We went to this place originally to grab a bite, but instead just had a drink because we wanted to pivot to somewhere else.
I grabbed a pina colada, and yea, definitely up to my standards.
Daichi Ramen
Tried this Japanese restaurant in Hawaii (we had an interesting conversation about a Japanese restaurant in this state, but I guess 80 years is a long time that it isn’t an issue).
I ordered the tonkatsu ramen. The broth was good, but the pork was too salty. Also, I tried the gyoza, and only thought it was ok. The shrimp and chicken karaage were basically like breaded shrimp and chicken. I was ok with it, but definitely under impressed.
Also, unfortunately this place does not serve any alcohol.
Overall, not sure if I would go back to this place.
Ola Brewery
We grabbed dinner after a long day at Green Sands Beach at this brewery. I was more interested in the spritzer portion, but also got a flight of beers since they had some interestingly named ones.
For my drinks, I got the Liliki Pineapple Shake, the Dragon Lychee, some porter and the Ola IPA. Honestly, not a fan of beer, but I did find the lychee one slightly interesting. For the spritzer, I had the orang vanilla one, and it was AMAZING. Hands down my favorite spritzer.
For my main course, I got the pestoroni flat bread (which was just ok), and the onion rings, which was terrible.
Update on 11/29/2020: the circle of life flatbread and the margarita flatbread are actually good. Also, the second time around I only ordered the orange vanilla seltzer, which was a great choice.
Kona Coffee & Tea
Stopped by this place to get an espresso (as this is Sam’s go to cafe in Kona). Got an espresso shake (which is vanilla ice cream with 2 shots of espresso). Definitely did not regret it. I’ll grab a latte and mocha next time (and update this post).
Kona Grill House
We came here for lunch to eat poke bowls.
I got the sampler poke bowl (see picture below for the 4 fish I got). The only fish that was good was the Salmon. The Go Girl has too much Mayo, and the other two were really salty. Also got a crab cake which was great.
Kona Haven
We bit up this coffee shop after brunch. Was thinking of getting an afogato (since the place also had ice cream, but there was a lava latte (basically an iced latte with ice cream and Oreo cookies).
Island Lava Java
This place is right in the heart of town in Holualoa, with a really great view.
I got the Mai Tai for a drink (which is pretty good after you stir the drink since it is layered).
For the main course, I had a very Hawaiian omelet, which was a pulled pork omelet with sausage and potatoes. It was really good (I finished most of it).
The Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
First restaurant I ate in Hawaii (Kona). It’s in the main town in Holualoa.
Overall, I did get a tourist vibe from the place. However, the drink I ordered, the toasted pina colada, was really good, and the perfect first drink in Hawaii.
For the main course I ordered a clam chowder and seafood pastaZ the pasta was great. The clam chowder was a bit too thick (the last picture posted was a ultimate Bloody Mary with a slider and bacon attached to it, which I did not ordered, but thought was really cool).
Caramba
Great Italian restaurant. Although a sit down restaurant, it had really chill waiters and staff.
Started off the an espresso martini. Man was it the best espresso martini I’ve ever had! Got a lemon drop for my second drink.
For apps, we got bread and patatas bravas. Both great.
For my mains, had the French onion soup and the seafood linguini. Both excellent choices.
Beacon
We came to this place after a day of snowboarding.
For the most part, everything was great here except for one thing.
To start, it got the pornstar martini (peach based drink with a shot of champagne you pour in). This drink was great. Also got a lemon drop.
For appetizers, I got the wings (wings were good, but we had to ask for more sauce. Got the BBQ and something mustard). Also got the poutine (gravy was interesting, but still liked it).
For the main, I got the chicken fingers off the kids menu. I didn’t like them. They were not crispy enough (which is saying something coming from me), and something about them seemed too bland.
