Big Island Food Favorites

Heading South out of Kona?
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In Holualoa -- the charming little artists' colony in the Kona Coffee Belt

Holuakoa Gardens - Holualoa's only restaurant has started up in a newly built structure that has some nice features - a rather hidden koi pond, interesting landscaping and pleasant nooks and crannies in which to sit. (All seating is outdoors, with most seating located on the ground level.) A replica of a "holuakoa", a sled that was used by Hawaiians on steep lava slopes, made of koa wood and designed by island artist treasure, Herb Kane, hangs from the ceiling of the upper level, which is accessed from the back parking lot and has but a few tables. The food is very, very good and well presented. The ingredients used are top-notch, and locally grown produce is used whenever possible, along with fresh breads and desserts made on the premises. Our praise to Wilson, the chef! Some items we've loved have been the ahi sashimi appetizer; a bowl of half carrot-ginger/half heirloom turnip soup w/apple and pancetta garnish; an incredible Caesar salad; "Fresh Pasta Lasagna w/Marinara & Pesto Sauces, Grilled Vegetables and Ricotta", and "Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Tomato, Ichiban Eggplant and Summer Squash, Baby Fennel, Local Greens & Edamame", and the pork loin. The lilikoi cheesecake gets raves. There are some other great-looking meat dishes on the menu, as well (grilled grassfed beef and pork tenderloins respectively, and braised local beef shortribs). The menu changes often, and the restaurant now has its liquor license. There's BBQ on Sundays from 4:30-7:30pm, with a menu that includes pulled pork or pork loin, beef brisket (fabulous!), ahi, and baby back ribs (really great!). Prices start at $15 and include two sides: potatoes - salad or mashed, black beans, coleslaw (great slaw, with slices of apple in it!), white rice, cornbread (great for sopping up that coleslaw juice!) or garlic bread. There is a small childrens' menu available, $8-10. Beers during BBQ hours are $3, and wines by the glass, $5 ("while supplies last"). A special Full Moon Wine Tasting is offered once a month, as well. Take an interesting dining partner, because service can be pretty slow. The restaurant is located just north of the post office, next to the Holuakoa Cafe (north side). It is open for Brunch from 10am to 2:30pm, Tues-Sunday, and for Dinner from 5:30-8:00pm, Wed-Saturday. BBQ on Sundays, from 3-6:30pm ($$). Ph: 322-2233, $$$

In Kailua-Kona -

La Bourgogne - located on the mauka side of Hwy 11 just south of Lako Street and north of Seaview Circle, is one of the few places here where you can forget you are in Hawaii! The small, charming French restaurant is run by the owner and his wife (he's the chef; they both serve). All the food is delicious and prepared with great care. Their cassoulet, which is not always available, has a cult following. The restaurant is now offering a three course Prix Fixe Menu on Tuesday nights for $45 per person, but the regular menu will be available, as well. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating: Phone 329-6711. Dinner only, $$$.

Quinn's - A casual restaurant and bar, across from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in downtown Kailua-Kona, this is a good choice for good old "American" food at reasonable prices. Good fresh fish sandwiches, fish and chips, fried calamari strips, onion rings, and dinner entrees of fresh fish that are hard to beat. They are prepared well and the fish servings are bountiful. There's pleasant seating straight thru the restaurant, outdoors, in addition to the bar and dining room. Lunch and Dinner, $$

Splasher's Grill - Just around the corner from Quinn's, across from the seawall. Great location, and a good choice for breakfast or a casual lunch/dinner oceanside. Order at the counter; the food is brought to you. Plentiful portions. We love to eat breakfast here! There's a Sunday nite Prime Rib Special - 14oz for $17. The burgers get raves. Good fish sandwiches, and grilled chicken wraps, too. Takeout orders welcome. Breakfast (till 11:00am), Lunch, and Dinner. Ph: 329-9694. $$

BaLe - is the place we prefer for "local-style" food, though some of the dishes have a Southeast Asian twist. Our favorite is the Lemongrass Chicken sandwich (on one of their freshly baked rolls, not a croissant), which has julienned strips of marinated veggies on it in addition to the chicken - you can also get the Lemongrass Chicken atop a cold noodle salad, which is delicious. People who love Pho, the beef broth and noodle soup from Vietnam, say this is some of the best. In Kona Coast Shopping Center, near KTA grocery store, on Palani Dr.

Island Naturals - in the Old Industrial Area in front of Kona Bay Books on Kaiwi St., this new branch of the popular natural foods store based in Hilo is a big hit in Kona! See the review of Hilo's buffet.

