sylvo,

I think there is a romantic idea of Hawaii that simply hasn't exhausted since Captain Cook and the Yale Missionairies.

existed

Freudian slip, inakuai? An exhausting thread, to be sure, but I've enjoyed it (and told my sister to check for that coffee drink at Kona costco!):)

Besides organic milk (we have toddlers), eggs, and bread -- the poke, Island Princess Chocolate Mochi crackers, and Macadamia Crunch Popcorn were big hits. Also, Big Island Organic Gingerade was wonderful (really strong ginger flavor) -- we aren't drinkers but I imagine they would work great as mixers too.

I missed that coffee drink as well -- will hunt for it if we return in December! Props for knowing your history of colonialism (and neocolonialism) in Hawaii.....

Thanks fishee, I actually have a post it note for Big Island Organics Gingerade. Perhaps you mentioned it before?

Must have been someone else! (my first and only visit to Big Island Costco was last Dec...). While I admit that it's sometimes jarring to find ourselves in Costco as soon as we land anywhere (Miami, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Big Island....) the organic staples are a must for us and we do enjoy seeing/trying the regional variety that Costco offers....

And I agree that cooking and baking while on vacation is fun. Many people who don't have the time or energy to cook or bake treats in the regular course of the work week do enjoy doing these things in a leisurely and mindful way when we are on vacation.

suze, I know! We haven't been to Hawaii for so long. But, we are going to Greece in September, so we'll get our island fix.

I haven't been to Costco Kona in about a year, but this is what I've gotten other than regular food & household items.

Great flip flops.

Swimsuits, capris, beach towels, boogie boards. Good quality snorkel gear and masks.

The Hawaiian Princess Mele Macs are the most delicious treat ever. http://www.islandprincesshawaii.com/

The Mauna Loa Mac Nuts in the 8oz. cans are the best, and the Costco prices are the cheapest. (The smaller cans stay fresher.)

Cute aloha clothes for kids, and possible adult shirts & dresses.

Beautiful leis and cut tropical flowers.

Kona coffee

Hawaiian music, Hawaiian kid's books, Hawaiian cookbooks & history books, and picture books.

Barbeque, picnic & beach stuff, chairs, toys, coolers, ice, etc.

I have an easier time finding summer clothes at Costco Kona than I do in Calif. so I often by cotton shorts and capris there.

Binoculars (cause I lose them, but really use them for whale watching).

Flashlights, batteries, etc., for emergency preparedness.

Sometimes there are beautiful quilts and paintings, too.

We have a house in Hawi, so I usually stock up at the wonderful Takata's grocery store in Kapa'au and go to the Hawi farmer's market on Saturday morning.

I agree with shopping locally, but all the big stores provide local products including Costco.

In addition to stocking up, Costco is a nice place for souvenirs and travel items.

For those who don't know POG is a juice drink. Pineapple, orange guava. I've never shopped at Costco in Hawaii. I like the Times grocery store in Kona. It is just the two of us, so we don't get that much. Farmers markets are good. But I see some items here that might take us to Costco next time. Maybe milk, that is very expensive in Hawaii. The Times has malasadas, donuts. Very good.

P in POG is passion fruit, not pineapple:)

For sure POG doesn't have pines in it. Costco was worth the trip, albeit the next day. Gas was $2.13, a dollar less a gallon then the rest of the island. We got pristine ahi, monchong's, Ono and filet mignon, enough for 8 meals. Far superior quality compared to what we saw at food land and ktv. Froze portions. Nothing DUMB about quality and savings. And the checkout girl showed us more aloha then anywhere.

Last week, farmers markets were disappointing compared to other trips. We did 1 in Hawi and 4 in Waimea and found little to buy. We will see what this weekend brings.

And as far as an empty pantry? Ours is stocked with lots of spices, condiments, and dry goods. Nothing DUMB here. Just million dollar views and trade winds.

Oh and we purchased bug spray, since zakat has arrived and we our on ranch
Land at a fraction of the cost, ziplock bags in all sizes that will benefit future guests, and kona coffee beans, although delicious, the early morning grinding can be jarring

I can't believe I said p=pineapple!! I really do know beter.... it's just been that kind of a few weeks.

It happens��

Hmmm...now I'm thinking, what kind of cocktail made with pineapple? (Maui Gold is the only kind I can eat without grilling, due to acid...but in a drink, might be different?)

Pina colada, sylvia!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/p...a-recipe0.html

Done!

Where's mine?

If our paths ever cross on the BI, I'll make you one:)

You've got a deal!