Monthly Archives: March 2012

Maybe It’s The Aloha

I picked these flowers from the side of the highway. Aren’t they gorgeous? I made a beautiful bouquet for the patio table at the cottage.

I don’t know what it is about Hawaii, but my running capabilities have drastically improved. I initially thought running in heat and humidity would be tough (sometimes it’s uncomfortable in the sun) but I’m running faster, longer, and pain-free. It’s easier to breathe, and it just feels… effortless. Even on roads with multiple hills. I’m not developing any muscle stiffness or soreness, and my IT band issues have subsided. Maybe the heat and humidity is keeping my muscles and joints loose and limber? Or maybe it’s the Aloha?

I can’t get over how friendly the locals are either. Nearly every passing vehicle offers a smile, shaka, wave or my favourite – an ultra-enthusiastic thumbs up which came shooting out the drivers side window (from an old man… thanks, friend.)

Yesterday morning, I ran 5 miles in under 45 minutes to Kalani, where I met Court. I actually beat him there! (He drove. I told him to give me a 30 min head start.) I credit the banana bread I ate earlier that morning. It was like rocket fuel for my legs.

We brought home a new friend from Kalani’s cafe, Hale Aloha. Vanilla Cherry Chocolate Chip.

One of the owners recommended we try it. “The cherries are so…. alive!” he said. Alright, if you insist. Twist my rubber arm. Court was in heaven – he’s obsessed with chocolate chips.

Since we’re leaving Puna soon, we decided to go say goodbye to Paolo and his amazing restaurant.

Court and I both ordered ono, (one poached, one pan fried) with a tomato basil sauce and fresh rosemary, seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and a side of basil pesto penne. “The love is in the pasta” I kept saying during our meal. I liked watching and listening to first time diners reactions, too. And eavesdropping on Paolo’s conversations with other patrons. So.not.creepy….

We chatted with Paolo after, and asked him for advice on Big Island restaurants he likes to eat at. We’re going to miss his food!

During the week, we went snorkeling at the Kapoho tide pools. From the parking lot, it appears to be your average lava rock tide pools. But beneath the surface it’s a massive coral reef sanctuary. The pools are deep and filled with all kinds of coral, caves and an unreal variety of marine life. Tons of channels to explore, with each one leading to a new pool. Court and I liked swimming out to the ocean break and letting the current carry us back in.

We also bought lunch dining passes and went for a fresh, healthy lunch at Kalani Oceanside Retreat. It’s on 120 acres of land and they’ve created a sustainable eco-reserve/spiritual retreat. It’s basically like a wellness camp for adults.

Meals are served buffet style, and along with sandwich fixings on millet bread, I loaded my plate with white bean salad, hummus, cucumber & mint salad, kimchi, and the most delicious tomato soup. Court and I shared a glass of lightly sweetened lilikoi tea.

We’ve been well nourished on this trip, that’s for sure. We’re glowing from the inside out!

Waipio Valley

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I ate a balanced dinner at Yogurtland on Wednesday night. Balanced meaning I had four flavours of frozen yogurt: Toasted Coconut, Kona Coffee, Devils Food Cupcake Batter and my favourite, Taro. Then, I added toppings ‘in moderation’ to the chocolate ice cream only. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreo, cheesecake bites and toffee. For dessert, I put sprinkles on the Taro fro-yo. Oh, the lies I tell myself. Am I a sociopath?

Court got Devils Food Cupcake Batter, Toasted Coconut and Red Velvet, topped with brownies bites and chocolate chips. Chocolate overload in my opinion.

In all fairness, Court and I had just spent half a day hiking through Waipio Valley and the yogurt was supposed to be an afternoon treat. Then we realized it was 5pm and I had ruined my dinner appetite. Worth it! It was our very first trip to Yogurtland and it’s all I’ve talked about since then. I’ve already decided I’m getting *just* Taro next time and loading it with fruit. Oooh, I bet it would be good with mini marshmallows and shredded coconut.

Some highlights from Waipio Valley:

You need a 4×4 vehicle to get down into the valley. Not an AWD, 4×4 only. The road is no joke, it’s like trying to drive down an alpine ski jump. The vehicles that passed us on the road all sounded like the transmissions were going to blow.

We felt adventurous (and healthy) enough to hike down the road, and descending seemed to take more effort that going back up since you’re constantly bracing yourself. Sore quads today!