Kona Brewing Company (Brew Pub) - Not by the ocean, but a great choice for gourmet pizza and homemade brew. Kona Brewing Co.'s beers have long been some of our favorites, and now you can also stop by their "Growler Shack" and get a half gallon growler of fresh brew to take home with you for $25, which can be refilled for $15. The Pub has some new menu items (lasagna - yum!) in addition to the sandwiches, calzones, nice salads, and those delicious, crispy-crusted pizzas. One of the specials offered is always a slice of pizza and a side salad, for when you're in the mood for a lighter meal. Deluxe root beer and sodas are available, as well. Ask about "special brews" - Konabob has raved about a stout made with Kona coffee and chocolate, and another made with fresh island ginger. Seating in or out (the seating area has recently been expanded), with a good atmosphere enhanced by Tai Lake's beautiful custom koa wood and "sea log" bar. Live music on Sundays, from 5-8pm. Be prepared to wait for a table. North Kona Shopping Center. Entrance and parking is now accessed from Pawai St. (off the bottom of Kaiwi St.) in the Old Industrial Area, and some new parking has been added. Lunch and Dinner, $$

Bangkok House - In Kamehameha Mall, just up the hill on Palani Rd, overlooking King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, entrance on Kuakini Hwy. They have the best Thom Kha Gai (coconut, lemongrass, chicken soup - order med. spicy!) on the island in our opinion. Sweet people; good food. $$

Rapanui Island Cafe' - At the site of the old Sibu's restaurant across from the seawall in downtown Kailua-Kona. This little restaurant is located in a breezeway off Alii Dr. and has fresh, tasty menu selections, including sate', curries and special vegetarian, meat and fish preparations with a South Pacific flair. Seating inside or in the breezeway. Wine and beer. Phone: 329-0511. Monday thru Saturday, Dinner 5-9pm. $$

Kona Inn - This is a good place to take visitors right from the airport for a beautiful oceanside lunch or dinner. The antique ceiling fans over the large open dining area are very unique at this historic site on Alii Dr. (They are hooked together and run by a cable system.) Konabob and I like to get their Caesar salad with catch-of-the-day fish on top for around $13.75 in the casual, bar section of the restaurant - sunset-time! Good, delicately breaded calamari strips and sandwiches also. The more "upscale" side is just ok for dinner. Lunch and Dinner, $$-$$$

Wasabi's - Very pleasant atmosphere, good quality Japanese food. Bentos, combination plates, sushi. We like that a green salad is served with many of the plates - a little unconventional, but welcomed. Located in Coconut Grove Marketplace on Alii Drive. Breakfast Mon-Fri, 7:30-11am; Lunch & Dinner, 11am-9pm, 7 days a week. Take out sushi platters (call in 1 hr. ahead) too. (Sometimes closed Saturday lunch.) Phone: 326-2352. $$

Island Lava Java - This is the place on Alii Dr. to see and be seen - but they have good food and a stupendous location to bolster that aspect. You might have to jockey for a table at times, but that goes with the territory. Outside, eating good food, drinking good Kona coffee and looking at the waves...makes you want to pinch yourself. Breakfasts are very good, and there are some yummy surprises like Butternut Squash & Rosemary Lasagne for dinner. Breakfast (starting at 6am), Lunch, and Dinner (5:30-9:30pm) daily. $$

Java on the Rock - Can't beat the location: you're right on the sand! Very casual (ie. paper plates, and you toast your own bagels). Next to Huggo's restaurant (see next entry) on Alii Drive. Great coffee; one is their own gourmet 3 Stone brand. Scrambled egg omelets (Southwestern, Florentine, Greek) in which the eggs are flash-steamed in the expresso machine, with fresh fruit on the side. Quality ingredients. Lox and Bagel, Bagel & Cream Cheese, muffins, scones and croissants. No cell phones allowed. Breakfast, 6-11am daily. $$+

Jameson's by the Sea - A great, oceanside location with very average food and service. Open for dinner. Dinner reservations recommended - try to get a table on the terrace, if you can. Also located on Alii Dr., next to Magic Sands beach. 808/329-3195. $$$ given the quality.

Kenichi Pacific - Located in Keauhou Shopping Center, this small "Sushi & Fusion Cuisine" restaurant has top-notch food. Add friendly and attentive service and a classy decor, and you have one of the best places to eat in town. The Dungeness crab cakes are melt-in-your-mouth good (of course, the appetizer portion leaves you wanting more!), and we loved the "Aspen" sushi roll, with tempura asparagus as its prime ingredient. The broiled black cod appetizer is unbelievably good; melts in your mouth...We look forward to working our way through their entire entree' menu! Open for lunch Tues. thru Fri., from 11:30am-1:30pm and dinner from 5-9:30pm, 7 nights a week. Outdoor seating available. The restaurant has recently expanded into the space vacated next to them and created The Lounge at Kenichi, which is open from 5-10pm. Mon-Fri. From 4-6pm it's Happy Hour, with 1/2 price house sake, $2.75 domestic beer and free pupus. Saturday evening half-price sushi. For dining reservations, call 322-6400 after 2pm. (Reservations highly recommended!). $$$

Habaneros - a cute little restaurant in Keauhou Shopping Center near the movie theaters. Reasonable, mild but authentic-seeming food, cooked to order with enthusiasm. Specials every day. Fresh salsas. To-go orders welcome. Breakfast (from 9 to 11:30am - try the Huevos Rancheros), Lunch, and Dinner. Liquor license. Open Monday thru Saturday, from 9am to 9pm. Cash only. $$

