Need some planning help!

[JudyOh]

Will be on the Big Island Oct 7-13, will be spending one night in Hilo, two in Volcanoes and 3 in Kona. Plans now are to stay at Hawaii Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, Anthurium Cottage in Volcanoes and Hilton Waikoloa Village in Kona. Will be celebrating our 40th anniversary on the 10th, looking for somewhere special for dinner. Also, any must do's while on the Big Island??? Any help will be greatly appreciated. We were suppose to be sailing on the Pride of America, but really got a bad deal when the switched over to the Pride of Aloha, so we are going to land it instead of cruise it!

[hardingk]

We are sailing the Legend and will be visitng all those places! Watch for my review at the end of May to help your planning!

___________________________
RCL~Navigator 8/2003, Majesty 7/2003, Radiance 4/2003, Monarch 8/2002, Nordic Empress 8/2001
Celebrity~Century 7/2001 & 7/1998, Horizon 7/1991

Future Cruises:
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=1513051247&p=3"]Legend of the Seas 5/7/2004[/url]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=3883087867"]Enchantment of the Seas 8/30/2004[/url]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=2413078377&r=7333062777#7333062777"]Brilliance of the Seas 1/14/2005[/url]
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;7;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]
Till Hawaii on the Legend of the Seas!

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Till Belize on the Enchantment of the Seas!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2005;1;14;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Till the Panama Canal on Brilliance of the Seas!

[SweetEmi]

In which of those places will you be on the 10th? That will help me with suggestions, but I really only know things on this side of the island.

Aloha,
Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[spleen93]

The better restaurants on the Big Island are on the Kona side anyway. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Spleen

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Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[JudyOh]

We will be in Kona on the 10th.

[SweetEmi]

Hey, thanks Spleen, nice to know that! Oh....my now I've done it though, she'll be here on the 10th and you probably know more about the nice restaurants...but let me think.

There is Huggos in Kona, the Prince Hotel has several nice restaurants, at the Hilton there are also several nice restaurants - a Japanese one, and Italian, a steakhouse, at King's Shops there is Roy's. There is Sam Choy's here in Kona but I haven't actually ever been there. There is a nice place on Alii Drive in Kona (right on the beach) called Jamieson's and they normally have live music. There is Edward's in Keauhou (I think??).

I'm sure there are more...

Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[bambam]

SweetEmi,
SURELY you are not suggesting a restaurant at the Hilton???? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

BAMnJAM
Carnival Imagingation '96
RCC Majesty '98
Sun Princess '00
NCL Star '04

Proud member (x2) of the PPS - yeah!!

[JudyOh]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm going to look into them. Any must see or dos while we are there?

[spleen93]

Actually, I'm relatively fond of Donatoni's (the Italian restaurant) in the Hilton Waikoloa - great food. Roy's is good at any location - the one in King's Village is no exception. Sam Choy's restaurant in the industrial section of Kona is great for breakfast or lunch.

I've been dying to try the food at the Four Seasons Hualalai ... With entrees like this:

Pahu i‘a Bento Box, A tasting selection of tonight’s specials

Crispy Skin Opakapaka (Crimson Snapper) “Meunière” with Caramelised Maui Onions, Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Macadamia Nut Brown Butter

Macadamia Nut Crusted Lamb Rack with Roasted Shallot Mashed Potatoes, Spicy Asian Eggplant, Chinese Black Vinegar and Fresh Berry Sauce

‘Ahi (Yellowfin) “Bourguignonne” with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms and Sautéed Vegetables

Kalua and Pan-Roasted Half Duck “a l’Orange” with Smashed Molokai Sweet Potatoes and Asian Vegetable Stir-Fry

Steamed Pacific Snapper “Oriental Style” with Braised Baby Bok Choy and Cilantro, Shiitake Mushrooms, Ginger-Shoyu Sauce

Veal “Oscar” Hualalai with Black Truffle Potatoes, Shrimp and Crab Ravioli, Asian Béarnaise Sauce

Dry-Aged Prime New York Steak with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Onion Rings, Chili-Garlic Red Wine Reduction

Crispy Whole Moi (Threadfin) with Asian Slaw, Black Bean and Sweet Chili Lime Vinaigrette (Boneless Fillet Preparation Available)

Hawaiian Whole Lobster Thermidor with Sautéed Vegetables, Pineapple Fried Rice

Spicy Thai Barbecue Ali‘i Prawns with Pad Thai Noodles and Vegetable Stir-Fry

How can you go wrong?? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Spleen

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Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[JudyOh]

bambam - what is wrong with the restaurants at the Hilton?

