The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 177

you'll find pockets of trendiness among the precious old Japanese and ethnic
restaurants that provide honest, tasty, and affordable meals in unpretentious sur-
roundings.
In the listings below, reservations are not necessary unless otherwise noted.
THE KONA COAST
IN & AROUND KAILUA-KONA
Note: Hualalai Club Grille, Pahu i'a, and Beach Tree Bar and Grill are located
north of Kailua-Kona, 6 miles north of the airport and just south of the Kohala
coast.
Very Expensive
Pahu i'a CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC CUISINE You can't find a better
oceanfront location on the Big Island (maybe in the entire state). Just feet from
the lapping waves is this icon of culinary masterpieces. A small bridge of natu-
ral logs leads to the oceanfront dining room, where views on three sides expand
on the aquatic theme. ( Pahu i'a is Hawaiian for “aquarium,” and there's a large
one at the entrance.) Dining here is a completely enchanting experience. The
food features fresh produce and seafood from the island—and even from the
resort's own aquaculture ponds, teeming with shrimp and moi (threadfish), a
rich-tasting island fish. The day begins with the excellent breakfast buffet. At
dinner, part of the menu changes daily and always includes several fresh seafood
preparations, such as ahi Chateaubriand with grilled foie gras or a black truffle-
yaki sauce, and Hawaiian lobster Thermidor with pineapple fried rice. The kids
may be more interested in the chicken nuggets or burgers. From ambience to
execution to presentation, Pahu i'a is top-drawer.
In the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Queen Kaahumanu Hwy., Kaupulehu-Kona. & 808/325-8000. Kids'
menu, highchairs, boosters, crayons. Reservations recommended. Breakfast $9-$24; dinner main courses
$30-$48; kids' menu $4.50-$8.50. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6-11:30am (buffet 7-11:30am) and
5:30-10pm.
Expensive
Beach Tree Bar and Grill CASUAL GOURMET Here's an example of
outstanding cuisine in a perfect setting, without being fancy, fussy, or prohibi-
tively expensive. The bar on the sand is a sunset paradise, and the sandwiches,
seafood, and grilled items at the casual outdoor restaurant (a few feet from the
bar) are in a class of their own—simple, excellent, prepared imaginatively. The
menu, which varies, features such items as grilled fresh fish sandwiches, steaks,
alternative healthy cuisine, and vegetarian specialties. Kids generally choose the
old standbys on the kids' menu: mac 'n' cheese or a quesadilla. On Saturday
there is a “Surf, Sand, and Stars” feast, which has an array of buffet-style items
from fresh fish to grilled New York sirloin to mouthwatering desserts for $58
(half-price for kids 6-12). On Wednesday, a special buffet features Asian
(including Hawaiian) cuisine for $48 ($24 kids). An added attraction is enter-
tainment from 5 to 8pm nightly.
In the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Queen Kaahumanu Hwy., Kaupulehu-Kona. & 808/325-8000. Kids'
menu, highchairs, crayons. Reservations recommended for dinner. Main courses $12-$18 lunch; $22-$40 din-
ner; kids' menu $4.50-$7.50. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am-8:30pm.
Hualalai Club Grille by Alan Wong CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC
This open-air oasis of koa, marble, and island artwork just got better. Chef Alan
Wong, who put the Canoe House Restaurant on the map and was one of the
founders of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, has taken the helm at this popular golf