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Campus & Community

How to make Watermelon Pineapple ‘Otai

Three glasses of watermelon pineapple 'otai with a watermelon in the background,  a lizard sitting atop the watermelon and flowers scattered around.
Photo by Emarie Majors

’Otai (OH-tye) originated in Polynesia and is enjoyed across the region. This recipe is from the Polynesian Cultural Center's website.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 large watermelon
• 1 can crushed pineapple
• 3 cups of cold water
• 1 can coconut milk
• Sugar (optional, to taste)
• Crushed Ice

Instructions:

1. Use a fork to scrape the inside of the watermelon into shreds or cut the watermelon into large chunks and use the large side of your grater to grate the fruit.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients. Do not drain the pineapple juice — add it all together.
3. Chill
4. Add enough crushed ice to equal at least 1/3 of the ‘otai mixture.
5. Serve immediately after adding the ice.