Visit Big Island: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection - Dining

If you're staying at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, staying nearby, or just passing through, the property has a nice variety of dining options.

If you're kamaʻāina, show your ID to get 15% off at HāLani, Hā Bar, The Market, and Surf Shack!

HāLani offers a breakfast buffet or a la carte options.

The Island Buffet includes typical breakfast buffet fare, such as eggs, pancakes, pastries, salads, lox and bagels, and parfaits. 

Acai Bowl

Each buffet comes with an acai bowl.  You can order a variety of fresh juices off the menu for an energizing boost!

Prosciutto and Pesto Toast

I was pretty impressed with the Prosciutto and Pesto Toast.  It was also topped with mushrooms and lots of grated Parmesan.  The toast had a nice saltiness, and was so filling!

Beef Short Ribs Loco Moco

The short ribs were so tender and I love that they didn't skimp on the gravy!

Pork Carnita Hash

For grab-and-go breakfast or lunch options, you can go to The Market.

They offer refreshing smoothies, breakfast bowls, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, and even cookies!

The Surf Shack offers casual eats to eat poolside or on the beach.

Fish Tacos

Chicken Sandwich

For an elevated dinner, you can dine at the CanoeHouse, or if you prefer to relax in the comfort of your room, you can order room service.

Chicken Tenders

Furikake Parker House Rolls

There are so many great dining options at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection!

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743
 

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Visit Hilo: Lunch at Lehua Restaurant

I really enjoyed my dinner experience at Lehua Restaurant, so I was excited when they announced they are now open for lunch!

I went straight from the airport one day, and I immediately knew what I was going to order as soon as I saw the menu.

Soup and Sandwich

I love a soup and sandwich pairing, and Lehua was offering a Kalua Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup!  Talk about the perfect comfort food pairing!  The grilled cheese sandwich was stuffed with a lot of Kalua Pork, and it was very filling (I could only eat half).  I dipped it into the robust, chunky tomato soup, and it was just so satisfying.

Truffle Fries

A mound of fries was drizzled with truffle oil and topped with Parmesan cheese.

Fish Filet Sandwich

The fish for the sandwich was marlin, and it was perfectly cooked!

Fried Haupia

The Fried Haupia is my fave dessert at Lehua.  The combination of textures - the soft, light haupia and its crispy coating, was just divine.

Service is top-notch at Lehua Restaurant.  Highly recommend for lunch or dinner!

Lehua Restaurant
600 Imiloa Pl

Hilo, HI 96720

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Visit Kona - Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill

Ahi Katsu - panko crusted ahi with unagi drizzle and garlic or spicy aioli

On our last day in Kona, my friends and I were in search of an eatery near the airport and found Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill in Kailua-Kona.  Headed by Chef Nakoa Pabre, Umekes features a variety of popular traditional Hawaiian food creations with a modern twist. The menu is extensive and offers fresh ahi poke bowls, veggie options, and their take on local favorites like loco moco and lau lau.   

I called ahead and was able to make a reservation for our large party. They have a semi-private room right in the front that fit our group of 15.  Service was very friendly and we all enjoyed our meals.  If you are kama'aina, be sure to ask for the 10% discount!  For even more savings, you can pick up discounted Umekes gift cards at the Kona Costco.   

Fish Tacos (3 tacos tempura fried or cajun grilled with avocado, pineapple lomi salsa, pickled slaw, fried onions and garlic aioli on flour tortillas).

   

UMEKES FISH MARKET BAR & GRILL
74-5599 Pawai Place,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

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Visit Hilo: Cronies Bar & Grill

The last time I went to Cronies Bar & Grill was just a few weeks before the world shut down, and I recently returned for lunch. 

Swiss & Mushroom Burger

Mauna Loa Gravy Cheese Tots

I got the Mauna Loa Gravy Cheese Tots to start.  It was pretty pricey ($20.50!), but it was a pile of tots, bacon bits, cheese curds, cheddar, and gravy.  It was as yummy as it looked, although I could've done without the cheese curds. 

Triple Decker BLT

I had the Triple Decker BLT.  It was a great BLT, full of lettuce, tomato, ham, turkey, and bacon.

Burgers come in mini or regular sizes, and everything is a la carte (no sides included with burgers or sandwiches).  The people who ordered the burgers said it was really good.  

Service was great, and although pricey - the food was good.  It was a great spot for lunch!

Cronies Bar & Grill
11 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-5158

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