School is out, Summer is here and we’re pumped for what the next couple of months have in store — BEACH DAYS GALORE! There are few essentials when it comes to the beach — sun screen, water and (our personal favorite) food! Rather than packing a bag of chips or roll of crackers, grab some of local snacks instead. Below is a list of our top 4 local beach snacks.

POKE
The Hawaiian word poke (poe•kay) translates to “slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces”. Today poke is a popular local dish of sliced and marinated fish, tako, or shellfish. You can buy poke by the bowl at most grocery stores in Hawaii, we love Foodland’s flavors. But be sure to bring a cooler with you, the meat should be kept on ice while at the beach (that is if you make it to the beach without eating all of it on the way there!).

MANAPUA
Manapua is Hawaii’s version of the Chinese char siu bao. The word manapua is actually short for mea ʻono puaʻa meaning “delicious pork thing”. And that’s exactly what they are, pork-filled buns packed with flavor. We suggest your manapua be eaten warm — let them bake by your side and enjoy!

SPAM MUSUBI
Spam musubi is a local take on the Japanese ongiri, rice balls wrapped in seaweed. Make your own with three simple ingredients: rice, spam and nori (seaweed wrap), or grab a handful at your nearest 7-11. The comfort of rice alongside the saltiness of spam makes the ultimate snack for a day at the beach.

MALASADA
A malasada is a Portuguese pastry, deep-fried and rolled in granulated sugar. The rich, fluffy inside and crispy outside never fails to hit the spot. Need we say more? Our go to bakery for the perfect malasada is Leonard’s. Give ‘em a try, we promise you will not be disappointed.

There it is — 4 drool-worthy snacks for your next beach day! We hope you enjoy these treats as much as we do. We’re obsessed with everything about the ocean and love that these snacks make our days spent on the beach that much sweeter! So what are you waiting for? Get to planning!