Tag Archives: aloha

Travel Dreams & Meal Planning

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A few scenes from the weekend:

Saturday afternoon snack: Honeycrisp apple + Cocomint Cream tea almond milk latte

Court and I walked to Urban Grocer, a ‘healthy’ convenience store in our neighborhood. They sell a selection of baked goods, meat, dairy, etc with an emphasis on local producers. You can buy ‘take home and bake’ gluten free/vegan cookie dough, which is made with love by our friend Carey. She has an organic farm and we buy our eggs from her. Happy, cage free hens. They even have their own chicken house to come and go as they please.

I loved this necklace for sale at Urban Grocer:

We bought feta and a new-to-us Dagoba bar: dark chocolate with mint and rosemary essence.

 

Have you tried Dagoba chocolate? 

 

A glimpse into our Sunday morning:

 

 

I made pumpkin spice waffles, but somehow a bunch of chocolate chips, shredded coconut and almond butter forced their way into the mix. I topped my waffles with butter and maple syrup.  Resiprocate dark roast coffee on the side.

While savouring our waffles, we ogled this dream eco-vacation in South Africa at Londolozi Game Reserve. It’s where African safari meets luxury, and they have everything from photography tours, to yoga and wellness workshops.

From their website: ‘Londolozi is one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa and an unashamedly family run, stand alone operation.

The root of the word Londolozi is the Zulu word for protect and means “protector of all living things” – an ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity to the natural world. The reserve is internationally recognised for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement….’

Eco-tourism is a huge passion of mine and an experience like this is #1 on my travel bucket list. Maybe one day… ;) It looks and sounds like heaven – we *only* need a small fortune to make that travel dream a reality.

Meal plans for the week:

Tempeh Stir Fry

Goat cheese & broccolini stuffed chicken breasts

Shaved butternut squash & caramelized onion pizza with goat cheese (!!!)

Thai coconut shrimp

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Do you have a travel bucket list?
What are your top 3 dream vacations?

I have so many – I want to see and do EVERYTHING! It’s my passion. But, as of right now my top 3 dreams are:

-Londolozi Game Reserve – I’d love to do a safari tour, walking expeditions, sleep outs, day trips to surrounding areas, etc.
-Yoga/Surf retreat with girlfriends in Costa Rica
-Experiencing Hawaii with my family, who have never been or experienced the aloha of the islands. I’d love to:
Hike Kauai’s Na’Pali coast  and snorkel Molokini crater
Introduce them to Roys
Watch their faces as they experience their first taste of fresh Hawaiian pineapple
Witness the excitement of swimming with sea turtles

Big Island Love

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Well… we’re back in Canada. Coming home from a trip is always bittersweet. I thought I’d be devastated after leaving Hawaii, but it’s nice to see our families, house and pets again. Living out of a suitcase becomes tiring after a while.

Court and I booked a hotel room at the Marriott in Kailua a couple days before flying home. For a ‘basic’ hotel, it was actually really nice! Newly renovated, very comfortable beds and a great breakfast buffet. We were all over the omelete bar and um… oatmeal. I’ve been craving oats like mad lately! You know your vacation is coming to an end when oatmeal sounds more appealing than a Mai Tai.

Kailua reminded me a lot of Puerto Vallarta. Just smaller and without a ton of resorts. It’s a great choice for families or travelers looking for hosted tours. I’m glad we only stayed there for two nights – the dining options are limited, unless you’re into pub-style eats. Plus there are so.many.people. Instead of hanging around tourist shops, we lounged by the pool, and squeezed in a few much needed gym sessions.

Our last full day in Hawaii was spent swimming at Hapuna Beach (I swam with turtles again!) and lazing in the sun. It was hard to say goodbye, but I know we’ll be back. I cried when the plane began it’s taxi down the runway and all of the airport employees were waving goodbye. And then again when I went grocery shopping at home and spotted a sad looking pineapple. :(   Did anyone see a distraught looking blonde lady in Save On Foods recently? That was probably me.

Court and I were fortunate enough to be able to explore the island thoroughly, taking our time and compiling a list of ‘the best’ of Hawaii. For the most part, we went beyond the main tourist attractions, avoiding overpriced tourist traps, and letting our sense of adventure guide us.

What we loved about the Big Island:

  • The eco-diversity – the island has 11 of the earth’s 13 micro-climates!
  • Kohala Coasts white sand beaches; especially Makalawena and Mauna Kea beach. Hot, sunny and dry conditions along the South Kohala coast were a welcomed relief from unpredictable weather on other parts of the island.
  • Lush rainforest valleys, gulches and coastal views along the Hamakua coast.
  • Warm, welcoming locals. Everyone was so nice!
  • The old Kalapana-Kapoho highway aka The Red Road in Puna.
  • Fresh produce and farmers markets, specifically on the east coast. More variety and better prices.
  • The Kings Trail in McKenzie State Park, which leads into a coconut palm forest.
  • Tide pool snorkeling in Kapoho.
  • Waimea, a cool sub-tropical ‘western’ town located among cinder cones.
  • Waipio Valley- on foot. The walk down the steep 4×4 road is worth the effort – you get to enjoy multiple views of the valley and coast on the way down, with a rewarding grey sand beach at the end of the trail.
  • The Aloha. You can feel it. Everywhere.The Big Island has it all, and we often forgot we were on an island. It’s large enough that you can take a lengthy vacation without becoming bored.