Drysdales II - in Keauhou Shopping Center, has very good fish and chips and great burgers. Sometimes they are the only restaurant open in this part of town when you need to grab a bite... $$

Mai Tai Bar - Royal Kona Resort on Alii Dr. This is a favorite of ours for lunch, and pupus at sunset-time. Right on the water, with great menus and good service. The food is excellent. At lunch, there's the Ahi Sandwich on focaccia with sweet potato fries, a French dip, Caesar salad with crab cake, BBQ sandwiches (pork, chicken or beef)...the pupu menu is varied, with good portions, too. Lunch 10am-2pm; Extensive pupu menu till 9pm. $$+

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill - One of our favorite restaurants - good, fresh food! Located in Pottery Terrace on Kuakini Hwy. The fresh catch preparations are very good. Good soups and entree salads. They offer a wide selection of foods to choose from. Try the Homemade Macadamia Nut Bar for dessert. The menu changes regularly. Lunch 11:00am to 2:00pm; Pupus 2-5pm; Dinner 5-9pm every nite. Reservations recommended for dinner. Ph: 327-0209 $$+

Pine Tree Cafe' - (by Konabob) You know you have just eaten good local kine food if you have to go home and take a nap. I just woke up, and now it's time to tell you about the "Pine Tree Cafe" which just opened in the new Kohanaiki buisness park (Matsuyama's Shopping Center). Kohanaiki is about a half mile north of Hina Lani (that's the "Costco Road" to you locals) on Highway 11. Gloriously local style, you choose items off large wall mounted menus or the "Specials" white board. (Shirley had a killer Shrimp Curry Bisque with Homemade Cornbread, $6.95). Place your order and pay. Wait for them to call your name. No view, but what a great place to watch people! We are talking Local Kine working persons' food. Simple. 2 can eat for $20 or less and feel stuffed, and often have enough to take home, like when you get the fresh fish plate! Breakfast is served 6-10 am weekdays and till 11 am on weekends. Good French toast made with Punalu'u sweet bread, 4.95; 10 different Three Egg Omelettes w/rice or hash browns and toast, $6.50; Loco Moco, $5.95 for the single patty with fried egg, rice and gravy... Lunch served till 8 pm. They also offer Mini Plates for $2 less of the following items: Korean Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki Chicken, Shoyu Chicken, Huli Huli Chicken, Pulehu Beef, grilled or deep fried Mahi Mahi, Beef Stew, Chili... all with rice or fries, a great potato/macaroni salad (the kind I like, with canned tuna and peas in it!) and/or salad. Bento (3 kine) includes spam musubi! Sandwiches, including shrimp burger, fried egg sandwich, tuna melt and the usual burger selection, $4 to $8.95. They do to-gos and catering too, ph. 327-1234. Breakfast 6-10am (11am weekends); Lunch 10am-8pm. Saturday nites, starting at 6pm, are "Bike Nites" (that's motorcycles, but it's sponsored by Solid Rock Ministries, so don't worry!)

Ceviche Dave's - Located in the "New Industrial Area" on Kamano St., around the corner from Costco, this is a great little spot to venture into for the pleasant surroundings, the friendly people, and the great food! Dave's ceviche is made with locally caught fresh fish that is marinated till "cooked" (it really is!) in citrus juice, fresh herbs and spices, prepared in four styles which use ingredients like coconut milk, macadamia nuts, and lilikoi juice (my favorite!) and served either on a bed of greens; a half of a large, wonderful, local avocado; on tortilla chips; or on a baguette. Much of their produce is organic, and they use 100% biodegradable packaging and utensils. Try it once and you'll be hooked - "garans ball bearins"! Average prices range from $6-9. Quarts of the delicious mixtures are available to go for $28, or pints for $14 (phone ahead). 73-4976 Kamanu St., Ste. 100. Open 10:30am-6pm, Tues-Sat; 11am-3pm on Sunday. Closed Mondays. Ph: 326-4737.

Pizzaria Zacchini - Also in the "New Industrial Area", on Maiauo St., uphill & across from Costco, Pizzaria Zacchini serves "authentic Italian brick oven pizza". We like it. Good, fresh, tasty salads too. The pizzas are light & thin crusted. An individual one is the size of an average-sized paper dinner plate. We had the Special the other day that had fresh pesto, strips of zucchini, pieces of tomato and arugula on it. Very good. And we had the Margherita "Da Kine" too, which has fresh mozzarella, red tomato, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil on it. This is not your average heavy-handed pizza. These are light, with subtle flavors that blend well. They also have beer and wine available. They pride themselves in baking your pizzas to order in the authentic Italian brick oven in 5 minutes. Take out welcome. 11am-8pm, Mon-Sat. Ph: 217-8585. $$

In Kawaihae - There are a couple of restaurants in Kawaihae, the Kona Coast's working harbor town, worth mentioning here. The views may be of the fuel depot, but the food's good and the places are charming. These places are also a lifesaver for those staying in the resort hotels up north, where there's a dearth of good restaurants on site.

