258527 Wed Jun 12 09:40:30 -0700 2002 14 25 Elsewhere In America 0 1367969 OK, we're going to the Volcano area and to the Orchid at Muana Lani. Any eating suggestions? We like everything from fancy to hole-in-the-wall. Nothing too out there food-wise because we'll have a fussy 10-year-old with us. Wed Jun 12 09:40:30 -0700 2002 0 Gloomcookie 1 1367970 It's been a while. Usually the Mauna Lani Hotel has 1 or 2 good restaurants. At one time the upscale one was called The Third Floor. I think Martin ("Quiet Village") Denny used to play there. Later, called The Canoe House. The Mauna Kea in that area usually has a good restaurant tho the clientele tends to be WASPy, but they always seem to have some very good slack key guitar players playing in the lounge or restaurant and the lounge has a kitchy but good poo poo platter. Also, Pioneer Ranch (think steak) has a restaurant north of there. There are probably lots of chowish places on the Hilo (wet) side. Wed Jun 12 11:26:15 -0700 2002 1367969 0 mc michael 2 1367971 Merriman's in Kamuela (one of the originator's of the new wave of local Hawaiian cuisine) Roy's in the Kings Shoppping "Mall" ( pacific rim cuisine; my favorite on the Island) and Oodles of Noodles in Kona (creative noodle dishes)are all solid choices for Big island dining. Wed Jun 12 11:44:28 -0700 2002 1367970 0 ForkinMouth 3 1367972 I'll check my notes and try to post a longer message later, but I just wanted to second the recommendation for Roy's, and to add that they have one of the best children's menus I've seen. We had two fussy boys with us, and ended up eating there several times; it made us all happy. I also wanted to say that the food at the two hotels (Manu Lani and Manu Kea) was extremely expensive, though the settings were lovely. Maybe go to Canoe (at the Manu Lani) one night sans kids. The Big Island is blessed with a bunch of little not very touristy places, both on the Kona side and on both routes between Kona and Volcano, and I would stick with them. On the volcano side, there weren't that many choices near the park, at least when we were there--the Kiluaha Lodge (not the right spelling) had a great breakfast and is ok for other meals. For a better selection on the volcano side, it's about a half hour into Hilo. Will try to post again with more details. Wed Jun 12 12:43:15 -0700 2002 1367971 0 susanb 4 1367975 My sister and her family really liked the big island because it wasnt particularly resorty - they stayed at a B&B near the volcanoes and ate at several plate lunch places. What they commented was that the island had a real old-fashioned local community feel (you know, not all processed and chains). So you may want to explore the famous Hawaiian plate lunch phenomenon too - her kids loved the teriyaki chicken. Les, if you see this, hope I am not misrepresenting! Wed Jun 12 19:20:38 -0700 2002 1367972 0 jen kalb 5 1367983 I haven't been on the Big Island for a while, but make sure you have local steak! The best, grassfed beef in this country is grown on the Big Island...is it time for lunch yet??? Tue Jun 18 13:34:34 -0700 2002 1367975 0 FatWitch 6 1367999 I am demanding that you dine (lunch or dinner) at Merriman's in Waimea!!! Outstanding food of course, but the committment Chef Peter Merriman has to local produce/meats gives the experience depth beyond compare. You will have Lokelani Tomato, Hirabara Babies (greens grown with love as the main ingredient, Waimea beef/lamb and much more! There are combination possibliites available at dinner that let you pick what you want from the menu's selections. After enjoying the breath-taking landscape of the Waimea area- cinder cones, grazing cattle, upcountry views of the ocean you enter into Merriman's gallery of photos honoring the farmers that make it all possible. I am sorry to report however that the picture of the Sayre's and their goat cheese farm is but a fond memory as it is no longer in operation. This is truly a loss as their cheeses were the best ever. Located in Opelu Plaza Merriman's is also right across from a very unique boutique ADASA Hawaii which has lots of fun things and is very unique. I would also like to say dine at the Grille at the Orchid. They have a fabulous menu and a must to try is the fresh asparagus risotto! Their sommelier is an extremely approachable and really friendly woman named Suzanne who wears a long strand of pearls. She will give you an absolutely terrific pairing