Aloha Hilo Day Trip: Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack

Shortly after we visited Big Island Juice Co. in Hilo last year, they changed to Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack, where they continue to offer yummy acai bowls, but they also specialize in "magical" ice cream confections, like the Unicone.

The Unicone - a twist of ube and dragon fruit soft serve flavors, can be ordered in a cone or pineapple bowl. It's dusted with sprinkles, and is just a pure delight to look at!

Stop by Makani's to add a little magic to your day!


Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack
54 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8454

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Aloha Hilo Day Trip: Kawamoto Store

Last year was my first-ever visit to the always busy Kawamoto Store.  It was our second stop of the day during our Hawaii Mom Blog Hilo Day Trip, yet we were still too late to try the popular Nori Chicken.

On a recent Aloha Hilo Day Trip with Melissa, Laurie, and Denise, Kawamoto's was our very first stop, because Melissa NEEDED Shrimp Tempura.  No matter how long we needed to wait, she needed to eat some, because she had it on her last trip to Hilo, and she absolutely loved it.

As luck would have it, we found parking right in front of Kawamoto's, there were only two people in line, and not only was there Nori Chicken, but there was a fresh tray of Shrimp Tempura.

Naturally, I had to try one.

Corned Beef Hash, Nori Chicken, Shrimp Tempura

I don't normally eat Shrimp Tempura, but I must admit, it was just as good as Melissa said it would be.  Crunchy and flavorful.  I could've easily eaten more.  I thought the Nori Chicken was tasty, as well as the cute little Corned Beef Hash.  

Everyone is so friendly at Kawamoto Store, and I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the items you order.

Laurie's order

Denise's order

Melissa's order

Kawamoto Store
784 Kilauea Ave

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8209

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 13: Hilo Bay Cafe

On an earlier to trip to Hilo in February, I went to Hilo Bay Cafe and had a quite unpleasant experience in terms of service (that was later remedied thanks to one of the managers - you can read about my experience here).

I mentioned how I usually give places second chances, and I had every intention of returning one day.

I just didn't think that "one day" would be "two weeks later."

Hilo Bay Cafe wasn't even on our itinerary for our Day Trip.  Nadia and I had plans to go somewhere else for Happy Hour (and our last stop of the day), but there was no room at the desired restaurant, so some friends had suggested we meet them at Hilo Bay Cafe.

Tired and wanting to just find a place to have drinks, eat, and unwind, I was game.

We sat at the bar, and we ended up ordering some drinks, along with the same two dishes that I mentioned were my faves from my previous visit:

Parmesan Custard

Kabli Steak Fries

The food was consistently good.  Even though we ate almost the entire day, Nadia and I couldn't resist eating up the Parmesan Custard and the Kalbi Steak Fries (the fries were Nadia's fave of the entire trip).

Since we were at the bar, I can't really comment on the service, although overall I felt like the entire experience was a more positive one.

Great food, great drinks, and great friends - the perfect way to end our day trip in Hilo!

Hilo Bay Cafe

123 Lihiwai St.

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-4939

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 12: Big Island Juice Co.

Another impromptu stop on our Hilo Day Trip was Big Island Juice Co.

The instagrammable treats often pop up in my feed, but it was Nadia who had suggested we stop there so she could try the acai bowl. 

Aloha Acai

The Aloha Acai bowl came with granola, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, hemp seed, mac nuts, coconut flakes, and honey.  It was quite huge!

I had no intentions of getting anything from Big Island Juice Co., but Nadia saw a sign for ice cream sandwiches - and she knows how much I love ice cream!

So I gave in.

You can opt for Fruity or Coco Peppbles with Ube or Vanilla Ice Cream, and add toppings for extra charge.

I chose Fruity Pebbles with Vanilla Ice Cream and Fruit Loops.

I only took a few bites since we still had a dinner stop left, but it was a nice treat!

Big Island Juice Co. also offers smoothies, frappes, and even sandwiches!

