"Naomi" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> x-no-archive: yes
>
>
> The Big Island overall has good food, including fresh fruit at farmers'
> markets and things like that. (We found a great farmers market in
> Waimea.) Everything is a lot more spread out than on Oahu, though, and
> you don't have as many of the cheap options like saimin and lunch
> wagons in the tourist areas.
>
> In Volcano, I had a great dinner at the Kilauea Lodge. In Waikoloa,
> there's a branch of Roy's. Roy's gets a lot of heat now for being a
> chain but I'd say that's a very strong branch of it. Merriman's (which
> I have not been to) is always highly recommended; I think they still
> have a website. You'll need reservations. That's about it for my
> knowledge of fine dining on that island. This is one region for which
> Chowhound.com is very strong; I suggest you look at the Elsewhere in
> America board. They may also be able to help you with less expensive
> food in the Waikoloa area. Low-end dining is a challenge there; the
> whole place is so posh. There's a food court in the King's Shops where
> you may be able to find some local items.
>
> Have a great time! When you go to Volcano, allow plenty of time and
> fill your car with gas at every opportunity or you *will* run out
> between Volcano and Waikoloa.
>

Thanks for all the great advice, Naomi! I am so excited, you can't imagine!
The closer it gets, the less I can sleep
Thanks for the chowhound idea too, I've just recently discovered that board
when looking for some different bbq here in San Diego.
A side note: I'm looking forward to going to the Big Island, because my
husband felt a tiny bit claustrophobic (or maybe trapped) on Oahu, because
it was small. Hopefully this will convince him we need to go more often ;-)

kimberly