Hawaii- places to eat on the Big Island?
 

Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters birthday is
today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big Island
of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to this
island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend some
places to eat while we're there.

A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from Kailua-Kona.
However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day before we go, and we'll
be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well.

As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua pork, and
my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we had in Oahu.

One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?

Thanks for any advice!

kimberly

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.

On Sun, 3 Apr 2005 15:49:40 -0700, "Nexis" > wrote:

>Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters
birthday is
>today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big
Island
>of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to
this
>island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend
some
>places to eat while we're there.
>
>A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from
Kailua-Kona.
>However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day before we go,
and we'll
>be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well.
>
>As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua
pork, and
>my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we had in
Oahu.
>
>One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
>pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?
>
>Thanks for any advice!
>
>kimberly
>

Aloha, I'd like to help you but Hawaii island is SO big...in Waikoloa
you are near some wonderful hotels, Mauna Lani,etc. with great food.
You are also kind of close to Waimea with Merriman's Restaurant as my
favorite. IN South Kona, where we live, I'd recommend Keei Cafe for
dinner and Nasturtium Restaurant for lunch.--But that is probably
nearly 50 miles from where you are. (BTW you can buy excellent
lomi-lomi salmon in the KTA supermarket!)

Hilo is charming too.

Oh no, we don't have those roadside stands as much as Oahu does BUT we
do have 2 fabulous Farmer Markets. The one in the location known as
Kona's "Old Industrial Center", along Kaiwi is huge and certainly
there on Saturdays and will blow your mind to what is available here.
Then along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona there is a Farmer's market open
Wednesdays and Saturdays, I think. Check before planning to go.

My best suggestion is that you order the book, "The Big Island
Revealed" from Amazon.com. Your answers and lots of information is in
there. It is highly regarded even among natives:).
Good luck and Congratulations and I hope you love Hawaii island.
Remember we are known for the best coffee in the world...100% Kona!
If it isn't 100%, it is NOT Kona. Blends are tricks <g>

Have fun and aloha,
Thunder
smithfarms.com
Farmers of 100% Kona Coffee
& other Great Stuff

Nexis wrote:
> Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters birthday is
> today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big Island
> of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to this
> island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend some
> places to eat while we're there.
>
> A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from Kailua-Kona.
> However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day before we go, and we'll
> be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well.
>
> As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua pork, and
> my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we had in Oahu.
>
> One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
> pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?
>
Get "The Big Island Revealed".
Hanu's Nest, if it still there, on the waterfront strip in Hilo.

Sibu's in Kona, if it is still there.

If you google "stuffing our faces on Hawaii" you'll get a very long post
of mine outlining everything of merit we ate.
blacksalt

"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

"smithfarms pure kona" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 3 Apr 2005 15:49:40 -0700, "Nexis" > wrote:
>
> >Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters
> birthday is
> >today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big
> Island
> >of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to
> this
> >island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend
> some
> >places to eat while we're there.
> >
> >A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from
> Kailua-Kona.
> >However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day before we go,
> and we'll
> >be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well.
> >
> >As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua
> pork, and
> >my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we had in
> Oahu.
> >
> >One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
> >pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?
> >
> >Thanks for any advice!
> >
> >kimberly
> >
>
> Aloha, I'd like to help you but Hawaii island is SO big...in Waikoloa
> you are near some wonderful hotels, Mauna Lani,etc. with great food.
> You are also kind of close to Waimea with Merriman's Restaurant as my
> favorite. IN South Kona, where we live, I'd recommend Keei Cafe for
> dinner and Nasturtium Restaurant for lunch.--But that is probably
> nearly 50 miles from where you are. (BTW you can buy excellent
> lomi-lomi salmon in the KTA supermarket!)
>
> Hilo is charming too.
>
> Oh no, we don't have those roadside stands as much as Oahu does BUT we
> do have 2 fabulous Farmer Markets. The one in the location known as
> Kona's "Old Industrial Center", along Kaiwi is huge and certainly
> there on Saturdays and will blow your mind to what is available here.
> Then along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona there is a Farmer's market open
> Wednesdays and Saturdays, I think. Check before planning to go.
>
> My best suggestion is that you order the book, "The Big Island
> Revealed" from Amazon.com. Your answers and lots of information is in
> there. It is highly regarded even among natives:).
> Good luck and Congratulations and I hope you love Hawaii island.
> Remember we are known for the best coffee in the world...100% Kona!
> If it isn't 100%, it is NOT Kona. Blends are tricks <g>
>
> Have fun and aloha,
> Thunder
> smithfarms.com
> Farmers of 100% Kona Coffee
> & other Great Stuff

