island

The Mystery of Spam

Since I’m visiting the island of Kauai, this post applies to a popular canned food product, not digital technology. My husband and I became friends with a couple who reflect the island spirit. We chatted for hours one evening, while whale-watching at the lighthouse. 
Interview with Lexi, a Kauaiian island native:

Me: I went to the grocery store the other day and saw an abundance of Spam on the shelves. The signage boasted Spam as a local favorite. Can you explain its popularity?

Lexi: (giggles) Well, it’s a very versatile staple to have in the pantry. One can of Spam goes a long way in preparing a meal. And it’s affordable. 

Me: How do you choose which flavor to buy? I’ve seen Jalapeño, Hickory Smoke, Hot and Spicy, Cheese, Bacon, and more. 

Lexi: There’s about a dozen choices, but I only get the Classic or Low Sodium. 

Me: Why is that?

Lexi: Tradition. I grew up on Spam Musubi. My husband did, too. He could eat that three times a day. 

Me: What is it?

Lexi: Spam Musubi is a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or snack food. It’s made by slicing the Spam and frying it. You never want to eat it straight from the can without frying it first. It tastes better cooked. Just put it in the skillet and fry it so there’s a crispy edge to it. No oil, maybe a touch of butter, just a little bit. Then take some cooked sweet rice and press it into a block the same size as the meat. Put the Spam over the rice and wrap it together with nori dried seaweed. That’s all. You should try it, it’s good. 

Me: Where can I get it?

Lexi: Anywhere. It’s in the deli part at the grocery store or by the checkout in a convenience store. The mom and pop restaurants all sell it, too. 

Me: Are there other ways to eat Spam?

Lexi: Of course, Honey. We chop it up and put it in soups, in sushi, or use it in stir-fry, too. 

Me: I guess I’m going to have to try that, Lexi. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with me. 

Lexi: Anytime, Sweetie. 
So there you have it. Spam is a favorite by tradition as well as its versatility. It all began during World War II when Spam was shipped to the GIs stationed in the South Pacific. It was flavorsome, filling, and didn’t spoil in the tropical climate simply because it required no refrigeration. The islanders found it appealing and its popularity soared. Today Hawaii consumes more Spam than any other state. It is definitely here to stay. 

The Welcome Wagon Whale Watchers

At first the white caps in the surf lure you into believing you see the curve of the massive sea creature flipping backward into the breach position before disappearing underwater. But it’s just a wave, you’re told by a native islander. “See that water spout on the horizon? That’s one. There’s another because they travel in pods this time of year. The species swim all the way from the icy waters of Alaska to mate, breed, and give birth in these warm cerulean waters. The males actually fight over a female until she chooses her mate. Then they become inseparable.” I learned to visually scan the open waters back and forth for signs of activity. I dared not glance away and miss something worth witnessing. The humpback whales did not disappoint. For an hour and a half, they frolicked near the surface as if performing for a group of tourists at Sea World. I saw an occasional breached back flip, storybook mermaid tail waves, and several fountain-like water spouts. It was as though the whales communicated in a sign language all their own. I learned a lot that day on the cliff. My new island friends, Lexi and Randall, appreciate the hypnotic lure and ancient history of this magical island called Kauai. Thanks to them and the stories they shared, I can appreciate it a little more as well. 

Dining Outside the Home: Joe’s on the Green in Kōloa, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Joe’s on the Green in Kōloa, Kauai. Located at the Kiahuna Golf Club, this casual open-air restaurant offers upscale taste with a picturesque view overlooking the challenging 18-hole golf course and an extensive gourmet menu that can almost leave you undecided. Almost. The Crab Cake Eggs Benedict is a decadent choice since the crunchy bite of seafood compliments the buttery lemon hollandaise sauce. A splash of hot pepper sauce gives two soft-boiled eggs a jumpstart that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Slowly savor each luscious bite. Then smile and nod in approval as Joe passes your table to greet all the guests. 

Trade Winds Soothe the Soul

Perched on the edge of a blue lagoon along the Coconut Coast sits the Kauai Beach Hostel where accommodations are a little different. Bamboo doors may divide sleeping quarters and open-air communal gathering spots encourage free expression. Just beyond the bike trail in a grove of coconut palms, the ground dips enough to receive a small cluster of young bohemians. Easily recognized by their folksy clothing, beaded jewelry, long hair, and external spontaneity, the word “hippie” comes to mind. The guys often toss a hacky sac into the air or walk a tight rope stretched between two tree trunks like a balance beam. The gals may sometimes sit cross-legged on the ground in transcendental fashion facing the sea. At first glance it appears as though the feminine curve of a back seems naked and bare. A second look confirms it. Dark straight hair spills over each shoulder falling forward as this gypsy time-traveler engages the group in lively conversation. From time to time a puff of smoke is seen floating on the breeze carrying a distinct aroma slightly familiar. Clasped hands are joined in love. Radiant sunbeams pour through swaying palm fronds as heads roll back and laughter fills the air. Life is good on this peaceful tropical island where trade winds soothe the soul. 

