Yes, i have heard the same thing about Hawaii and spam. i think for many, spam is one of those love/hate foods.. i think people actually like the taste, but it has such a reputations, no one want to admit eating it.
kellogg's did an a series of ads about adults (in the dark) admitting they ate frosted flakes.
when i was a kid, my mother thought frosted flakes were the worst -- sugar coated cerial! as if we kids didn't eat enough sugary stuff already!
every one in a while now, i will by sugar coated cerial as a snack food.. but let me tell you, i don't generally admit this is public! (and no, i don't eat spam, i don't like ham either, but vienna sausages! have been known to force them selves into my kitchen)