Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
In this rural residential area, the only lodging options are B&Bs and vacation rentals.
Hale Hoʻonanea
B&B $$$
MAP
5 miles north of Kawaihae, these three B&B units set on peaceful grassy knolls 900ft
above sea level are excellent value. The Bamboo Suite is priciest, but the high ceiling,
hardwood floor and stunning 180-degree horizon view are worth it. The other rooms get
smaller and more makeshift as the price drops, but all are clean and homey, with kit-
chenette, lanai, satellite TV and wi-fi.
Blue Dragon Musiquarium
HAWAII REGIONAL CUISINE $$$
MAP
(
882-7771;
www.bluedragonhawaii.com
; 61-3616 Kawaihae Rd; mains $18-36; 5-10pm Wed-
Thu & Sun, to 11pm Fri & Sat)
This roofless restaurant under towering palms has a menu of
locally sourced food that's well prepared into an eclectic mix of stir-fries and curries, rib-
eye steaks and teriyaki. Service is casual (and a bit distracted).
It books live jazz music almost nightly - as well as local slack key favorites such as
John Keawe - creating a mood so upbeat and friendly that (aided by potent specialty
cocktails) even the shyest couples can't resist the scallop of a dance floor. Music ends at
10pm, but the bar goes as long as you do, or until the staff get tired…
Kohala Burger & Taco
AMERICAN $
MAP
(
880-1923;
www.kohalaburgerandtaco.com
; 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy; mains under $10;
11am-7pm Mon-Fri, til 4pm Sat & Sun)
Do you know what's better than a big, juicy burger
after hours of swimming, snorkeling, hiking or surfing? Absolutely nothing, with the
possible exception of a good taco or burrito. And this place has all of the above! Kohala
Burger & Taco, you just keep winning, what with your grass-fed burgers layered with
slices of local avacado, and enormous wet burritos, and just gobs of awesome.
Café Pesto
FUSION $$$
(
882-1071;
www.cafepesto.com
; Akoni Pule Hwy, Kawaihae Shopping Center; lunch $11-14, pizza
$9-20, dinner mains $17-33;
11am-9pm Sun-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat)
This fun, stylish restaur-
