We finally came down to our final episode of our vacation on the west coast. Kona district, the dry, sunny side of the island. It’s amazing the big island has all the climates. From this sunny dry heat of the West, wet jungle of the East, cool grassy area of the North, and freezing high land of the Middle.
Seafood Bar and Grill, Kawaihae
This is a restaurant that the ranch owner recommended us.
He described it as “not a fancy restaurant, but good food that locals love.” That sounds like what we were wanting to hear. But we were not really hungry, so we just dropped in for a light tasting.
House Salad.
Shrimps were not the option, but the waitress was very nice to follow our request.
Oyster Rochefeller
This, too, was a dinner menu, not available during the day, but she took our order anyway.
Perfect doneness. Rare. Soft. Juicy. They didn’t kill the oyster.
Yummy!
We stopped by a local grocery store. So many kinds of Poke.
We picked some for the breakfast tomorrow.
Our Kona house.
The owner was very friendly. He gave us lots of local information.
Beautiful sunset.
Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai, Kailua-Kona
From his recommends, we picked the famous Sam Choy’s. We’ve never been in one. Wanted to try his hybrid Pacific Rim Cuisine. An open air fantastic location, overlooking Kona coast.
Passionfruit Mojito. YuYu loved it. Said she would try at home.
Calamari.
Deep crust with a little heavy bread. Inside, the squid was plump and meaty. We liked it.
Grilled fish salad. Beat noodles and somen noodles were such nice touch.
The fish was seared perfectly rare. Delish!
If I remember correctly it was Opah, moonfish. This fish seems to be pretty popular in Hawaii. I never thought it was so delicious.
Seafood LauLau
Steamed fish, shrimps and softshell crab in banana leaves. Perfectly done!
The fish was swordfish. They called it Shutome. Just awesome texture and flavor.
Just great food overall.
The next morning.
We came down to a bay to try our luck to swim with Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
As soon as we entered the water, we heard them.
And magic moment began.
It was such a privilege to be with them.
It was the greatest first encounter with dolphins for YuYu. And for me, the deepest pleasure to be united again after all these years.
Back home for breakfast.
Poke!!
We became so fond of Poke.
Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe, Kailua-Kona
This cafe has become our favorite of all restaurants we visited on the big island. A beautiful garden on the hill along the coffee farm street.
YuYu got grass-fed beef burger with Brie.
Perfect medium rare. Juicy and packed with fine beefy flavor, wrapped up nicely with the gorgeous flavor of aged cheese.
Speechless.
I got grilled fish sandwich.
Wahoo was seared so nicely, combined with crispy bacons and organic leafs.
All the ingredients are carefully selected and prepared. Mostly organic and homemade. Coffee was brilliant too. It really gave us the last push to conclude that Hawaii Big Island is a YUMMY place!!!
So we came back the next morning. We selected this place to have our last meal on the big island.
The french toast. YuYu spotted this in the menu yesterday. She was locked on it.
Vanilla whipped cream and maple syrup on the thick cut toast.
What else can you ask for a nice branch?
She was explaining so eagerly how delicious it was. Her eyes were set.
I got this tuna sandwich that knocked me off the chair.
It was really mind-blowing. Grilled yellowfin tuna with parmesan melt and herbs on crusty Focaccia. All the different flavors and different textures combined to bomb your month. It was so balanced in a light note that it becomes so rich.
We just didn’t want it to end.
Thank you, the big island. You are truly an amazing place.
We’ll be back.
We’ll be back.
