Visit Waimea: Jam Pot

Jam Pot specializes in Jamaican Patties, which are pastries filled with various types of seasoned proteins or veggies.

Mild Beef

Curry Chicken

The Curry Chicken had a bit of a kick, and I thought it was seasoned nicely.  The pastry was flaky and added a nice texture to the patty.  

It was my first time trying a Jamaican Patty, and I thought it could easily make a meal in itself.

Jam Pot also offers a variety of grab and go meals in a refrigerated case, as well as teas. 

The tea was 50% off because it was 2 days past the "Best By" date, but even without the discount, I thought it was still a reasonable price ($6 pre-discount).  My friend love the tea, which had mamaki, amongst other ingredients.


Jam Pot
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Waimea: Waimea Butcher Shop

I've been to Waimea Butcher Shop a few times before, but this was my first visit ever since they opened up an adjacent dining room and launched dinner service. 

Tartare

We were treated to the Tartare, which was accompanied by shrimp chips.  All the elements worked well together.  My friend especially loved the fish sauce cured egg yolk, and thought it was clever to use shrimp chips.

Butcher Shop Tots

I had to get the Butcher Shop Tots, which happened to launch just that day.  It was such a treat - crispy tots with tender brisket, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, and cheese.  

Romaine Salad

Creamed Greens

Bistro Steak

My friend enjoyed the steak, as well as the accompanying horse radish cream, as well as the charred romaine.  He especially loved the Charred Greens, which can be ordered as a shareable.

Pancetta & Herb Pasta

The Pancetta and Herb Pasta was delish.  I thought the pasta was cooked perfectly, and of course I loved the pieces of pancetta, which added a depth of richness to the dish.

Service was warm and welcoming, and there is live music nightly (the night we went CJ Kama was playing, and he was awesome)!

Waimea Butcher Shop is a great dinner option when in the area!

Waimea Butcher Shop
64-1032 Mamalahoa Hwy

Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Hilo: Luquin's 454

I finally checked out Luquin's 454.  I had visited the Pahoa location a while ago, and was eager to try out their location in Hilo, which opened up in 2023.

Complimentary Chips & Salsa

Your first basket of Chips & Salsa is complimentary.  I was a little disappointed in how they skimped on the chips (notice how much fuller the basket was in Pahoa), and they were lacking salt (thankfully there was salt on the table).  The salsa, was good, however,  It had bold flavors and spice.

Chicken Flauta

I got the Chicken Flauta.  I had the Steak Flauta the last time (since it's the closest thing to a Chimichanga), but there were too many chewy pieces, so I decided to stick with Chicken.  The flavors were great, and I was relieved that the chicken was moist (as some other places stuff their dishes with dried out, shredded chicken).  The beans and rice were also delicious!

Al Pastor Grilled Burrito

My friend had a special of the day - the Al Pastor Grilled Burrito.  He said the burrito was good, although he could've done without all the chunks of pineapple (he jokingly commented that there seemed to be more pineapple than there was meat).  He actually liked my Flauta better.

I'm glad I finally tried Luquin's in Hilo!  The Flauta was great, and the service was too!

Luquin's 454
454 Manono St

Hilo, HI 96720

Read More

Visit Big Island: Piʻilani Kitchen

Piʻilani Kitchen is about a 25-minute drive from Hilo, but it's so worth it.

They have some of the best sandwiches on the island!

Portuguese Meatball Sub

The Portuguese Meatball Sub was a special, and it sure looked amazing!

Cubano

Caprese

I had the Caprese.  I loved the pesto and all the cheesiness, and it was just so delish!

You must get the sandwiches with the ʻulu mac. The house pickles are great too!

Piʻilani Kitchen
28-1099 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Pepeekeo, HI 96783
(808) 731-4077

Read More

Visit Hilo: King's Vietnamese

King's Vietnamese recently moved from a food truck to its own brick-and-mortar. 

Chicken Bahn Mi

I love the Chicken Bahn Mi.  The chicken is seasoned really well, and they do not skimp on the other fillings!

Egg Rolls

 The Egg Rolls were stuffed with veggies, and they were nice and crispy.

Rare Beef Pho

My friend thought the Rare Beef Pho was good, but wished they had packaged the cilantro with the rest of the accompaniments (versus being served in the broth), and he wish they gave more of the cilantro.

The food was ready quickly, and it was great to see them in their new spot!