Cafe' Pesto - Good food in a classy atmosphere. A good option if you're staying at the resorts on the "Gold Coast" and feel like trying a local restaurant. We've become "hooked" on risotto because of this place. The rosemary/gorgonzola focaccia is a great way to start things off. The Japanese eggplant calzone is a favorite of Konabob's, and we both love the gourmet pizzas. Good selection of wine. Located in the lower level of the (small) Kawaihae Shopping Center - you can't miss it! Lunch and Dinner, 808/882-1071. $$

Kawaihae Harbor Grill - An atmospheric little restaurant (in the dining room - there's a fuel storage tank view from the lanai...) with great clam strips, fish, and crab cakes. We like their Island Salads topped with fresh grilled fish. We also enjoy the good Hawaiian music they play here. A good choice for breakfast too. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (at 5:30pm), 7 days a wk. Ph: 882-1368. $$$
The Harbor Grill has a Seafood Bar upstairs next door with "Light Dining", featuring (pricey) tropical drinks in a "Tiki Lounge" atmosphere, along with pupu fare such as steamed clams, sashimi, an individual pizza of the day, a variety of fresh West Coast oysters, shrimp, and more. Open from 2:30-11:30pm daily, 808/882-9393. $$-$$$

In Waikoloa (The King's Shops) - Take the "Waikoloa" entrance off Highway 19 on the makai (ocean) side.

Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill - Roy's has remodeled a bit and changed its menu. Always a good choice, though it can be a little noisy. We sometimes sit at the bar here and have drinks and pupus/light meals if we go there on the spur of the moment. Lunch and Dinner (5:30 pm -). Ph. 808/886-4321 $$-$$$

Merriman's Market Cafe' - A great addition to the eating selections offered in the So. Kohala resort area. Outdoor and indoor seating. Fresh food with a Mediterranean slant. Salads, breads, sandwiches, specials. Interesting flavors (Morroccan Chicken BBQ Sand., Bruschetta and Caponata appetizer). I had the Portuguese clams in a tomato garlic sauce special recently. Pretty good; the restaurant in Waimea is better. Can be noisy inside, but there are usually breezes outside to cool things off. Open 7 days a week. Lunch 11am-2pm; a reduced Lunch menu from 2-5pm; Dinner from 5-9:30pm. Reservations: 808/886-1700. $$-$$$

In Hawi - this charming little plantation town up north is surrounded by rich, green lushness and is starting to bloom as a unique shopping destination.

Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery - The "Hawaiian Saloon" style decor of this place is great. The staff is very friendly and the service and food are good. The restaurant serves fresh local organic greens and uses no trans fat in their cooking. Some "faves" are the fresh catch sandwich with fresh fruit salsa on focaccia bread, Eggs Benedict w/lilikoi hollandaise, the tasty and varied salads, and the wonderful fruit "slushes" (we loved the lilikoi one). Portions are a bit small for the price. Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch till 2:30pm. 808/889-5555. $$+

In Kapa'au - a bit east of Hawi

Sammy D's - This is a great place to go for a good plate lunch! They have a way with fish (delicately sauteed in a very, very light batter) - the mahi plate is great, with a generous amount of fish. Sides of mac/potato salad or coleslaw w/pineapple. Grass fed beef. Very nice people running the place too. Outside and inside tables. A local favorite. Closed Mondays. $$

In Waimea - Waimea is known for Parker Ranch, good restaurants, and good shopping opportunities. It's one of the biggest towns on the Island, but still feels "country".

Daniel Thiebaut's Restaurant - A charming dining atmosphere with wonderful food, located in the 100+ year old Chock In Store building, across from Waimea's town park. Daniel Thiebault was the chef at the original Palm Cafe' in Kailua-Kona (remember pre-Lulu's?), which used to be one of Konabob's and my favorites. Open for Lunch Mon.-Fri. from 11am-2pm. Every day, open for Pupus at 3:30pm; Dinner from 5-9pm. Sunday Brunch from 10am till 1:30pm. Reservations are recommended for Dinner: 808/887-2200. $$$

Merriman's - An excellent choice for a quality meal, especially recommended for dinner. Good use of local produce/seafood. Innovative preparations. Lunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner, 808/885-6822. $$+ - $$$

Solimene's; Pizza, Pasta, Panini - A cozy-feeling, family run Italian restaurant in Waimea Shopping Center (the center where KTA is), Solimene's serves good Italian food, with interesting specials offered each nite in addition to the standards. Some specials on the board when we were there recently were fresh ravioli with goat cheese (we were excited about this, because Waimea produces fabulous chevre) and sun-dried tomato sauce; fettucine with roasted garlic cream sauce and grilled chicken; penne with spinach and gorgonzola cream sauce; and a grilled eggplant pizza. We love the tomato-y goodness of the Pasta Rustica (red sauce with Italian sausage, peppers, mushrooms and onions served over rigatoni), the spicy but mellow Puttanesca - and the Penne with Vodka Sauce is a favorite of ours. Good, fresh salads too. We are looking forward to trying the sandwiches, calzoni and pizza! This is a good choice for satisfying your Italian food cravings. Lunch 11am-3pm; Dinner 5-9pm. Phone 887-1313. $$