Big Island Juice Co.
54 Waianuenue Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8454

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 11: KTA Super Stores

Stop 11 on our Hilo Day Trip was an impromptu stop - KTA Super Stores.

This popular Big Island grocery chain has a nice section of made-in-Hawaii products. 

I bought locally-made Stone Cookies and Ice Cream Cookies.

I wanted to buy a lot more omiyage, but I didn't have much room left in my tote!

Whether you need groceries or omiyage, KTA Super Stores is a one-stop-shop!

KTA Super Stores
321 Keawe St.
Hilo, HI 96720

Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit theHawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 10: OK Farms

We got treated to samples of longan and rambutan!

Besides stuffing my face with Two Ladies Kitchen mochi and the kalbi fries from Hilo Bay Café, our visit to OK Farms was my favorite thing to do during our Hilo day trip.  OK Farms is located just above downtown Hilo and is home to high-quality tree crops such as coffee, macadamia nuts, cacao, hearts of palm, and a wide variety of citrus, tropical fruits and spices.

We met up with Troy Keolanui, the K of OK Farms, for the farm tour which gave us exclusive access to the farm and waterfalls.  We drove along their spice road where Troy broke off branches of the spice trees for us to smell.  Don't laugh, but this city girl was pretty amazed how wonderful the cinnamon smell was from the inner bark of the tree.  I had never seen any of the spices in their true form so it was very educational for me.

We drove around the 1000-acre-plus farm and stopped to look at their cacao, macadamia nut, lychee, longan, and rambutan crops.  It was very interesting to learn about their farmlands and the highlight for me was trying my first rambutan right off the tree!  The farm also offers amazing views of Rainbow Falls and Ka'imu'kanaka Falls. 

After the fun tour we stopped at their gift shop and sampled their delicious chocolate covered macadamia nuts and picked up some souvenirs for home.  The cost of the tour is $30 per person (children 12 and under are free) and offers a unique experience for the whole family!      

Getting a close up look to rambutan, longan, macadamia nut, cacao, and lychee.

Gorgeous view of Rainbow Falls.

View of Ka'imu'kanaka Falls.

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 9: Two Ladies Kitchen

I'm not a big fan of mochi, and since Nadia had just visited Two Ladies Kitchen when she went to Hilo in October, I initially did not have Two Ladies Kitchen on our day trip itinerary.

But Nadia loves the mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen and requested to squeeze in a stop if we had time.

And we did have time!

She ordered a custom box with brownie, marshmallow, persimmon, and pear mochi.

She kept raving about the persimmon mochi!

If you're a mochi fan too, be sure to stop by Two Ladies Kitchen!

Two Ladies Kitchen
274 Kilauea Ave

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-4766

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit theHawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 8: Hawaii Island Gourmet Products

One thing I love about traveling is buying omiyage.  We had several omiyage stops (scheduled and impromptu) during our day trip to Hilo.  One such stop was our visit to Hawaii Island Gourmet Products - the company that bought Atebara Chip Company several years ago.

At the shop, you'll find chips, cookies, candies, and more, and you can even sample some of the popular chips!

In addition to some chocolates, I bought a bag of the new Sriracha Sweet Potato Chips.  It was just a tad bit spicy.

Hawaii Island Gourmet Products is a great stop for omiyage!


Hawaii Island Gourmet Products
717 Manono St

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 969-9600

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit theHawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 7: Pandamonia's Paletas

After lunch at Restaurant Kenichi, we planned on getting a sweet treat to eat.  Originally, we were going to get shave ice, but I saw someone post on Instagram about a "hidden gem" in Hilo - Pandamonia's Paletas!

I asked several people in Hilo about the place, and most of them never even heard of Pandamonia's Paletas before, so Nadia and I went to check it out for ourselves. 

 In an inconspicuous little shop you'll find freezers full of paletas in all sorts of flavors. 

It is extremely difficult to choose a flavor from all that there is available (there were 43 flavors available the day we went).  The friendly employees will not hesitate to give you some recommendations.

Ultimately, I chose Guava Cream, and Nadia chose Lemon Cream.

