Where to Eat

The locals know the best places to "grind".  Here's some of our favorites and you can check them out on the LOCAL EATS. 

Paulo's Italian in Pahoa - Some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. It is a small funky place where you need reservations on most nights. Bring your own wine. Address: 333 Pahoa Road , Pahoa, Island of Hawaii, HI 96778 Phone: 808-965-7033

Kalapana Village Cafe - This is the place to eat before heading out to see the lava flowing into the ocean. Great fries, burgers and salads at the end of the road. This just opened in March 2008 and the owners are aiming to please.

Verna's in Hilo - you got to try the Korean fried chicken or for big eaters the Pastele Special. "If No Can - No Can. If Can - Verna's" 

Legend Grill in Keauu - OK grilled sandwiches and wraps. UPDATE: This was Charlie's, then Chris & Larry's and now new owners are trying to bring the place back. Also check out the live music and open mike night.

Charley's Thai Cuisine - Waimea Center 65-1158 Mamlahoa Hwy #9, 885-5591 must try the Tum Yum soup and mango salad!!

The Big Island Candy Company was established in 1977 to manufacture and market fine quality macadamia nut candies and cookies using 100 percent Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, island eggs, real butter and high-grade chocolate. Try to go when a big tour bus is there and you will get lots of free samples.

Tex's Drive In - Hwy 19 in Honoka'a (808) 775 0598. You can get a donut anywhere, but when in Hawaii you need to get a malasada - a puffy Portuguese doughnut without a hole, rolled in sugar. And if you want a malasada, you need to motor up to Tex's. It's an unpretentious local institution where the residents seem to put up nicely with the tourists. Tex's also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you want, you can get a spam and rice with pretty much anything you order, if you're feeling adventurous.

Kiawe Kitchen in Volcano (808) 967-7711. This small eatery is a great place to stop for hot soup or fresh salad after viewing the volcano. The pizza is excellent (all fresh ingredients) but pricey. The service is great. I'd recommend the insalada caprese and a bowl of soup for lunch.

If you are desperate, the closest food to our place is Blain's in Orchidland center.  The only thing I get is the grilled chicken on sourdough, I buy chips at the hardware store since the fries are really weak.  If you are unlucky, you'll see a fight among the patrons, which happens about twice a month.