When it comes to food, people near and far are gobbling up PBS Hawaiʻi’s digital exclusive series ‘ONO! Hawaiʻi’s Food Culture. Now in its second season, ‘ONO! takes a unique approach to the content it serves up. Each episode, to date, focuses on a favorite island dish, going beyond just the flavor factor and deeper into the history of each food and how it found its place in Hawaiʻi’s favorite foods.

From sweet to savory and everything in between, each featured food teases all senses, making viewers ‘ono for more and likely planning a meal around the dishes they see. Beyond that, ‘ONO! has the unique ability to take viewers back in time to a memory involving that particular island cuisine, whether it be with family and friends or a special place or moment in time.

‘ONO! The Story of Poke with Chef Sam Choy whets the appetite with a look at not just how poke is made, starting with selecting the right fish at auction, but also the power it has to connect communities and keep the history of this delicious dish alive. The genuine emotion that comes from a beloved dish close to the heart of one of the biggest names in Hawaiʻi cuisine spotlights poke in an unforgettable way never really seen before.

“The simple version of poke is like taking a bite into the history of the Hawaiian people,” explains Choy.

“A good poke goes a long way, in many ways, in friendship, in love, in sharing. A good poke does that.”
Chef Sam Choy

The power of food to bridge generations and miles is unlike any other. Something as simple as shave ice elicits joy and memories with just a mention.

“My dad would tell me he would serve kids shave ice, and then, over the years, they grow up, they have their own kids, and they bring their kids to get shaved ice,” reminisces Walter Lee of Waiola Shave Ice.

Series like ‘ONO! Hawaiʻi’s Food Culture reflect the heart of what PBS Hawaiʻi strives to do every day: share the stories that shape life in the islands. By exploring the history, people, and traditions behind the foods we love, the series preserves cultural knowledge while reminding us how deeply connected our community truly is.

You can watch ʻONO! Hawaiʻi’s Food Culture on pbshawaii.org or the PBS Hawaiʻi YouTube channel.