Thanks for the info, especially about the farmer's market! I don't really
have time to order a book, but I'll check the bookstores before I leave
Wednesday.
Are you open to the public? I do plan to take some coffee home with me ;)
and I'd love my daughter too see how it looks before it's in the espresso
machine.

kimberly

"kalanamak" > wrote in message
...
> Nexis wrote:
> > Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters birthday
is
> > today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big
Island
> > of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to this
> > island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend some
> > places to eat while we're there.
> >
> > A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from Kailua-Kona.
> > However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day before we go, and
we'll
> > be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well.
> >
> > As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua pork,
and
> > my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we had in Oahu.
> >
> > One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
> > pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?
> >
> Get "The Big Island Revealed".
> Hanu's Nest, if it still there, on the waterfront strip in Hilo.
>
> Sibu's in Kona, if it is still there.
>
> If you google "stuffing our faces on Hawaii" you'll get a very long post
> of mine outlining everything of merit we ate.
> blacksalt

I'm doing that right now :)

thanks!

kimberly

Nexis wrote:
> Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters
birthday is
> today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a trip to the Big
Island
> of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've never been to
this
> island, and am wondering if anyone familiar with it can recommend
some
> places to eat while we're there.

We stayed at the Orchid at Mauna Lani when we were there. The food at
all of the restaurants at the hotels (Mauna Lani and the Orchid) is
fabo. The Orchid has since been taken over by Fairmont, but I
understand it is still first-class. Mauna Lani has a shark pond and a
turtle pond as well - the grounds are beautiful. It's really nice to
dine outdoors and then just stroll the grounds.

-L.

smithfarms pure kona wrote:
> On Sun, 3 Apr 2005 15:49:40 -0700, "Nexis" > wrote:
>
>> Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and my daughters
>> birthday is today. To celebrate both, we're going to be taking a
>> trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it,
>> but I've never been to this island, and am wondering if anyone
>> familiar with it can recommend some places to eat while we're there.
>>
>> A few details: We're staying in Waikoloa, not too far from
>> Kailua-Kona. However, we plan to be in Hilo at least the last day
>> before we go, and we'll be visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National
>> Park as well.
>>
>> As far as food, we're pretty adventurous, I think. I love kahlua
>> pork, and my husband is definitely a fan of the lomi-lomi salmon we
>> had in Oahu.
>>
>> One last thing: On Oahu, there were many roadside stands with fresh
>> pineapple and such...can we expect that here as well?
>>
>> Thanks for any advice!
>>
>> kimberly
>>
>
> Aloha, I'd like to help you but Hawaii island is SO big...in Waikoloa
> you are near some wonderful hotels, Mauna Lani,etc. with great food.
> You are also kind of close to Waimea with Merriman's Restaurant as my
> favorite. IN South Kona, where we live, I'd recommend Keei Cafe for
> dinner and Nasturtium Restaurant for lunch.--But that is probably
> nearly 50 miles from where you are. (BTW you can buy excellent
> lomi-lomi salmon in the KTA supermarket!)
>
> Hilo is charming too.
>
> Oh no, we don't have those roadside stands as much as Oahu does BUT we
> do have 2 fabulous Farmer Markets. The one in the location known as
> Kona's "Old Industrial Center", along Kaiwi is huge and certainly
> there on Saturdays and will blow your mind to what is available here.
> Then along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona there is a Farmer's market open
> Wednesdays and Saturdays, I think. Check before planning to go.
>
> My best suggestion is that you order the book, "The Big Island
> Revealed" from Amazon.com. Your answers and lots of information is in
> there. It is highly regarded even among natives:).
> Good luck and Congratulations and I hope you love Hawaii island.
> Remember we are known for the best coffee in the world...100% Kona!
> If it isn't 100%, it is NOT Kona. Blends are tricks <g>
>
> Have fun and aloha,
> Thunder
> smithfarms.com
> Farmers of 100% Kona Coffee
> & other Great Stuff

