Hulihuli

Hulihuli is a term from the Hawaiian language that stems from the verb huli, meaning to turn over or to invert. In Hawaiian usage, the reduplicated form hulihuli describes the action of turning something around, and it is commonly encountered in cooking contexts as huli-huli, referring to the act of turning meat on a grill.

The best-known reference to hulihuli in cuisine is the dish often called huli-huli chicken. This is a grilled chicken prepared with a glaze or sauce that is repeatedly brushed on and the meat turned during cooking to develop a caramelized, slightly sweet and tangy crust. Variations exist in ingredients and preparation, but a typical sauce includes pineapple juice or pineapple flavoring, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, with some recipes adding ketchup, tomato sauce, or sesame oil. The cooking method emphasizes turning the chicken to achieve even caramelization and a glossy coating.

Culinary and cultural contexts place huli-huli chicken at the center of Hawaiian-style barbecues, luaus, fairs, and roadside grill stands. The dish is associated with the broader tradition of Hawaii’s barbecue practices, which blend local ingredients with influences from Asian and American charbroiling techniques. While the exact origin of the dish is not definitively documented, it has become emblematic of casual, communal Hawaiian cooking and has inspired numerous variations across the islands and among visitors.

Beyond cooking, hulihuli can appear in general descriptions of turning or flipping items, and in various place names or brand usages, reflecting its broader meaning of turning something over.