Waipio Valley is privately owned land, so you have to be careful not to trespass (or at least ask permission.) Once we entered the valley, we walked along a back road towards a waterfall, passing taro fields, wild horses and farms along the way. Portions of the road were washed out from recent flooding, so our hiking trails were limited, but we made it to the grey sand beach where we watched the surf pound the coast.

My outdoor fashion sense is amazing. Just gorgeous.

Our early afternoon snacks:

I was so excited to try the new Luna bar flavour – it’s good, but White Chocolate Macadamia and Peanut Butter Cookie are still #1.

As expected, the hike back up was a challenge, but we welcomed the exercise. After that, I probably won’t have to do squats or lunges for a year! It actually wasn’t that bad. I went for an easy 3 mile run later that evening.

The drive along the Hamakua coast is a must on the Big Island. As you descend from a higher altitude, the land transitions from ranch land to thick jungle. The best part of the drive are the numerous gulches and valleys – filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation and tons of palm trees.

Palm tree paradise?

We’re leaving Puna soon (Sunday is our last day) and we’re a little said to say goodbye to the cottage, and what’s been our ‘home away from home’ for the past month. South Kona is up next, and even though I’m excited to see what the west coast has to offer, I’m sure going to miss the jungle.

Stop And Smell the Plumerias

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After four days of relentless rain, a beach day was much needed. Early in the morning, we packed up the car and drove west. Up into the clouds, along the ‘base’ of Mauna Kea, then down to the dry, desert coastline. Hello, sunshine.

Extra parking was available at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, which just so happens to be home to our favourite white sand beach.

Hawaiian sunshine and a swim in the warm Pacific was just what we needed, followed by a light lunch at Mauna Kea’s beach bar.

The heat left me craving an ice cold beer, and I ordered a Mahena Mauna Kea Pale Ale which reminded me a lot of Rickards white. I’m not typically a beer drinker, but on occasion, the mood strikes for a cold one.

We shared an ahi poke wrap and a mahi mahi salad. The wrap was so good! I’ve been using seaweed wraps at home, assuming poke wouldn’t be good in a flour tortilla. I was wrong.

Court hates cheesy breadsticks. What? Who doesn’t like those? They have to be heated though.

My poke wrap hit the spot, and for dessert, I sipped on a skinny margarita.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent swimming (and by swimming I mean doing underwater somersaults) snorkeling and sunbathing.

Court pretending to be a hotel guest… and like we could actually afford to stay there.

Stop and smell the plumerias. Heavenly.

It was almost sunset by the time we packed up our beach gear. We drove to ‘Village Burger’, in Waimea, a restaurant that caught my eye last time we were in town. Nearly everything is locally purchased and homemade, from the beef to the buns. Even their milkshakes.

Once I read the taro burger description, I needed it. No grains or fillers- just taro and fresh vegetables formed into patties. Court went with a classic beef burger, and we shared an order of truffle fries.

My burger was a huge disappointment. It had zero flavour. None. At least the fries were good? I ended up buying a salad from a health food grocery store for the road, which went wonderful with a lukewarm cup of passion fruit Chobani. Can’t let that go to waste- it’s the best flavour!

Dessert First!

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On Sunday morning, Court and I braved rainy weather and set out for Akaka Falls. As usual, a quick pit stop was made at the Pahoa Farmers Market for lettuce, pineapple and bananas. This is one of the bigger markets in the area, taking place every Sunday.

How does everyone feel about me bringing home Musubi as souvenirs? Guess what’s in them…

If you didn’t guess Spam, you’re not getting a souvenir.

So many greens!

Another pit stop was made at Short & Sweet bakery in Hilo. One of my family members highly recommended the bake shop as a ‘must eat at’ destination and we weren’t disappointed!

First we ordered brunch: a grilled veggie panini for me, and a turkey clubhouse for Court. I loved that the panini was made with fresh baked bread, and wasn’t greasy. Perfect amount of food. On the side: a slice of flour-less chocolate cake and a cookie dough truffle. I ate my share of the cake before my panini. There was no way I could patiently sit through my meal with that slice of chocolate heaven staring at me the whole time.

