Visit Big Island: ‘Ulu

While at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, we had breakfast at ‘Ulu.  They offer both a breakfast buffet as well as a la carte menu items.  I usually prefer to get a la carte menu items since I never get my money's worth at buffets (as of this post it was $59 per adult).

Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie

The Hualalai Sunrise Smoothie had non-dairy yogurt, orange juice, banana, strawberry, flax, and honey.  It was sweet and refreshing.  I didn't taste much of the honey, but the strawberry and banana flavors were more forward. 

Huevos Rancheros

My friend enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros. 

Loco Moco

I had the Loco Moco, which consisted of braised short rib (you could also opt for grilled fish), topped with an adobo gravy and served with Ali‘i mushroom fried rice.   I thought the greens were out of place, and the short rib was unfortunately too tough, but the gravy was tasty and I really liked the fried rice. 

I'll definitely have to try the Huevos Rancheros next time!

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72-100 Ka`upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96725
(808) 325-8000

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Visit Kailua-Kona: Chubby's Diner

Chubby's Diner is a popular spot for local faves.  They have a pretty extensive menu to satisfy all sorts of cravings.  

Corn Dog Bites

Oxtail Spring Rolls

Pork Chops

Traditional Loco Moco

They also offer a Beyond Burger Loco Moco, as well as a Super Loco Moco, which includes your choice of 3 different meats!

Keiki Saimin

The Keiki Saimin is a deal at $9.99, and it's a pretty nice size portion.  The menu states that the broth is housemade, and the noodles are topped with egg, SPAM, char siu, and green onions.  It was the best thing I ate during my recent trip to Kona.  

They do have a Chubby's Saimin, which I assume is a bigger portion, that also has kamaboko and cabbage.  

Chubby's is a great spot for local eats!

 

Chubby's Diner
75-5591 Palani Rd
KBXtreme, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kailua-Kona: Walua Social

Walua Social, in my opinion, is the best restaurant in Kailua-Kona.  It's not a tourist trap.  It's not a place that adds local ingredients just to sell "Hawaii," and when they do incorporate local ingredients into the dishes, it just makes sense.  

And of course the food is delish!  Helmed by two very talented chefs - one with roots in Italy and the other with roots on the Big Island - you know the food is going to be authentic - no gimmicks needed.

We recently sat at the bar for a few bites. 

Carpaccio

House Focaccia

Chicken Wings

I'm not a huge chicken wings eater, but decided to try it, and I'm so glad I did, because the condiment on top - a chili oil with pistachios and green onion, was so addicting.  It had an initial kick of heat, but it wasn't overly spicy.  I loved the condiment so much I kept encouraging the team to jar it and sell it and I would buy a dozen.  And put it on everything.

Oysters 

The oysters were topped with a sea asparagus giardinier.

Budino

I had to have the Budino.  It's so rich and luscious and the addition of the Speculoos just makes it magical. 

Service was great!

And thanks to Chef Jeff for giving me some chili oil!

Walua Social
75-5864 Walua Rd

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kailua-Kona: 808 Grindz Cafe

We decided to pick up some breakfast at 808 Grindz Cafe in Kona.

Maui Style Croissanwich

The Croissanwich was interesting - it was like an open face scrambled egg sandwich.

Portuguese Moco

I had the Portuguese Moco and upgraded to Fried Rice.  It was just okay - the fried rice could've used more garnishes and I think they could've given a few more pieces of Portuguese sausage.  

808 Grindz Moco

Makawowie Burrito

The Makawowie Burrito is actually not a burrito, so we felt misled by the menu.  I actually thought we got someone else's plate by mistake (after the fact I searched online and saw many people had the same misconception).  The "Burrito" is actually tomatoes, eggs, onions, potatoes, and refried beans on fried rice.  

Note: 808 Grindz Cafe is a sister cafe to a former restaurant on Maui, thus the references to Maui and Maui cities in the dish names.    

