The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 192

(depending on whatever they can get fresh that day). You can eat on the lanai or
inside the restaurant.
19-4005 Haunani Rd., Volcano. & 808/967-7711. Main courses $8.50-$13 lunch, $16-$20 dinner. MC, V.
Thurs-Tues noon-2:30pm and 5:30-9:30pm.
Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant CONTINENTAL Diners travel long dis-
tances to escape from the crisp upland air into the warmth of this high-ceilinged
lodge. The decor is a cross between chalet-cozy and volcano-rugged; the sofa in
front of the 1938 fireplace is especially inviting when a fire is roaring. The Euro-
pean cooking is a fine culinary act on the big volcano. Favorites include the fresh
catch, hasenpfeffer, potato-leek soup (all flavor and no cream), and Alsatian
soup. All dinners come with soup, a loaf of freshly baked bread, and salad. Kids
are welcome at this family-friendly restaurant and have their own menu (not
quite as European, more buttered-noodle American selections).
Hwy. 11 (Volcano Village exit). & 808/967-7366. Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters, crayons. Reservations
recommended. Main courses $17-$38; kids' menu $4.95-$5.95. MC, V. Daily 5:30-9pm.
MODERATE
Lava Rock Café ECLECTIC/LOCAL This cheerful, airy oasis in knotty
pine, with tables and booths indoors and semi-outdoors, under a clear corru-
gated-plastic ceiling, is a great place to bring the kids for breakfast, lunch, or
dinner. The cross-cultural menu includes everything from chow fun to fajitas.
The choices include three-egg omelets and pancakes with wonderful house-
made lilikoi butter, teriyaki beef and chicken, serious desserts (lilikoi, mango, or
ohelo cheesecake), fresh catch, T-bone steak, and steak-and-shrimp combos. The
lunchtime winners are the “seismic sandwiches” (which the cafe will pack for
hikers), chili, quarter-pound burgers, and a host of salads, plate lunches, and
“volcanic” heavies such as Southern fried chicken and grilled meats. Pizza and
chicken nuggets are the most popular items on the kids' menu.
Hwy. 11 (Volcano Village exit, next to Kilauea Kreations). & 808/967-8526. Kids' menu, highchairs, boost-
ers, crayons. Main courses $4.50-$7 lunch, $7-$18 dinner; kids' menu $3-$5. MC, V. Sun 7:30am-4pm; Mon
7:30am-5pm; Tues-Sat 7:30am-9pm.
INEXPENSIVE
Thai Thai Restaurant THAI Volcano's only Thai restaurant adds warming
curries to the chill of upcountry life. The menu features spicy curries and rich
satays; coconut-rich soups; noodles and rice; and sweet-and-sour stir-fries of fish,
vegetables, beef, cashew chicken, and garlic shrimp. A big hit is the green papaya
salad made with tomatoes, crunchy green beans, green onions, and a heap of raw
and roasted peanuts—heat and texture and a full symphony of color, aroma, and
flavor. There are five types of curries, each with its own array of choices and each
quite rich with coconut milk and spices. If this is a bit too exotic for your keiki,
they will whip up more comfort-food items like chicken or noodles.
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd. & 808/967-7969. Highchairs, boosters, crayons. Main courses $9-$15. AE, DISC,
MC, V. Daily 5-9pm.
NAALEHU/SOUTH POINT
Naalehu Fruit Stand AMERICAN/PIZZA Here's a great place to stop
during the long drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This little roadside
attraction is a bright spot on the long southern route, the liveliest nook in pleas-
ingly sleepy Naalehu. You can buy sandwiches, pizza, fresh salads, and baked
goods—the best-loved items here—and then nosh away at one of the few tables