Guava Cream, Lemon Cream

I loved the Guava Cream. It was just the right combination of tart and sweet. Nadia said the Lemon Cream was a little too sour.

At just $1.50 a pop, you can try a lot of different flavors without breaking the bank.

There is seating inside so you can enjoy your paleta in air-conditioned comfort.

Pandamonia's Paletas

21 Banyan Dr
Hilo, HI 96720

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit theHawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 6: George's Meat Market

George's Meat Market was not on our Hilo Day Trip itinerary, but it was right next to Restaurant Kenichi, and I heard they were known for their beef jerky, so we decided to check it out!

They sell all sorts of flavors of beef jerky for $13+tax per bag.  I ended up getting Chili Pepper & Shoyu (since I like spicy) and Shoyu (for Nat, who doesn't like spicy).

The most popular flavor is Black Pepper, but other flavors include Jalapeno and Teriyaki.

It's a great place to stop for omiyage!



George's Meat Market
28 Hoku St

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8225

Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 5: Restaurant Kenichi

Our original Hilo Day Trip itinerary called for us to have lunch at a restaurant that Nadia seemed hesitant about, so at the last minute, I recommended Restaurant Kenichi, since my boss mentioned how much he loved the ramen there.

And the weather was perfect for ramen!

Curry Ramen with BBQ Chicken and Cheese

Spicy Miso Ramen with Yakibuta

Gyoza

I had a special of the day - Curry Ramen with Cheese. I opted to get it with BBQ Chicken.  

My boss was right - the ramen was so delicious!  The chicken itself was really tasty, and I loved the curry flavor of the broth!

Each ramen is topped with an egg, bean sprouts, kamaboko, green onions, and nori.

The gyoza was good, but I've had better elsewhere.  

The restaurant was packed at noon, and although it was busy, service was prompt and friendly.

The ramen was the best meal I had on that trip!  

Restaurant Kenichi
684 Kilauea Ave

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 969-1776

Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 4: Pu`u`o`o Trail (Kaumana Trail)

Because we knew we would be doing A LOT of eating on our Hilo Day Trip, Nadia and I made sure to schedule in some kind of physical activity.

I asked a friend who lives in Hilo for some easy hiking recommendations, and he recommended a hike off of Saddle Road that had very little write-ups online (in fact, I only found two mentions).  I was game, however, because it seemed like an interesting hike, and one that we could do with the little time we had in Hilo.

We drove through fog and rain from Hilo, and unfortunately, we had a hard time finding the parking lot for this "mystery" hike.  We think we may have stumbled upon it on our first try, but it didn't look right, and after driving up and down Saddle Road, we ultimately decided to do the Pu`u`o`o Trail (Kaumana Trail) hike.  

It's about a 3-mile round trip hike according to online sources.

There is a small parking area, and the path is relatively easy to follow.

In terms of views, there is not much to see, but along the way you'll see native plants and perhaps even birds (we heard many of the birds, but we just didn't see any).

A light jacket or poncho is recommended in case of rain or heavy fog (we encountered both on this hike).

Luckily, despite the gloomy weather, the rain was just a light sprinkle, making for a cool morning for a hike. 

We didn't walk the entire trail due to time constraints. but it was a nice way to get in some exercise!

And maybe next time I'll find the entrance to the "mystery" hike!

Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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Hilo Day Trip Stop 3: Just Cruisin Coffee

I made sure to add a stop for coffee for Nadia on our Hilo Day Trip, so we ended up at Just Cruisin Coffee.  

The tiny shop has seats indoor and out, and also offers drive-thru service.

Americano

Nadia enjoyed her Americano (creme espresso shots with purified water).

It was perfect after waking up early to catch our flight to Hilo, and to get ready for the 30-minute drive to our next destination!

Just Cruisin Coffee
835 Kilauea Ave

Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 934-7444

Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines! Hawaiian Airlines is the world’s most punctual airline as reported by OAG, and is Hawai‘i’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai‘i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 170 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 250 daily flights system-wide. Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website to book your next flight!

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