hilo (part 1)

I'm back from the island of Hawaii, also known as "the Big Island". It was nice to be able to take my grandma around to visit with her friends and we also had a lot of fun foodie experiences. For those of you who have never visited the Big Island, Hilo is very laid back, even after 2 tsunami (tidal waves), the "downtown" area still has many historic buildings--filled with cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques.

Our first foodie adventure was at Miyo's on the grounds of the old Waiakea Village Hotel. This Japanese restaurant overlooks the Wailoa river and has a casual ambiance. Seat yourself and B.Y.O.B. (bring your own booze) We enjoyed a hearty tofu steak with veggies (US $8.59). Delicious!

Miyo's
400 Hualani
Hilo
Phone: 808.935.2273

If you're into beer, you may want to check out the microbrewery that is in Hilo's industrial area. Mehana Brewing Company makes 5 different types of beer (from a lager to a red ale), including one which is exclusive to Roy's Restaurants. You can sample and buy all of their beers at the factory, and some (except the Roy's label) in supermarkets on the Big Island.

Mehana Brewing Company (UPDATE: 5/2013 they filed for bankruptcy)
275 E. Kawili Street
Hilo
Phone:808.934-8211

Nearby, there is Big Island Candies. This factory makes the best chocolate dipped shortbread cookies that I have ever tasted. In recent years, they have also come out with a DARK chocolate dipped shortbread cookie which is ONO! (delicious!) Whenever I go to Hilo, I always try to make a stop here. As you walk in, they hand you a sample of their shortbread and a chocolate, and there are also samples of their Kona coffee (sorry, no photos, I ate it so quickly!) You can also watch as they dip each cookie by hand into the chocolate!

Big Island Candies
585 Hinano Street
Hilo
Phone: 808.935.8890

Back in town, there is a little shop called Gammy's. This shop sells Hilo Homemade Ice Cream, a local ice cream maker. They make local flavors such as a lilikoi (passion fruit) sorbet, kona coffee ice cream and dragonfruit sorbet.

My aunty tried their single (4 oz.) with a half scoop of lilikoi sorbet and a half scoop of banana mac nut fudge. The lilikoi tasted like you were actually eating the lilikoi from the vine!

I tried a half scoop of Ginger and a half scoop of toasted coconut ice cream. The ginger was good, not too overpowering and the toasted coconut made you feel like you were eating a coconut cream pie!

The single scoop at only US$3 is a bargain especially since they are so generous--the servings were almost like two scoops!

Hilo Homemade Ice Cream/Gammy's
41 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo Town
Phone: 808.933.1520

Also, in town is a place that the locals used to hang out at called Elsie's Fountain. In recent years, the place was sold and is now called Big Island Ohana Cafe. Ohana means family in Hawaiian. This cafe still has the fountain counter and chairs and has a nice open atmosphere.

We met relatives there for breakfast. Their food was good, fast and cheap! I had their Island Combo (2 eggs any way you like them, your choice of meat, I chose portugese sausage, home fries and toast) only US$6.25!

Big Island Ohana Cafe
339 Keawe Street
Hilo town
Phone: 808.961.6381
UPDATE: as of 2009, this place is no longer in business

There is still more to share....stay tuned!