My kingdom for an acai bowl on Hawaii Island

Old Sep 28th, 2016, 10:53 AM
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My kingdom for an acai bowl on Hawaii Island

A Big Island food report

We were blessed with 2 weeks at a home in Kohala Ranch at Laughing Gecko Lodge (our second stay here). Usually I crave ahi the most but after this trip I crave acia bowl. We first saw this bowl on a Saturday morning at one of the 4 farmers markets in Waimea. However while I was putting produce into the cooler my husband bought the ahi poke nachos, which was ahi over fried wontons and sprinkles of this and that and a tasty aioli. It was fantastic! But not what I ordered. The next week I got my acai bowl. I told my husband he would immediately feel healthier in just a few bites and he did.

Twp days later we travelled 40 miles each way to the brick and mortar to get one each. I don't think I will ever find a more thoughtfully and carefully prepared acai bowl ever.

Don't miss this business Hina Rae's

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hina-raes-café-honokaa-2
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 11:56 AM
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Farmers Markets finds:

Both Saturdays we went early to Hawi, searching for our lillikoi puree/mac nut man. Alas it seems his wife has passed and he was missing in action. We did get some local shrooms and white pineapple. And then we headed to Waimea which has 4 markets. Any excuse to travel mountain rd.

Each one had something to offer, but not enough produce. Perhaps the time of year - August. The mentioned acai bowl, next door was a crepe truck that people lined up for and raved about. This market also had a good produce farm offering delicate beets and radishes best served raw, sliced thin in salads.

Another market had wonderful home grown mac nut: Keahua Farms?
Another market had excellent shaved local beef jerky. The best in the art of the slicing.
Another had some nice pies. But we missed our old pie lady in Hawi
Lemons/Limes - twice we were told we were buying lemons, when they were limes. The fridge always had a full pitcher of lemon/lime water.

And then there was the last Waimea farmers market with the most delicious fresh pressed juices. They are very generous with trying their different libations. We loved the Guava Strawberry concoction - all served in a Mason Jar. You get a $1 discount for returning mason jar.

The Honokaa market on Sunday was a bust. Which ironically was described to me to be the best. The purveyors roam, and lots change season to season.

The lesson is, if you enjoy this part of travel, spending half a day exploring different market can be rewarding.

Just don't miss Hina Rae's!
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Old Sep 28th, 2016, 12:07 PM
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Burger Wars:

After 25 years, he didn't want to believe me but now admits I was right.

Village Burger in Waimea wins.
http://villageburgerwaimea.com

Kohala Burger was just average.

Poke Wars:

Foodland was serviceable and an enjoyable first bite ( I also like their deli fresh turkey sandwiches made to order)

Da Poke Shack was remarkable.
http://dapokeshack.com

Umekes was to busy to try - and we weren't hungry.
http://www.umekespoke808.com

On our visits to Hawaii
A cooler and ice
Don't leave home without it
Because you never know what you may find.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 05:49 AM
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Thank you for posting this. Making a note of all your suggestions, we will be there in two weeks! Will be on the lookout for acai bowls!
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 06:37 AM
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Four Seasons Wars: The great and not so great. . .

Of our three visits to Hawaii Island an afternoon lunch at Beach Tree is always on the list. We secure mid afternoon oceanside lounge chairs in the bar area and always order the Mascarpone, Prosciutto, Arugula Pizza and a couple of adult beverages, and just drink it all in.

DH went rogue and ordered a craft cocktail - the Green Flash. It was oddly delicious, although nothing I'd rush to order again. It was like drinking a booze infused thai curry. When ordered, our bartender said if he didn't like it, he would happily make him something else. It was odd, different and we liked it, but not enough for a do over.

Not so great: Ulu Ocean Grill. This place is often described as the best restaurant on the island. We thought it would be the perfect place for our last stop and sunset on the way to the airport. We just went for pupus. Perhaps we ordered wrong, but every app should be exceptional on the menu. We had the crab fritters and the crunchy shrimp roll. Both were mediocre at best with a high tariff. The complimentary edamame and taro trips were a disaster, sitting behind the bar cold and bordering on stale. A gift from the kitchen should be fresh and exceptional, otherwise, why bother?