The dessert portions are on the small size, but my thighs (and pancreas) aren’t complaining. Quality over quantity, right? We got a Kohala Crunch Bar (macadamia nut brittle, feuilletine & milk chocolate topped with bittersweet chocolate ganache and cocoa powder) and a Lilikoi Bar (lilikoi curd with buttery shortbread) to take home. Both were outstanding.

With all of the food distractions out of the way, Akaka Falls State Park was next. Despite the rain, we enjoyed walking through lush, earthy jungle. Green, green, green… as far as the eye can see. Had it not been raining, we would’ve taken our time, but Courts camera was getting soaked.

We poked around Honomu after, with the highlights being:

A store featuring hundreds of flavours of jams, jellies, marmalade and mustard.

My favourite was this bizarre vintage glass museum/antique shop. So many creepy objects…

Seriously creepy.

Weekend Markets & Island House Shopping

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“I think there’s an earthquake happening right now! The couch is wiggling from side to side and I feel weird!” I exclaimed. Court, who was 15 feet away making lunch, told me I was crazy. “It’s probably just a wind gust!” A few minutes later, we overheard our neighbor commenting on a tremor they felt, and then I got to proclaim, “Ha! In your face!” to Court. I win. Again.

There was a minor 4.9 magnitude earthquake on the north shore on Saturday morning, and what I felt was just a small tremor, but it was exciting, nonetheless.

Aside from that, our weekend was pretty laid back over here. Saturday morning was spent at the SPACE farmers market shopping for groceries. Court had his 40th breakfast of the morning, and I had my 1 breakfast – a green smoothie containing kale, banana, coconut, pineapple, ginger and hemp protein.

I drooled over this stands frozen red velvet cheesecake on a stick, and lilikoi glazed cake:

I bought a slice of vegan Lime Ulu Cream pie (raw ulu, banana, coconut cream and lime with a raw sprouted nut, coconut and date crust.) Looks messy, but it tasted wonderful! It was ultra creamy, and I loved the natural sweetness.

Picked up a jar of basil pesto too.

After the market, we drove around for a while ogling nice homes and neighborhoods while playing the, “What home would you buy?” game. You can buy a decent sized property and home (a lot are off grid, too) for a very, very reasonable price in Puna. You get a lot more for your money in this area, compared to Kona, where the same price would get you a condo. Such beautiful neighborhoods.

Court really likes this oceanfront house:

I really like this one:

Actually, I don’t. Is it just me, or is the sun a little ‘too much’? Yeah, it’s definitely the sun.

Shopping for homes left us hungry, and another picnic lunch was enjoyed in the coconut palm forest. My random salad using leftovers from Friday nights dinner: baked tofu, roasted carrots, quinoa, fresh tomatoes, tossed with basil pesto.

Court was in charge of dinner – basil pesto spaghetti, organic meatballs, marinara sauce and greens.

We caught up on a few episodes of Happy Endings, and I watched my beloved Real Housewives of OC, before hitting the sack. I go to bed even earlier than I do at home (one night I went to bed at 7:50!) It’s the fresh air, I tell you. The sound of coqui frogs puts me to sleep, and the mourning doves wake me up.

Will Run For Ice Cream!

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Happy Sunday!

Our patio gecko says, Howz It?

A few days ago, I ended up in conversation with a local who introduced himself as Ted with a T. Yeah, thanks!

Ted (with a T) struck up conversation by holding up a plastic grocery bag and yelling, “Do you want some ice?! Around here if we don’t need something, we like to share it with someone else.” So generous of you, but I’m good, Kthanksbye.
Actually, I hung around for a few minutes to see where our conversation would go. To my surprise, nowhere.

I haven’t stopped laughing since then. Court doesn’t think it’s that funny. Divorce?

A few foodie highlights from the last few days:

Star apples = dislike. They taste like a milky, flavourless plum.

Crust-less Quiche:

I mixed 6 eggs with: yellow and red heirloom tomatoes, sweet Maui onions, green onion, sauteed mushrooms, goat cheese and greek yogurt, then baked at 375F for 30 minutes. Topped with creamy avocado and Kalamata olive hummus.

Seared ahi tacos with papaya-pineapple salsa, cilantro and fresh greens.

I saw this sweet potato idea in Shape magazine. You slice a baked sweet potato lengthwise, then melt cheese on one side, hummus on the other. Add sauteed mushrooms, onions and thinly sliced turkey. (Mine was meat-less.) and slice it into pieces. Sweet potato sliders! Delicious, and very filling.

