Visit Big Island: Island Hopper Taproom

We went to Island Hopper Taproom to indulge in some bar bites. 

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I thought the Spinach Artichoke Dip was too spinachy, and my co-workers thought it was too cheesy.  Regardless, we couldn't taste any artichoke.

Breaded Pickles

Anytime I see fried pickles on the menu I will order it.  I loved these!

Okonomiyaki Tots

The Okonomiyaki Tots were yummy!  I think the tots could've been crisper, but they were delish overall.

All of the apps were such generous servings. 

All-American

The burgers are "smash burgers" consisting of "double decker Hawaiian beef patties," but my co-workers - both in the industry, did not consider them "smash burgers" and said they tasted like pre-made patties.

I had the Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich.  I thought it was a bit unusual they used diced chicken breast, but it tasted pre-cooked / made as well.  The bacon wasn't crispy, and overall I thought it was an underwhelming sandwich - I only took a few bites.

Thank goodness for the appetizers though.

Service was generally good, except for when I asked for serving spoons for the appetizers and our server said "I already gave you forks."

They had live music Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Island Hopper Taproom
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #108
Waimea, HI 96743

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Visit Big Island: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection - Dining

If you're staying at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, staying nearby, or just passing through, the property has a nice variety of dining options.

If you're kamaʻāina, show your ID to get 15% off at HāLani, Hā Bar, The Market, and Surf Shack!

HāLani offers a breakfast buffet or a la carte options.

The Island Buffet includes typical breakfast buffet fare, such as eggs, pancakes, pastries, salads, lox and bagels, and parfaits. 

Acai Bowl

Each buffet comes with an acai bowl.  You can order a variety of fresh juices off the menu for an energizing boost!

Prosciutto and Pesto Toast

I was pretty impressed with the Prosciutto and Pesto Toast.  It was also topped with mushrooms and lots of grated Parmesan.  The toast had a nice saltiness, and was so filling!

Beef Short Ribs Loco Moco

The short ribs were so tender and I love that they didn't skimp on the gravy!

Pork Carnita Hash

For grab-and-go breakfast or lunch options, you can go to The Market.

They offer refreshing smoothies, breakfast bowls, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, and even cookies!

The Surf Shack offers casual eats to eat poolside or on the beach.

Fish Tacos

Chicken Sandwich

For an elevated dinner, you can dine at the CanoeHouse, or if you prefer to relax in the comfort of your room, you can order room service.

Chicken Tenders

Furikake Parker House Rolls

There are so many great dining options at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection!

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743
 

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Visit Island of Hawai`i: Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club

Through Na`au, I have been fortunate to meet the owners of Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club - Chef Keoni and Brandon (they also own Kaunamano Farms), and I was glad I finally had a chance to dine there.

The restaurant focuses on hyperlocal sourcing, and features many menu items showcasing Kaunamano Farms' local Berkshire pork.

Complimentary Bread

I was enamored with the perfectly grilled bread.  The salted butter only added to the yumminess (tip: if you order the Clams & Chorizo, ask for extra bread to dip into the amazing sauce).

Ahupua`a Salad

The Ahupua`a Salad consisted of local greens, Kawamata Farms tomatoes, strawberries, Big Island goat cheese, and Waimeli Honey Garlic Dressing.  It was a delightful salad full of local ingredients, and I appreciated how the salad was split and presented.

`Nduja Toast

The `Nduja Toast was tasty - the Kaunamano Farms pork spread was served atop a charcoal sourdough along with beer mustard and pickled vegetables.  I loved the different textures and flavor profiles.

Clams & Chorizo Cataplana

I enjoyed the clams, but I LOVED the tomato-based sauce.  I would've been content with just eating the bread and sauce along.  Highly recommend this starter!

14 oz Boneless Rib Eye

The Rib Eye was delish.  It was served on a mountain of garlic mashed potatoes.

Kaunamano Farms Pork Chop

The portions were enormous!  

I filled up on so much bread, salad, and appetizers, that I barely made a dent in the huge piece of breaded pork chop.  I loved the sides that came along with it - especially the ho`i`o salad and the ali`i mushrooms.   

`Ulu Puff Pastry

For dessert was an `ulu puff pastry.