Happy trails Landseaair! Where are you staying? Hotel? Condo? Villa? If you plan a day to drive to Waipo Overlook before leaving call Hina Raes and order a farmers acai bowl with blueberry or mango. So much more satisfying then the mallasadas at Texas Drive In which we find underwhelming.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 10:26 AM
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Thanks for your report.

I didn't get a chance to try an Acai Bowl while in Hawaii this past July, but, I saw one here, where I live in NY, and thought I'd give it a try. I was surprised that it's made out of a puree and didn't find that too appealing, so gave it a miss.

As for the best hamburger in Waimea, my vote is for Big Island Brewhaus.

Interesting dessert for me, was Malasadas at the truck in Waimea, on the road heading back to Kona.

We also liked the Doner Kabab at Dan-O's.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 01:54 PM
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If you like Beach Tree, next time check out Residents' Beach House, which is almost literally on the beach as you're walking south towards Kukio Bay. Not quite the same ambience, but the setting and food are every bit as good or better. Open only to resort guests at dinner though.

Your burger and poke wars remind me of our continuing search for the best fish tacos and mai tais. We hope to make more progress when we're on island in December. Any suggestions? And how does Da Fish House's poke stack up to others'?

Scratching Ulu off our list of places to try. Hate spending $$$$ for Hawaii's version of fine dining only to be disappointed. Again. So thanks for the heads up.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 02:38 PM
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Thanks governor - we intended to try the Brewhaus but never made it. You shouldn't be intimidated about some bright purple puree. Its how they handle the puree that matters.

Face - we actually have been to the Residence. Unfortunately the huge mai tai was lacking and took the bartender about 20 minutes to make as he sweet talked the regulars in for a cold one after a round of golf, and treated us like the unwanted step children.

Da Fish House - had a much better selection of fish this trip then last. However I stocked up on pristine monchong, ahi, and opah at costco so only bought some mahi mahi from da house. I don't know about their poke as it never looks like it is a priority.

Hawaiian Style - love this place but the food is oversized and overpriced. The service and atmosphere are fun. One visit this trip was enough.

Sushi Rock - always enjoy a couple of visits. Went rogue and had a spicy lillikoi martini which was really interesting balance of heat and sweet. Always get the strawberry/mac/nut/goat cheese salad. The fish cakes were a let down, as they were fishy. Last trip they were exceptional. Both trips we brought home a purple sweet potato cheesecake for later or breakfast.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 02:42 PM
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Oh and if you go to Village Burger I love the herbal iced tea with one free refill. So light and refreshing.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 06:35 PM
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Circle tour: We decided to take one day to do a circle drive. We considered a one night double book, but it never panned out.

Our first time doing the south drive, and we didn't even go to South Point (oh the horror!!!)

We returned to our favorite Thai Thai in Volcano Village. Ordered our fave pork pad thai extra spicy and chicken red curry extra spicy. Both excellent and the leftovers went into the cooler for moments like this.

We enjoyed visiting Volcano House and its verandas and shops. We bought a black sand half hour glass - although we haven't timed it.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 06:36 PM
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Oh and on the mai tai search

We so much wanted to try the spicy thai mai tai at volcano village, but there was no one that could make it the afternoon we visited.
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Old Sep 29th, 2016, 07:56 PM
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So happy you have posted your favorites and not so favorites here. I've made a note of them all.
Inakaua, we will be staying at Hualali, I guess it would be called a villa. Renting with two other couples. Grateful to know Ulu is so so.
We will be stocking up at Costco to cook in most of the time. We are sharing a vehicle (van has been reserved, we will need it with 6 sets of golf clubs !!!!)
Our friends are avid golfers, and generally don't go off property much when they have gone in the past. DH and I golf but love to take day trips too- we may rent our own vehicle for a day or two just for some variety. I remember the drive to the Waimea area as beautiful.
Making a note of all places you all have mentioned- thanks and aloha!
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Old Sep 30th, 2016, 07:05 AM
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Landseaair: I would bite the bullet and rent a car for the whole trip. You are in an exclusive/secluded area. Freedom from the group for even a short time is good. And all 6 of you can't drive the van. I'd check discounthawaiicarrental and costco or might do a blind priceline bid this late in the game.