Quinoa Breakfast Scramble. The ultimate power breakfast! It kept me full for hours, even after a run. 2 egg whites + 1/2 cup cooked quinoa + 1/2 sliced banana + tiny splash of coconut milk + pinch of salt. Heat a frying pan on medium, then add quinoa mixture, stirring consistently until cooked (about 5 minutes.) Top with 1 tbsp hemp hearts and 1/2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter.

After digesting , I laced up my running shoes and instructed Court to leave the house in half an hour and pick me up. We wanted to stop by Kalani to pick up that Hilo Homemade ice cream I was raving about a few days ago. I almost made it the entire 5 miles – he picked me up a little over 4 miles (35-ish minutes) in.

Pit stop for an ocean-breeze cool down/photo op:

The running reward:

They were sold out of Toasted Coconut (nooo!) but the flavours we picked out were all really good. My fave: vanilla; Courts: banana mac nut fudge. Hilo Homemade ice cream is thick, creamy and not overly sweet or artificial tasting.

We’re off for brunch and a hike!

Paolo’s Bistro

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We’ve definitely discovered the best meal on the Big Island. Paolos’s Bistro in Pahoa. After reading multiple rave reviews about the authentic Italian cuisine, dinner was determined! I left the restaurant smiling (and stuffed!) and for the next 24 hrs, I couldn’t stop talking about ‘one of the best meals I’ve ever had.’

To Paolo's at once!

Once the specials were explained in detail, Court and I knew we were in for a real treat. We opened a bottle of red wine (it’s BYOB) and tried to decide what to order. Everything sounded so delicious – it wouldn’t have mattered what we ordered, I don’t think it’s possible to leave Paolo’s disappointed.

After asking the hostess to describe the specials to us again, we decided on a Fresh Mozarella Caprese salad to share as an appetizer. For entrees, Court ordered the homemade pasta with Bolognese. He was sold once he heard the beef is marinated all day. I chose the Black Papparadelle Pasta: ‘Homemade egg-free pasta with squid ink and sauteed prawns in a spicy creamy tomato basil sauce.’ They only had two orders of black pasta available that night, and I needed to make one mine!

Bowls of minestrone were served before our entrees, and we happily dipped pieces of sea salted bread into our soup bowls while we awaited our meal.

Our meals were fantastic. Once we took our first bites, we shared a knowing ‘food’ look, which doesn’t happen very often when dining out. We were both sad once we were done eating, but had dessert to look forward to: Tiramisu. ‘Paolo’s special recipe of imported Italian ladyfingers marinated in Marsala sweet wine and layered with whipped marsacapone and cocoa.’ Oh. my. goodness.

While basking in all of our food glory, Court and I had the opportunity to talk with Paolo. He came out out of the kitchen and asked if we’d enjoyed our meals. “Marry me?!” was my response.

He joined us at our table and we discussed food (for the black pasta, he uses ink from imported fish from San Francisco and Portugal) along with how he ended up in Hawaii (he’s Italian.) After a beautiful 10 minute friendship, he was beckoned back to the kitchen.

We are so excited to go back sometime next week. My pants just got a little tighter after typing that. Worth it.

Hawaiian Fruit Addicts

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Good Morning/Afternoon?
Pre-run:

Post run:

I ran about 4 miles – to the public lava viewing area in Kalapana and back. I came home a sweaty mess. Literally drenched from head to toe. (My forearms and calves were sweating!) Gorgeous.

Later in the day, Court and I packed a picnic lunch and 4×4′d down into the coconut palm forest. Avocados are in season right now, and are ridiculously inexpensive. (25 cents – from a fruit stand or farmers market.) They’re so soft and buttery, and don’t require any ‘fork mashing’ preparation – just scoop and spread. (I already have plans to make an avocado ‘cream’ sauce for pasta this week!)

My version of egg salad: 2 eggs, mustard, salt & pepper, goat cheese, sliced olives and green onion. Topped with sprouts and lettuce.

With the exception of two hikers on the lava cliffs, we didn’t see anyone else for the entire afternoon. That’s one of the things I love about the Big Island; you rarely feel overcrowded or overwhelmed by tourists. I think a lot of people miss out on some of the best things to see and do when visiting. I’ve found myself saying “Think about how many people don’t even know about this!” numerous times.