Spleen - thanks for the recommendations. Any must dos while we are there. Also, we were in Kona about 8years ago (on the Independence), we ate lunch at a restaurant (upper level, openair, could see our ship from it), would love to know it's name, rest of group went swimming, one other person and I sat for several hours and had a few drinks and soaked up the view and then toured the town. It was one of the best afternoons I have ever had!!! Just was on the Navigator in Feb, you'll love her, had a wonderful time.

[SweetEmi]

Grandma: What type of food did you eat at the restaurant?

If you go to Four Seasons (and I would love to also some time) and there is a beautiful local woman named Haoli or Shirley seating you...she is my hanai sister. Tell her that Emi (pronounced Amy) said hi! I think her boyfriend who is an excellent and very popular slack key guitarist and entertainer plays music out there sometimes during the week, though I'm not sure of the days. His name is Marcus Wong Yuen. They also perform at the Prince sometimes, though I do not know the schedule. Hauoli (Shirley) dances hula and she gives me chicken skin it is so beautiful. She was in Merrie Monarch several years, but not this year.


Aloha!
Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[JudyOh]

It was basically burgers and sandwiches I believe, it was 8 years ago at lunchtime, but I still remember sitting up on the upstairs open air deck looking out at the ocean and sipping my gin & tonic. What an afternoon!! It was right across from the pier, we tendered in, also there was either a large hotel or shopping area across the street, we did the submarine ride and got our tickets there.

[spleen93]

Emi - the restaurant question is all you ... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I don't remember Kona well enough to be able to recognize individual restaurants in town (not to mention that things have probably changed since the last time I was there)

grandmacruiser - my favorite things in Kona are Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Kealakekua Bay, the Kona coffee farms, and the resorts in Kohala. Kealakekua Bay obviously requires people to get wet but the others are easily done by anybody. Emi won't steer you wrong. This is our first time on Navigator. Where did you go on the Navigator in February? What did you like the most about the ship? (we're really looking forward to this!)

Spleen

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Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[bambam]

Hi Grandmacruiser,
If you read the post on 4 Days in Oahu, I talked about the terrible meal Pebbles and I got at the Steak and Lobster restaurant at the Hilton - the HHV in Waikiki. SweetEmi had posted an earlier message about the HHV and the lousy meal she got at the same place - and I totally forgot about her warning, and got the same lousy meal. So I was just kidding Emi about recommending a Hilton resaurant - but it is really limited to the HHV in Waikiki.

Now Spleen, if you listed those menu items off the top of you head - I am REALLY impressed.... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Tell me you had a menu handy while you were typing it out - or at least Ahibunny was helping... You Da Man...again [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

BAMnJAM
Carnival Imagingation '96
RCC Majesty '98
Sun Princess '00
NCL Star '04

Cruisin's not just an adventure, it's an Attitude!!
Proud member (x2) of the PPS - yeah!!

[SweetEmi]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bambam:
So I was just kidding Emi about recommending a Hilton resaurant - but it is really limited to the HHV in Waikiki.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh! Now I get it. I didn't know what to say about it earlier...so, I didn't say anything at all...hehehehehe... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Thanks for clearing it up. (I'm kind of dense lately I guess).

Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[ahibunny]

I can say that my hubby cheated and was looking at the menu. If you thought the entrees sounded yummy, you should look up the appetizers! I had to pick my drool off the floor.

[spleen93]

Bambam - cut & paste, my friend ... cut & paste. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] My wife really needs to stop giving away my secrets ...

