gallery Index Return to Hawaii for Visitors Home Page Recent Discussions My Favorite Restaurants are.... Hawaii Celebrities in the News Restaurants Subscribe to the Newsletter Name Email From John Fischer , Your Guide to Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Nudist Beaches in Hawaii Hawaii Photos Hawaii Pictures Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Our collection of photos of peopl... Hawaiian Island Scorecard What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Related Topics Air Travel Cruises Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Surfing / Bodyboarding Travel with Kids   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Headlines Plumeria Photos from Hawaii Plumeria is the most common flower that you'll find in... You Won't See This Sign at Home! This certainly isn't a sign that you've ever seen near... Atlantis Submarine Tour Maui Since I had just experienced the Atlantis Submarine Tour on... Maui Swap Meet Photos Held every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon is the...

Hawaiian Barbecue

Hawaiian Grilling - From Local Food to Luau, Barbecue & Grilling in Hawaii is unique  You are here: About > Food & Drink > Barbecues & Grilling > Meals and Menus > Regional and Ethnic Cooking > Hawaiian Grilling - From Local Food to Luau, Barbecue & Grilling in Hawaii is unique Find Recipes Advanced - Browse - Main Food & Drink Barbecues & Grilling Essentials Recipe Archives Best Grills Barbecue & Grilling Recipe of the Week Best Smokers BBQ & Grilling FAQ Topics Beef Fish and Seafood Fruit and Vegetables Grilling Help Grills Lamb Meals and Menus More Recipes Organizations Pork Poultry Sauces & Marinades Smokers Smoking Help Spices & Seasonings Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Best Gas Grills Best Charcoal Grills Top Ten Portable Grills Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Barbecues & Grilling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Barbecues & Grilling Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Recipes Grilled Citrus Tuna Kalua Pig Shrimp on Sugar Cane Skewers Suggested Reading Shrimp Grilling Fish in Leaves All About Hawaii Most Popular Gas Grills between $500 and... Buy a Gas Grill Gas Grills under $500.00 Rotisserie Chicken Building a BBQ What's Hot Perfect Flame 4-Burner Igloo 48,000-BTU 4-Burner New York Strip, Peppers, Onion Benihana Hibachi Steak Char-Broil 65,200 BTU 5-Burner Related Topics Southern U.S. Cuisine Home Cooking Camping Freshwater Fishing Hunting / Shooting Hawaiian Grilling From Derrick Riches , Your Guide to Barbecues & Grilling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! From Local Food to Luau Let's take a look at barbecue and grilling in Hawaii. Now before you turn away, thinking that Hawaii isn't exactly known for barbecue let me point out a few things. First, Hawaii is home to the largest privately owned cattle ranch in America. Second, Hawaii is surrounded by a wide diversity of seafood. Third, Luau. When the first Polynesians arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, they found nothing to eat. The Islands themselves, being very new geologically and very isolated had little in the way of indigenous life. The Polynesians brought with them, pigs, dogs, chickens, taro and sweet potatoes. These plus whatever seafood they could catch became the staple of life. After James Cook arrived in Hawaii, a steady stream of newcomers started arriving, bringing with them plants and animals from their native lands. Chief among these were missionaries from New England who brought cows, horses, sheep, and goats as well as a wide variety of new plants. This introduction of new foods and traditions changed the Hawaiian diet greatly. As American business began to move in and develop large plantations, new cash crops, like sugar cane and pineapples were introduced. To man the plantations, immigrants were brought to Hawaii as laborers from places like China, Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Each new wave in immigrants brought a new cooking tradition with them. What developed from all this is known as "Local Food". Local Food is an East-West Pacific mix created in the 1920s and 30s by lunch wagon cooks and small stores and restaurants. Typical Local Food meals are lunch plates which consist of rice and meat covered in gravy, a raw fish dish called Poke served with either salt and seaweed or chili peppers, sesame oil or soy sauce. Also popular is Teriyaki, which is used to prepare all kinds of meat. As you can see, Hawaiian food is a unique cuisine created from a much diversified background. It is common to see restaurants that serve American, Chinese, Korean and Local Food. And next door you'll find a place that serves Barbeque. A particular favorite in the Islands is grilled fish. What kind of fish you ask? How about, Aku, Ahi and Albacore (Tuna); Marlins; Opakapaka, Kalekale, Onaga, Uku and Taape (Snappers); Hapuu (Grouper); Ulua, Akule and Opelu (Jacks); Ono; Squid and Octopus; as well as all the shellfish like Opihi, Wana (Sea Urchins), Black Crab, Lobsters, Shrimp and Prawns.Now, about that Luau. Despite what Trader Vic or Don Ho might lead you to believe that Luau is a very rare festival in Hawaii. The sheer cost and effort of purchasing a pig, storing it until cooking time, preparing the Imu (traditional Luau cooking pit), preparing the loads of raw fish and additional dishes, is quite the undertaking, so several recipe variations have popped up to those of the formal Luau. In recent years a new tradition of cooking has evolved. Called Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, chefs have begun to put away the Spam (Hawaii is the largest per capita consumer of Spam) and have started to develop a new flavor. Mixing the cooking traditions of the Orient with that of the United States and using local products. What you get are a lot of seafood dishes (grilled of course) mixed with oriental style sauces, made from things like fresh guava, taro, mango, etc. From the looks of things I think Hawaii will start exporting many new dishes back to the mainland.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Perfect Flame 4-Burner Igloo 48,000-BTU 4-Burner New York Strip, Peppers, Onion Benihana Hibachi Steak Char-Broil 65,200 BTU 5-Burner