Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.basikacai.com
; 75-5831 Kahakai Rd; bowls $6-11; 8am-4pm Mon-Sat;
) Healthy,
wholesome bowls bursting with goodness (granola, tropical fruit, nuts) are blended with
acai for added punch. Nice ocean views from up here.
Big Island Grill
HAWAII REGIONAL CUISINE $$$
(75-5702 Kuakini Hwy; plate lunches $10, mains $10-19; 7:30am-9pm Mon-Sat;
) If you eat
in one spot in Kailua-Kona, eat here. The grill serves Hawaii's comfort foods - aka plate
lunches and
loco moco
(rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with thick gravy) - as
fresh and flavorful as home cooking. Choose from fried chicken katsu (deep-fried fillets)
,
fried mahimahi, shrimp tempura, beef teriyaki,
kalua
pork and more.
All meals come with two scoops of rice, potato-mac salad and rich gravy. It's always
packed, but swift service is warm with aloha.
Island Lava Java
CAFE $$$
(
www.islandlavajava.com
; Aliʻi Sunset Plaza, 75-5799 Aliʻi Dr; meals $9-18; 6:30am-9:30pm;
) This cafe is a favorite gathering spot for sunny breakfasts (and Sunday brunch) with
almost-oceanside dining on the outdoor patio. The food aims for upscale diner; if it
sometimes hits closer to greasy spoon, no one minds - especially since the coffee is
100% Kona, and the beef and chicken are Big Island-raised. Portions are huge, baked
goods sinful and the fish Benedict delicious.
Lemongrass Bistro
ASIAN $$$
(
331-2708;
http://lemongrass-bistro.webs.com
; 75-5742 Kuakini Hwy; mains from $13-35;
11:00am-3pm & 5-10:30pm Mon-Fri, noon-3pm & 5-9pm Sat & Sun;
) The food at Lemongrass
is clean and elegant, but also hearty enough to stick to your ribs, just like the best com-
fort food. Try the meaty oxtail or crispy duck shellacked in a garlic soy glaze and you'll
agree this is the tastiest local bridge between Eastern and Western gastronomy.
Rapanui Island Café
ASIAN $$$
(75-5695 Aliʻi Dr, Banyan Court mall; lunch $6-10, dinner mains $10-16; lunch & dinner Mon-Fri,
dinner Sat)
This cafe's New Zealand owners know curry, which they prepare with a deli-
cious tongue-tingly warmth. Choose from various satays, spiced pork, seafood and
