Visit Big Island: Big Island Birria Boss

Big Island Birria Boss recently opened up a brick and mortar in Honomu.

Originally a food stand, this eatery specializes in all things Birria.

I got the Birria Nachos, which was loaded!

The House Made Corn Chips were fab, and they were topped with a generous helping of beef, cheese, beans, onions, cilantro, chipotle crema, and salsa verde.  It's some of the best nachos I've had anywhere!    
 

The Birria Burrito was served with Consomme (not pictured).  The Burrito was enormous!  A tortilla is first dipped in birria oil, then stuffed with rice, beans, beef, cheese, cilantro, onion, pickled veggies, and chipotle crema.  

It's so great to see a new eatery in the Honomu area that dishes up really good food.

Big Island Birria Boss

28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy

Honomu, HI 96728
 

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Visit Hilo: `Akaka Falls State Park

I visited `Akaka Falls State Park for the first time.  I honestly thought you could just park and see the Falls immediately, but it turns out there's a little hike to see the Falls!

Parking and admission are free for kama`aina.

An attendant helps direct cars to parking stalls and places to park if all stalls are occupied, which is super helpful because it can get super crowded.

Once you park and pay any fee (or show your kama`aina ID for free entrance), you then begin the short hike.

It's a pleasant, easy .4 mille hike through a rainforest, and if you follow the arrows, you'll first come across Kahuna Falls, and eventually make your way to the amazing `Akaka Falls.  

The trail is paved for the most part, with a few stairs throughout.  I had no idea you had to walk to get to the falls, as I showed up in slippers, so that should tell you how easy the trail is.

It's a lovely hike through ferns, bamboo, and all sorts of foliage.

Kahuna Falls

`Akaka Falls is quite impressive.  The 442 feet waterfall was roaring due to previous heavy rains, and it was a stunning sight.

If you are short on time you can always go in the opposite direction of the arrows to view `Akaka Falls first (and only), but the entire loop takes an average of just 15-20 minutes, depending on how quickly you walk and how often you stop to take photos.  

`Akaka Falls

`Akaka Falls State Park

875 `Akaka Falls Road

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Pohina Provisions dba Hana Hou Beef Crisps

For some of the best beef crisps ever, visit Pohina Provisions dba Hana Hou Beef Crisps on the Big Island!

We visited the Honomu location, and I bought a bunch of beef crisps and some of the cutest gummies I've ever seen.

There are so many flavors of beef crisps that it's so hard to decide which ones to get!  I ended up getting Garlic, which is a best seller and so yummy, and a couple of other flavors - Kiawe Smoke and Hawaiian Salt (I gifted the others).

The crisps are indeed crispy, and not chewy like other brands I've tried, and the flavor is really nice.

They also make super cut chocolate-covered gummies - perfect for kiddos or as omiyage.

Pick up some treats at Pohina Provisions for yourself or a loved one!

Pohina Provisions

28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy Unit #3

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Visit Big Island: Mr. Ed's Bakery

I was working in Honomu, within walking distance of Mr. Ed's Bakery, so of course I couldn't pass up a chance to visit!

Mr. Ed's is known for the vast variety of homemade preserves made from locally-sourced ingredients - liliko`i, dragonfruit, mango, and so much more.

Step inside and you'll be greeted with a wall of jams, jellies, and butters.

It is quite overwhelming to choose from such an enormous selection, and although there are samples to try, I decided to just buy whatever caught my eye (pre-pandemic I would avoid samples anyway).

I ended up with a jar each of spicy and sweet - Mango Habanero Gold and Dragon Lychee.  The Mango Habanero Gold had a nice punch of mild heat.  I haven't tried the Dragon Lychee yet.

Of course, the bakery has baked goods as well.   

I bought a variety of treats, and I thought the brownie was good, but the cookie-lover that I am thought the cookies lacked any sweetness.

The shop also sells food, like burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs.    

Cheeseburger

The young man helping at the shop was very friendly and customer-service oriented.

Stop at Mr. Ed's if you need some omiyage!

Mr. Ed's Bakery
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy

Honomu, HI 96728

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Visit Big Island: Ice Cream at the Woodshop Gallery

Ice cream at the Woodshop Gallery?

You read that right.

In the quaint town of Honomu, there are several little cafes and eateries that sell ice cream, including an unexpected venue - the Woodshop Gallery.

At the Woodshop Gallery, you'll find an assortment of fine, crafted wood pieces, as well as a small freezer full of Big Island-made Tropical Dreams ice cream!

I bought two flavors - Strawberry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel.  I liked the Strawberry Cheesecake the best.  The Salted Caramel was much too sweet for my liking.  

If you find yourself in Honomu or nearby, and the wait for ice cream is too long at other nearby eateries, grab a container (or two!) of ice cream from the Woodshop Gallery!

Woodshop Gallery

28-1692 Old Government Rd

Honomu, HI 96728
(808) 963-6363

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Visit Big Island: Hilo Sharks Coffee Honomu

After ordering some food online from a restaurant in Honomu, only to find out it was shuttered once we arrived (thank goodness I didn't prepay with a credit card!), we looked for the nearest eatery to get lunch from, and Hilo Sharks Coffee Honomu was fortunately open.  

This small eatery offers primarily wraps and bagel sandwiches for lunch (they did not have enough lettuce for salads on the day we went).

Turkey Bagel with Pesto

Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

BLT Wrap

TLT Wrap

We ordered several wraps and bagel sandwiches.  It was a one-woman operation at the time we arrived, so the lone employee was busy taking orders as well as preparing them.  Therefore, it did take a while for our food (she did offer us a small bag of chips as a courtesy).

I had the BLT Wrap, and I thought it was filling and satisfying (I did take out all of the sprouts).

Lunch from Hilo Sharks Coffee Honomu definitely made do in a pinch.

Hilo Sharks Coffee Honomu

1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy #28

Honomu, HI 96728
(808) 731-6640

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