and is fun to chat with. You should definately have a massage in the little thatched huts next to the waterfalls, heaven on earth. My masseuse was Chris and he is a magician at relaxation, I went with the combination massage and between the gentle sound of the flowing water and Chris' talent the best time ever. I would advise you to take notice if the gardners are working nearby - ask to move to another hut so their blowers don't distract from your experience. Also, ask about the "Drink of the Day" in the bar usually a dollar or two off. The dessert martini's are excellent in the Grille but replication in the upstairs bar failed miserably . There is a woman there who manages the Court restaurant named Dena and she is a wealth of information and can really make the trip more fun! As you can see I have spent a lot of time there and really like to go over for weekends. New chef at Mauna Lani, Edwin Goto, definately eat at Canoe House to try his food! He was formerly on Lanai and created magic there! I think that is all for now!!! I am off to make fresh chilled tomato soup with Hauula tomato for tonight's dinner, perfect for the heat of the day and after my husband's day on the golf course. I hope this helps!! Bon Appetit!!!! Wed Jun 26 14:42:16 -0700 2002 1367983 0 basnbull 1 1367973 You'll love the Orchid - we took our then 10 year old last summer. She was a little bored after seeing the Hilton Waikoloa (which gave me a headache just walking in the lobby - way too many people & stuff going on - but, of course, kids love it. If he/she is not into snorkeling now, get them going. The snorkeling at the Orchid's lagoon is incredible - best I've seen in Hawaii & so safe - we swam with a turtle - they have an intro to snorkeling course, but I'd already have my kid into it if they're not super adventurous to begin with. Also take out a complimentary Hawaiian canoe - fun Third (or forth) Roy's rec - always good & they are great with kids. If you can get your child into one of the Dolphin Encounters at the Hilton (call now!!), do it - incredible experience. My daughter still talks about dancing with the dolphins. The Beachfront restaurant at the Orchid is good & very romantic - we would just have her eat dinner with us, then go swimming or run around (very safe there) while we finished a romantic dinner. Orchid has probably the best kid's menu I've ever seen in restauants & room service - veggies w/ dip, fruit plates, fresh fish, etc - not all burgers & fries. I was very impressed. When we were there, kids meals were free with an adult's. North of the Orchid, in Waikoloa, is a restaurant on a little golf course in the club itself & I can't remember the name. Good basic lunches & we thought very good & reasonable dinners. Faux French & shaky, but friendly service - was a nice break from the big hotels. You drive up to Waikoloa Village (which also has a little market & restaurant we didn't try) & keep making lefts to the golf course. Hope it still there as we really enjoyed it. In Hilo, we enjoyed Pescatore - fun Italian/Hawaiian atmosphere Sights - Akaha Falls are spectacular & worth the short hike. I'm still blown away by Volcano National Park, but daughter wasn't as impressed (maybe if it had a water slide...) Waimea is a cute cowboy town with great restaurants - Merriman's for lunch or dinner, Sugar & spice for amazing treats the the Edelweiss for German food, which is surprisingly good in tasty in cool Waimea. Enjoy the Royal Orchid - I've just run out of my Aveda samples they so generously provide - time to go back! Oh, you've gotta have one of their carmelized macadamia nut rolls - I nicked them from the breakfast buffet as those were all I craved - so good!!! Wed Jun 12 13:19:10 -0700 2002 1367969 0 torta basilica 1 1367974 The Thai restaurant in Volcano is just excellent (we ate there two nights in a row) but I'm not sure what your child might be willing to eat there. Nearby is a burgers-and-salad place called Steam Vents or Steam Rocks Cafe or something along those lines, that is fine and the menu is probably more kid-friendly. But if you like Thai, I hope you get to try the restaurant there. (The little town of Volcano is very small and you won't be able to miss this place, even though I can't remember the exact name!) Wed Jun 12 16:18:19 -0700 2002 1367969 0 zorra 1 1367976 Don't know your origination point – I assume Kona area. If circling counterclockwise, two holes-in-the-wall