On our way home, we stopped by a fruit stand and picked up 10 rambutan, 2 avocados, 1 large guava, 2 huge limes (the size of small oranges) and a lilikoi for a whopping $3. Filled the cars glove box right up!

I LOVE LILIKOI! Sweet, gooey, juicy nectar.

Our dinner plans to eat at the Kalapana farmers market changed once it started to torrential downpour, and decided to drive to Pahoa instead. After turning to my Bible, Trip Advisor for dining advice, we chose an Italian bistro (best decision ever, but more about that later.)

Before leaving Kaimu, we stopped by the market to pick up pineapple, and as usual, Court and I lost control at the sight of fresh produce. Help us!

Within 2 minutes we had:

4 pineapple
3 ‘Ice Cream’ bananas
1 grapefruit
3 oranges
4 heirloom tomatoes
4 papayas
1 lb green beans
1 mango
3/4 lb ahi poke

Good, Lord.

We have two days to eat mostly everything before the weekend markets!

An Afternoon In Hilo

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Look at this little plate of seared Ono heaven. With sweet Maui onions, brown rice and lots of greens. Lovelovelove.

We bought ono and ahi steaks from a fish market in Hilo and spent an afternoon exploring the ‘quirky and colorful’ town. I think quirky might be an understatement. If you’ve been there, you’ll know what I mean.

Nerdy deed of the day: visiting the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Lots of history on how Hilo came to be, along with tsunami devastation.

Where you’ll find “THE BEST” locally made ice cream – at Sharks. (Coconut!)

Rainbow falls:

View of Coconut Island:

Before visiting Kauai a couple years ago, I always thought the Hawaii/Spam thing was a longstanding and outdated joke. But no… it isn’t.

A Roy’s cookbook?! Get in my kitchen! (I’ve seen Roy’s and Sam Choy’s coffee blends for sale too.)

A present for our cats, perhaps?

On the drive back from Hilo, we stopped at an ‘Honor System’ banana stand. $1 per bunch! We have at least 30 bananas in our kitchen right now, and none of them are going to waste.

Lots of peanut butter and banana sandwiches are being consumed. I even attempted a banana based pancake batter, which turned out really well!

In a food processor, I blended 1/2 cup of rolled oats into flour, then added:

4 apple bananas
3 eggs
pinch of salt

Blended until smooth, then cooked with coconut oil on medium heat.

I topped my cakes with strawberry puree, while Court had pineapple-papaya preserves.

I got 8 pancakes out of the mixture! We’re off the enjoy our day and possibly track down Hunger Games tickets.

My Paradise: Coconut Forest

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For vacationers looking for a wellness retreat, Kalani Oceanside Retreat is where you’ll find it. From their website:

“For more than 30 years, Kalani has been a soulful place of refuge and renewal for international guests. Kalani is an educational nonprofit organization that celebrates Hawaii, nature, culture and wellness. We offer vacations and workshops that provide our guests with fun and transformative experiences, and the tools they need to promote their higher selves.

Kalani’s recipe for a transformative vacation:

Keep your spirit high
Awaken to new ways of living
Let yourself relax and rejuvenate
Attune with creative energy
Nurture your body and soul
Indulge in natural splendor

Kalani Honua means harmony of heaven and earth, and this is what we aspire to. We welcome all in the spirit of aloha and are guided by the Hawai’ian tradition of `ohana (extended family), respecting our diversity yet sharing in unity. We invite you to open your heart to the Big Island of Hawaii at Kalani Oceanside Retreat.”

As I’ve mentioned before, the majority of people living in Puna share the same mentality, and the Aloha vibe is very present. Kalani is open to visitors, and drop in classes like yoga are available. On Sunday mornings, an ‘Ecstatic Dance’ is held with a live DJ!

Court and I enjoy going for coffee at their cafe, Hale Aloha. The last time we visited, we met Kalanis well loved resident cat, Gracie. We fell in love with her, and like stopping by just to see her.

The luckiest cat in the world?

Some views from the cafes patio:

(side note: my camera lens keeps fogging up – it’s so humid here. Thank goodness for trade winds!)

After bidding farewell to Gracie, we traveled up the road to McKenzie State Park and got lost in a coconut palm forest. Seriously. A coconut forest. What an absolute paradise! The trail we ended up on is part of the historical 175 mile long Kings Trail, and we crossed through sections of ancient Hawaiian settlements.