Lilikoi Cafe - We were pleased to find this pleasant place around the back of Parker Ranch Center for tasty, fresh food. The array of deli salads is very tempting and varied. One standout is the Greek Salad, with big juicy wedges of luscious Waimea tomatoes, calamata olives, artichoke hearts, red onion and feta cheese in a nice light dressing served on mixed greens. Bob loved the fresh beet salad, and I the creamy curry salad with chunks of chicken breast, apples, red grapes and celery. The green beans with cumin and raisins are fantastic, as is the new fava bean, corn salad w/leeks! You can get combos of two or three selections on a bed of mixed greens. Breakfast is served all day, and hot entrees (like meatloaf, linguine w/Waimea sauce, vegetarian or chicken crepes, melted ham & cheese sandwich) are also available. Good lookin' desserts too, such as rice pudding, bread pudding, apple cobbler, creme caramel (flan), crepe lilikoi...yum! What a find... Delivery available. Open Mon-Sat, 7:30am to 4pm. $$

Hawaiian Style Cafe' - "Konawebber Kerri P had endorsed this little "Local Style" place for breakfast, so when Shirley and I found ourselves on Hwy 19 just west of the main intersection in Waimea this morning, we figured we might as well try it. The prices were in the $5 to $8 range which is not out of line with other local breakfast places...The dish I ordered was $7 something, and was called "2 large eggs with choice of meat and either rice or hash browns and either toast or pancakes". Sounds like a mouthful, but I thought I was up to the challenge. Then the food arrived. The portions that they give you are truly Hawaiian! The hash browns were easily twice the size that I am used to seeing in Kona restaurants. The bacon was not 2 strips, or 3 or 5, it was a large mound! Then the pancakes showed up and I could not believe what I was seeing. Each pancake was at least 10 inches in diameter, and there were 2 of them. I tried so hard to eat everything, but sadly, I was not able to finish the bacon, the hashbrowns, or the pancakes.... drat! So we plan to go back when we get the chance. Next time we plan to split the entree! A few more things I should pass on. Shirley's fried rice was good, and some of the specials we noticed were Kalua Pork Hash, Fried Rice Omelet and Chicken Fried Steak. Cash or Traveler's Checks only. No plastic accepted!" - Konabob $$

Huli Sue's - By Konawebber Lynn C - (We couldn't agree more with her review, except to say that you are given a choice of 4 delightful sauces to grace your BBQ - Chipotle, a Carribean-inspired honey citrus sauce, Chili water/Pineapple/Sugar Cane, and Crackseed. Konabob had a baked potato with pulled meat of his choice, Fontina cheese and cilantro sour cream which he loved. There are other specials, salads and soups...The restaurant is owned and run by the people who operate Fujimamas - formerly in Kailua-Kona, now in Waimea at the old Edelweiss location. ~Shirley) "Very laid back & casual with quality food. On Mamalahoa Hwy heading towards Honoka'a. We have been there for dinner & lunch. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are substantial. I see most people leaving with leftovers. Their lunch sandwich is quite a bargain at $10. The meat (beef, pork or chicken) is stacked high on a grilled bun with just the right amount of chipotle sauce AND...homemade slaw AND beer battered onion rings. A bit hard to fit in your mouth! They fill the rest of the plate with homemade fries which were cooked nice & dark to bring out the flavor. Salads are made with their homegrown greens and could not be fresher." Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner 5pm every day. Now open at the Shops at Mauna Lani too. $$

In Honoka'a - in the Waipio Valley area.

Tex Drive-In - On Highway 19, this little diner is known for its malasadas (Portuguese pastries, kind of like a raised sugar donut without the hole), and you can even get them with a filling inside (the pepper jelly and the strawberry guava fillings are dynamite). They're served hot, of course. Breakfasts, Plate Lunches; Open till 8:30 p.m. $

Cafe' Il Mondo - Here's a place to get your Italian food craving satisfied. Right on the main drag in Honoka'a town, kitty-corner from Mamane St. Bakery. Very good homemade calzones, pizzas, and desserts (warm apple pie with Tropical Dreams ice cream - yum!). Good, homemade marinara sauce is used. No credit cards; local checks ok. Lunch and Dinner (11am-7:45pm). Closed Sunday & Monday. BYOB $$

In Hilo - The 2nd largest port in Hawaii is located here. Not a touristy town, but an interesting mix of local cultures. This is the "rainy" side of the Island and you can see real jungle and huge waterfalls because of that mixed blessing. Bring an umbrella, just in case!

Special Stop! If you take the beautiful Onomea Bay 4 mile scenic drive just a few miles north of Hilo (and you should!), stop at What's Shakin' smoothie stand. Delicious! Only fresh frozen island fruits are used, "blended with the essence of Hawaiian juices" - no ice, just fruit. Just the thing after the humid, beautiful Hawaii Botanical Gardens hike (on the same scenic route)!

