What do you do if you’ve got 48 hours to spend in Hilo and have a tiny toddler companion tagging along for the trip? Actually, lots. First thing, it’s Hilo, so expect wet weather. Drizzles and rain is part of the small town Hilo charm.
Food
5 To Try: Pancake Perfection – The Most Instagram-worthy Pancakes From Hawaii
Ah, the pancake. Stoutly stacked, the sweet and fluffy pancake is a breakfast staple, and for good reason. The basic pancake is simple to make, yet the possible pancake permutations are endless. You’ve got the classics like banana pancakes and blueberry pancakes. In Hawaii, macadamia nut pancakes commonly pop-up on cafe menus. But beyond these #basic pancakes is a movement toward more intricate pancakes with much more vivid flavor profiles. In this 5 To Try, we highlight 5 of the most creative, drool-worthy, and instagrammable pancakes on the island. Hungry? You will be after you read this post.
Basalt At Duke’s Lane: Where Black Charcoal Buttermilk Pancakes Are A Thing
If you’ve been to Waikiki then it’s very likely that you’ve shopped in an ABC Store – the ubiquitous everything store for visiting tourists (and locals). Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery is a new concept food hall from the founders of ABC Stores. Of the handful of eateries in Duke’s Lane, Basalt stands out as the most modern and refined. Think fancy casual.
Visit The Pac-Store: The First Pac-Man Pop-Up Cafe
If you were a kid who grew up in the 80’s then it’s likely that you played some (or a ton of) Pac-Man. Now, you can relieve those Pac-Man memories at the Pac-Store, a Pac-Man pop-up cafe located inside of a transformed Bread & Butter. The retro-themed pop-up was created in partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment and features many of the Pac-Man characters that have become such a large part of popular culture.
The Brilliant Ox: Hawaii’s Modern Gastropub
What is a gastropub? These days, I’m not too sure. Early on, though, when a pub went from just serving beer to serving fanciful takes on traditional dishes, they were said to have morphed into a gastropub. Nowadays, the term gastropub is synonymous with establishments that serve high-end beer along with creatively thought out dishes. Whether they started out as just a pub…well, that’s no longer a requirement. Enter The Brilliant Ox, the latest gastropub to hit Oahu, in the old Pearl Ultra Lounge space in Ala Moana Center.
Scratch Kitchen and Meatery at South Shore Market, Ward Village
We first visited Scratch Kitchen more than three years ago when they were located in Downtown, Honolulu. They’re no longer at their original location, instead, they’ve moved into new digs at the South Shore Market at Ward Village. They may have moved, but you can still expect to find some of their most popular dishes. Also, as you salivate through the photos, do keep in mind that the menu at Scratch is seasonal…and so some of the items that you see below may no longer be offered.
5 To Try: Best Nitro Cold Brew Spots In Honolulu, Hawaii
I first tasted Nitro Cold Brew (NCB) on a coffee crawl through New York’s East Village with a friend of mine as my guide. That friend also happened to be a lead barista at Third Rail Coffee, a popular indie coffee shop in New York City’s Greenwich Village. I had my first taste of NCB at one of ours stops and I was utterly confused and captivated. I immediately explained to my friend that this was like no coffee I’d ever had. Instead, with its thick mouthfeel and foamy (yet creamy) head, it tasted similar to Guinness…yes, the beer. It took a few years, but NCB has really started to become a trend in indie coffee shops throughout the main island of Oahu. Let’s sample some of the options, but do keep in mind that they were all ordered black (as coffee should be).
Alohilani Resort: An Aloha Chic Experience
What was old is new again. In 2016, the then Pacific Beach Hotel underwent a massive $100+ million redevelopment. The complete makeover involved all 800+ hotel rooms and included all public spaces. The fruits of this investment was partially unveiled in late 2017 when the hotel was rebranded and reimagined as the Alohilani Resort. What can you expect? A modern and contemporary vibe that evokes calming relaxation, or, as they like to call it, Aloha Chic.
Lychee: A Waikiki Brunch Experience At The Alohilani Resort
Tucked away on the second floor of the reimagined Alohilani Resort is Waikiki’s newest brunch experience, Lychee. During a recent stay at the Alohilani, we were invited to experience the extensive brunch buffet. You’ll find the usual suspects, including eggs, sausages, and baked goods. Beyond that, expect a variety of seasonal fruits like rambutan and mango, seafood including sashimi, opihi, taegu prawns, and snow crab legs, a prime rib carving station, cuts of bone marrow, and even a milk tea and boba bar.
MoDo Donuts: Treat Yo Self
Every now and then we all need a little sweet treat. At MoDo (inside of Mitsuwa Market at the International Market Place), you can experience the mochi donut, made popular in Japan. I’m seeing mochi donuts more often in recent month at bakeries throughout Hawaii, but based on experience, MoDo tastes the most authentic to the ones that I’ve had in Japan. I’m fairly basic when it comes to my mochi donut needs, I tend to go with either chocolate or strawberry…both highly recommended if you visit MoDo. Pick up a few for me while you’re there.