Visit Big Island: Naʻau Hilo

It's been a while since I actually got to sit down and enjoy the food at Naʻau Hilo (which I helped co-found).  Here is what we were served - some of the ingredients you can't find elsewhere in the world! 

Hawaiʻi's Rainforest

Kanpachi Wing Tempura

Crack Seed Summer Salad

Grilled Shrimp

Koji-Cured Venison

Grilled Local Fish

Big Island Lamb

ʻĀkala Cheesecake

Big Island Bites

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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

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New on the Big Island: Piʻilani Kitchen

Recently opened at Onomea Farm Hub, replacing the Onomea Country Market & Cafe, is Piʻilani Kitchen.

It's a fabulous new cafe that offers delicious sandwiches and sides, all at reasonable prices! 

Cubano

Caprese

My friend really liked the Cubano, and I loved the Caprese.  The Caprese was toasted nicely, and was filled with mozzarella, tomato, and basil pesto.  Sandwiches are served with house pickles and your choice of chips or ʻulu mac (get the ʻulu mac).  I enjoyed the house pickles, and the ʻulu mac was seasoned just right.  

You can still find a lot of great locally-made products at Onomea Farm Hub, and although I am bummed that I can no longer get my favorite Onomea Sunrise smoothie from the previous cafe, I really love this new addition to Pepeʻekeo, and I know I will be visiting often! 

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

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Visit Hawai`i Island: What's Shakin'

A colleague told me about What's Shakin' on the Big Island.  It's a very popular spot that specializes in smoothies using frozen fruit and fruit juice (and certain other add-ons), with no ice or added sugar.

Mango Tango

Farmers Favorite

I had the Farmers Favorite, which consisted of Papaya, Banana, Organic Blueberries, Apple Juice & Coconut Milk.  It was refreshing, with a prevalent blueberry flavor (and color!).

My friend's Mango Tango consisted of Papaya, Banana, Mango, Pineapple & Apple Juice.  He enjoyed it.

At nearly $10 a smoothie, it is pricey, but they do try to use organic fruits whenever possible, as well as fruits from their very own farm.  

If you love smoothies, give What's Shakin' a try!

What's Shakin'
27-999 Mamalahoa Hwy

Pepeekeo, HI 96783
(808) 964-3080

 

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Onomea Country Market & Cafe

Onomea Country Market & Cafe, which occupied the Low Building, recently opened in Pepe`ekeo.  Since I was in the area, I decided to check it out and pick up some lunch.

Marguerita Panini

The Marguerita Panina had tomato, pesto, and cheese.  

Organic Turkey Melt

The tomato was accidentally omitted from the Turkey Melt (we ate the sandwich elsewhere and didn't discover it until then).

As with many restaurants facing shortages, they were out of certain ingredients (like warabi).  

I am all about supporting local and the higher costs of ingredients, but I did think that the two sandwiches were basic, yet pricey at $8.50 each.

Farm-to-Table Cobb Salad

The Cobb Salad was a special of the day, and I thought this was a lovely little salad.  

Onomea Sunrise

I loved the Onomea Sunrise, made with Papaya, Pineapple and Banana.  It was so refreshing and delish - I've since gone back just for this smoothie whenever I'm in the area. 

The charming shop also offers fresh fruit, and a variety of locally-crafted products.  

I really appreciate how much Onomea Country Market & Cafe promotes local, and having only been open for a short time, I can only imagine it will get better.  

The next time I go for food, I'll try a plate lunch or tacos, and I hope to try the shave ice one day too!

Onomea Country Market & Cafe
28-1099 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Pepeekeo, HI 96783
(808) 731-4077

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Visit Big Island: Kapehu Falls Retreat House and Creekside Cottage

In 2019, I stayed at the amazing Kapehu Falls Retreat House, and I was elated to return this past summer as Na`au hosted guests at this stunning property.

The 20-acre Kapheu Falls Retreat House seamlessly intertwines a relaxed ambience with modern comforts and conveniences in the 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home, which includes a fully-equipped modern kitchen, wrap-around lanai, spacious living area, and hot tub.

The Retreat House is simply beautiful. The views are spectacular, and the property owners and manager are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Some upgrades to the property (eg decor, Wi-Fi, bluetooth speakers, etc.) were made since my last visit to make a guest's stay even more fabulous.

The property has enough room for 10 guests, as well as a private waterfall you can access that's just a short walk away.

The Kapehu Falls Retreat House is the perfect getaway for a small group of friends or family, and our guests absolutely loved the property.

We cooked together in the spacious kitchen and we bonded over a delicious meal overlooking the views.

During this visit, I stayed in the Creekside Cottage, which is smaller (sleeps 4), but cute, comfy, and perfect for a small family.  It's conveniently right on the same property as the Retreat House, but far enough to have privacy.

The Cottage has a full kitchen, living room, 1 1/2 bathrooms, and an upstairs bedroom.  Two lovely dining areas with a view of the lush landscape are perfect for a relaxing breakfast or cup of coffee!

We are all eager to return!

For more information and availability, click here for the Retreat House, and here for the Creekside Cottage.

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