Hawaiian Squid Luau

Don’t let its humble looks fool you this ono (delicious) traditional dish is full of rich, briny flavor. Steamed luau leaves (taro leaves) are cooked with creamy coconut milk and pieces of squid or octopus. Think of it as a creamed spinach with an Island flair. A great accompaniment for Lau Lau or Kalua Pig.

Highway Inn is a Hawaii icon, renowned for serving up traditional Hawaiian specialties since its 1947 founding by Seiichi & Nancy Toguchi. During World War II, the Toguchis and their three children were forcibly moved to Japanese Incarceration Camps. Seiichi mastered his culinary skills while working in the camp’s mess hall, and in 1947, after returning home to Hawaii, he opened Highway Inn. Crowds soon began to line up for a taste of Toguchi’s cooking, and they haven’t let up since. Highway Inn is today owned by Seiichi & Nancy’s grandchildren, and the menu hasn’t changed much since those early days.