Visit Alaska: Reindeer Farm

While in Alaska, we only had one thing on the itinerary (a glacier cruise), and we just went on random explorations on all the other days.

One day we found ourselves close to Palmer, so we went to the Reindeer Farm, where they not only raise reindeer, but also other rescued and adopted animals.

You go on a self-guided tour where there are educational encounters along the way, during which time you can feed some of the animals (moose, reindeer, bison, yaks, alpacas, and highland cattle).

I sure learned a lot about the animals, and feeding them was quite the experience.

On the farm you'll also find a reptile house, a play area for kids, lots of photo ops, and a fun "Who's Your Reindeer" game that my kids could not stop playing!

It was so fun getting up close to the animals, especially ones we rarely see, and feeding them.

It was a great, impromptu stop!

Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg Loop

Palmer, AK 99645

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Chef's Table at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a must-visit if you're looking for exceptional food in a luxurious setting.

During our Aloha Maui Day Trip, we were treated to a fabulous Chef's Table Experience by Chef de Cuisine Zach Sato.

We indulged in fabulous starters in the beautiful kitchen!

Ahi Poke Cracker

Smoked Kona Kampachi

Kalua Pork Croquette

Torched Ahi

A5 Wagyu Gyoza

If you're a fan of Senia, you'll find some of Chris Kajioka's popular dishes on the menu (he is The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea's Executive Chef), such as the Ahi Poke Cracker, Torched Ahi, Kalua Pork Croquette, and Smoked Kona Kampachi (all of which were amazing!!).

We returned to the main dining room for the rest of our meal.

Charred Tako

 The Charred Tako was such a beautiful dish!

Truffle Risotto

The Truffle Risotto is my favorite dish at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea.  Even though we spent the entire day eating on Maui, I almost single-handedly finished the risotto. 

Pickled Kamuela Beets

Tamimi Farms Tomatoes

I loved the beets and tomatoes.  They were light enough, but still full of flavor.  Chef Zach turned local produce into dishes that were not only gorgeous, but so delicious as well!

Miso Chocolate Cake

Pavlova

And of course, there is always room for dessert.  The Miso Chocolate Cake is a must!

Thank you Chef Zach for another amazing meal!

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea
555 Kaukahi St
Wailea, HI 96753

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante

During our Aloha Maui Day Trip, we needed a brief respite from eating our way through Maui, so we stopped at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for drinks at Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante.

Elderflower Fizz

Green Smoothie

I initially had my eye on the Elderflower Fizz, but I opted to go the healthier route and get a Green Smoothie (since I was eating non-stop all morning). 

I loved the smoothie.  It was refreshing, made of kale and spinach, with just enough sweetness from bananas and apples.  It was finished off with ginseng and ginger. 

Service was great, as expected at any Four Seasons establishment.

Ferraro's was definitely a great spot to unwind before continuing on our eating adventure on Maui!


Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr,
Wailea, HI 96753
(808) 874-8000

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips

We only had a handful of things planned for our Aloha Maui Day Trip. While in Kihei, @konaish texted a friend for some suggestions.  One suggestion was beef jerky from L&L Hawaiian Barbecue!

Once you step into L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, there are no signs of the Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips for sale, so you need to ask an employee.

There were several flavors to choose from.  

@konaish bought a couple of flavors, and said they were pretty good.

If you or someone you know loves beef jerky, check out L&L!  The beef jerky also makes great omiyage!
 

Kimo'z Beef Jerky Chips
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
247 Piikea Ave #102

Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 875-8898

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Fork and Salad Maui

We ate non-stop during our Aloha Maui Day Trip, but for our first official "meal," we dined at Fork and Salad Maui for lunch.

You can choose from one of their signature salads or create your own.

The salads are gigantic!

You can also get soups, sandwiches, or combos.

I decided to get a Tomato Bisque with a Keiki Grilled Cheese (which comes with a small salad).

It was total comfort food.  The Tomato Bisque was so delish! 

Fork and Salad is a great spot to get healthy, satisfying meals!

Fork and Salad Maui
1279 S Kihei Rd #204
Kihei, HI 96753

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Maui Pie

If you love pies, check out Maui Pie while on Maui!

The shop offers fruit, cream, and even savory pies as a whole pie, mini pie, or by the slice.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

If you love chocolate + peanut butter, you must try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.  The silky smooth peanut butter and creamy chocolate in the flaky, buttery crust was just heavenly.

I'd definitely want to try the savory pies next time!


