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Savoring Paradise: A Culinary Journey of the Big Island

Savoring Paradise: A Culinary Journey of the Big Island

An array of Hawaiian-style Poke. From Tuna to Tako

Beyond Hawaii’s breathtaking beauty lies a culinary paradise that caters to every palate. This culinary journey ranges from traditional Hawaiian delicacies to international fusion, encapsulating a wide array of flavors and experiences. Join us as we explore the four corners of the Big Island of Hawaii. Indulge in delectable dishes and immerse yourself in the island’s unique dining culture.

Merriman’s – Waimea:

In the heart of Waimea, lies the culinary gem that is Merriman’s. This great restaurant truly embraces farm-to-table dining. Chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, curates an extraordinary menu that showcases the freshest local ingredients. Indulge in the signature Opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper) or the savory Grass-Fed Beef Ribeye while enjoying the stunning views of the Kohala Coast. The commitment to sustainability and the celebration of Hawaii’s diverse flavors make Merriman’s a must-visit dining destination.

Brown’s Beach House – Kohala Coast:

Situated within the luxurious Fairmont Orchid Resort, Brown’s Beach House offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience on the Kohala Coast. The restaurant’s serene oceanfront location sets the stage for a memorable evening. Brown’s specializes in contemporary island cuisine, featuring Pacific Rim flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. The Ono Carpaccio and Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi are among the standout dishes. The impeccable service and romantic ambiance make this restaurant perfect for special occasions.

Hilo Bay Cafe – Hilo:

For a taste of Hilo’s vibrant culinary scene, head to Hilo Bay Cafe, a beloved establishment that focuses on using ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Chef Skyler Osborne’s innovative approach to classic Hawaiian dishes elevates your dining experience to new heights. Boasting a long list of sushi delicacies on top of their impressive island-fusion menu, the culinary brilliance is immediately on display. Top it off with their welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on community support, Hilo Bay Cafe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge – Kailua-Kona:

Within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, lies Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge. This gastronomic paradise merges the freshest seafood with Asian influences. The restaurant’s oceanfront setting and open-air design provide an unforgettable backdrop as you savor the delightful offerings. From the Chef’s Selection Sashimi Platter to the mouthwatering Ulu Signature Roll, each dish is an artful fusion of flavors and textures. For a truly exceptional dining experience, opt for the “Lana’i at Sunset” dinner, a private meal served on a secluded platform above the surf.

Hawaii Island’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of flavors that cater to every food enthusiast. From embracing farm-to-table concepts to celebrating the island’s rich heritage, the restaurants on Hawaii Island promise an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a seafood lover or craving an authentic taste of Hawaiian cuisine, these establishments have something to offer for every discerning palate. So, the next time you find yourself on the beautiful shores of Hawaii Island, be sure to embark on a culinary journey of your own that will leave you with memories as delightful as the island’s tropical breeze.

Looking for a sweet treat to beat the heat? Check out our list of the Top 5 Shave Ice Joints on the Big Island!

Please note: Menus are frequently updated. Some offerings may no longer be available. Please check the links for updated selections.

Home Care In Hawaii

Home Care In Hawaii

Helpful information on the costs of home care for people living in Hawaii, provided by the helpful folks at Homecare.org. While this article focuses mainly on Hawaii, Homecare.org provides helpful resources for people living in all 50 states.

When planning your retirement, the question on most people’s minds is: “Will I be able to afford everything?” Trying to make a list of all of your future expenses can feel impossible and in many cases is. It’s unlikely that you need home care the day you retire, but you might down the road. This sort of expense can be enough to force you into changing the way you planned your retirement. Hawaii, in particular, has one of the highest costs for home care in the country, well above the national average.

To help plan for these unforeseen expenses, Homecare.org has provided us with some helpful information about home care like average costs, what services are available, and what coverage exists to help you manage these new expenses.

Looking to make an investment towards your retirement? This page can be a great place to start.

Homecare.org/Hawaii

This page compares average prices of home care in Hawaii against that of neighboring states and the US national average. Also included are state averages for the monthly costs of various types of senior care and assisted living, programs to maintain your independence while staying safe, Medicaid eligibility and more.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care?

This page is covers various types of in-home care and talks about what is and isn’t covered by Medicare. It also provides “care scenarios” to help paint a better picture of what costs you may face based on your individual needs.