The menu is small, but it works, and the service and views were both fantastic.

Highly recommend a visit!

Note: If you made dinner reservations, the gate does not open until 5pm.  If you see a car parked on the side near the gate, that means the occupants are waiting for the gate to open.  Pull up behind any car(s), and don't be that inconsiderate person waiting in front of a closed gate, blocking residents from entering and cutting in front of all the cars who are patiently waiting.  

Napua
68-1292 S Kaniku Dr

Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Knead & Bake

We decided to pick up food to eat before a private dinner with Na`au, and I ended up ordering online from Knead & Bake in The Shops at Mauna Lani.

Plesant Ave

Pleasant Ave consisted of pepperoni, salami, roasted red peppers, and bacon.

Chicken Pesto

Chicken Pesto consisted of pesto, mozzarella, ricotta, chicken, basil, and cherry tomatoes.

I thought both pizzas were really good, and they didn't skimp on toppings, although I would've liked a crisper crust.  The Pleasant Ave was my favorite because of the bacon, but I would've preferred them in crumbles vs strips (so you get bacon in every bite!).

Spring Salad

I was not pleased with the salad.  For $12, I got a 5x5-inch clamshell of spinach, with a few bacon strips, crumbles of Gorgonzola, and a sparse sprinkling of macadamia nuts.  

The pizzas were pricey as well for the size ($20+ each), but I expected that, especially for the location.  However, the $12 salad was an utter disappointment.  

If you visit Knead & Bake, definitely stick with pizzas!

Knead & Bake
The Shops at Mauna Lani
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #116 

Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 731-4490

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Visit Island of Hawaii: Juice 101

On our way to a private dinner for Na`au, we decided to pick up lunch for the team.  I wanted to find a place that offered a quick and easy meal that could be eaten during any down time we had during service prep.  The options were limited, as many places were either closed due to the pandemic, not open for lunch, or they had a menu that, although good, would be much better enjoyed when not in the rush of getting ready for a private dinner.

After some research, I found Juice 101 in the Shops at Mauna Lani.  This juice, coffee, and smoothie bar also offers acai bowls, sandwiches, bagels, and even ice cream!

I decided to order grilled paninis with a side salad for the team (you could also order them as cold wraps with chips).

I had the Tomato Mozzarella & Turkey.  It was a hearty sandwich (I could only eat half), which included fresh basil pesto (I love pesto!).  It was a simple combination, but it was very satisfying and yummy.

Corleone Italian

Turkey & Prosciutto

Tomato Mozzarella & Turkey

We also ordered the Turkey & Prosciutto, which also came with brie, dijon, tomato, and sprouts, as well as the Corleone Italian, which came with prosciutto, salami, tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive tapenade.

I ordered and paid online (the prices are on the high side), and if you choose to do the same, be sure to wait for a confirmation text.  If you do not get a confirmation text, it is very likely that the shop is super busy and your order may be delayed or they will not be able to complete your order at all (order with as much advance notice if possible).

When I arrived to pick up the sandwiches, there was a long line of people.  I went up to an employee and said I made a take-out order.  She proceeded to apologetically tell me that they were very busy and she could decline my order, or I could wait for 20-30 minutes.  I didn't have time to wait, so I asked f I could get my order cancelled and refunded.  When I told her my name, she apologized again and said she misunderstood me, and that she actually already had most of my order ready.  

Whew!

I thought the staff was very friendly, and one employee even gave me a package he had on hand to hold my 5 trays of sandwiches.

If you're at The Shops at Mauna Lani and just craving a simple, yet satisfying meal, check out Juice 101!

Juice 101

The Shops at Mauna Lani
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743

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CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani

The CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a must-try for anyone in search of a dining experience with great food and views on the island of Hawaii.

The oceanfront venue boasts a thoughtfully-crafted menu that features fresh, local ingredients, and is run by the husband and wife duo of Matt Raso, Executive Chef, and Yuka Raso, General Manager.

I was invited to have dinner there, and I was so excited!

My friend and I ordered several starters and one MY Menu tasting to share (MY stands for Matt and Yuka). The five-course meal is $85, and the courses change based on availability.

