Visit Hawai`i Island: Hale Kai Restaurant at the Fairmont Orchid

Hale Kai Restaurant at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island is a toes-in-the-sand restaurant right on the beach, but they also do take-out so you can eat in the comfort of your room!

Tortilla Chips with House Salsa & Guacamole

Chipotle Chicken Tacos

The Chipotle Chicken Tacos caught my eye on the menu, and I wanted something crunchy to go along with it, so what better accompaniment than some Chips, Salsa, and Guac?

Everything was tasty and satisfying.  

Each tortilla was full of nicely seasoned chicken, corn, radish, and a bright cilantro crema, along with a bold queso fresco.  The flavors were very nice!

The housemade salsa and guacamole were great too.  

Big Island Beef Burger

The Big Island Beef Burger comes with cheddar, tomato, and lettuce on a brioche bun.  You can add mushroom, bacon, and / or avocado for extra.

The take-out from Hale Kai was the perfect lunch before a long evening of work!

Hale Kai Restaurant
1 North Kaniku Drive Kohala Coast

(808) 885-2000

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Binchotan

Back in 2019, I was invited to the Grand Opening celebration of Binchotan at the Fairmont Orchid.  During my recent visit to the resort, went back to Binchotan for dinner, where they continue to feature a variety of menu items, including grilled, or robatayaki foods.

Pork Belly Fried Rice

The Pork Belly Fried Rice was delicious.  There was lots of garlic and kim chee mixed in for a very flavorful fried rice.

Ribeye

The Ribeye was robata-grilled, but my friend thought it lacked smokiness.

Watercress Salad

The Watercress Salad came with heart of palm, avocado, tomatoes, and mac nuts.  It was a lovely salad, and I appreciated the contrasting textures between the creamy avocado and the slivers of heart of palm.

Tempura Cauliflower

The Tempura Cauliflower was my favorite.  The tempura batter was perfect, and glazed with gochujang.  I ate nearly all of them myself!

Patisserie Nanako Cheesecake

I love Patisserie Nanako, so I was excited to order the cheesecake from the small dessert menu.  It was creamy and light!

Service was warm and friendly, and Binchotan was a nice place for a casual meal.

Binchotan
Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast

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Binchotan: Bar & Grill at the Fairmont Orchid Now Open

Last week I was fortunate to have been invited (and flown in!) to the Grand Opening Event of Binchotan: Bar & Grill at the Fairmont Orchid.

During my stay at Fairmont Orchid last year, I was bummed the restaurant wasn't open yet, but it was worth the wait! 

The new 1500-square foot venue has both indoor and outdoor dining areas so guests can feast family-style on the Robatayaki Experience, which includes a chef's selection of grilled items; sushi; Macadamia Nut Shrimp, featuring honey from Fairmont Orchid's own beehive; and a variety of other local favorites, such as Pork Belly Fried Rice and Beef Donburi.

Muay Thai

At the event we were fortunate to sample a variety of dishes:

I can't wait to return!

Binchotan; Bar & Grill is open Thursday through Monday from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.  For reservations, call 808-887-7320.

Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast 

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#NoFilter Views at the Fairmont Orchid

A surefire way to beat the winter blahs is to visit the Fairmont Orchid, where stunning #NoFilter views can be captured almost everywhere you turn.

Here are some of the shots from our recent family getaway at this beautiful oceanfront property:

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Visit Big Island: Orchid Court Buffet at Fairmont Orchid

On our last day of our getaway at the Fairmont Orchid, we indulged in a fabulous breakfast buffet at the Orchid Court.

At just $34 per adult (kids discounted), the Orchid Court Buffet gets you fresh fruit, cereals, donuts, pastries, salads, juices, eggs, meats, waffle stations, smoothies, breads, and more!

During breakfast we indulged in eggs benedict, shrimp shumai, frittatas, mango cake, French toast, udon, and more.

We loved the waffle and crepe station, where we could customize them to our sweet or savory preferences!

 Omelettes are also offered on the buffet, and are made-to-order.

There was so much variety at the Orchid Court Buffet, and we surely got our fill of delicious eats to start our day!

Orchid Court

Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast 

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