Hawaiian cuisine is a unique blend of flavors influenced by various cultures, including native Hawaiian, Asian, and European traditions. Key ingredients often include fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and taro, which is used to make poi, a traditional Hawaiian dish. Popular dishes include poke, marinated raw fish, and loco moco, a rice dish topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy. The use of local ingredients is central to Hawaiian cooking, with an emphasis on sustainability and community. Traditional cooking methods, such as imu (an underground oven), are still used for special occasions, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the islands.