Waikoloa restaurants
 

Thanks to Kelly and Dana for their replies. We will be staying in a condo in the Waikoloa area. Are the restaurants there so high-priced? Also, our condo has a kitchen, are there any grocery stores nearby for breakfast foods? Is staying overnight at the Volcano really very special? If so, where would be the best place for accomadations? I appreciate all the advice I receive. Mahalo

Joy: <BR> <BR>Well, Waikoloa is mainly a tourist resort area, and Hawaii itself isn't exactly cheap. That being said, I do remember a small but very upscale shopping center in the area that had several good restaurants. We ate at the Chinese restaurant (sorry, I don't remember the name!), and I didn't recall it being too pricey. As far as grocery stores, I didn't recall seeing any in Waikoloa, so I would recommend heading to Kailua for groceries. There are a couple of stores right off of the main road. Keep in mind that the trip from Kailua to Waikoloa is at least 30 mins (?), so be prepared to stock up on supplies, unless you enjoy driving back and forth alot. I do think that there is a small 7-11 -type convenience store in the shopping center in Waikoloa, but I don't know if you want to pay $3 for a gallon of milk! <BR> <BR>I haven't stayed at the volcano, but, aside from the lodge at the crater (which I wasn't particularly impressed with), and some shabby-looking cottages, I didn't recall seeing much else in the way of accommodations. <BR> <BR>Have a nice time!

Was just there in June and the town of <BR>Waikoloa now has a grocery store, but if your condo is near the HIlton, then that grocery store will be approx. 8 miles up a little road. I recommend going to Costco which is in Kona (not Kona town but on the other side of the highway. What I recommend is instead of going dirrectly to the condo, when you're coming from the airport turn right onto the highway instead of left and go shopping in Kona. That's about a 6 mile detour in the opposite direction to where you need to go; the only thing is, I don't really like to leave all my luggage in the car either because of theft, so someone can wait in the car while the other one grabs some supplies. <BR>The only resort grocery store in the Waikoloa area that I remember is Whalers General store, and THEY'RE A RIP OFF FOR NECESSITIES, but not for some <BR>souvenirs. The more north you go on the Big Isle, the pricier it becomes. Also, <BR>if I might recommend a wonderful restaurant -- Cafe Pesto. It's about 15 miles north of you in a town called Kawaihae. Delicious food! And somewhat reasonable. AS for the volcano, I don't recommend spending the night. Just leave about 10 in the morning. Have a leisurely breakfast go see the thing. <BR>Definitely drive down chain-of-craters road. It's always sunny there and you <BR>can sometimes actually see the lava <BR>depending on the flow. Last time it would <BR>have been a 4 mile hike so we didn't do it. Once, we only had to walk about a half mile. It's really spectacular. <BR>There are several B&B's in the area. <BR>I've gone 3 times, and everytime has been a single day trip. Takes 3 hrs. to <BR>drive either direction you go. <BR>As long as you shop in Kona town, I think <BR>you'll be okay. Prices much better. <BR>v

Hotel meals are outrageous in Waikoloa Beach. <BR> <BR>The little shopping area in Waikoloa beach has a small food court with a Subway store, a mexican food takeout, and a great little grill that does hot breakfasts - all reasonable. <BR> <BR>I ate at that Chinese restaurant the other person mentioned - they charged $7.00 extra for soup and white rice! <BR> <BR>Waikoloa Beach is a small patch of green surrounded by desert and lava fields. You feel like you are staying on Mars. However, it is beautiful and peaceful.

Thanks Roger for your info. Could you tell me more about the Waikoloa area. Are there only hotel restaurants, that are worth eating at, or are there reasonable restaurants nearby to choose from. This will be our first trip to The Big Island, we are really looking forward to it. We really do not like wasting money on pretentious restaurant food. Good food, at a nice restaurant is what we seek. Thanks very much for your advice.

Don't miss Roy's at Waikoloa. It's not cheap but worth every penny for what you get. I think it's the best one of his chain, and the chocolate souffle is to die for!