Being a foodie, like so many others on this board, I tend to eat my way around a destination.

I know just about any Kona coffee farm is a must-do, and there's a winery oh-so-conveniently close to where I'm staying in Volcano and it's on my list too.

Any other tips? Good plate-lunch joints? All-you-can-eat macadamia buffets?

Thai Thai restaurant in Volcano. Spices and ingredients fresh from owner's home in Thailand.

Huggo's in Kona has great food and desserts. And an awesome location on the water.

I justed posted part 2 of my trip report with restaurant info for BI.

Hope this helps...
Debi

We loved Huggo's in Kona, and especially Roy's in Waikoloa.

^^ yes, Debi, i read it ... that's what inspired the thread (and made me hungry!)

The Kona Inn, on the waterfront in downtown Kona is very good. Patio dining; open for lunch and dinner. Serves a very good grilled Ono (tuna) sandwich. If you like sushi, don't miss Hayashi's in downtown Kona. Small, hole-in-the-wall with a few tables outside, located in the back of a shopping mall at 75-25725 Alii Drive. Not a great selection of fish (Salmon, Ahi, Crab, Shrimp & Eel) but it's very fresh and inexpensive.

I should probably add one more question:

What should be on my grocery list? Any unique goodies (aside from the obligatory Kona coffee and macadamias)?

In the SoloAlex Guide to ____, grocery stores are legitimate attractions and I love cruising the aisles to see what interesting/yummy/weird stuff the locals eat.

Alex -- the only supermarkets I saw in Hilo area were KTA [which was really big store with good looking deli and bakery items] and Bag 'n save {I think that was the name}.

I did find this for you --

http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/direc...implesearch.do

which has gourmet shops listed that are members of Kona chamber of commerce.

Also, Keauhou Shopping Center south of Kona has KTA and Long's Superdrug [good for staples, condiments etc]. Also, Crossroads Shopping Center there is a new and large Safeway Supermarket and a Wal Mart.

Hope this helps...
Debi

LOL Alex --- just saw the ? on all you can eat mac buffets! At 90 calories a nut, becareful. And the Mauana Loa Mac factory has a tour and gives free samples. It in on way to or from VNP.

Debi

The best meal we had on the BI was the Kilauea Lodge, hands down. (in Volcano Village) Reservations are necessary.

Sam Choy's cafe in the industrial park between Kailua and the airport is a must stop for breakfast/lunch with the locals and truckers. Come hungry.

SoloAlex-

Don't forget to add fresh pineapple to your grocery shopping list. You can buy it peeled and cored in grocery stores throughout the islands. Sooooo good...

We had a wonderful lunch at the Hawaiian Vanilla Company -- it is located on the eastern part of the island where there is limited food options.

Reservations are required, they serve the lunch only on Wed and Thursdays. You can visit Laupahoehoe Point first then drive to their farm. You won't need a big dinner that night -- so plan accordingly. I hope you get a chance to visit. I also second the Thai Thai restarant -- get there early as it is a small place and it does fill up.

website:
http://www.hawaiianvanilla.com/

Jameson's by the Sea is my favorite Kona restaurant. Kilauea Lodge in Volcano is probably the best restaurant on the Big Island. Cafe Pesto or Harrington's in Hilo are both excellent.
Roys' in the King Shops in Waikoloa is excellent also.
For not to miss treats to eat now or take home: Big Island Candies Chocolate Dipped Mac Nut Cookies, or really anything there from chocolate dipped shrimp to fudge. Only available at the shop or by email.
gardyloo-Sam Choy's Kona place closed down.

<<nodding my head in agreement with mat>> Harrington's is excellent and so is Roy's at Waikoloa.

After reading this post and writing my TR, I had to cut into one of pineapples I brought home. Yummmmm! So sweet and full of flavor.

Why aren't the ones we get on the mainland anywhere near as good??

Debi

Kona Coffee: Bayview Farms

Food: Hilo; "What's Shakin"

Yes, What's Shakin' ranks #2 for us behind Kilauea Lodge. Smoothies are fabulous!!

gardyloo-Sam Choy's Kona place closed down

What a shame. Sic transit gloira loco moco.

Debi-the reason is, they are not deep chilled and shipped across the ocean. going the other way, we don't have any great tasting peaches, plums, nectarines, blueberries, raspberries or any other fruit not grown here, the shipping and deep chill takes all the flavor out-thank God they grow strawberries in Waimea and organic tomatoes from the farmers market, or we'd be S.O.L. on any good tasting fruit or vegetable! ...and I miss a good peach, used to grow them in CA.