1st course: Kusshi Oysters

2nd course: Ahi Tataki

3rd course: Mahi Mahi

4th course: A5 Wagyu

5th course: Chocolate Kona Coffee Fudge Cake

The tasting menu is very reasonably-priced for what you get.  The Oytsers, Mahi (I really liked the heat from the chili spice), and Wagyu were faves.  

For dessert, our server simply asked for a preference (chocolate), and he brought out the Chocolate Kona Coffee Fudge Cake, an item on the dessert menu. The dessert included a lilikoi sauce that tended to clash with the rest of the flavors, but everything else came together nicely.

Chef Matt's Signature Crab

Chef Matt's signature crab dish was amazing. It's not on the menu, but our server suggested we get that, and who could say no to crab?  If your server offers it, get it.  Brown butter, bread crumbs, green onions - my friend kept raving about it, and it was definitely one of the highlights of dinner for me as well.  

The Shokupan Pull Apart Bread was highly recommended, and I completely agree that it is a must-order.  It comes to the table in a tin, which the server removed, and he subsequently took two forks to pull apart the bread (it's HOT!). 

Shokupan Pull Apart Bread

The amazingly pillowy-soft, buttery bread, with the crunchy, salty crust, was heavenly. I could've eaten the entire loaf myself!

The Kekela Farms Mixed Greens were tossed in a delightful yuzu truffle dressing. 

Kekela Farms Mixed Greens

 
If you love mushrooms, you must try the Whole Maitake Mushrooms (it pairs well with one of the beef entrees).

Whole Maitake Mushrooms

The Roasted Potatoes could be a meal in itself! Accompanied by a slow cooked egg, bits of smoked pork jowl, and dressed with a mustard miso, the potatoes were delish (this would also make a great pairing with one of the beef entrees). 

Roasted Potatoes

I decided to get the Coconut Lime Panna Cotta for dessert because it was a warm evening, and the dessert sounded refreshing.

It was quite tart, but the Strawberry Guava Ice was so pleasant!

Coconut Lime Panna Cotta

Our server was friendly and accommodating, and although it felt like he was rushed at times because he was also taking care of several other tables (it was quite busy!), we appreciated his efforts.

I'm definitely going back to get more Shokupan Pull Apart Bread, and I'm trying the Pork Jowl next time!

CanoeHouse
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743

Mahalo to Mauna Lani for hosting dinner.  Gratuity was paid on my own.

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Hā Bar at Mauna Lani

Recent renovations at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, included the addition of Hā Bar, an open-air bar located near the pool.

It's a great place to grab a bite for lunch or wind down with some drinks and pupus. 

There really is no bad spot to dine at, but I'd suggest you snag a seat on the outside perimeter nearest the pool if you can, especially at sunset, and you may be treated to cotton candy skies.

The Hā Bar hosted me for sunset cocktails, and I had the signature Lani Tai, which was their take on a the popular Mai Tai (if you love rum, you will love this tropical cocktail!).

Hā Bar was the perfect place to catch the sunset and start the evening.  I look forward to returning to try some of the food and listen to some live music!

Hā Bar

Mauna Lani
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr
Waimea, HI 96743

Mahalo to Mauna Lani for hosting.  Gratuity was paid on my own.

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goop Store at Mauna Lani

Gwyneth Paltrow's goop has opened up shop at Mauna Lani.  What started as a weekly newsletter turned into a world-renowned brand, focusing on clean beauty, wellness, and chic fashions.

Located on the ground floor, the 1,012 square-foot shop offers goop's popular beauty and wellness products, along with a carefully curated selection of apparel, cosmetics, jewelry, gifts, and more from select brands.

The first goop Store in Hawaii offers products at varying price points, so don't let the location in a luxury resort scare you.  In fact - prices are very comparable to what you'd find in beauty or department store chains.

I was familiar with goop, but I had no idea that the brand turned into a brick and mortar, and I love that in the shop you'll find products to indulge your skin, whiten your teeth, help with a hangover, and even detoxify your body.

Whether you need beach essentials, a new dress, something sparkly, or a fun gift idea - the goop Store may have just what you're looking for.  

I was gifted with some goop products on my visit, and I can't wait to try them!

goop Store

Mauna Lani
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743

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