When you're checking out the island and see a big cloud of smoke it's likely GJ's Huli Chicken - a pop up that sets up at different locations. I think they are in Hawi on Thursdays and Waimea on Saturdays. It's quite the racket they have going. You could bring home a couple of smoky goodness chickens or some ribs for dinner.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/gjs-huli-kamuela

If your travel companions loved Ulu then try it. We just had a very disappointing experience. Had we ordered entrees perhaps it would have been different. It was just a huge disappointment to us.
For part of our trip Costco gas was $1 less a gallon then the rest of the island.
Happy Trails!
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Old Sep 30th, 2016, 07:22 AM
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One of our favorite in home sunset meals was filet mignon from Costco - seared in a skillet and finished on the grill with asparagus,with a costco cheap wine beef broth shallot reduction with SHROOMS.

My mistake. This trip we didn't go to the farm but found some in markets. We dreamed of these mushrooms so much that I brought a wedge of vacuum sealed real parm in my carryon to make mushroom risotto. Upon being agriculture gate checked I asked and I could have brought shrooms home

We never did the tour, but bought some at the farm. If you're in the area and are into that kind of thing. Otherwise, if you see them try them with a meal.

http://hamakuamushrooms.com
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Old Sep 30th, 2016, 09:38 AM
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Thanks for the added info and suggestions, Inakauai. Our go-to lunch spot in Waimea has been Big Island Brewhaus, but we'll have to try Hawaiian Style.

I may offer you another suggestion, next time do double book a night at Volcano Village, especially if you've not seen the glow from the crater after dark. And forego dinner at Thai Thai for a meal at Ohelo: http://www.ohelocafe.com/. Open less than a year when we were there in June, and one of the best meals of that trip.

I'm with you.... Have no interest in taking the time to get to South Point. Just too many better bang-for-the-buck things to do, including the never ending search for the best mai tai.
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Old Sep 30th, 2016, 09:59 AM
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I didn't notice Ohelo during our drive thru. Looks like a fantastic addition to the hood!!!

Our first visit we stayed in Hawi 4 nights and VV 4 nights during Merrie Monarch. We had the good fortune to watch a rehearsal and watch with dinner in front of the gas fire on. Loved this rental.

http://mailetreehouse.com

We knew we wouldn't do the drive down to the hike to the lava, and we had 4 wonderful nights and mornings visiting the glow when most day trippers are gone, AND vrbo killed our plans for a double book, as the owner didn't want to book directly and vrbo didn't like our browser, and the cleaning and fees turned a $99 rental into about $200 for one night.

I am always an advocate of double booking to enjoy the park early morning and later evening.
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Old Oct 1st, 2016, 07:03 PM
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I found the beef jerky online. I see an order of stocking stuffers in my future!

http://barefootfarmshawaii.com/index.html
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Old Oct 2nd, 2016, 05:38 AM
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Thanks for the great tips and I'll be on the lookout for those mushrooms.
Inakauai your suggestion to rent our own car makes sense. Thanks again and Aloha!
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Old Oct 2nd, 2016, 12:58 PM
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Thrilled I could offer some inspiration. And glad you are reconsidering your own car rental. Honestly, unless it's a 15 passenger van, I can't imagine 6 sets of golf clubs and luggage and people making it in one vehicle. Although the Beverly Hillbilly's comes to mind. You will savor the freedom. Do golfers not share their clubs? I don't golf.

I hope you will post a trip report or here on your adventures!

Safe journey,

Mahalo and Aloha
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Old Oct 3rd, 2016, 05:04 PM
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Final comment and travel tip:

Why did my husband buy ahi poke nachos instead of acai bowl in original post?

Because is started raining and I of a certain age and girth was wearing a white t shirt! I ran to the car for cover.

From that day on I always left a dark t shirt in the car for rain emergencies.
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