Ahi, salmon, yellowtail?, imitation crab, spicy tuna, avocado, shiso, pickled ginger, wasabi. $6.85
Island Gourmet Markets, Waikoloa HI
I’m amazed at how much better the grocery store sushi is in Hawaii than in California. And it’s cheaper! We’re getting robbed on the mainland!
Taking in some sun at Makalawena Beach, Kekaha Kai State Park.
Blackened mahi mahi, chipotle aioli, mango salsa fresca, roasted tomatillo sauce. Served with Manini green salad. $15.95
Huggo’s on the Rocks, Kailua-Kona HI
Mmm, these were really good and I loved all the sauces and salsa on top. The tortillas were also nicely grilled and warm. I thought it was cute that they served the plates in bamboo steam trays.
Western side of Hawaii along Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
Two eggs over easy, stacked on house-made wheat toast with applewood smoked bacon, fresh avocado, tomato, arugula and chipotle aioli. Served with a cup of fresh fruit. $11.95
Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona HI
This was SO nommy! The bacon was perfect and I loved the chipotle aioli. Even their homemade wheat bread was tasty. I wish the eggs were less fried (they were advertised as over easy) because I love a super-runny yolk but that’s only a minor criticism. Noms!
We actually drove to Waipio Valley on the north side of the Big Island and it was beautiful and impressive! Although the breakfast stack was delicious, I think the Valley takes the cake. 😉
Baby backs coated in house rub, flame broiled and baked with honey mango BBQ glaze. Happy hour $9.95
Don the Beachcomber, Kailua-Kona HI
I’m a huge fan of BBQ ribs! These babybacks tasted good but not amazing! I wish they were a little more tender, but since they were slathered in delicious BBQ sauce I didn’t mind too much, hehe.
Decorative gate at the Hulihee Palace, Ali’i Drive.
Raw ahi, Maui onion, sauteed in rice paper. $12.95
Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu HI
This starter wass billed as “Hawaii’s favorite pupu” on their menu. I don’t know about that. It tasted ok, but it was super greasy! Who knew it was actually deep fried? I assumed it was a fresh roll from the menu description, and because I don’t immediately think “fried” when poke comes to mind. Hmm, hand me another drink!
Hawaiian song and dance performance, Waikiki Beach.
Fried spam and sushi rice wrapped in nori. $2.65
Island Gourmet Markets, Waikoloa HI
Mmm… So salty, carby, fatty and delicious. I could eat a pile of these! Bless the person who invented this spectacular snack. 🙂
Sunset at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.
Huggo’s Ali’i Mai Tai: 10 Cane rum, Lemon Hart 151, pineapple juice, exotic liqueurs with a Gosling’s dark rum float. $11
Huggo’s on the Rocks, Kailua-Kona HI
Vacation is relaxing outside, taking in some rays, and sipping on sweet, girly tropical drinks. Lol! I think we accomplished that in Hawaii. This mai tai was a little on the “too” sweet side, and the margarita was super weak and a bit bland. Oh well, can’t win em all…
Huggo’s Famous Back Bar Margarita: premium tequila, grand marnier, lemon and lime juices with a splash of orange juice. $11
Bird of paradise flowers (Strelitzia reginae, Strelitziaceae), KOA airport.
A generous whole-egg omelette filled with roasted veggies, Big Island goat cheese, macadamia nut pesto, avocado and parmesan cheese. Served with fresh fruit. $13.25
Island Lava Java, Kailua-Kona HI
Mmm, this omeltte was great and the ingredients were very tasty. I loved the macadamia nut pesto and the large portion. And orchid blossoms in your fruit are always a nice touch! 🙂
100% extra fancy Kona coffee, full city roast, over ice. $3.25
We sat outside where they had a local musician serenading us with some Hawaiian flare. He was actually really good and we tipped him accordingly.
Clockwise from upper left: bourbon caramel swirl, whipped cream vodka, and plain with sugar sprinkles.
Liz from Food For Fun Blog submitted this pic of some delicious looking marshmallows with a boozy twist. My kind of marshmallows!
See how she made them!
Old school is in session with this original preparation of what is now often modified. Don has many claims to fame but none as bold as this fine cocktail. Bacardi 8, orange curacao, Whaler’s dark rum, fresh lime and a few smuggler’s secrets make this 1933 classic a must. Happy hour $5.25
Don the Beachcomber, Kailua-Kona HI
Mmm, this tasted like a vacation! Don’s sit right on Kailua Bay so you get a perfect view of the sunset. Wish I was back there!
Sunset over Kailua Bay from our table.
With spicy lilikoi sauce. $10.95
Duke’s Waikiki, Honolulu HI
This had good flavor, but it was a bit greasy – lame. The sauce was very subtle tasting. (lilikoi is Hawaiian passion fruit). Our bartender was super cool though so that made up for the mediocre food. 🙂
Place setting.
Waterfall and alpinia flowers (Zingiberaceae), Polynesian Cultural Center.
California roll with spicy tuna on top, sweet and sour sauce, tempura flakes. $18
Tokkuri Tei, Honolulu HI
Kilauea is a volcano on the island of Hawaii so they stacked this sushi roll to resemble it – pretty creative. The reddish spicy tuna on top even mimics flowing lava. It tasted pretty good but I’m not sure it was worth eighteen bucks. The spicy tuna had a slimy, squishy texture that I didn’t particularly enjoy.
Light-covered palm trees, Kapahulu Avenue.
Vittle Monster 