Maui Pie
1280 S Kihei Rd #101
Kihei, HI 96753

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: The Maui Cookie Lady

I've seen the Insta-famous confections of The Maui Cookie Lady for a while now online, but it wasn't until our Aloha Maui Day Trip did I not only get to try one of the popular cookies, but I got to meet The Maui Cookie Lady, Mitzi Toro, herself!

First off, don't plug in "The Maui Cookie Lady" into your map app on your phone.  Plug in "Maui Pack n Ship," because this is where you'll find a section of the store dedicated to The Maui Cookie Lady's products (the app I was using directed us to an enitrely different building).

Once inside, you'll find an assortment of cookies to choose from.

Mitzi was very sweet and generous, and we ended up leaving with bags full of her delightful cookies. 

I already tried the "Grown-Up Samoa," a seasonal cookie made with Maui Brewing Company's Coconut Porter.  It's so soft and chewy, and so yummy!  

Each of her cookies is gigantic, so you could easily savor a bite every now and then, or share it with your kids.

I'm eager to try Da Half Baked, which is stuffed with Reese's, OREO, and Snickers.  

The Maui Cookie Lady's cookies make great omiyage!





The Maui Cookie Lady
415 Dairy Rd

Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 793-3172

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Aloha Maui Day Trip: Minit Stop

A year ago I had my first taste of Minit Stop Fried Chicken, and it has since become a fave.

Several months later, I had my first taste of the Potato Wedges, and that too has become a fave!

Fried Chicken and Potato Wedges

Our first stop on our Aloha Maui Day Trip was to get Fried Chicken at Minit Stop.  I also got some Potato Wedges, and Laurie got some Fried Chicken Skins (Chick-A-Rrones).

Fried Chicken Skin

The Fried Chicken didn't disappoint, and neither did the Potato Wedges.  I thought the Chicken Skins were okay - not as crispy as I thought they'd be.

Get your Fried Chicken fix at Minit Stop!

Minit Stop

333 Dairy Rd.

Kahului, HI 96732

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Visit Hilo: Lavaloha

While in Hilo, Anna & I stumbled upon Lavaloha, a chocolate farm that offers tours as well as a variety of delicious chocolates.

We didn't have time to do a tour, but we did leave with several bags of chocolates.

My favorite was the Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt.  I love milk chocolate, and the addition of the sea salt made the combo just divine.  I almost ate the entire 5 oz bag in one sitting!

Anna was surprised with how much she loved the Dark Chocolate (70% cacao) since she prefers milk chocolate.  She almost ate the entire bag of her chocolate as well.

The Dark Chocolate with Hawaiian Chili Peppers did have a nice kick to it, and the Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts was good too.

If you can't decide on which flavor to get, there are samples throughout the shop, or you can even purchase sampler bags!

Next time I hope to take the tour!

Lavaloha

1820 Amauulu Rd

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 987-3649

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Aloha Hilo Day Trip Recap

Back in October of last year, @konaish mentioned going to Hilo for the day to go to the Farmers Market, Two Ladies Kitchen, and Moon & Turtle.

The next month, she and I, along with @melissa808 and @deniset73 booked our tickets, and in January we had a 12-hour Aloha Hilo Day Trip.  We had just five things on our itinerary (the three places mentioned above, plus Kawamoto store and Restaurant Kenichi).

Our first stop was Kawamoto Store, because Melissa HAD to get Shrimp Tempura.

We then went to the Hilo Farmers Market to buy produce.

Melissa wanted shave ice, so we had some Kula Shave Ice, then walked to Two Ladies Kitchen for mochi, and stopped at Low International for Rainbow Bread and Cookies on the walk back.

We met our friend Sherrie for lunch at Restaurant Kenichi, then walked next door to George's Meat Market for beef jerky. 

We then made an impromptu stop at Hawaiian Licks for yummy vegan ice cream, and then decided to make another impromptu stop and visit our friend Adrian at Hilo Bay Cafe for my favorite (now off-menu) Kalbi Steak Fries.

We made a quick stop to see Rainbow Falls, bought more omiyage at Big Island Candies, then shopped at KTA for Oven Ready Deli Roll pork that Laurie said was really good.

We stopped at Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack for dessert-before-dinner, and ended the day with a fabulous meal at Moon & Turtle.

And we returned to the Hilo Airport with minutes to spare!

We hadn't planned on so many stops, but we managed to make it to fourteen stops.  Our Aloha Hilo Day Trip was a success!

I can't wait for our next adventure!

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