The only aspect we didn’t like was the vog, which typically hovers around Kona when the volcanoes are very active. Some days were clearer than others, but it became hazy with cloud overcast everyday in Kona. On the bright side, it’s not difficult to get away from. A half hour drive north usually took us to bright blue skies and clean air. And white sand beaches.

We left with Aloha in our hearts, a lifetimes worth of memories and some pretty impressive tans. Hawaii nurtures the soul, and we learned that even though we can’t stay in paradise forever (maybe one day?!) you can create your own paradise within. I left the island feeling re-energized, grateful and determined to focus on ‘the little things’  that make life great.

So… who wants to come to Maui and Molokai with us? ;)

One Last….

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Sunday marked our last day in Puna, and I was sad to say goodbye to yet another piece of Hawaii that has captured my heart. We took in one last sunrise…

One last perfectly timed rainbow.

One last run down the Red Road. It started pouring halfway into my run and aside from my soggy shoes, it felt amazing! Court picked me up 5 miles in. While I was running, he ate a banana muffin and sipped hot coffee at Hale Aloha. Jerk.

One last breakfast on the patio.

A final teamwork coconut harvest. Coconut water = natures Gatorade.

One last cottage dinner – tempeh tacos and roasted veg.

And one last trip to Yogurtland. Can you tell which cup belongs to who? :)

Remember my plan to only get Taro this time? Well, that didn’t happen. I had the most random yet awesome (and disgusting) tub of yogurt. I should not be left unsupervised at a self serve dessert bar.

My fro-yo flavours:
Taro (still my #1 love. It actually tastes like roasted Taro with a hint of toasted coconut)
Peanut Butter and Jelly (bleh)
Oatmeal Cookie (really good!)
Cookies & Cream (underwhelming)
Lucky Mint Cream (amazing!)
Arctic Vanilla
Dutch Chocolate

Then, the toppings, strategically arranged on certain flavours. Oreo crumbles on the Lucky Mint Cream, Cinnamon Toast Crunch on the Oatmeal Cookie, Skor, cheesecake bites and mochi on… I don’t even know.

I should’ve just gone with Taro.  I miss eating it.

Doesn’t Courts cup look so proper?


He got Dutch Chocolate, Taro and Cookies & Cream with his beloved chocolate toppings: chips, caramel bites, cookie dough balls and brownie bites.

I balanced out my yogurt binge with a big green salad from Island Naturals.

What I loved most about Puna:

Without a doubt, the rainforest. I’m the type of person who thrives in nature, and I feel at peace when I’m surrounded by foliage. Whether it’s palm trees or pine trees (preferably palms) or even a garden, I’m happy.

The old Kapoho-Kalapana highway aka ‘The Red Road’. Driving down it everyday was incredible, but running on it provided a whole new perspective. I felt more connected with the universe. Oh my, I think Puna has gotten to me.

The friendly locals. I’m not sure what the locals in Kona are like, but in Puna (the entire east coast, actually) everyone was so warm and welcoming.

Paolo’s Bistro in Pahoa. Who would’ve thought we’d find amazing, authentic Italian food in Hawaii?

The lack of commercial development and tourists. Quiet, calm, and serene, it’s the ultimate place to ‘get away from it all.’

What I Won’t MIss:
Mildew, mosquitoes, and having to take the garbage out multiple times a day. Food spoils quick in humidity!

See you in a bit from Kona!

Maybe It’s The Aloha

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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!

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!

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.

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.

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The luckiest cat in the world?

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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.

Parts of the trail are oceanfront, with lots of tide pools to explore.

Dinner that night was a good one – hot dogs! But not just any dog, mango chicken sausages, with homemade pineapple relish.

Our take on a Puka dog?

Jungle, Volcano, Desert, Repeat.

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Since we’re not too far from the southern tip of the island, we ventured out of the jungle and drove south in search of a new adventure. Within one day (actually, within an hour and a half) we visited the rainforest, a volcano and a desert.  The Big Island has a climate and landscape for every taste.  Even snow… but coming from Canada, Court and I have zero interest in that filth.

We originally planned an entire day dedicated to exploring the south shore beaches, but we were easily distracted by something shiny  the Volcanoes National Park sign. We drove in, paid the admission fee and then realized, “Wait. What are we doing here? Aren’t we supposed to be at the beach, and saving the park for another day?” I blame the  vog and high altitude for my disoriented state. Since we were already at the volcano, we drove up to the view the steam vents and smouldering crater.