Oh hush you, you're making me homesick! Find us some cheap land on the Big
Island so I can go home. Sigh. No, more like, sob.....I'm still cryin'.

kili

Nexis > wrote in message
news:aq_3e.962$Ut1.558@fed1read01...
> Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and
> my daughters birthday is today. To celebrate both,
> we're going to be taking a trip to the Big Island of
> Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've
> never been to this island, and am wondering if
> anyone familiar with it can recommend some
> places to eat while we're there.
[snip]

We stayed in the Kona Hilton and used it as our base to explore. One of
the restaurants we enjoyed very much was Jamesons, in Kona approximate
two miles down along the coast in Kona. We each had a fresh fish dinner
that was heavenly, excellent service and a WONDERFUL evening stroll
after.

Hilo didn't net me nearly the same pleasure -- food-wise... SWMBO did
bulk up on clothing at Hilo Hati's. That was an experience never to be
repeated...

DO NOT take your rental off the Non-AAA approved roads. There's a reason
they're not approved. <G>

If you haven't done this already, purchase a digital camera, extra
batteries (three should last your whole trip), and three memory cards.
You'll thank yourself with the ease you can transport everything in a
fanny pack.

Enjoy your trip! The people we met and island are a real joy.

The Ranger

On Sun, 3 Apr 2005 22:34:17 -0700, "Nexis" > wrote:

>
>"smithfarms pure kona" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Sun, 3 Apr 2005 15:49:40 -0700, "Nexis" > wrote:
>>
>
>
>Thanks for the info, especially about the farmer's market! I don't
really
>have time to order a book, but I'll check the bookstores before I
leave
>Wednesday.
>Are you open to the public? I do plan to take some coffee home with
me ;)
>and I'd love my daughter too see how it looks before it's in the
espresso
>machine.
>
>kimberly
>

No, sorry our farm is 2 miles up a 4 wheel drive road but there are
other coffee places along the road.

And yes, I bet your husband loves the openness of Hawaii island.

Have fun!

aloha,
Thunder
smithfarms.com
Farmers of 100% Kona Coffee
& other Great Stuff

kilikini wrote:
>
> Oh hush you, you're making me homesick! Find us some cheap land on
> the Big Island so I can go home. Sigh. No, more like, sob.....I'm
> still cryin'.

I've got a residential lot just outside of Pahoa you can have. Trouble
is, I don't think anyone can live there who has progressed beyond the
60's. -aem

The Ranger wrote:
> [snip]
> DO NOT take your rental off the Non-AAA approved roads. There's a
reason
> they're not approved. <G>
>
Oh, I dunno. We once rented a Geo Tracker, a very small but 4wd thing,
and drove out to the Waipi'o valley. Ended up fording the river in
several places, water almost to the floorboards. Great fun, and truly
gorgeous place. We were told that some seriously reclusive folks live
there. I don't know what we'd have done if we got stuck, or what the
car rental agency would have done, but wotthehell, being lucky is good.

OB food: fresh fish was always very good, Portuguese sausage is a must
for breakfast, Hilo is good for Japanese food, and I think it was in
Kona where we found a memorable Korean bbq place. -aem

aem wrote:

> Oh, I dunno. We once rented a Geo Tracker, a very small but 4wd thing,
> and drove out to the Waipi'o valley. Ended up fording the river in
> several places, water almost to the floorboards. Great fun, and truly
> gorgeous place.

