Top Places To Get Poi In Hawaii

A visit to Hawaii is an excellent opportunity to experience authentic Polynesian cuisine; few dishes are more iconic than poi. Made primarily from taro, poi is a staple food deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture. This unique dish is a must-try during your visit, and this article will serve as your ultimate guide. But first, you might have some questions: What exactly is poi, and what makes taro—the key ingredient—so special?

Taro is a root vegetable ideally suited to tropical climates and is considered by historians to be one of humanity's earliest cultivated crops, with evidence of farming dating back as far as 10,000 years. Similar in appearance and taste to sweet potatoes or yams, taro uniquely offers notes of vanilla, earthiness, and nuttiness, according to popular descriptions. It also boasts a significantly higher fiber content.

Poi itself is a simple yet fascinating dish, created by mashing cooked taro root and mixing it with water. Depending on how much water is added, poi can vary widely in consistency—from thick and syrupy to thin and soup-like. As noted by New York Times reporter Robert Trumbull, poi’s thickness is humorously gauged by how many fingers are needed to scoop it from the bowl—the more fingers required, the thinner the poi.

Some describe poi as an "acquired taste," but in reality, it is as pure and approachable as food can be. Moreover, it’s remarkably nutritious and considered a superfood due to its high fiber content, vitamin B, and calcium, low in sodium and completely free of gluten and fat.

Simply put: poi is a culinary experience you shouldn't miss. Ready to give it a try? Here’s where you can find the best poi in Hawaii.