National Hawaiian Pizza Day: A Sweet & Savory Celebration

August 20 is National Hawaiian Pizza Day. Yes, it’s real, and yes, we know, people have strong opinions. Some love it. Some can't stand that it exists. But hear us out. Hungry Howie’s® has a version worth trying and is built for those who have excellent taste. For those on the fence, we suggest skipping the argument and trying the Howie Maui Pizza instead. Pineapple, ham, bacon, and mozzarella. We make no apologies for being different.

What is Hawaiian Pizza?

Hawaiian pizza sparks strong opinions, like socks with sandals or ketchup on steak. This pizza is really simple: pineapple and ham on pizza. Sweet and salty. 

That’s the classic version. Hungry Howie’s takes it further, because that's what we’re good at. With two versions, one with bacon and another, the Hawaiian 5-O, which brings the zing of jalapeños,  grilled chicken, bacon, red onion, plus BBQ sauce.  

Overall, what makes pineapple on pizza so good is the sweet and savory balance on the taste buds. 

At Hungry Howie’s®, we love our take on the classic pineapple pizza. We keep the pineapple juicy, add smoky bacon, and load it up with mozzarella. Go ahead, try a pineapple pizza favorite from Hungry Howie’s or make your own masterpiece!

Who Invented Hawaiian Pizza?

Despite the name, Hawaiian pizza was born very far away from Hawaii. It actually came from Ontario, Canada, courtesy of a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos.

In 1962, Sam was running a restaurant in Chatham, Ontario, when he decided to toss canned pineapple onto a pizza. Just to see what would happen (little did he know). Sweet fruit, savory ham, melted cheese, and history was made.

So why call it Hawaiian? Not because of tropical origins. The canned pineapple brand he used was called "Hawaiian". That’s it. That’s the story. Sometimes, origin stories are a little basic but still brilliant. 

Pineapple on Pizza: The Juicy Debate

Few pizza toppings spark arguments like pineapple on pizza. Not even anchovies come close. Some say pineapple on pizza is brilliant. Others act like it’s a personal betrayal.

There are urban legends and real events surrounding pineapple on pizza. One of the most persistent is that putting pineapple on pizza is illegal in Italy or, at the least, a cultural crime. (It’s not illegal, but the act of putting pineapple on pizza may have ruffled a few nonnas.) 

Iceland’s president, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, did in fact joke about banning it on pizza, which caused quite a ruckus worldwide. Worldwide! That’s the level of passion we’re talking about. For us lovers of pineapple, all this uproar, from heads of state to Pam in accounting, feels a little telling. You know, the louder someone protests, the more we suspect they’re curious to try it. 

Pizza is made for experimentation. It’s one big “choose-your-own-adventure”. You like heat? Toss on jalapeños. You want fruit, pile it on.

Why Hungry Howie’s Stands by Pineapple on Pizza

At Hungry Howie’s®, we wave our pineapple freak flag flagrantly and with abandon. The Howie Maui Pizza shuts down the debate about pineapple on pizza. It mixes a heavenly sweet pineapple with bacon and ham and is loaded with plenty of mozzarella. Top it off with one of our Flavored Crust® options (we recommend Butter Garlic or Cajun), and you’ve got a slice worth defending. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or still on the fence, we say try it before you judge. Pizza should be interesting.

Explore the Howie Maui.

Check out Flavored Crust options.

How to Celebrate Hawaiian Pizza Day with Hungry Howie’s

August 20 is your excuse. Make it a pizza night and get weird with toppings. Start a family taste test. Argue (gently) about whether fruit belongs on pizza. (Yes, it does.)

Order a Howie Maui Pizza online, pick it up in-store, or grab a few pies and throw a proper pizza party. We’ve got a menu full of options, Flavored Crusts to match every mood, and party planner tools if you’re going big, which we highly recommend.

Find your nearest Hungry Howie’s® location, and let pineapple do its thing.