From slow-cooked pork to fresh seafood, food is a huge part of traveling in Polynesia, a region made up of more than 1,000 islands scattered throughout the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean, which includes Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga, among many others. The region’s classic cuisine focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and a passion for enjoying mealtime with friends and family. When visiting Polynesia is not possible, armchair travelers can prepare vacation-themed meals at home with recipes from some of the best Polynesian cookbooks for travelers.
The Best Hawaiian Cookbooks
Cook Real Hawai’i: A Cookbook by Simeon Sheldon and Synder Garrett
Cook Real Hawai’i: A Cookbook tells the story of Hawaiian cooking through 100 recipes that embody the beautiful cross-cultural exchange of the islands. Simeon Sheldon, a two-time Top Chef finalist, explores the many cultures, including native Hawaiian traditions, as well as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Filipino influences, that have come together to create the cuisine of his beloved home. This cookbook features many tasty recipes, such as wok-fried poke, pork dumplings made with biscuit dough, cauliflower katsu and huli-huli chicken with a sweet-savory butter glaze. Buy Now
Aloha Kitchen by Alana Kysar
Aloha Kitchen is one of the best Polynesian cookbooks available, and it takes readers into the homes, restaurants and farms of Hawaiʻi. As a Maui native, Kysar is an expert in Hawaiʻi’s multiethnic culture and food history. In Aloha Kitchen, she shares recipes that Hawaiʻi locals have made their own, and she explores the cultural and agricultural influences that inspire local dishes, such as plate lunch and poke. Kysar also explores local Hawaiʻi staples, such as saimin, loco moco and shoyu chicken, and then traces their geographic origins on the islands. Buy Now
The Island Poké Cookbook by James Gould-Porter
The Island Poké Cookbook celebrates the joy of real Hawaiian food known for its delicious fusion of many cuisines, including food from Polynesia, Japan, China, South America, the Pacific Rim and Portugal. Poke means to slice or dice in Hawaiian, but it has evolved to become the Hawaiian staple of sliced raw fish served on rice with many condiments and toppings. Recipes include popular poke dishes, such as spicy ahi and golden beetroot with chili lime shoyu, and other favorites, such as sea bass crudo, teriyaki salmon chirashi and baja poke tostadas. Buy Now
The ‘Ohana Grill by Adrienne Robillard and Dawn Sakamoto Paiva
The ‘Ohana Grill features 50 delicious recipes made for entertaining with an outdoor grill. This unique island food guide focuses on mastering the best ingredients for grilling. The author and photography team, based in Hawai’i, share beautiful photos of their culinary creations and explore the diverse cultures and flavors that make up island grilling. Recipes include guava chicken, pulehu tri-tip, grilled mahi-mahi and adobo pork belly bao with slaw. Buy Now
Additional Polynesian Cookbooks for Travelers
Eat Up New Zealand by Al Brown
Eat Up New Zealand features recipes and stories about Kiwi classic dishes, such as roast lamb, pies, flounder, corned beef, cheese scones, tamarillo desserts and preserves. Al’s approach is to start with great seasonal produce, cook it simply and add a flavor punch, texture and garnish to take it to the next level. This cookbook offers refined yet accessible recipes that are inherently Kiwi. Buy Now
Easy Tiki by Chloe Frechette
Easy Tiki examines modern tiki revival with 60 recipes that re-jigger the classics with minimal ingredients, while still maintaining a delicious balance of spices and garnishes that define tiki cocktails. Classic drink recipes include the Beachcomber’s Gold and Fog Cutter, and modern cocktail recipes include Elusive Dreams and Paradise Lost. Easy Tiki also includes an overview of the origins of the tiki genre from Don the Beachcomber and the mid-century tiki craze to Trader Vic’s and more. Buy Now
Kusima Mada by Jason Allport and Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai
Kusima Mada is the first cookbook of its kind in Fiji and is supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society for its support of sustainable seafood. This cookbook was written in collaboration with Australian Chef, Jason Allport, who designed original recipes using a range of locally-sourced seafood and produce. From rivers to mangroves, from coral reefs to the open ocean, this cookbook features over 80 recipes organized by habitat. Buy Now
Polynesian Cuisine by JR Stevens
Polynesian Cuisine features classic dishes from many South Pacific islands, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and more. This cookbook offers savory recipes, such as luau ribs, grilled beef satay, stuffed shiitake mushrooms and coconut and sweet chili shrimp. For dessert, don’t miss its sweet recipes, such as guava cake, bread pudding with bananas foster sauce and upside down pineapple cupcakes. Buy Now
If you enjoyed The Best Polynesian Cookbooks for Travelers, check out other travel-inspired books and gifts.
