Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-roasted pork with earthy smoke and salt, cooked traditionally in an underground imu for authentic Hawaiian flavor. This hawaiian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 510 minutes pairs Pork shoulder (bone-in), Sea salt, Water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Hawaiian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 5 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 1/4 cup sea salt. Place in a roasting pan and pour 2 cups water around it to create steam.
  2. Step 2: Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil and roast at 275°F (135°C) for 8 hours, or until pork pulls apart easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from oven and let rest 30 minutes. Wrap in 4 large banana leaves to keep warm while resting.
  4. Step 4: Shred pork with forks, discarding excess fat. Serve with steamed rice and lūʻau (taro leaves) for an authentic experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig take to make?

Total time is about 510 minutes (30 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Native Hawaiian Kalua Pig?

Hawaiian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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