9th Annual Spam Jam

The 9th Annual Waikiki Spam Jam took place last Saturday afternoon and evening (April 30, 2011). Though seemingly smaller than some previous editions, it was by any measure a great success, with thousands of visitors and kama`aina in attendance.

As usual, part of Kalakaua Avenue was blocked off; this year it was just a few blocks, but that was more than enough to cause a Spam Jam traffic jam.

There were just two performance stages, but the entertainment was top-rate, with all sorts of local artists participating. Kahiko hula was featured in the performance shown below; throughout the afternoon and evening, just about every form of Hawaiian music and dancing was on display, to the great delight of the crowds.

The theme was Spam and everything Spam. One of the volunteer workers at the party wore a unique Spam-themed hat.

Attendees could also pick up a great variety of Spam-related merchandise, including a huge choice of Spam tee shirts.

Of course, there was no lack of Spam on the menu of the numerous participating food vendors. A Spam cheeseburger, perhaps?

Or perhaps some Spam-flavored macadamia nuts? We hadn't seen these before, so we tried them; let's just say their taste is "unique."

Statistics show that Hawaiians consume about twice as much Spam per-capita as mainlanders. Conventional accounts trace this back to World War II, with GIs bringing the product with them as they passed through Hawai`i on their way to the Pacific Theater. Spam is actually produced in Minnesota, a state about as unlike Hawai`i as we can imagine.

Tourists delight to Spam and eggs breakfast menu options at local fast food restaurants, but Hawaiians take it in stride. It's not surprising that Spam is sometimes called "Hawaiian steak."

The 9th Annual Spam Jam was a terrific event and an enjoyable time for everyone. That it's a good thing for tourism is self-evident, and we congratulate the organizers on a job well done. Here's to next year!