Traditional Kalua Pork is a Polynesian dish that is cooked in a underground oven. Kalua in Hawaiian means "cooked underground." The underground oven that the pork is cooked in is called an imu. An imu is a Hawaiian traditional underground oven dug into the ground, and used to cook any variety of meat or seafood. Rocks are heated by burning wood, and once the rocks are hot, the burning wood is removed, and the meat is placed on top of the burning hot rocks. The meat is then covered by layers of banana leaves to hold in the steam and smoke, and the meat slow cooks for hours within the ground, seared by the hot rocks. Now days there are different ways to cook Kalua Pork that doesnt involve an Imu.
The imu brings back the memories of all my family members getting together at my grandmas house. She had the Imu in her backyard because she loved when everyone was together. Kalua pork is served almost everywhere on the island, and is included at Hawaiian Luaus, birthday and graduation parties, family potlucks for the holidays, and at any local restaurant. At any proper island get together you’re sure to come across the classic kalua pork, Hawaiian mac salad, and rice.
Growing up on the island of Kauai, Hawaii the wildlife up in the mountains provided so much for many families. We lived off the land from the mountains to the sea. Hawaii is known for luaus, parties, and family! Preparing the imu will always bring families together. I would see family members I haven't seen in years. Aunties, uncles, and cousins who have lived far away would come back to the island to help out with the preparations and the party. The preparations of the imu, getting the pig into and out of the underground oven, shredding the meat after a day of cooking to be party ready, to the event of the night. This would bring families together to celebrate and enjoy delicious foods. Living off the island I miss my family and miss all the delicious food I would enjoy being home.