Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [191]
Eating
Kenichi Pacific (881-1515; Shops at Mauna Lani; sushi $7-16, mains $28-44; 5-9:30pm Tue-Sat) The Mauna Lani branch of this Keauhou favorite (Click here) offers an almost identical menu and the same excellent happy hour (4pm to 6pm Tuesday to Friday). The mall setting isn’t swoon-worthy, but your palate will still get the flutters: order favorites like ono tataki (seared wahoo), diver scallop curry, and spicy tuna tempura rolls.
Norio’S (887-7320; Fairmont Orchid; sushi rolls $11-22, mains $29-46; 6-9pm Thu-Mon) Chef Norio Yamamoto specializes in classic Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and sashimi featuring fresh locally caught seafood. Don’t expect wild invention, just perfectly done preparations and rich entrées like grilled Kobe-style beef and seared foie gras sushi.
Canoe House (885-6622; Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows; mains $29-49; 6-9pm) The outdoor oceanfront patio of the Mauna Lani’S signature restaurant almost catches the mist from breaking waves (lit at night). This tranquil romantic mood is only enhanced by the food, which doesn’t turn cartwheels to get your attention. Instead, expect classic entrées like rib-eye steak, blackened ahi and scallops, and BBQ rack of lamb with local-grown and island touches – adding Hamakua mushrooms here and Waipi′o Valley fern shoots there.
Brown’S Beach House (887-7368; Fairmont Orchid; mains $32-68; 5:30-9pm) At the Orchid, Brown’S enjoys an envy-inducing seaside position, while its imposing menu is designed to impress gourmets and high rollers. The chef turns out high-end cuisine highlighting Big Island produce and the freshest local seafood. Keahole lobster is prepared several ways, and the crab-encrusted fresh catch with mango beurre blanc is widely acclaimed.
Foodland Farms (887-6101; 5am-11pm) For groceries or a takeout lunch, head to this full-service gourmet supermarket at the Mauna Lani shopping mall.
Drinking & Entertainment
Gathering of the Kings (326-4969; http://islandbreezeluau.com/gotk; Fairmont Orchid; adult/child 6-12 $99/65; Tue & Sat) This luau spins a thread of storytelling to highlight slightly modernized versions of Polynesian and Hawaiian dance and music; it’S notable for its above average Polynesian dinner buffet and an open bar.
Honu Bar (885-6622; Mauna Lani Bay Hotel; 5:30-11pm) Fans spin over wooden floors and comfy chairs at this bar with a garden view. The hotel atrium has live Hawaiian music and hula dancing nightly from 6pm to 9pm.
Luana Lounge (885-2000; Fairmont Orchid; 4-11pm) This casual indoor-outdoor patio is a cozy spot to enjoy sunset with a drink and appetizers.
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SHOPPING
Shops at Mauna Lani (885-9501; 68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr) This upscale mall is similar to Kings’ Shops in Waikoloa. A small stage has a free hula show, Ho′oilina (at 7pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday), a fun if silly concoction of sexy hula set against film clips of exploding lava and movies from Hollywood’S golden age.
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PUAKO
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Puako is a tiny beach town that’S lucky to remain off the beaten track. The main road is two miles of modest homes interspersed with signed ‘shoreline access’ points. A small general store is open daily.
Sights & Activities
The main attraction at Puako is giant tide pools, set in the swirls and dips of pahoehoe (smooth-flowing type of lava) coastline. Some pools are deep enough to shelter live coral. There’S no sandy beach; instead a narrow strip of pulverized coral and lava lines much of the shore. Snorkeling can be excellent off Puako, but the surf is usually too rough in winter.
There are numerous access points. At road’S end, near the ‘Road Closed 500 Feet’ sign, is a small cove with the most parking and easy water access. This spot is popular with both snorkelers and shore divers; be careful of the undertow. Walk a couple of minutes north to see a few petroglyphs and tide pools deep enough to cool off in.
Nearby, beautiful