The tropical paradise of Hawaii is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and colorful marine life However, one creature you won’t find swimming in Hawaii’s warm Pacific waters is the salmon This cold water fish seems like an unlikely resident of the Hawaiian islands. Yet over the years, there have been sporadic reports of salmon catches in Hawaii, creating an intriguing mystery – are there really wild salmon in Hawaii?
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that could explain this aquatic anomaly, look at first-hand accounts of Hawaiian salmon catches, and examine the cultural role salmon has come to play in modern Hawaiian cuisine. Read on for a deep dive into the question are there salmon in Hawaii?
Why Would Salmon Be in Hawaii?
Salmon are most comfortable in the chilly waters of the northern Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Alaska Canada Washington, and Oregon. So what draws them all the way down to the balmy Hawaiian islands over 2000 miles away?
The main reason lies in the incredible migration patterns of salmon. Born in freshwater streams, young salmon journey out to sea where they spend years feeding and maturing. When ready to spawn, they undertake an arduous upstream migration back to their exact place of birth. Some salmon species, like Chinook, are capable of migrating vast distances up to 3000 miles during their ocean phase. Although rare, Hawaii lies within the possible range of salmon wandering the Pacific.
Ocean currents and upwellings that deliver cool, nutrient-rich water to Hawaii’s shores may also lure cruising salmon. The Alaska Current and North Pacific Gyre create conditions reminiscent of salmon’s northern habitat. Hawaii also sees an influx of these currents during winter which coincides with the peak months of salmon migration from November to March.
Eyewitness Accounts of Salmon in Hawaii
While scientifically documenting wild Hawaiian salmon is difficult, numerous anglers over the years have claimed success hooking salmon in Hawaiian waters. In one account, a fisherman reported catching a 20-pound Chinook salmon off Kona while trolling for marlin at a depth of 225 feet. The cooler deep sea habitat attracted the wayward salmon.
Several reports indicate salmon catches increase dramatically when fishing 100 fathoms (600 feet) or deeper around Hawaii. Trollers running heavy duty gear and bait rigs suited for big game like tuna and marlin seem most likely to cross paths with a roaming salmon. Though freak encounters, these anecdotal reports confirm salmon are occasionally caught by intrepid Hawaiian anglers.
The Cultural Impact of Hawaiian Salmon
Despite their rarity in Hawaiian waters, salmon have left a surprising mark on Hawaii’s food culture. Fresh salmon was introduced to the islands by early traders and settlers. Though not abundant, salmon was tasty and novel. Creative cooks began experimenting with new dishes using this imported fish.
One resulting concoction was lomi lomi salmon – diced raw salmon mixed with tomatoes, Maui onions, and chili pepper. Traditionally, native Hawaiians ate fish like moi and aholehole with poi. But the blending of imported salmon and produce birthed a contemporary Hawaiian specialty. The name “lomi lomi salmon” stuck, highlighting the multi-cultural melting pot Hawaii had become.
So while few, if any, salmon swim in Hawaii’s oceans, Hawaiian chefs and traditions adopted this fish. Salmon brought by outsiders became an integral part of Hawaii’s evolving food story. The existence of lomi lomi salmon today pays homage to the lasting exchange of people, ingredients, and ideas that shaped Hawaiian cuisine and culture.
Can salmon truly be found in Hawaii? The evidence suggests Hawaii lies at the extreme edge of the salmon’s domain. Yet a combination of factors from ocean currents to marlin fishing occasionally deliver salmon to Hawaiian waters. While these rare occurrences may not constitute a stable wild salmon population, they do confirm Hawaii represents the last frontier for salmon roaming the Pacific.
And despite the low odds of catching a Hawaiian salmon, these determined fish still managed to swim into the hearts and diets of Hawaiians. So keep scanning the waves during your next visit to Hawaii – you just may spy one of these intrepid salmon navigating its way to a new island home.
Watch how to make this
I know hundreds of salmon recipes are already out there, but Im always looking for more. Its such a versatile fish that can easily be dressed up or down and it always tastes great. To venture away from the normal Thai BBQ salmon or pistachio crusted salmon that I always make, I decided to go Hawaiian. Inspired by Hawaiian shrimp, I used the same flavors to create Hawaiian-style salmon. Baked garlic butter salmon with a caramelized Meyer lemon relish? Yes, please!
Do you know those recipes that only have a handful of ingredients but still taste great? Yup, this Hawaiian-style salmon is one of them. If you ever visited Giovannis shrimp truck in Hawaii, youll know that its a fairly basic dish. Its shrimp dressed in spices, butter, and a good amount of butter. Although it seems just ordinary, its delicious. And so, I thought to myself, why not make a similar dish but with salmon?
For another delicious Hawaiian recipe, check out this spam, egg, and pineapple fried rice musubi!
- Salmon: A popular type of fish known for its rich flavor and high omega-3 fatty acid content. It is typically pink-orange and can be found in various species such as Atlantic, sockeye, or coho.
- Paprika: A spice made from dried and ground peppers, paprika adds a beautiful red hue to the dish while also adding a mildly spicy flavor.
- Cayenne: A type of dried ground chili that adds heat to the salmon. This recipe makes a mild version but you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Meyer lemon: A citrus fruit believed to be a cross between a lemon and either a mandarin or an orange. It has a thinner, smoother skin and a sweeter, less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons. If Meyer lemons are unavailable, use regular lemons instead.
- Jalapeno: A medium-sized chili pepper with a mild to moderate level of spiciness. You can also use serrano peppers or even poblano peppers for a slightly different variation.
- Protein: You can substitute the salmon for another firm fish such as mahi-mahi or arctic char or use other seafood such as shrimp or scallops.
- Non-spicy: Omit the jalapenos for a mild version of the dish.
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Enter your email below & well send it straight to your inbox. Plus, enjoy weekly doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!
Inspired by the popular Hawaiian garlic shrimp, this salmon dish is just as delicious and incredibly easy to prepare. Have 20 minutes to spare? Then you need to try this Hawaiian-style salmon with caramelized Meyer lemon relish.
LOMI LOMI SALMON RECIPE | Keeping It Relle
FAQ
What is the name of the Hawaiian Salmon?
The rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata), also known as the rainbow yellowtail, Spanish jack and Hawaiian salmon, is a common species of pelagic marine fish of the jack family, Carangidae. The species is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the world, inhabiting both coastal and offshore areas.
Can you fish for salmon in Hawaiʻi?
No, you cannot fish for salmon in Hawaiian waters. While some sources mistakenly refer to a fish called “Hawaiian salmon” or “rainbow runner,” this is not a salmon species.
Why is it called lomi salmon?
The name derives from the Hawaiian “lomi-lomi” which means to massage. The ingredients are mixed, or massaged, together gently by hand. Versions of this dish date back to the 1700’s when salted fish and meats were extremely common. As additional ingredients became available, they were added to the existing recipe.
What is the Hawaiian word for salmon?
Kāmano. Canned salmon, kāmano kini. Salted salmon, kāmano paʻakai. Mashed salmon, kāmano lomi.