Dining Outside the Home: Skinny Mike’s Hawaiian Ice Cream in Lihue, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Skinny Mike’s Hawaiian Ice Cream in Lihue, Kauai. “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” This bright and airy internet café makes you feel at home on the beach. Pull up a chair and stay awhile. Vegan ice cream; they’ve got it. Tropical banana splits; no problem. Wake-up shakes; yes, indeed! Fruit sorbets, frothy floats, shave ice, and fudge sundaes, too. The ice cream is locally made in Hawaii using top-notch fresh ingredients, supporting the island small businesses. That’s a big deal! How does it taste, you ask? I’ll get back to you later after I finish my dish of old-fashioned root beer ice cream. Mahalo. 

Dining Outside the Home: Street Burger in Wailua, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Street Burger in Wailua, Kauai! An urban upscale burger joint? When you add a gourmet chef who gives you a front row seat to his Argentinian-style grill and a pastry chef with a view of the kitchen, it adds up to years of experience serving the public with flare. The menu boasts 20 different kinds of burgers, made from good, natural ingredients. Even the condiments are made from scratch. The high-ceiling décor is industrial chic. In a sweeping glance, you’ll find everything from ship lap and tile to stainless and hardwoods reflected in the surroundings. Through glass-paneled sliding barn doors, a view of the Sleeping Giant mountain range forms a backdrop for inside seating. The enticing aromas encourage you to relax and stay awhile. Put down the cell phones and soak up the rustic ambience. When the feta-spinach-cucumber stuffed Greek burger arrived, with a flip of the oversized striped napkin across my lap, I was ready to dig in. 

Puff is Alive in Shangri-La

Across a single lane bridge, where posted signs kindly ask vehicles to limit seven at a time in one direction, is a mystical land where time stands still for peace and love to thrive. Some refer to it as a Shangri-La with lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks. Others recall a 1960’s tune about Puff the Magic Dragon living “by the sea in a land called Hanalei”. Islanders simply know it as the North Shore where some of the best waves make surfing a daily ritual. Main Street is quaint and laid back with organic eateries, specialty shops, and barefoot hippies everywhere. Rustic galleries feature hypnotic psychedelic art inspired by creative painters. Multi-faceted crystals, beaded pearls, and hand-crafted jewelry complement tie dyed sarongs and loose fitting fabrics that flow like mist with every step. And people are happy, in a carefree-sort-of-way. Who wouldn’t be content in a place where sandy beaches are sun-warmed, pebbly soft, and white as powder? Brief rain showers are followed by vibrant rainbows that light up the sky before dissolving into radiant sunbeams. Is it a magical place? Listen to the song lyrics, then plan a visit to Hanalei and decide for yourself. 

Dining Outside the Home: Pietro’s Pizza in Lihue, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Pietro’s Pizza in Lihue, Kauai! Just a stone’s throw within walking distance from Kalipaki Beach is a New York-style pizzeria where the crust is thin, hand-tossed to perfection, and every order is cut into eight wide slices. “Makes it easy to fold in half to eat”, we’re told. Crisp and smoky flavored meat toppings complement the bubbly cheese and chewy crust baked in a brick oven. Whether you eat it there or buy it by the slice, check them out when your taste buds crave something Italian. 

Mythical Mermaid in the Mist

Every girl’s dream, in my opinion, is to live the fairy tale life of Princess Ariel, The Little Mermaid. And I found proof on the beach one morning as I walked along the shoreline. Three young girls, around the age of eleven, were dipping their painted toes into the salty sea waves. One girl had long blonde hair the color of corn silk and wore a yellow bikini. Another had wavy auburn hair, the rosy shade of the sky moments before sunset. Her two-piece halter was the shade of violet flowers. The third girl could have been mistaken for an islander with dark waist-length hair. One strand was tucked neatly behind her ear, held in place by a white plumeria blossom. She giggled as she handed the redhead what appeared to be a sleek and luxurious green finned mermaid tail. When the Ariel-like preteen wiggled her tiny hips into the waterproof snug-fitting sheath, I heard an exclamation, “Careful, don’t tear it”, as two pairs of hands automatically offered balance. While hobbling on one foot in the monofin, with a final tug she pulled it over her hips and snapped the elastic waist into place. Admittedly, the image was a striking transformation. She had the realistic appearance of a live mermaid. Unable to take a step, a voice above the surf commanded, “Just lay down and roll into the surf!” With the grace of a princess, she plunged into the sea and began to propel through the water like a mythical creature. It must have taken a bit of practice to become surprisingly buoyant with natural swimming movements. Or perhaps she was a mermaid in everyday life.