And just to tease everybody, this is the apppetizer and salad section of the menu:

STARTERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tempura Crystal Prawns with Fresh Melon Parisienne Salad and Calamansi Lime Sauce

Basil and Fresh Mango Summer Roll with Lemongrass-Chili and Garlic Sauce

Pahu i‘a Sushi Sampler (for two people), Sweet Shrimp, Unagi (Eel), ‘Ahi (Yellowfin), and Salmon Nigiri, Rainbow, Soft Shell Crab, and Spicy Hamachi (Yellowtail) Poke Maki

Grilled Portobello, Tomato, and Maui Onion Terrine with Puna Goat Cheese Dressing

Five Spice Duck Pot Stickers with Wild Mushroom Poke

Seared ‘Ahi (Yellowfin), Avocado, Feta Cheese “Pizza”, Asian Slaw, Poi Vinaigrette

New Style Poke, ‘Ahi (Yellowfin), Hamachi (Yellowtail), and Salmon, Ponzu Sauce and Sizzling Oil

Crispy Lobster Spring Roll, Papaya-Hearts of Palm Salsa, Vanilla-Black Truffle Butter

Pan-Roasted Foie Gras, Caramelised Gingered Apple, Riesling Sauce

Dim Sum Sampler served with Asian Dipping Sauces

Tom Yum Goong, Traditional Thai Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass

Lemongrass Lobster Bisque with Tarragon Crème Fraiche


SALADS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kealaola Farm Baby Greens with Mimosa Vinaigrette

Lobster Caesar Louie with Avocado, Tomato, Hawaiian Chili Vinaigrette

Big Island Hearts of Palm Salad with Candied Macadamia Nuts, Gorgonzola Cheese, and Asian Pear

Drooooooooolllllllllll ...

Spleen

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Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[SweetEmi]

Yummmmmmmmmmmmmm

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[JudyOh]

spleen 93 - we did an Eastern Caribbean on the Navigator. Loved the ship, staff was unbelievably friendly, even the people at the Pursors Desk. Had a great time, loved the piano bar at Schooners Bar (Steve Heist) was really great. Beautiful ship!

[daWoods]

SweetEmi,

We love your island and are coming back next year. We liked Huggo's, haven't tried Jamesons by the Sea, but our favourite was a restaurant we tried a few years ago in the ground floor of one of the original hotels in Kona. Can't remember the name of it. It might not even be there by now. Had high backed wicker chairs, ceiling fans with belts running from one to the other, and great food. The entrance had several shops on either side. Almost missed it.

Island Princess Feb. 2004
Grand Princess Feb. 2002
Norwegian Sky Feb. 2001

[SweetEmi]

daWoods...do you remember where it was? Was it next to Huggos?

Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[spleen93]

Different ship ... but sounds like it was a lot of fun! Will have to look at doing a cruise on a Voyager class ship one of these days ...

Spleen

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Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[daWoods]

Emi...closer to town. It was on the ocean side of the street. You walked off the sidewalk onto a sort of boardwalk area, with shops. The entrance was about in the center of that area, and you walked down a few steps into the restaurant. I remember we had walked in from the Kona Reef and had checked out the big hotel (former Hilton) and Huggo's (too busy) and eventually came to this place. That was in 1999. I'm wondering if it could be in the Kona Inn shopping area.

Island Princess Feb. 2004
Grand Princess Feb. 2002
Norwegian Sky Feb. 2001

[SweetEmi]

Yes...that is the Kona Inn Shopping Center and the restaurant is the Kona Inn...I've eaten there a couple of times - nachos... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Locals know it for the calimari and nachos. Uncle Billy's across the street is owned by Uncle Billy's hotel and the shopping center.

A friend of ours plays music there - at the shopping center not the restaurant. Bosco the one man band...

Emi

NCL Star-08/31/03 in Hawaii!
NCL Star-11/13/04 to Mexico!
Alaska summer 2005!

[daWoods]

When we were there, it was a full service, fine dining restaurant. It also had a large bar/lounge area. Thanks Emi. We'll get to see it for ourselves in February of next year.

Island Princess Feb. 2004
Grand Princess Feb. 2002
Norwegian Sky Feb. 2001