locals places along Hwy 11........Enjoy. *Ka-Alaiki Lunch Shop (aka Lilly's) - Concession stand at baseball field, Naalehu HI (far S) - 808/929-7147 - Local foods in huge portions - Plate lunches of teriyaki hamburger or hamburger steak; teriyaki, shoyu or adobo chicken; fresh fish when available; all with salad and "2 scoops" rice; fish sandwich when available; assorted sandwiches - Loco moco B with rice, egg, gravy and choice of burger, bacon, ham Vienna sausage, Spam or Portuguese sausage - $, cash only - Tu-Sun>06-1600h, L>10-1600h (Kaaloa) Super Js - 83-5409A Mamalahoa Hwy, Honaunau HI (~MM 106.5, Hwy 11, ~8 mis S of Captain Cook HI) - 808/328-9566 (Captain Cook listing) - Local take-away plate lunches - Pork or chicken laulau or Kalua pig with cabbage: served with lomi salmon, rice or poi, macaroni-potato salad - Also laulau-to-go hot, cold or frozen - Janice Kaaloa - $, cash only Wed Jun 12 19:23:11 -0700 2002 1367969 0 SBCochran 1 1367977 Found my notes. The most important thing is to buy the book "Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed." It's indispensable. A few places we liked, in addition to Roy's: South of Kona, try The Coffee Shack, funky, delicious, great view. The whole coffee growing region is really interesting and has many neat little restaurants. (the Aloha Theater Cafe also looked very cool). Not too far from the Volcano area is a town called Pahoa (which the guidebook describes as a wild west town inhabited by old hippies and people in the witness protection program) where we had one of our most delightful meals--a little Italian place called Paolo's Bistro. Very nice to kids. Everything freshly and lovingly prepared. Right in the Kona area, Sibu Cafe--a spicy and delicious Indonesian place; outdoor cafe in a mall on Alii Drive (with stuff my kids would eat, and they didn't eat spicy in those days) The Canoe House--as I mentioned earlier, this would be a great place for a romantic dinner for two (at the Mauna Lani). I also recommend the Kona Village Luau. It's got some very good food, including the roast pig, a Hawaiian version of ceviche (I forget what it's called), and you can also try poi. It's a good chance to see the beautiful Kona Village Resort. The luau is also fun for the kids--it has hula lessons, lots of ritual, dancing, history... We also had a good kid friendly experience at The Orchid. There are many other little finds around the island: in Hilo, in a little shopping center north of the Maunu Kea, and in Waimea. Enjoy--it's a magical island! Wed Jun 12 19:34:10 -0700 2002 1367969 0 susanb 2 1368007 I completely agree that "Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed" is an absolute must. In Kona, go to the Kona Brew Pub (or something like that - it's listed in The Book). It's on the edge of a strip mall 2 blocks up from the water. Very nice patio. The beers they make are very good. They have pizza,it was fine. I would go more with the other pub grub. The kaluha pork quesidillas were AMAZING! And good salads, sandwiches, etc. A great place to bring your kid as there is certainly something for them too. In the strip mall next to the brewery (you'll see it on your way to the brewery) there is a really good sushi take-out window. Granted, not exactly for the 10 yr old, but super good, fresh and cheap. We got stuff there for a picinic. Make sure not to miss the ice cream on the big island. So good. There is one place in Hilo - past Banyan Drive - that has really unique ice cream. Not as sweet as the others (a good thing, in my opinion) and very local flavors. Check out the farmer's market in Hilo. It's heaven on earth!!! The produce is beautiful and so cheap. Get some great fruit and bakery goods for breakfast. Also, the tamale lady is good. Wed Jul 03 12:57:41 -0700 2002 1367977 0 JesseLou 1 1367984 Don't miss Brown's Beach House at The Orchid. Expensive, but the food is great. Tue Jun 18 16:30:43 -0700 2002 1367969 0 amy 2 1367985 That's the name of it - thanks! And be sure to reserve for sunset. Tue Jun 18 17:37:58 -0700 2002 1367984 0 torta basilica 1 1368075 In Volcano itself, we've liked Kileaua Lodge quite a bit. Surts was okay too... nice sauces on the fish, although the fish I had was a little overcooked. Avoid the Volcano House except for drinks in the evening... Decent bar, with worldclass view, that deserves better. Good Mai Tais, with fresh juices. Tue Jul 30 19:04:19 -0700 2002 1367969 0 Joan Kureczka