Ah, time had flown by so quickly in this laidback & tropical paradise. Day 6 was already here.
Stop #1: Mrs Barry’s Kona Cookies
Award-winning and affordable at $10.15/dozen for non-dipped cookies, these make a delicious souvenir to bring home. I recommend these for the variety and because they are baked fresh in-house daily.
Stop #2: Kaloko-Honokohau National Park
Note: During the government shutdown, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park visitor center will be closed, but some areas of the park will remain accessible to visitors.
The walkway we traversed was nice and peaceful, and there was a fish pond along the way as well that we did not have the chance to visit.
Stop #3: A Whale of A Crepe
Lunchtimeeeeee. This place was affordable and tasty. They have the option of hawaiian-themed dessert and savoury crepes. They have a seating area for you to enjoy the food as well.
Stop #4: One Aloha Shave Ice Co.
Of course, since we had the time, we had to go back and visit and try other flavours. This time, it was the very aesthetically appealing mango, passion fruit and blueberry - strictly for those with sweet tooth’s. Upon chatting with the super friendly staff, they mentioned to get ginger coconut (sampled this and we totally concur) as it was tangy, tart and pleasing. DEFINITELY GO HERE IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE, it’s a quintessential Hawaiian experience.
Stop #5: Lava Cave #2 * Highlight *
We spotted this cave as there were many parked cars by the roadside. Of course, we had to have a mini adventure - it was really cool as we could enter the cave by the front, clamber inwards, examine the interior and climb out of another opening. Definitely fun for anyone.
Whew, we made it out the other end alive…
STOP #6: Kekaha Kai State Park - Maniniʻowali Bay Beach
Tip: Buy bodyboard with cord from Costco Hawaii (~ $27) - you can use to swim and enjoy the waves
Another beautiful beach with amazingly turquoise colors and waves where we enjoyed the view and observed others bodyboarding.
STOP #7: Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill * Highlight *
Tip: Definitely call to make reservations in advance.
Highly recommended by our family friends, we thoroughly enjoyed the ambience, presentation, quality and taste of the food here. It was definitely on the pricier side, but we decided to splurge since it was the last night in Hawaii and we only heard good things.
Ladies enjoying our mai-tai :P Was v excited to try this - a refreshing tiki cocktail filled with rum & tropical fruits
The seafood trio was “superb” - fish, crab cakes and shrimps in curry pineapple sauce.
The wild mushroom bowl was executed simply but the flavors and vegetables melded together so beautifully and succulently. Good choice for the health-conscious as well.