I’ve been down on the Kohala Coast on the Northwest side of Hawaii (aka The Big Island) and I’ve been feasting like some kind of modern day Kamehameha. So far, I’ve enjoyed a private chef’s tour to the farmers market with Executive Chef Jayson Kanekoa of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, a righteous steamed monchong at Kamuela Provisions Company, Hualalai’s refreshing opa with tropical couscous, and the gut-busting power of the Da Tita Mok loco moco at Hawaiian Style Cafe. I’ve got more on the way, but for your Sunday viewing enjoyment, here’s a little photo tour through my meals thus far:
The Bahama Mama at Kamuela Provision Company in the Hilton Waikoloa Village
Tomatoes from WOW Farms in Waimea
Start your day with a loco moco and you may not have to eat for the rest of the week. This version had a fried egg, spam, hamburger, and fried chicken on top of fried rice.
You can’t come to Hawaii and not eat poke. This award-winning version comes from Jayson Kanekoa.
One of the healthiest things I’ve eaten since arriving in Hawaii: these smoked scallops were delicious and incredibly light.
Literally the biggest avocados I’ve ever seen in my life. Each the size of large grapefruit.
Monchong doesn’t get much love on the mainland, but this Japanese-style preparation at Kamuela Provision Company had me wishing I had room for seconds.
One of my favorite room amenities in recent memory: a Hawaiian charcuterie board with cold-smoked ono, local cured beef, macadamia nuts, goat cheese, taro chips, and poha berry jam.
Another very healthy dish, I enjoyed this opa with tropical couscous just steps from the ocean at the Hualalai Resort.
…and did you/do you go to have poke at Da Poke Shack in Kona?!?
I’m going to try to stop there tomorrow for lunch. I’ve heard only good things!
Make sure to go to Da Poke Shack early for choice of poke!
….and did. you go to Da Poke Shack?!? What did you think of it?
Buzz! I went! It was awesome. I was surprised that it was so slow, but I got there at the perfect time. No line at all. Got to sample 4-5 different pokes before settling on the Wet Hawaiian and the Spicy. They were both great, although I wish the spicy was spicier. Right when I finished, about ten people came in and the line went out the door. So glad I got to try it!