Popular Hawaiian Christmas Food For Your Best Dinner Party

INTRODUCTION

When you think of Christmas dinner, images of roasted turkey, spiral ham, and mashed potatoes come to mind. But in Hawaii, the holiday table looks totally different. Forget the traditional mainland spread – here, we celebrate with a festive Christmas luau!

Ready to trade your stuffing and cranberry sauce for tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and smoky meats? Let’s explore the vibrant, mouthwatering world of Hawaiian Christmas food and see how the islands do the holidays in style!

How did Christmas come to Hawaii?

Before Christmas was named a state holiday and before Christianity was introduced, Makahiki was a season celebrated for four months during the winter solstice. Any conflict was forbidden during this time. That meant no fighting and no wars. It was a time to just give thanks.

Christmas was introduced into the islands when a merchant ship landed in Waimea Bay in Kauai in 1786. Captain George Dixon ordered a huge celebratory feast that included a whole pig. Soon after, many missionaries brought their own Christmas traditions to the islands. King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma of Hawaii adopted those customs. They celebrated Christmas 1856 as a Thanksgiving day and later declared Christmas an official Hawaiian holiday in 1862.

Hawaiian Christmas Food Appetizers (Pupus)

Hawaiian appetizers, or “pupus”, are a festive way to celebrate the holidays. From savory to sweet, Hawaiian Christmas food appetizers bring a unique and delicious touch to the season.

Poke

Influenced by Japanese sushi, native Polynesians first created a Hawaiian dish: Poke. Hawaiian Christmas food traditions often include this iconic dish because of its fresh and vibrant ingredients. Poke features raw, diced fish, typically ahi (yellowfin tuna) or sometimes octopus. It’s marinated in shoyu and sesame oil with sweet onions and seeds. Next to the fish, we can find seaweed, sriracha mayo, avocado, edamame, and rice or kimchi. Some chefs have gotten creative with poke, making interesting new twists like poke nachos.

Manapua

Influenced by many Asian cuisines, Hawaiians adopted the manapua, roughly translated as “yummy pork pastry or cake”. It’s made from flour or wheat dough filled with char siu (barbequed pork meat). Other fillings include sweet potato, Chinese sausage, ginger, or shoyu chicken. It’s either steamed or baked in the oven and is sometimes topped with a sugar glaze.

Spam musubi

A fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian influences, Spam Musubi is a beloved island snack combining simplicity and bold flavors. Its portability and flavor make it a popular pick for Hawaiian Christmas food platters. It features a slice of fried or grilled Spam, typically marinated in soy sauce and sugar. It is placed atop a block of rice and wrapped securely with a strip of nori (seaweed). Variations include adding scrambled eggs, teriyaki sauce, or furikake seasoning. This portable treat is perfect for on-the-go meals or picnics, capturing the essence of Hawaii’s culinary creativity.

Iconic Main Dishes of Hawaiian Christmas Food

The main dishes of Hawaiian Christmas food add a unique and flavorful touch to your holiday table. With rich cultural roots and bold flavors, they’re sure to impress and delight!

Kalua Pork

A highlight of Hawaiian Christmas food, Kalua pork is a traditional dish cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The pig is salted, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked for 8 to 12 hours, producing tender, smoky meat. Traditionally, this process involves a communal effort, perfect for large celebrations like a Christmas luau.

Modern households often simplify the preparation using slow cookers or ovens, infusing the pork with liquid smoke to mimic the imu’s signature flavor. Whether cooked traditionally or with a modern twist, Kalua pork is a showstopper on any Hawaiian holiday table, embodying the rich culinary traditions of the islands.

Laulau

Lau lau is a Polynesian pork, fish, or chicken dish. The meat is wrapped first in taro and then ti leaves and steamed in an imu. It can also be prepared using a crockpot, large steamer, or oven for several hours. Salty and delicious, it comes served well with rice or poi. It’s a typical lunch dish that can be enjoyed any day.

Coconut Shrimp

A tropical delight often featured at Hawaiian Christmas luaus, Hawaiian Christmas food like coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that combines crunchy textures with sweet and savory flavors. Large shrimp are coated in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs and then fried to golden perfection. They’re typically served with a tangy dipping sauce like pineapple chutney or sweet chili sauce. At a Hawaiian Christmas luau, guests can enjoy these crispy bites under the stars, surrounded by tiki torches, festive hula dancers, and the warm sounds of ukulele music, creating a truly magical holiday experience.

Chicken Long Rice

Chicken long rice is a cherished dish at Hawaiian Christmas luaus that reflects the island’s multicultural influences. As a staple of Hawaiian Christmas food, chicken long rice is made with tender chicken simmered in a savory ginger and garlic broth paired with slippery, glassy rice noodles that soak up all the flavorful juices. Often garnished with green onions, it’s a comforting, warm addition to the holiday table. At a festive luau, chicken long rice is enjoyed alongside traditional songs and dances, blending hearty flavors with the aloha spirit of the season.

Enjoy Side Dishes of Hawaiian Food for Christmas

Side dishes are the essential part of a Hawaiian Christmas feast, served alongside the main dishes to create a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

Macaroni Salad

A favorite Hawaiian food for Christmas tradition – Macaroni salad, adds a creamy, tangy element to the Christmas spread. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and finely diced vegetables, it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Poi

Poi, a signature dish in Hawaiian Christmas food, steals and pies taro root into a smooth, sticky consistency. Its mild, earthy flavor complements rich holiday staples like Kalua pork and Laulau, balancing bold flavors with a soft, creamy texture.

