Hawaii definitely has it’s good eats on the island. I was more up to venturing off our hotel to get a little more of the local cuisine. We found a fantastic little caffe in a neighboring town to where we stayed which we went to more than once! We just stumbled upon Waimea Coffee Company on our own, and it was the best ever. The pour over was so smooth, and the acai bowls and smoothies we had were also excellent. What we liked most about this place was it was a very “locals only” joint, and even had some musicians playing inside on a Sunday morning – I loved that! Clearly it was the place to be. We also noticed what looked like to be a very popular Hawaiian breakfast spot across the street, Hawaiian Style Cafe, it was too heavy for us Tans, but would recommend it to anyone looking for a comforting morning meal.

Me diving into my acai bowl and Nick enjoying breakfast at the Mauna Kea. Surprisingly only dined at the restaurant one morning.

One day we were on the beach, we noticed two couples who, from what it seemed, met at the hotel in the previous day and were exchanging restaurant recommendations. My ears perked up and I listened intently to what they had to say. From what I gathered, “Merriman’s” was the place to go. Checking it out online, it looked great! The Chef, Peter Merriman, originally from Pennsylvania, came out to the Big Island for what he thought was just a few months to work in the kitchen of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, and hasn’t left since. He is one of the 12 famous chefs to help create and popularize what is “Hawaiian Regional Cuisine” and has opened several restaurants throughout Hawaii. After dining at Merriman’s on this past trip, I would definitely say it was the best meal I have had in Hawaii to date.

Dinner at Merriman’s. Best poke I have ever had in my life, and warm chocolate dessert – need I say more?!?! I love me a chocolate purse.

The last (but not least) dining experience that I will note was the LUAU we went to!!! It was my first time going to a Luau (and 4th trip to Hawaii!) and it was sensational!!! The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has the best luau on the island and I was very impressed! The hula dancers, flame twirlers, food, music, Mai-Tai’s, it was all great!!! Nick and I had a wonderful time with lots of great food, plus I got my fill of that Hawaiian macaroni salad we all know and luck (but hate to admit!)

The Hawaiian feast!!!! Yumm!

Such a beautiful place!!

*mere*