Bear's Coffee - A great little gourmet coffee shop, with good pastries, light breakfasts (ie. eggs steamed in the espresso machine and fruit waffles) and lunches. Hang out with the morning paper amongst the locals. No credit cards, but local checks ok. $$

Puka Puka Kitchen - Good, simple food with fresh ingredients lovingly prepared and served. Their fresh fish specials get raves. Right next door to the Dragon Mama store on the Bayfront Drive. $

Ocean Sushi Deli - An unpretentious place to get good sushi. Located a couple of streets inland from the bayfront, on Keawe St. $$

Hilo Bay Cafe' - Good food, sophisticated, classy atmosphere. Nice bar. The menu changes every six months, and there is a wide variety of tasty offerings, from Crab & Mascarponde Stuffed Calamari with Shaved Coppa and Beurre Blanc appetizer, to a Hot Pastrami on Rye w/Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese & Horseradish Cream. We had an incredible appetizer here the last time we were in: Roasted Eggplant-Parmesan Custard served with (La Brea) Rosemary Bread. Melt-in-your mouth good! I had the crab cake salad and enjoyed it very much, and the French onion soup was also great. In the shopping center where Ross is, across from Prince Kuhio Plaza. Mon-Sat 11am to 9 pm; Sunday 5-9 pm. Reservations recommended. Ph: 935-4939. $$+

Island Naturals - The deli and the luncheon buffet here are really good bets for good, nourishing and tasty lunch selections. I love that they charge by the pound for the food on the buffet, so you can make a sampler of what looks appealing! Vegetable selections, free-range turkey meatloaf, samosas, a "laulau casserole"-type dish, veggie lasagna...the selection varies. Next to Borders, across the street from Prince Kuhio Plaza. There is now a branch in Kailua-Kona in the Old Industrial Area on Kiawe St., and a small one in Kainaliu at Mango Court.

Cafe' Pesto - see description of their Kawaihae restaurant. On the bayfront, this is our favorite of their two locations. More reliable quality, in our experience. Their seared ahi salad and warm rosemary gorganzola foccacia are just wonderful! $$

Reuben's Mexican Food - (by Konabob) "Shirley and I were in Hilo yesterday, downtown on the bayfront. We had been talking about Mexican food earlier, and when we walked past "Reuben's, we stopped and read the menu. At that point, a customer was coming out the front door, and saw us. "Good food! Try the fish tacos!", she exclaimed. And that was that. No view from inside, and I could do without the Sports Channel on 4 big TV sets, but honestly, the food made up for everything. Reuben's used to have a location in Kona - in the strange pink building across from Big Island Grill. That building has terrible fung shui, in my opinion, and no business has done well there for many years. We were not surprised when Reuben's closed (for some reason, the food at that location was too salty for us). But in Hilo they are thriving! We ordered Cheese Enchiladas A La Carte, which came with rice and beans, 2 sides of Chile Rellenos & one side order of Fish Tacos (fresh ono). We split a margarita, and it was quite good, and was larger than most. I was very pleased with the flavors of the food. The sauce on the rellenos is outstanding. Kona has nothing that compares to it. It really satisfies a certain Mexican food craving... The service was efficient and friendly. We left after paying $30.99 plus tip. We will indeed return! Open Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Saturday 12pm-10pm; Closed Sundays. PH: 961-2552. $$+"

In Volcano - This pretty, lush, area at the cool elevation of 5000' ft. is closest to Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park. It has some good B & B's, and a restaurant of note.

Kilauea Lodge - Fine dining. Continental cuisine (Duck a L'orange, for example). Very Good. Now open for Lunch Mon-Sat. from 10am-2pm, and Sunday Brunch, 10am-2pm. Dinner from 5-9pm. Reservations recommended, 808/967-7366. $$-$$$

Thai Thai - Right in the middle of town. Probably the best Thai food on the island. Very nice decor, as well. Great Massaman curry, Tom Kha (coconut milk, lemongrass, kafir lime soup with your choice of meat/tofu), Thai "Long Rice", and Pad Thai, just to name a few dishes that we've tried. Phone 967-7969. $$

In Na'alehu - Blink and you'll miss "The Southernmost Town in the USA". The Na'alehu Dairy produces most of the milk on the Island. This is a picturesque area with black & white dairy cows grazing in brilliant green pastures that end in spectacular ocean cliffs.

