In most places, spam clogs your inbox; in Hawai’i, locals devour it. Here, it’s not unusual to find Spam nestled between rice and seaweed at a convenience store, served at fine dining restaurants, or on a tray at a potluck. Spam is more than just food to locals–it’s heritage in a can. 

Invented by Hormel Foods in 1937 in Minnesota, Spam was initially established as a waste product to market and profit from surplus pork shoulder. During World War II, the canned meat was distributed across the Pacific to soldiers in the U.S. military due to its convenience, affordability, and abundant source of protein. Spam had become a staple food among troops, and after the war had ended, the plethora of leftover Spam cans was distributed among Hawai’i’s residents. This luncheon meat became widely used in cooking throughout the state due to food shortages and limited access to fresh meat. By the 1950s, Spam became a common household ingredient and remained an integral component of many Hawaiian recipes.

Spam never left after it found its way into the islands’ kitchens. Now, Hawai’i consumes more cans of Spam per capita than any other U.S. state, consuming 7 million cans annually, despite the state’s population being only 1.4 million people.

Spam holds a unique place in Hawai’i’s food culture, serving as a symbol of resilience, multicultural heritage, and island pride. Its role as a staple food during World War II exhibits the islands’ persistence in times of hardship, and over time, it became intertwined with Hawai’i’s diverse culinary traditions, influenced by Native Hawaiian, Japanese, and Filipino cuisines. This canned meat is now a part of modern daily life in Hawai’i, enjoyed at various times of the day and commonly seen at potlucks and family gatherings, where it embodies comfort, community, and hospitality. What began as a wartime necessity has become a source of local pride, often defended by locals against mainland criticism. Its versatility proves that even the simplest and most unlikely ingredients can feel distinctly local.

Each year, the Waikiki Spam Jam draws thousands of locals and tourists to honor the island’s favorite canned meat with live music, creative Spam-inspired dishes, and community spirit. This lively street festival, located on Kalākaua Avenue, is noted as Hawai’i’s quirkiest but top-rated food festival, featuring Spam-themed merchandise as well as Spam cheesecakes and cupcakes. Expressing the state’s love for the food, the Waikiki Spam Jam launched in 2002 and will be hosted once again in 2025 from April 19th to May 4th.

From a humble beginning as surplus pork in a Minnesota factory to a beloved staple written into Hawai’i’s cultural fabric, Spam has become far more than a can of leftover meat. Hawai’i’s relationship with Spam is a story of adaptation and innovation, turning a necessity into tradition and finding pride in what others might dismiss. Whether wrapped in musubi, on a breakfast plate, or celebrated in the streets of Waikiki, Spam continues to hold a cherished place at the heart of local life.