Spam is one of the most popular foods in Hawaii which makes it appropriate that Hawaii host an annual Waikiki Spam Jam Festival to celebrate the canned meat.
Spam became a popular choice among Americans during World War II. It was first introduced to the market in 1937 by Hormel Foods and quickly gained popularity. The long shelf life, easy portability, and variety of uses have made it one of the most popular choices in Hawaii. US troops serving in the Pacific found it to be a great way to get a filling meal, and so do the islanders of the tropical state.
Hawaii figured out Spam
Although many people in the continuous United States might not choose Spam as part of their regular diet, residents of Hawaii have found various ways to serve this canned meat and make it much more than its basic form. Its been fused into the local cuisine and culture, being serviced in musubi, sir-fry, or as a skillet-cooked item at breakfast. The various ways it can be served have made Spam a huge hit in Hawaii and something the islanders are more than happy to celebrate each year.
The party is all about Spam
One of the main streets of Waikiki is turned into a massive party each year during the Waikiki Spam Jam Festival. Kalakaua Avenue becomes a lively street party with some amazing entertainment, a massive celebration, and several creative Spam dishes that can give attendees some wonderful new ideas of how to serve and enjoy the beloved canned meat. This unique festival has become a wonderful tradition, offering something to the world that’s as unique as this island state.
How long has this festival been celebrated?
The first year for the Waikiki Spam Jam was 2002, as a tribute to the state’s love affair with Spam. It was originally meant to be a little quirky, especially since the running joke around the country has to do with the number of cans of this meat that are consumed in Hawaii every year. That quirky celebration expanded into support of local charities and amazing events, and it has become one of the island’s most anticipated cultural festivals. Every year, many tourists travel to Hawaii in April to enjoy the festival and celebrate the canned meat that is a staple of the Hawaiian diet.
The food is spectacular
The celebration of Spam involves many participants showcasing their creativity with the canned meat by offering various dishes based on this canned meat. It’s a great way to showcase the humor and heritage involved in this creation, and it brings many dishes to the forefront that some may have never thought to make and offer. The creative dishes that range from comfort food to various fusion-based dishes make many people wonder why they didn’t think of the foods that have become more traditional and part of the culture of the residents of Hawaii.
It’s only one night, so be ready
If you want to experience the Waikiki Spam Jam Festival, you’ll need to know when it’s being held in April and plan your travel accordingly. The street is closed to vehicular traffic as nearly 40,000 people crowd the street to enjoy the food booths, live music, and local artisans that line the street. There are various pop-up tents with food creations involving Spam, including ice cream, which sounds a bit strange, and fun events.
You won’t be able to reach the festival by car and should use public transportation or part at the Honolulu Zoo or Kapi’olani Park, which are both within walking distance of the festival.
Yes, there is Spam-themed merchandise
If you don’t have a Spam-themed t-shirt, did you actually attend the festival? Thankfully, if you visit Hawaii and enjoy this festival, you can buy some Spam-themed merchandise and see some crafted items that have been created by locals. You’ll find some trendy items featuring Spam and other great items that can make it easy to show off the quirkiness of the event when your Hawaiian vacation has ended and you’re back on the mainland.
Do you want to enjoy a spring vacation on an island and attend a local festival? Why not make it the Waikiki Spam Jam Festival, in which you can celebrate Spam and spend time on the island during one of the most pleasant months of the year? Will you head to Hawaii for this festival next year?