The Hana Hou Restaurant - serves quality home-cooked food at reasonable prices. Fresh fish sandwiches, great homemade pies, etc. Sunday-Thurs, 8am-7pm; Friday and Sat, 8am-8pm. Live music Friday eves rom 5:30-7:30pm, often featuring popular island musicians like Buddy & Sammi Fo, slack key guitarists Chris Yeaton or Bolo, sometimes Keoki Kahumoku or Cyril Pahinui. Phone 929-9717, $$

In Captain Cook -

Coffees n' Epicurea - A worthwhile stop for good Kona coffee and great pastries and desserts. Made on the premises. Mini-eclairs are so hard to pass up! Sweet potato (purple!)/haupia pie!! Great scones...and specially made chai! In Captain Cook, across from mile marker 106. $-$$

"The Coffee Shack is not 'fine dining' by any stretch of the imagination, but it is still a great place for breakfast or lunch. When Shirley and I ate there, the service was not very fast, so if I had been in a hurry, I might have been annoyed with waiting over a half an hour for 2 cold sandwiches. The people around us were also only getting sandwiches or salads...What made the wait bearable? First, a jaw-dropping gorgeous view from Kealakekua Bay all the way south past Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. On a sunny morning, everything shines and sparkles. But even on a misty afternoon, there was a special quality about the place that kept me calm and glad to be able to sit and drink it all in. Second, the dining area itself is small and a great place to watch people. We almost always run into someone we know, or end up chatting with visitors about Hawaii. And finally, there is the bakery case which sits there displaying some very fine looking pies, cakes, bars, and muffins. The sandwiches came, and while we both felt that they could have been a little more flavorful (the chicken salad sandwich and the veggie), the produce was nice and fresh, and the thick-sliced homemade bread was a real treat. The onion dill, whole wheat, and rye breads are very good. I would not drive 15 miles just to try this place out, but if you are heading south anyway and have some extra time, why not stop and enjoy yourself? We tried breakfast here recently, and the service was incredibly slow. When the eggs & omelet finally came, the potatoes were stone cold. (The view can only compensate for so much...)" -Konabob Located on Hwy. 11 south of Kona, between the 108 & 109 mile markers. Open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 3pm, 328-9555. $$

Paparoni's - This casual "neighborhood" restaurant has some of the best hand-tossed pizza you'll find. The crust is just about perfect in our opinion. Other tasty options (chicken and pasta dishes, etc.) are available on the menu, but that pizza crust is why we go here! Wine and beer available. Reasonably priced. Located in the small "strip mall" across from the Fire Station in Captain Cook. Hours 4-9, Mon-Sun. Phone: 323-2661 $$

In Kealakekua -

Adriana's - A little charmer of a place in Kealakekua Ranch Center. El Salvadoran-style (mild) Mexican food. There's a very delicious "special sauce" on the large, "wet" burrito ($7) and the poblano chile relleno plate ($9). There are yummy homemade refried beans, and tamales (pork, chicken or vegetable with cheeses served with another wonderfully flavored "Special Salsa"). There is a carne asada (stewed, seasoned beef) quesadilla for $8; and a taco of the same for $2.50. There's a veggie burrito for $4 (rice, beans, cheddar, mozzarella, Juanita's salsa); a veggie taco is $2. Finely chopped fresh cilantro and onion are served on top of the dishes. They often have specials. A very informal, small place where you order at the counter inside and take a seat at a cement table outside. Your food is passed thru to you from the takeout window when ready. Many times Adriana and the staff will be singing and dancing along with Latin music while preparing your food. We love it! (That's Adriana's picture at the top of this page standing by her original "restaurant space" in Na'alehu.) Open Mon-Thurs, 10-5; Fridays 10-6; Closed weekends. Phone: 936-8553 $$

Mi's Italian Bistro - This place is very good! Please support it! In the space formerly occupied by Billy Bob's Park & Pork, and Uncle Inbea's Steakhouse, mauka side of the Mamalahoa Hwy. in a mini, island-style "strip mall". The owners, Morgan and Ingrid (their initials form the name of the restaurant), have done a stellar job of fixing up the space and giving it a classy, up-scale feel. The foccacia and pastas are made fresh at the restaurant. There are intriguing specials each day, in addition to a daily foccacia and a lasagna. We enjoyed a wonderful risotto special for dinner that included green chili pesto (not spicy, just flavorful) and a generous portion of shrimp as components. The Cioppino, a menu item, is very good, not as spicy as some we've had, but rich-tasting and very satisfying, with a variety of seafood. The Herb and Cheese Ravioli was delicious, with its creamy white wine pesto sauce and topping of chopped tomatoes, broccoli florets, toasted pignoli nuts and Parmesan. We all liked the Marinated Beets and Haricot Vert (delicate green beans) Salad very much. It also has baby arugula, Maytag blue cheese, candied macadamia nuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The service was excellent, and the chef was a very accessible and integral part of the dining room experience. By the way, all the desserts are good too, but the Big Island Banana Rum Flambe' with Vanilla Madadamia Nut Caramel served over Vanilla Ice Cream drew especially dramatic responses from all who tasted it. A recent special was grilled fresh-caught mahi mahi over a creamy white wine risotto, drizzled with fresh tomato vinaigrette - you had to taste it to believe the incredible bust of flavors! Open Tuesday thru Sunday from 4:30am to 8:30pm. Reservations highly recommended: 808/323-3880. $$+

