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 Waimea: Yong's Kal Bi

A bunch of people told me I should try Yong's Kal Bi in Waimea for great Korean food, and I finally had a chance to get take-out while in the area for work.

Bi-Bim-Noodle

The Bi-Bim-Noodle was full of noodles and veggies.  I upgraded to Garlic Pork Belly for an additional $3.  I wish they gave more pork, because it was really delicious and added flavor to the dish.  The dish itself was just filling and refreshing. 

Organic Maitake Mushroom, Garlic Chive & Onion Pancake

The pancake was loaded with mushrooms, garlic chives, and onions, and the pancake and both the sauce were very tasty, but I felt the pancake could've been crispier.  

Next time I hope to dine in!

Order online to minimize wait time!

Yong's Kal Bi
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy

# 4, Waimea, HI 96743

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Visit Big Island: Jill Ann's Caribbean Fusion

I've been wanting to try Jill Ann's Caribbean Fusion for some time now, and I finally had a chance when she took over FORC one weekend in October.  

"Accidental Taco"

I was hesitant about the "Accidental Taco" when I saw that pineapple compote was an element (I don't like a lot of sweet in my savories), but I'm so glad I didn't let that deter me, because this turned out to be my favorite dish!  

The pineapple compote complemented the smokiness of the pork belly perfectly.  I could've eaten multiple tacos.

Beef Patty

The Beef Patty had a lovely curry flavor and I loved the addition of cheese, which gave it more dimension.

Mother's Oxtail

Mother's Oxtail is one of Jill Ann's signature dishes - but it's a bit of a misnomer, as she explained, as many, many relatives' hands went into the dish (figuratively).

And what a dish - so meaningful, and so flavorful!

Jerk Chicken

The Jerk Chicken was tender and spiced nicely.  The signature sauce pikliz really brought the entire dish, including the rice and peas, together.

Rice & Peas

Baked Mac + Cheese

Both entrees came with the Rice and Peas and Baked Mac + Cheese.  I loved the Mac + Cheese.  It was so rich and cheesy.  It was comfort food at its finest.

What an amazing meal!

Follow Jill Ann to find out where she'll be popping up!

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Visit Waimea: Kuya JnL

I saw Chef Jay Kanekoa share an IG story about Kuya JnL, so we gave it a try when we were in Waimea.  

Chicken Inasal

My friend enjoyed the Chicken Inasal.  He asked if it was made with 7-Up, and the employee said "Sprite," which signified to my friend that the dish was as authentic he could find on the Big Island.  He liked the dish!

Pork & Peas

I had the Pork & Peas.  The pork was tender, but I thought the sauce was a little too sweet and more tomato-forward than I'm used to.  I did, however, appreciate the generous serving.  It was an overall good dish!

Pancit Bihon

The Pancit Bihon reminded me of my grandparents.  I loved the pieces of pork belly which added nice smokiness to the dish.  My friend loved this dish too.

Kuya JnL is a must for great Filipino food in Waimea!

Kuya JnL
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743

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Visit Waimea: Jam Pot

Jam Pot specializes in Jamaican Patties, which are pastries filled with various types of seasoned proteins or veggies.

Mild Beef

Curry Chicken

The Curry Chicken had a bit of a kick, and I thought it was seasoned nicely.  The pastry was flaky and added a nice texture to the patty.  

It was my first time trying a Jamaican Patty, and I thought it could easily make a meal in itself.

Jam Pot also offers a variety of grab and go meals in a refrigerated case, as well as teas. 

The tea was 50% off because it was 2 days past the "Best By" date, but even without the discount, I thought it was still a reasonable price ($6 pre-discount).  My friend love the tea, which had mamaki, amongst other ingredients.


Jam Pot
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743

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Visit Waimea: Sandwich Isle Bread Company

I recently visited Sandwich Isle Bread Company and got: 

Lavosh

Bacon, Cheddar, & Chive Scone

Ham & Havarti Croissant

The croissant was buttery and flaky!

Double Chocolate Cookie

They had all sorts of sweet and savory treats to satisfy your cravings!

Sandwich Isle Bread Company
65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway Ste 7
Kamuela, Hi 96743
(808) 731-6712

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Visit Waimea: Patisserie Nanako

It's been a while since I've been to Patisserie Nanako.  The last time I was there, they had sold out early, so I made sure to get there early enough this time around.

When I got there at around 11am, there was a line of about 6 people inside and 2 outside, but I waited patiently.  

From top left clockwise: Macadamia Nut Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter Crunch Bar, Cream Cheese Lemon Pan, Cream Pan

The Peanut Butter Crunch Bar has been a go-to from the beginning.  Definitely a must if you love PB & chocolate!

The Macadamia Nut Carrot Cake was absolutely delicious.  The carrot cake itself was so moist, and the frosting was just perfect - rich, creamy, with the right amount of sweetness.

For the quality of the products, the prices are super reasonable.

Patisserie Nanako is definitely the best bakery on the Big Island, in my opinion!

Patisserie Nanako

64-1067 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd Ste A5
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 491-2290

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Visit Waimea: Waimea Butcher Shop

I've been to Waimea Butcher Shop a few times before, but this was my first visit ever since they opened up an adjacent dining room and launched dinner service. 

Tartare

We were treated to the Tartare, which was accompanied by shrimp chips.  All the elements worked well together.  My friend especially loved the fish sauce cured egg yolk, and thought it was clever to use shrimp chips.

Butcher Shop Tots

I had to get the Butcher Shop Tots, which happened to launch just that day.  It was such a treat - crispy tots with tender brisket, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, and cheese.  

Romaine Salad

Creamed Greens

Bistro Steak

My friend enjoyed the steak, as well as the accompanying horse radish cream, as well as the charred romaine.  He especially loved the Charred Greens, which can be ordered as a shareable.

Pancetta & Herb Pasta

The Pancetta and Herb Pasta was delish.  I thought the pasta was cooked perfectly, and of course I loved the pieces of pancetta, which added a depth of richness to the dish.

Service was warm and welcoming, and there is live music nightly (the night we went CJ Kama was playing, and he was awesome)!

Waimea Butcher Shop is a great dinner option when in the area!

Waimea Butcher Shop
64-1032 Mamalahoa Hwy

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 Big Island: ‘Ikena Landing

I was at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort for an event, and had breakfast at the on-property ‘Ikena Landing.

They have both a breakfast buffet and a la carte options.

Complimentary Banana Nut Muffins

The Moku Nui Breakfast Buffet included fruits, cereals, meats, eggs, lox and bagels, fish, and more.  

‘Ikena Omelet

I skipped the buffet and ordered off the menu.  I had the ‘Ikena Omelet, which included 4 fillings of choice.  I opted for bacon, spinach, mushroom, and cheddar.  It came with hashbrowns, and they were actually cheesy!  At first I thought they were undercooked (the menu didn't mention cheesy hashbrowns), but upon closer examination and tasting, it was indeed cheesy.  It was pretty good! 

Turmeric, Carrot, Honeydew Melon Juice

They have fresh juices too!

The views are pretty, but beware of the many birds around that'll swoop in on your food if you're not careful!

Although I didn't think the breakfast options were anything spectacular, I thought the service was indeed spectacular, and I was quite impressed with how accommodating and friendly the servers were.  

‘IIkena Landing
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr
Waimea, HI 96743
 

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