National Spam Musubi Day

National Spam Musubi Day, observed on August 8, was established in 2021 by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and officially recognized by Hawaii Governor David Y. Ige. The date, 8.08, honors Hawaii’s 808 area code while celebrating Spam musubi—a snack that pairs grilled Spam with rice and nori.

First created in its modern form by Barbara Funamura on Kauai in 1983, Spam musubi draws from Japanese immigrant food traditions and the introduction of Spam to Hawaii during World War II. Today, it stands as both a cultural symbol and a beloved everyday food, honored through free tastings, restaurant promotions, and community events.

What is Spam Musubi?

Spam musubi is a handheld snack that resembles Japanese onigiri but with a Hawaiian twist. It features a slice of pan-fried Spam, often glazed with soy or teriyaki sauce, placed atop a block of sticky white rice, then secured with a strip of nori (dried seaweed).

Today, Spam musubi is a staple of Hawaiian convenience stores, lunch counters, and family gatherings, known for its balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

When is National Spam Musubi Day?

National Spam Musubi Day always falls on August 8, keeping its connection to Hawaii’s 808 area code. Here are the upcoming dates until 2030:

The History of Spam Musubi

• Japanese Roots: Immigrants introduced musubi—rice wrapped in nori—to Hawaii in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Wartime Influence: During World War II, Spam arrived in Hawaii as a military ration. Fresh meat was scarce, so Spam became an essential protein for locals.
• Modern Invention: The Spam musubi we know today is credited to Barbara Funamura of Kauai in 1983, who shaped Spam slices with rice and nori into a convenient snack.
• Restaurant Popularity: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue added Spam musubi to its menu in 1999, eventually becoming the largest Spam musubi vendor in the United States.

How It’s Celebrated

• Free Musubis: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and other restaurants sometimes hand out free Spam musubi.
• Special Promotions: Chains like Ono Hawaiian BBQ offer discounts or giveaways.
• Merchandise: SPAM® has released themed products, sometimes supporting charities like Aloha United Way.
• Community Events: Local events and in-store festivities bring people together to enjoy Hawaii’s famous snack.

Before You Go:

We have many more national days lists for you to explore.

• Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
• Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
• Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.