Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Thai curry vegetable soup, Greek salad, ahi-tuna sandwich) are guiltless and
guileless.
In Parker Ranch Shopping Center, Hwy. 19.
&
808/885-1686.
Highchairs, boosters. Most items less than $6.
No credit cards. Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat 9am-4pm.
Maha's Cafe
COFFEEHOUSE/SANDWICHES More like a cozy
living room than a restaurant, Maha's serves breakfast (a small selection, but each
item is top-quality) and impressive sandwiches in a wood-floored room of
Waimea's first frame house, built in 1852. Harriet-Ann Namahaokalani (Maha)
Schutte dispenses poi pancakes, granola, and very fluffy scrambled eggs in a
flour tortilla, served with salsa and bananas with yogurt on the side—delectable,
and for only $5! Sandwiches prevail at lunch, and cookies, tea, and coffee are
available all day long. She'll make up a PB&J if your kids can't find a thing on
the menu to please them. Lunch has never been grander, served at cozy wooden
tables on lauhala mats.
In Spencer House, Hwy. 19.
&
808/885-0693.
Main courses $6-$14. MC, V. Thurs-Mon 8am-4pm.
Tako Taco Taquería
HEALTHY MEXICAN If the kids are hungry,
like,
now,
and you are looking for a “healthy” lunch or dinner takeout, stop by
this tiny hole-in-the-wall with the most delicious (and healthy) Mexican food
you'll eat on the Big Island. There are about eight chairs at the counter, or you
can opt to sit on the patio outside, but most people do takeaway and zip off to
the beach. Most items are in the $6 to $7 range, making them a terrific bargain.
Along with the daily specials, the fresh fish burrito (with beans, rice, cheese, gua-
camole, sour cream, slaw, and salsa) is a hot deal at $8.50. There are plenty of
vegetarian selections. If they've baked Mexican chocolate chip wedding cookies
(huge, and only $1 each), grab one.
65-1271 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea.
&
808/887-1717.
All items under $8.50. No credit cards. Daily 11am-8pm.
THE HAMAKUA COAST
Cafe Il Mondo
PIZZA/ESPRESSO BAR A tiny cafe with a big spirit has
taken over the Andrade Building in the heart of Honokaa. Tropical watercolors
and local art, the irresistible aromas of garlic sauces and pizzas, and a 1924 koa
bar meld gracefully in Sergio and Dena Ramirez's tribute to the Old World. A
classical and flamenco guitarist, Sergio occasionally plays solo guitar in his
restaurant while contented drinkers tuck into the stone oven-baked pizzas. I rec-
ommend the Waipio vegetable pizza or the Sergio (pesto with marinated arti-
chokes and mushroom). Sandwiches come cradled in fresh French, onion, or
rosemary buns, all made by local bakeries. There's fresh soup daily, roasted
chicken, and other specials; all greens are fresh, local, and organic.
Mamane St., Honokaa.
&
808/775-7711.
Boosters, crayons. Pizzas $8.50-$18; sandwiches $4.75-$5; pasta
$8.95. No credit cards. Tues-Sat 11am-8pm.
Simply Natural
HEALTH FOOD/SANDWICH SHOP Simply
Natural is a superb find on Honokaa's main street. I love this charming deli with
its friendly staff, wholesome food, and vintage interior. It offers a counter and a
few small tables with bright tablecloths and fresh anthuriums. The menu is
wholesome, with no sacrifice in flavor: sautéed mushroom-onion sandwich,
tempeh burger, and breakfast delights that include taro-banana pancakes. Even
a simple vegetable-mushroom sandwich is special, made to order with grilled
mushrooms and onions, luscious fresh tomato, and your choice of squaw, onion,
or rosemary bread. It's a great place to get a picnic lunch.
Finds
Value
Value