King's Vietnamese

810 Piilani St

Hilo, HI 96720

Read More

Visit Hilo: Pane Nudo

I made it to Pane Nudo just 30 minutes before closing, and although they were nearly all out of sweets, they did still have a nice selection of focaccia available. 

Barese

The Barese was topped with roasted tomato, oregano, and kalamata olives.  I love olives so I really enjoyed this focaccia. 

Ali`i Mushroom

The Ali`i Mushroom was also delish!  

Roasted Peppers

The Roasted Peppers were my faves.  I especially loved the goat cheese and capers, along with the basil.  

Spicy

The Spicy had jalapeno, garlic chips, and mozzarella.  

All of the focaccia varieties I tried were great, and the texture was perfect.  It was light and fluffy in the middle, and had a nice, crispy outer crust.  

Ciabattine

Ciabattine is a roll that you can eat as is or you can use for sandwiches.

I definitely will try to make it into Pane Nudo earlier next time!

Pane Nudo
16 Furneaux Ln

Hilo, HI 96720

Read More

Visit Hilo: Tiger Tea Vietnamese

 I love Bò Kho (Vietanmese Beef Stew), so I was eager to try out Tiger Tea Vietnamese.

Bò Kho

It was so good!  The broth was very flavorful and aromatic, and the beef so tender.  You can order it with noodles, rice, or bread, and I chose bread (they gave two loaves!).

Spring Rolls

The Spring Rolls were great too!

Rare Steak Pho

My friend had the Rare Steak Pho, and absolutely loved it.  He said the broth was fantastic. 

As you can guess by its name, Tiger Tea Vietnamese has an extensive tea and drink menu. 

Slush

We ordered Slushes. I had the mango slush, and it was quite sweet, but very refreshing.

We enjoyed the food and will definitely return!

Tiger Tea Vietnamese

250 Keawe St

Hilo, HI 96720

Read More

Visit Hilo: Wailoa Grill

Wailoa Grill recently opened in the old Isles Cafe spot next to Suisan.  

Wailoa Grill is a sister company of Hawaiian Style Cafe, which is known for their huge breakfasts!

Wailoa Grill does offer breakfast plates too, but they also offer plate lunches, sandwiches, and more. 

Garlic Furikake Chicken

I had the Garlic Furikake Chicken.  The chicken was juicy and tender, and although I didn't taste much garlic, they did put sufficient Furikake.

Hamburger Steak

My friend liked the Hamburger Steak, and appreciated how the patties were not store-bought, pre-frozen like you can find in some other places.

Prices are reasonable for the portions.  Definitely look forward to trying them again!

Wailoa Grill

93 Lihiwai Street

Hilo, HI  96720
 

Read More

Visit Hilo: Moon & Turtle

It's been a while since I've been to one of my favorite restaurants in Hilo - Moon & Turtle!  They are very consistent when it comes to food and drink.  

False Crack

You must get one of Soni's cocktails when at Moon & Turtle.  My fave is the False Crack.  It is dangerously good!

Our group ordered "The Tour" (the whole menu). 

Smokey Sashimi

Tako & Potatoes (off-menu)

Mushroom Risotto

Portuguese Sausage Campanelle

Pan Roasted Local Striped Marlin

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Tomato Caper Ahi Belly

Sizzling Tetsuyaki Poke

Smoked Tonnato Caesar

I love finding familiar faves on the menu, particular the pasta and risotto!  The pasta type and meat changes often, but it's always so good.  The Mushroom Risotto is one of my go-tos as well.

Our tablemates loved the Smokey Sashimi and Sizzling Tetsuyaki Poke, and the Crispy Brussels, which is another M&T fave, was also a hit.

Moon & Turtle is always a great spot for food and drink with a group of people.

Moon & Turtle
51 Kalakaua St

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-0599

Read More

Visit Hawai`i Island: Number 3

If you're in the South Kohala area looking for a place for a casual lunch, check out Number 3 at Mauna Kea Resort.

The golf club restaurant offers simple, satisfying food.  

Poke Nachos

Parker Ranch Beef Burger

BLTA

My go-to is the BLTA - bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.  It's nothing fancy, but yummy and hits the spot.  

The menu offers typical clubhouse fare, featuring local ingredients. 

Service is excellent!  

Number 3
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr

Waimea, HI 96743

Read More