National Spam Musubi Day
National SPAM® Musubi Day celebrates Hawaii’s beloved snack that consists of grilled SPAM® on rice wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). This unique fusion dish represents the cultural melding of Japanese and American influences in Hawaiian cuisine.
Quick Facts
When is it?: August 8 (8/08, representing Hawaii’s area code)
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Cultural Celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSpamMusubiDay #SpamMusubiDay
When was it founded?: September 2022
Who founded it?: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
History of SPAM® Musubi
SPAM® became popular in Hawaii during World War II when it was part of military rations. Barbara Funamura, a Japanese-American woman from Kauai, is credited with inventing SPAM® musubi in the early 1980s at the Joni-Hana restaurant. The dish quickly spread throughout Hawaii and became a staple comfort food.
Timeline
- 1937: SPAM® is first introduced by Hormel Foods
- 1980s: Barbara Funamura creates the first SPAM® musubi
- 2021: First official celebration by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- 2022: Officially recognized in National Day Archives
- 2024: Fourth annual celebration with nationwide participation
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 8 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 8 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 8 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 8 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 8 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | August 8 | Thursday |
Observed
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations nationwide offer free SPAM® musubi to customers through their mobile app. The celebration includes special merchandise releases and community events.
Fun Facts About SPAM® Musubi
- L&L sells over 6.2 million SPAM® musubi annually
- Hawaii consumes about 7 million cans of SPAM® per year
- The name musubi comes from the Japanese word “musubu” meaning “to bind”
- SPAM® musubi is available in convenience stores throughout Hawaii
- The dish combines Japanese onigiri technique with American SPAM®
Quiz
- Who invented SPAM® musubi?
- What year was National SPAM® Musubi Day established?
- Why was August 8 chosen as the date?
-(Answers: 1. Barbara Funamura 2. 2022 3. It represents Hawaii’s area code 808)
FAQs
- How do you get free SPAM® musubi?
Download the L&L Hawaiian Barbecue app and redeem the offer on August 8 - What ingredients are in SPAM® musubi?
SPAM®, rice, nori seaweed, and often teriyaki or soy sauce - Is it served hot or cold?
It can be enjoyed either way
Related
- National SPAM® Day (July 31)
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Hawaii Statehood Day
- National Rice Ball Day
- International Sushi Day