Hawaii’s Answer to the Classic American Hot Dog
Why the best Hawaiian hot dog is – When the United States of Hot Dogs competition came around, many residents of Hawaii had a single, definitive choice for their island’s representative. That choice was the Spam musubi—a beloved local creation that transforms the traditional hot dog experience by replacing the sausage with Spam, swapping bread for seaweed, and trading the ballpark setting for a beachside atmosphere.
While purists might argue that Spam musubi doesn’t technically qualify as a hot dog, it fulfills the same essential role: it is portable, salty, satisfying, and features a meat product that locals simply don’t question too deeply.
As the locals say, “Just try it. The buggah is mean (it’s seriously good). Broke da mouth (delicious).”
What Makes a Spam Musubi Special
The construction of this Hawaiian favorite begins with a thick slice of Spam that has been seared in a mixture of shoyu and sugar. This savory-sweet meat sits atop a block of sticky white rice, which has been lightly sprinkled with furikake—a traditional Japanese rice seasoning that adds extra flavor. The entire assembly is then wrapped securely in nori, or dried seaweed, which keeps everything together and adds a subtle oceanic taste.
Of course, if Spam isn’t your preference—though locals might question that choice—there are plenty of alternatives. Residents eagerly consume katsubi, which features chicken katsu, as well as egg musubi and even hot dog musubi. When ordering the latter, be sure to request red hot dogs only.
Where to Find the Best Musubi
One of the most convenient aspects of Spam musubi is its portability. These treats are almost always tightly bundled in plastic wrap, making them ready to go wherever you need them. Pack a few before heading to the beach, toss one in your carry-on before boarding a flight, or shove several into your bag before starting a hike. They truly function as a Hawaii power bar.
When asking locals where to find the finest musubi, you will likely be directed toward a convenience shop, grocery store, or—brace yourself—a gas station. Every local has their preferred spot, but here are a few beloved stops across the islands worth visiting:
Hot diggity dog: Our deep dive into the history of hot dogs, from pushcart to ballpark
The WWII Connection
Spam’s status as a Hawaiian staple traces back to World War II. During this period, the canned meat was shipped to the islands as a protein-rich, shelf-stable option for soldiers stationed there. Fresh meat was not always readily available, so locals began incorporating Spam into their everyday cooking. Over the decades, it evolved from a convenient food source into something much more meaningful—comfort food.
While there is no universal agreement on who originally created the Spam musubi, many credit the late Barbara Funamura. This Japanese-American nutritionist and business owner is said to have invented the Hawaiian delicacy and helped popularize it at Joni-Hana restaurant in Kukui Grove Center in Kauai during the 1980s.
One of the best places to get your hands on Hawaii’s “hot dog”—Spam musubi—is indeed a gas station.
About the Authors
Ashley Pōkiʻi Lewis serves as the managing editor for USA TODAY’s audience team. Born and raised on Maui, Hawai’i, she can be reached at ashley@usatoday.com.
Jennifer Borresen contributed the interactive graphic to this story. As a graphic journalist at USA TODAY, she specializes in explanatory graphics and illustrations covering various fields, including politics, science, weather, and entertainment.