Some of us really liked the food, some of us thought the food was just "okay," but I did appreciate how quick the service was and how generous the portion sizes were. 

808 Grindz Cafe
75-5660 Kopiko St

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kailua-Kona: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue - Breakfast Sandwich

I don't know if all L&L Hawaiian Barbecue locations sell breakfast sandwiches, but I've tried them at the Waimea location and most recently one in Kailua-Kona, and they are so good!  

The Waimea breakfast menu differs from the Kona one, so I had to customize my sandwich.  They only offered ham and egg or ham and cheese, but I asked for bacon, egg, and cheese.

Bacon, Egg, Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

The bread is buttery and toasted, the bacon thick and crispy, and it is a very delicious breakfast sandwich for a very reasonable price, and especially considering the location (we were smack dab in tourist town).

Hash Brown

We also got a side of Hash Browns, but they were not as crispy as I hoped.

Don't sleep on the breakfast sandwiches at L&L!

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 

75-5595 Palani Rd

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kona: Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

I recently went to Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill for the first time.

Caesar

There is an Ahi Caesar on the menu, but my co-worker asked to sub the ahi for poke, and they allowed it for an extra charge (he chose Da Avo poke).  He enjoyed the poke!

Poke Nachos

The Poke Nachos consisted of won ton chips, seaweed salad, unagi sauce, lomi salmon, garlic aioli, and your choice of poke (pictured is Kanaka poke - ogo, Hawaiian chili pepper, onions, shoyu, & oyster sauce).

Our team member really liked the poke.

Crispy Pork Belly

I really liked the Crispy Pork Belly and the accompanying Bug Juice.  

Lolo for Kulolo

The Lolo for Kulolo consisted of panko crusted Kulolo, deep fried and served with your choice of ice cream (we opted for Haupia).  

The lau lau dishes on the menu were sold out for the day, so it seems like those are the popular items.

Portions were huge and prices reasonable!

Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill

74-5599 Pawai Pl

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kona: Big Island Abalone

If you're looking for something interesting and educational to do while on the Kona coast, book a tour with Big Island Abalone!  

We were hosted for a tour as part of Na‘au, and there turned out to be several tourists who joined the tour, and they were very interested in abalone, asking a lot of questions and taking lots of pictures!

We learned about how the access to deep sea water and the abundance of sunlight creates an ideal environment for abalone production.  Big Island Abalone produces over 100 tons of abalone a year!

We saw lots of live abalone of all different sizes.

Big Island Abalone producers Ezo abalone, a type of abalone found off the Hokkaido coast, and they feed on dulse, which Big Island Abalone also produces.

At the end of the tour, we got to taste some abalone.

During the week, they have a truck from which you can order abalone dishes!

Big Island Abalone
73-357 Makako Bay Dr

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Kona - Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill

Ahi Katsu - panko crusted ahi with unagi drizzle and garlic or spicy aioli

On our last day in Kona, my friends and I were in search of an eatery near the airport and found Umekes Fish Market Bar and Grill in Kailua-Kona.  Headed by Chef Nakoa Pabre, Umekes features a variety of popular traditional Hawaiian food creations with a modern twist. The menu is extensive and offers fresh ahi poke bowls, veggie options, and their take on local favorites like loco moco and lau lau.   

I called ahead and was able to make a reservation for our large party. They have a semi-private room right in the front that fit our group of 15.  Service was very friendly and we all enjoyed our meals.  If you are kama'aina, be sure to ask for the 10% discount!  For even more savings, you can pick up discounted Umekes gift cards at the Kona Costco.   

Fish Tacos (3 tacos tempura fried or cajun grilled with avocado, pineapple lomi salsa, pickled slaw, fried onions and garlic aioli on flour tortillas).

