Honolulu fest explores the wonders of Spam.

Byline: Caleb Jones

HONOLULU -- In Hawaii, Spam rules. No, not the kind that you get in your email, but the kind you eat -- or don't eat, as it may be for many mainlanders.

To honor Spam lovers in Hawaii, Hormel Foods released a new flavor -- Portuguese sausage Spam -- exclusively at a street festival Saturday. The flavor may be sold elsewhere.

Spam was introduced by Hormel in 1937. In World War II, the company started shipping it to military personnel stationed in the islands. Spam did not need to be refrigerated, so it could be shipped to the state without spoiling.

Spam Musubi, a sushi-inspired...