Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
filled visions, a mix of four-poster beds, opulent tiled baths, carved furniture, Jacuzzi
tubs and oriental rugs over hardwood floors.
The garden is not what it once was, and occupancy ebbs and flows. Call ahead; the
property has long been for sale, but promises to continue as an inn.
Eating
Good news: Waimea is awash in tasty, reasonably priced food. In addition to the options
below, an international row of restaurants at the Waimea Shopping Center offers Italian,
Japanese, Korean, Thai and Chinese cuisine, though these are largely uninspiring. Self-
885-8866; 65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea Center; 6am-11pm)
, a grocer with an in-store
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Parker Ranch Center;
9am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 5pm Sun)
.
Big Island Brewhaus & Taqueria
MEXICAN $
(
887-1717;
www.bigislandbrewhaus.com
;
64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy; mains $7.50-16;
11am-8:30pm Mon-Sat, noon-8:30pm Sun)
What could be a better choice to exemplify
Waimea's defining blend of unpretentious sophistication than this intelligent new brew-
house? Owner Thomas Kerns, former brewmaster at Maui Brewing Company, already
has more taste and quality in his collection of 17 house beers than do most major brewer-
ies.
Embracing the new craft beer ethos, Thomas brews outside the traditional box, explor-
ing a wide range of styles and flavors, like the Paniolo Pale Ale, with its dash of tropical
fruit, and the Golden Sabbath Belgian Ale, which has a tremendous aroma. The Brewpub
is further attached to a taqueria, so you have some hot reasons for downing a five-cup
sampler, although the beer outshines the food. A 2L jar of beer to go is $14.
Hawaiian Style Cafe
LOCAL $
(
885-4295; 64-1290 Kawaihae Rd, Hayashi Bldg; dishes $7.50-10; 7am-1:30pm Mon-Sat, to
noon Sun)
The screen door, its springs shot, slams constantly as locals gather around the
horseshoe-shaped counter at this favorite island-style greasy spoon, particularly for
breakfast. It delivers huge portions of
loco moco,
pancakes,
kalua
hash, poi, fried rice,
burgers and more.
