Hawaiian Sea Salt

Hawaiian sea salt is an unrefined sea salt harvested from Hawaiian waters and sold primarily as coarse crystals. Some batches are blended with alaea volcanic clay for a brick-red hue and mild earthiness, while others are plain and clean-tasting; the large grains give a satisfying crunch and dissolve slowly for seasoning, brining, curing, finishing, and cocktail rims.

Traditionally known as paʻakai, it developed in Native Hawaiian foodways where seawater was evaporated in shallow pans and alaea clay was incorporated for ceremonial and culinary uses. Modern producers continue the craft on the islands and export it widely, and it now appears in both regional Pacific dishes and contemporary global cooking.