We did it in a Forester, and it was great fun. Also took the highway
through the volcanos to Hilo...couldn't see why that was forbidden. Much
worse backroads in Kansas and the Cascades.
blacksalt

On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 15:31:29 -0700, kalanamak >
wrote:

>aem wrote:
>
>> Oh, I dunno. We once rented a Geo Tracker, a very small but 4wd
thing,
>> and drove out to the Waipi'o valley. Ended up fording the river in
>> several places, water almost to the floorboards. Great fun, and
truly
>> gorgeous place.
>
>We did it in a Forester, and it was great fun. Also took the highway
>through the volcanos to Hilo...couldn't see why that was forbidden.
Much
>worse backroads in Kansas and the Cascades.
>blacksalt

That road between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea is Saddle Road and it is
windy and narrow. Maybe you didn't notice it but it is considered sub
standard somehow. I would say Waipio through the river is certainly
more treacherous. Coming 2 miles up to our farm isn't easy either but
we all make do.

aloha,
Thunder
smithfarms.com
Farmers of 100% Kona Coffee
& other Great Stuff

"The Ranger" > wrote in message
...
> Nexis > wrote in message
> news:aq_3e.962$Ut1.558@fed1read01...
> > Our 16th anniversary is coming up on the 12th, and
> > my daughters birthday is today. To celebrate both,
> > we're going to be taking a trip to the Big Island of
> > Hawaii. I've been to Oahu, and loved it, but I've
> > never been to this island, and am wondering if
> > anyone familiar with it can recommend some
> > places to eat while we're there.
> [snip]
>
> We stayed in the Kona Hilton and used it as our base to explore. One of
> the restaurants we enjoyed very much was Jamesons, in Kona approximate
> two miles down along the coast in Kona. We each had a fresh fish dinner
> that was heavenly, excellent service and a WONDERFUL evening stroll
> after.
>
> Hilo didn't net me nearly the same pleasure -- food-wise... SWMBO did
> bulk up on clothing at Hilo Hati's. That was an experience never to be
> repeated...
>
> DO NOT take your rental off the Non-AAA approved roads. There's a reason
> they're not approved. <G>
>
> If you haven't done this already, purchase a digital camera, extra
> batteries (three should last your whole trip), and three memory cards.
> You'll thank yourself with the ease you can transport everything in a
> fanny pack.
>
> Enjoy your trip! The people we met and island are a real joy.
>
> The Ranger


Thanks for the tips!
Being as how my husband and his brother are both technology junkies, we have
a couple of digital cameras, and a digital video camera too. I plan to take
my camera, but am still debating the video cam. Lots and lots of memory
cards laying around too thank goodness!

kimberly
>

Nexis wrote:
> Thanks for the tips!
> Being as how my husband and his brother are both technology junkies,
we have
> a couple of digital cameras, and a digital video camera too. I plan
to take
> my camera, but am still debating the video cam. Lots and lots of
memory
> cards laying around too thank goodness!
>
> kimberly
> >

Take the camcorder. One never regrets having it when they don't need
it, but always regrets not having it when they do.

Be careful of the fumes at the volcano, if you go. We got stuck in a
fume plume and about got asphyxiated.

Oh, and have fun. :) The snorkeling is some of the best in the world.
(And the pineapple is to die for!)

-L.

"-L." > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Nexis wrote:
> > Thanks for the tips!
> > Being as how my husband and his brother are both technology junkies,
> we have
> > a couple of digital cameras, and a digital video camera too. I plan
> to take
> > my camera, but am still debating the video cam. Lots and lots of
> memory
> > cards laying around too thank goodness!
> >
> > kimberly
> > >
>
> Take the camcorder. One never regrets having it when they don't need
> it, but always regrets not having it when they do.
>
> Be careful of the fumes at the volcano, if you go. We got stuck in a
> fume plume and about got asphyxiated.
>
> Oh, and have fun. :) The snorkeling is some of the best in the world.
> (And the pineapple is to die for!)
>
> -L.

Ok you convinced me :) We're taking both cameras. I am considering my film
camera too, just because I have the 300x lens for it, and you never know
when you'll want to get a good close up of something that isn't easily
accessible :)

kimberly...who's excited and nervous and happy all at once
>

Nexis wrote:
> Ok you convinced me :) We're taking both cameras. I am considering my
film
> camera too, just because I have the 300x lens for it, and you never
know
> when you'll want to get a good close up of something that isn't
easily
> accessible :)
>
> kimberly...who's excited and nervous and happy all at once
> >

You will have fun. If you swim, be sure to go snorkeling. It is a
reality unlike any other.

And please report back about your trip when you return!

-L.