Keei Cafe - A nice place. Island fresh fish is offered in a variety of preparations, all tantalizing, but you can also partake of rib eye steak, pork chops (with black peppercorn gravy), a grilled half chicken with your choice of the aforementioned gravy or red Thai curry sauce, and chicken or tofu fajitas with local avocado and sour cream. There are many vegetarian selections, and starters include a soup d'jour (vegetarian black bean with a warm tortilla when we were there), eggplant rolls with a different sauce accompaniment, or a local fresh greens salad (ours had a wonderful variety of "leaves" and included anise, basil and small yellow tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette). Not a place to go if you're in a hurry or want a quiet dinner (the dining room is noisy!). Mixed reviews on service. Lunch served from 10:30-2pm and Dinner from 5-9 pm Monday thru Saturday. The restaurant asks that you allow extra time for slow traffic in getting there. Reservations highly recommended: 808/322-9992. No Credit Cards. $$+

Patz Pies - Best pizza on the island! In what used to be Chris Bakery for many, many years, diagonally across from the big red antiques store in Kealakekua. Here, you will find a big red-headed guy named Patrick serving up the best crisp/thin-crusted New York style pizza on the island. Try the veggie white pie, with a selection of top-grade vegetables (zuke, sweet onion, mushroom, basil and more, atop an alfredo sauce) - around $3 a slice, or $21 for a pizza. They also offer good looking organic salads. No place to sit but the steps, but to-go orders are welcome. Pizza from 11am-7pm. Phone: 323-8100.

In Kainaliu - this little town is becoming more "vital", and has some very good shopping too.

Roadhouse Cafe' Across the street from the Aloha Theatre. Ok - new favorite! Everything served in this casual cafe' is fresh, homemade, delicious, nothing is ordinary...and nothing is over $6! (IT CAN BE DONE!) Menu changes daily , and after visiting once, you will want to come in often and try what's new. (KB and I are both already mourning the fact that we can't have the items we ordered today again!) Fresh baked goods by owner Cathy Haber, who baked for the Aloha Angel Cafe'/Theatre for years. If you haven't had one of her famous chocolate Honu Bars (one of the winners at Kona's very first annual Chocolate Festival) or one of her cheesecakes (they won California State Fair blue ribbons in the 80's and 90's!) you are in for a treat. Great scones & a wide selection of yummy cookies too! Every single thing that we tried was packed with delicious flavor combinations. My choice today, the Phyllo Parcel, was filled with a mild Indian Vindaloo curry sauce and veggies, with a side of tasty red cabbage Asian slaw and lettuce/tomato. The curry sauce had perfect spiciness. Konabob said his was one of the best veggie sandwiches he's had in his life (seriously!). It was composed of "a sauteed mushroom/onion ragu topped with Brie cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes on a house baked sweet onion roll. Served with pesto aoli and a side of Asian slaw". The other sandwich offering today sounded great too - a sweet chili chicken sandwich (pineapple, orange and cumin marinade), with a sundried tomato pesto sauce, also served with Asian slaw, but they also have a sausage roll and a Chicago hot dog on the menu that are always changing personality (along with the above-mentioned phyllo wrap). There was even a tantalizing lineup of individual pizzas behind the counter, for - you guessed it - $5.95! Soup today was cream of asparagus. Cathy's co-owner, Mike Haber, said this incarnation of the Roadhouse Cafe' opened exactly 30 years to the day from the opening of their original restaurant in Columbia, CA, and, boy, are we glad these two are still in love with the food business, because we think everyone will be in love with the Roadhouse! Indoor and outdoor seating; open Mon-Fri, 11 am to 4pm. Cash only. Phone: 322-0616 (Call to see if open, because the Habers take a couple of extended trips a year...What a life, hey?) $

Aloha Theater Cafe' - The Cafe' is still serving good food in its renovated dining room for both breakfast and lunch from 7:30am till 2:30pm, 7 days a week, and the dining room (and bar) is open for dinner on live performance nights. The current menu includes a few local favorites like chicken katsu, kalua pork, teri chicken and loco mocos, along with other good fare like entree' salads made with organic greens, homemade soups, a Reuben sandwich made with either pastrami or turkey, a panko-breaded calamari sandwich, a tofu saute', yellow lemongrass curry, local sweet bread French toast, omelettes/scrambles, a top-your-own burger and more. Many of the breakfast items are served with a choice of the Cafe's signature garlic red potatoes, brown or white rice or homemade cornbread; sandwiches include a choice of the garlic red potatoes, potato-mac salad (it has the interesting addition of black olives in it) or a fresh, organic, green salad. $$

In Honalo - the next little town north of Kainaliu.

Teshima's - a local favorite. Run by a Japanese family, it's a simple place with formica tables. Sashimi, tempura. We also like their local-style teriyaki chicken dinner. This is a good place for an inexpensive, local breakfast, as well. It's a real slice of local Japanese life, and you might even get a visit from sweet "Grandma" at your table, serving you a complimentary nori roll as a dinner pupu. (Grandma just celebrated her 102nd birthday, and is looking great. Everyone at the restaurant got a piece of her birthday cake that day!). Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. $

This is just a sampling of some of our favorites. Hope you will enjoy them, too. We're always on the lookout for new additions to the list!