Celebrate National Spam Musubi Day August 8th

If you’re visiting Hawaii in August, you’re arriving just in time to celebrate one of the islands’ most iconic local favorites: Spam musubi. Found everywhere from neighborhood convenience stores to beach picnics and family gatherings, this simple snack has earned a permanent place in Hawaiʻi’s food culture.

Made with grilled Spam, seasoned rice, and crisp nori, Spam musubi is the perfect grab-and-go bite for a beach day, hike, or afternoon exploring Waikiki. It’s affordable, filling, and unmistakably local.

National Spam Musubi Day is celebrated every August 8th. The holiday was established in 2021 by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, with the date (8/8) chosen to honor Hawaii’s famous 808 area code. It’s a fun way to celebrate a snack that has become a symbol of island comfort food.

Whether you’re celebrating during your stay in Hawaii or bringing a little aloha home, this easy recipe is a great place to start.

Easy Hawaii-Style Spam Musubi Recipe

Makes: 8 musubi

Ingredients

• 1 can (12 oz) Spam Classic
• 3 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (warm)
• 4 sheets nori, cut in half
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds authentic local flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Furikake seasoning (optional, but commonly used in Hawaii)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Prepare Japanese short-grain rice according to the package directions. Keep it warm while assembling the musubi.

2. Slice the Spam

Slice the Spam lengthwise into 8 even slices.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil

4. Cook the Spam

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Spam for about 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Pour the sauce into the pan and continue cooking until it thickens into a glossy glaze, flipping the Spam to coat both sides.

5. Assemble

Using a Spam musubi mold (or the empty Spam can lined with plastic wrap):

• Add a layer of warm rice and gently press down.
• Sprinkle with furikake if using.
• Place one slice of glazed Spam on top.
• Remove from the mold.

6. Wrap

Place the musubi in the center of a strip of nori. Wrap tightly around the rice and Spam, using a tiny bit of water to seal the edge.

Serve warm or let cool slightly before packing for the beach.

Local Tips

• Freshly cooked Japanese short-grain rice gives the best texture.
• Don’t overcook the glaze, it should lightly coat the Spam without becoming sticky like caramel.
• Furikake is optional, but it’s a local favorite that adds extra flavor.
• Musubi can be made a few hours ahead of time, making it perfect for beach days, hikes, or sightseeing around Oahu.

Whether it’s your first Spam musubi or your hundredth, National Spam Musubi Day is a delicious excuse to experience one of Hawaii’s most beloved traditions. If you’re staying at The Imperial Hawaii Resort this August, be sure to add a musubi stop to your Waikiki adventure!

If you’re planning future Oahu trips, you may want to look into our Imperial Hawaii Vacation Club!  Lower rates, better perks, and you can come back every year for Hawaii adventures!  Visit https://www.imperialofwaikiki.com/jointheclub/ for more information.