Some families add a festive touch at Christmas luaus by blending poi with coconut milk or honey, creating a subtly sweet variation perfect for the holidays. Whether served plain or with a twist, poi is a must-have on the Hawaiian Christmas table, symbolizing the islands’ rich heritage and festive spirit.

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Lomi Lomi Salmon stands out in Hawaiian Christmas food for its refreshing and vibrant flavors. This festive dish combines salted, cured salmon with diced tomatoes, sweet Maui onions, and sometimes green onions for an extra kick. The ingredients are massaged – or “lomi lomi” in Hawaiian – together, creating a light, tangy mixture that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Served chilled, Lomi Lomi Salmon is the perfect contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of Kalua pork or Laulau. Its fresh, citrusy notes bring a bright and zesty element to the Christmas table, making it a crowd favorite. Many families enjoy pairing this dish with Hawaiian sweet bread, crackers, or taro chips for a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

What to Drink in Hawaiian Christmas Dinner?

No Hawaiian Christmas celebration is complete without festive drinks to finish the island-inspired feast. Let these iconic drinks add a cheerful, island-style twist to your Christmas dinner!

Mai Tai

A classic tropical cocktail, the Mai Tai is a staple at Hawaiian Christmas luaus, adding a festive flair to the celebration. Made with a mix of rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup, Mai Tai garnished with fresh mint, a slice of lime, or even a festive cherry. Sipping a Mai Tai under twinkling holiday lights and swaying palm trees captures the perfect blend of Christmas cheer and island vibes.

Piña Coladas

Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, Piña Coladas bring a touch of the tropics to a Hawaiian Christmas. This iconic drink combines coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum, blended to frothy perfection and often served in a festive glass or hollowed-out pineapple. Perfect for toasting by the beach, it’s a Christmas cocktail that celebrates the spirit of aloha.

Fresh Coconut

A natural and refreshing treat, fresh coconut is a simple yet iconic addition to any Hawaiian Christmas luau. Guests enjoy sipping coconut water straight from the shell and scooping out the tender meat. Whether served as-is or paired with festive garnishes, fresh coconut provides a tropical touch to the holiday table, harmonizing with the island’s warm and vibrant Christmas traditions. It is also an ideal choice for your underage guests to join the party hype!

Desserts in Hawaiian Christmas Feasts

A Hawaiian Christmas feast shines even brighter with a delightful array of desserts that celebrate the tropical flavors of the islands. These sweet treats are the perfect finale to a festive meal!

Mochi

Mochi is a must-have at any Christmas luau. These chewy rice cakes are often infused with tropical flavors like coconut, mango, or guava, making them a festive favorite. They’re colorful, bite-sized, and loved by both kids and adults.

Haupia

Haupia, a creamy coconut pudding, is another Hawaiian classic. This silky dessert is typically served in small squares and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or as a topping for other sweets. Its light, refreshing flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser during holiday feasts.

Malasadas Hawaii-style

Malasadas Hawaii-style is irresistible Portuguese-inspired doughnuts that have become a staple in Hawaiian desserts. Deep-fried to golden perfection, Malasadas are often filled with custards, jams, or chocolate for a festive twist. Dust them with powdered sugar, and they’re ready to wow your guests.

Lilikoi Cheesecake

For those who love a decadent dessert, Lilikoi Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence. Lilikoi creamy cheesecake, made with tangy passion fruit (lilikoi) sauce, offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, capturing the essence of the islands in every bite.

With this lineup of iconic desserts, Hawaiian Christmas food delivers a sweet ending to a meal that’s as vibrant and flavorful as the islands themselves.

How to Hosting a Hawaiian Christmas Luau?

Setting the Perfect Hawaiian Christmas Table

Create a festive tropical tablescape with raffia placemats for a natural, island-inspired base. Pair them with Christmas-red napkins tied with napkin rings featuring tropical flowers. Arrange faux banana leaves as a creative table runner, accented with poinsettias – one speckled red and one light green – and a pineapple centerpiece to add a touch of Hawaiian charm.

Adding Tropical Holiday Decor

Enhance the space with small but meaningful Hawaiian details. Hang a lei on a chalkboard and write “Mele Kalikimaka” for an authentic touch. Add a small tabletop Christmas tree decorated with lights and candy canes to merge traditional holiday cheer with the island’s spirit. These elements create a festive, aloha-filled ambiance.

For more ideas to make your Christmas luau unforgettable, explore the Best Unique Hawaiian Christmas Decorations for 2024 and bring tropical magic to your celebration!

CONCLUSION

Hawaiian Christmas food is more than just a meal – it’s a joyful celebration of flavors, culture, and togetherness. With every dish, from the smoky tenderness of Kalua pork to the creamy sweetness of haupia, the aloha spirit shines through, making any holiday gathering extra special. These vibrant and flavorful dishes bring a piece of Hawaii’s warmth and charm to the Christmas table.

So, gather loved ones, savor the delicious traditions, and let the tropical magic fill your holiday. Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas!

FAQs about Hawaiian Christmas food