It was very windy and neither of us were adequately dressed. We went from +30 celsius to +5. My body thought it was back in Canada and began dying, so after snapping a few shots and touring the visitors center, we were back on track. To the beach at once!

Within minutes, we were driving across the Ka’u desert, which transcended into sprawling green pastures. The grass here is lime green. I don’t get it.

We arrived at Punalu’u beach shortly after. It’s the Big Island’s most famous black sand beach, and a great place to view turtles.

The absolute best: eating fruit under a coconut palm.

After enjoying a picnic lunch and a sunbathing session, Court and I headed up the road to another beach park. But first things first: I needed fresh plumerias for my hair.

During our travels, we stumbled upon the Punalu’u Bake Shop in Na’alehu. Actually our noses guided us – we smelled fresh donuts and baking bread from across the street. Court and I are like bloodhounds when it comes to food!

I wasn’t in the mood for sugar (?), and opted for an iced Ka’u coffee. If I would’ve been in the mood for something sweet, I probably would’ve ordered a coconut turnover or lilikoi glazed donut. I did sample a piece of taro bread though (yum!)  Court got a Bismarck and an iced coffee. He’s a chocolatey-dessert person. I’m more of a vanilla/fruity person.

We enjoyed our treats in the bakeshops courtyard and people watched.  When we head to Kona in a few weeks, I’d like to stop by there again for that turnover I never ate.

It was nearly dinnertime when we got home, and we created another delicious  meal using ingredients purchased from the farmers market.

Coconut crusted chicken with pineapple salsa, roasted Japanese purple yam and papaya avocado salads.

I keep saying we  need to open a food truck while we’re here – we make amazing food. A taco/ice cream truck. Yes.

Mauna Loa… Macadamia Nuts

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On a day where it was drizzling off and on, Court and I decided to do something touristy and visit the Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory and visitors center. (Hey, they have samples! It’s free to get in, too.)

But first, breakfast:

Oats, chia, flax and cinnamon mixed with fresh coconut and almond-coconut milk. Plus a side of pineapple Chobani greek yogurt.

I’m ecstatic that I’ve been reunited with Chobani.

Then it was time to nerd it up and maybe learn something. Maybe.

The factory was undergoing renovations, and the visitors center is actually just a big store, but I learned these flavours exist:

We didn’t buy anything because you can find everything at a grocery store for less. I also learned that they sell ice cream. Kona coffee for me, chocolate for Court.

Wow, that ten minutes we spent at Mauna Loa flew by. Up next: Hilo, to visit another farmers market.

We left with three pineapples ($2 ea), papaya (5 for $1) and avocados (3 for $1).  Guys, you have no idea what you’re missing. Don’t worry, I’m taking one for the team, and eating as many pineapples as I can during the next month.

Court and I are kicking ourselves for not planning this trip around mango season. Damn first world problems.

We found another healthy grocery store – Abundant Life, and I left with three new friends. The *newest* Chobani flavours that I hadn’t yet tried. The verdict: apple cinnamon (yum!), blood orange (underwhelming) and passion fruit (my new favourite.)

Before heading back to Kaimu, we stopped at a fish market for… you guessed it.. more poke.

You can buy a fresh fish, then take it next door to a walk-up cafe where they’ll prepare and cook it for you. On our next trip to Hilo, we’re going to stop there for lunch.

I got lobster popcorn  solely because it sounded fun; I had no idea what I was about to eat.  It turned out to be tiny lobster tails in a spicy sauce. They were good, but not worth the effort to eat. Halfway through, I became annoyed with the mess and began eating the shells along with meat. Hahaha. I can’t believe I admitted that.

A Lovely Bunch of Coconuts

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Welcome to our neighborhood! We’re in the Puna district of the Big Island, and loving the change of scenery.

Our driveway (Tony Danza/Who’s The Boss van in the background):

And our adorable little cottage!

Our meals are enjoyed on the cozy patio, and in the evenings we play cards by candlelight. Or watch Jersey Shore on the laptop.

A couple of breakfast highlights:

Eggs ‘n ahi poke and pineapple.

Island fruit greek yogurt bowl (banana, papaya, strawberries, guava.) We discovered a bunch of guava trees on a walk the other night and have been using them to make sangria. Best idea ever.

Over twenty years ago, lava flow destroyed the town of Kalapana, which is where we are now. Our backyard is literally a massive, sprawling lava field, a few yards from the ocean.

We have access to a mini black sand beach just steps away, and a fire pit!

The waves are huge and sound like a freight train crashing into the cliffs. No swimming here, but there are a few swimming beaches and parks down the street.

When we need coconuts, we have a few options:

Have them delivered to our doorstep by a local who charges $1.50 per nut, buy them at the farmers market… or climb a palm tree.

Court made it pretty far up, but then he fell and I laughed forever. Coconut harvesting is a team effort.

I managed to get three nuts, and then Court channeled his early primitive skills to bust them open with lava rocks. We’ve been using the milk and coconut meat for adding some island flare to our cooking.

This part of the Big Island already has my heart. I could see myself growing old here….