The Cost of 24/7 In-Home Care

This page focuses on those in need of round-the-clock caring and ways to pay for it. Whether it’s solely medical care or non-medical as well, find out what options are available to you.

Planning your next Hawaiian getaway? Check out all of our vacation rentals here.

This is not a paid promotion. First Island Realty LLC is not affiliated with homecare.org in any way. This is purely information that we hope will help people when learning more about seeking home care in Hawaii.

Vacation Rental Approved Condo Complexes

Vacation Rental Approved Condo Complexes

With the growing popularity of vacation rentals as a viable alternative to hotels, it can be difficult to know if you’ve explored all of your options. Whether you’re planning a vacation or your next investment, even knowing where to start looking can be difficult. Here’s a list of vacation rental approved condo complexes on the Big Island of Hawaii. This list focuses on the Kona and Kohala coasts as they are the most popular destinations for vacationers and have the most resort zoned areas. If you know of a complex that allows vacation rentals and you don’t see it on our list, please leave the name in the comments section below. This list leaves off those complexes who are zoned for vacation rentals but have HOA or AOAO rules against short-term rentals of this nature.

Kohala Coast (click to view)
  • Fairway Villas
    Address: 69-200 Pohakulana Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Fairways at Mauna Lani
    Address: 68-1125 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (map)
  • The Golf Villas at Mauna Lani
    Address: 68-1310 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (map)
  • Halii Kai at Waikoloa
    Address: 69-1029 Nawahine Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort
    Address: 69-1000 Kolea Kai Cir, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Mauna Lani Point
    Address: 68-1050 Mauna Lani Point Dr, Waimea, 96743 (map)
  • Mauna Lani Terrace
    Address: 68-1399 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (map)
  • Shores at waikoloa Beach Resort
    Address: 69-1035 Keana Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Villages at Mauna Lani
    Address: 68-1025 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (map)
  • Vista Waikoloa
    Address: 69-1010 Keana Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Waikoloa Beach Villas
    Address: 69-180 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Waikoloa Colony Villas
    Address: 69-555 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Waikoloa Villas
    Address: 68-3840 Lua Kula St, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 (map)
  • Waiulaula at Mauna Kea Resort
    Address: 62-3600 Amaui Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 (map)
Kona Coast (click to view)
  • Alii Cove (web)
    Address: 75-5919 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Alii Villas
    Address: 75-6016 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Banyan Tree Condos
    Address: 76-6268 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Casa De Emdeko
    Address: 75-6082 Ali’i Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Country Club Villas (web)
    Address: 78-6920 Ali’i Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Hale Kona Kai
    Address: 75-5870 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kahalu’u Beach Villas
    Address: 78-6721 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kailua Bay Resort
    Address: 75-5669 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kailua Village
    Address: 75-5766 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI  96740 (map)
  • Kanaloa at Kona
    Address: 78-261 Manukai St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Keauhou Akahi
    Address: 78-7030 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Keauhou Gardens (Kona Coast Resort)
    Address: 78-6842 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Keauhou Kona Surf & Racquet Club
    Address: 78-6800 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Keauhou Punahele (web)
    Address: 78-7070 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Keauhou Resort
    Address: 78-7039 Kamehameha III Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Alii
    Address: 75-5782 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Bali Kai
    Address: 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Coffee Villas
    Address: 79-7199 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725 (map)
  • Kona Islander Inn (web)
    Address: 75-5776 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Isle
    Address: 75-6100 Ali‘i Dr B26, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Kai
    Address: 74-5618 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Magic Sands
    Address: 77-6452 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Makai
    Address: 75-6026 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Mansions
    Address: 75-5873 Walua Rd, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Pacific
    Address: 75-5865 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Plaza
    Address: 75-5719 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Kona Reef
    Address: 75-5888 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • The Makolea
    Address: 78-216 Makolea St, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 (map
  • Royal Kahili (web)
    Address: 76-6283 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • Royal Sea Cliff
    Address: 75-6040 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • The Sea Village
    Address: 75-6002 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)
  • White Sands Village
    Address: 77-6469 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (map)

Looking to book a stay? Check out our selection of vacation rentals.

Savoring Paradise: A Culinary Journey of the Big Island
Beyond Hawaii's breathtaking beauty lies a culinary paradise that caters to every …
Home Care In Hawaii
Helpful information on the costs of home care for people living in …