   

UMEKES FISH MARKET BAR & GRILL
74-5599 Pawai Place,
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

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Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies is a must-stop whenever we're in Kona.  Home to an award-winning cookie, Mrs. Barry's offers a variety of cookies to satisfy any sweet tooth.  Even though the cookies are more on the crispy side, and I like chewier cookies, I love the Award-Winning Cookie, which consists of oatmeal, raisin, chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts.

Whenever we go, my kids' eyes light up as they see the jars and jars of cookies.  They each pick a cookie, and I buy sampler bags of cookies for omiyage.

The service is always the friendliest there too.  The employees are so helpful, and always patient with my kids when they can't decide which cookie to get.

I know my kids can't wait to visit Kona again just so they can have some of Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies!

Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies
73-5563 Maiau St

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Big Island: Kona Pub & Brewery

Before heading back home to Oahu, we stopped at Kona Pub & Brewery in Kona for some lunch.

Captain Cook Pizza

Naalehu Nachos

A keiki menu is offered, but we all decided to share a couple of dishes since we had a huge breakfast earlier that morning.

The Captain Cook Pizza was topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, Portuguese sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives.  It was a great pizza, and the crust we thin and crispy.

The Naalehu Nachos were delish, topped with cheddar and mozzarella, black beans, corn salsa, beer cheese queso, and green onions.  I ordered it with spicy Portuguese sausage (extra charge).

Service was great, and Kona Pub & Brewery was an ideal stop for a quick bite before a flight.

Kona Pub & Brewery
74-5612 Pawai Place

Kailua Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Big Island: Puna Chocolate Company

We stumbled upon Puna Chocolate Company on our way back to the Kona International Airport and decided to stop in to look for omiyage.

I've bought Puna Chocolate Company confections before.  They offer a variety of flavors of chocolate made with 100% Hawaiian Cacao.

However, what really drew me in was a sign for "Mint Frozen Hot Chocolate" - doesn't that sound delish?

One of my sons ordered a regular Frozen Hot Chocolate.

It was such a delicious, chocolaty treat, made even more special with sprinkles!

The shop also offered sipping chocolate, coffee, and cocoa tea.

Whether you're looking for omiyage or a chocolaty drink, stop in Puna Chocolate Company!

Puna Chocolate Company
74-5606 Pawai Pl
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

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Visit Big Island: Mai Grille by Chef Allen Hess

Our first stop on our most recent trip to the Big Island was Mai Grille by Chef Allen Hess for breakfast.

The eatery, named after Chef Allen's daughter, focuses on local ingredients in its dishes.

Big Farmer Burrito

Farm Fresh Omelette

Banana Brown Butter Pancakes

Loco Moco

I had the Big Farmer Burrito, which was stuffed with eggs, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, cheese, avocado, and choice of meat.

The Farm Fresh Omelette included tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese.  It was served with half a papaya, rice, toast, and choice of meat. It sure was a lot of food!

Although the menu stated that three cakes are served in an order of Banana Brown Butter Pancakes, we were served two, and when asked, our server stated that they were made bigger, thus only two pancakes were on the plate.  Normally they are smaller.  

I thought overall the food was good and so was the service.  

Keiki menus are available for lunch only.

Mai Grille by Chef Allen Hess
69-622 Waikoloa Beach Dr

Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
(808) 886-7600

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Visit Big Island: Orchid Court Buffet at Fairmont Orchid

On our last day of our getaway at the Fairmont Orchid, we indulged in a fabulous breakfast buffet at the Orchid Court.

At just $34 per adult (kids discounted), the Orchid Court Buffet gets you fresh fruit, cereals, donuts, pastries, salads, juices, eggs, meats, waffle stations, smoothies, breads, and more!

During breakfast we indulged in eggs benedict, shrimp shumai, frittatas, mango cake, French toast, udon, and more.

We loved the waffle and crepe station, where we could customize them to our sweet or savory preferences!

 Omelettes are also offered on the buffet, and are made-to-order.

There was so much variety at the Orchid Court Buffet, and we surely got our fill of delicious eats to start our day!

Orchid Court

Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast 

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