Ep 2. Undiscovered Hawaii

On the second episode of season 10 of Bizarre Foods America, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Undiscovered Hawaii. Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical weather, but there is so much more to the state than meets the eye. Andrew sets out to uncover the unique and lesser-known food culture of Hawaii’s various islands.

The episode starts with Andrew in Maui, where he experiences his first taste of Hawaiian food at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store and Grill. Here, he tries traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, which consists of rice, macaroni salad, and a meat. He samples the house-made venison burger, as well as the classic dish, poke, a raw fish salad. Andrew then travels to the tiny island of Molokai, where he experiences the laid-back culture and hospitable locals. He visits a local farm to try some unique Hawaiian fruits like the rollinia, a custardlike fruit, and the soursop, a prickly fruit with a tangy flavor.

On the island of Oahu, Andrew visits Kamehameha Schools, a prestigious Hawaiian high school that offers classes in Hawaiian language, culture, and food. He meets up with a group of students and cooks and learns how to make poi, a traditional Hawaiian staple made of taro root. He then travels to the North Shore, where he visits a shrimp truck and tries the garlic shrimp, a popular dish in Hawaii.

Next, Andrew heads to Big Island, where he visits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to learn about the island's volcanic history and its impact on the local agriculture. He tries a dish made with freshly picked heart of palm from the park's forests and also visits a local coffee plantation to learn about the production process of Kona coffee, which is grown only on the Big Island.

The episode concludes with Andrew attending a traditional Hawaiian luau on the island of Kauai. Here, he tries traditional kalua pig, which is cooked in an imu, an underground oven. He also samples the poi he learned how to make on Oahu and other Hawaiian delicacies like lomi-lomi salmon, a dish made with salted salmon and tomatoes. Andrew is also treated to a performance of hula dance, which tells stories of the Hawaiian culture and history.

Overall, Undiscovered Hawaii showcases the unique and diverse food culture of Hawaii, beyond the typical tourist attractions, and sheds light on the indigenous cuisine and ingredients specific to each island. Andrew Zimmern's journey through Hawaii is a must-watch for foodies and travel enthusiasts looking to experience the true essence and flavors of Hawaii.