Do some Hawaiians still leave food on the graves for their ancestors?

Question

I knew a Hawaiian lady, she said when she was very young, she and her brothers and cousins would watch the cemetary near her home. When people would leave food for their ancestors, she and her relatives would wait until the people left and go eat the food! I just wondered if people still leave food.

Answer 1

It is an Asian custom, probably adopted by many people now, as cultures tend to blend here in Hawaii. Sometimes food--- sometimes drinks-- toys for children, holiday decorations etc. Not only at the grave, but at the place of death as well.
Food offerings are also left for Pele near the active volcano--- everything from raw pork chops to alcohol and cookies.

Answer 2

I grew up in Hawaii and ,my step father is Hawaiian.I have never known any Hawaiians to leave food on graves but I do know that the oriental people did that.I lived right across the street from a Japanese cemetary.They didnt actually leave a plate of food(and I certainly never heard of anyone eating food off of graves.I think someone is pulling your leg!)They left money,fruit,pictures,burning insense,flowers,ect.

Answer 3

I lived in Hawaii almost my whole life. I am of Asian ancestry and we leave cans of the deceased favorite beverage.I've seen people have picnics near the graves. Not a good idea to leave food the roaches come.

Answer 4

Are you sure she wasn't MEXICAN? Mexicans love to honor the dead with foods and trinkets...