Travel

The Big Island of Hawaii Food Guide

Noel Morata

You can’t visit the Big Island of Hawaii without tasting all of the delicious Hawaiian food, and local style comfort foods this unique region has to offer.

Waipio Fruit Shack, Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono.

With the influence of plantation workers coming from around the world to Hawaii to find a better future and sharing their lunch meals with others around the farm, many local food favorites were incorporated into the Hawaiian comfort food vernacular.

Discover some of the specialty foods, local dishes, restaurants, and artisan producers that encompass the best of the Big Island of Hawaii with our full regional food guide below.

Lava Lava Restaurant. Credit: Noel Morata

Poke

A popular Hawaiian snack or pupu or can be made into a plate lunch for a combination of other choices, poke is served everywhere from mom-and-pop shops, deli counters to even fine dining venues with their own presentation style and ingredients.

Probably the best poke shops you’ll enjoy on the islands surprisingly come from the Grocery stores served fresh daily at Foodland’s seafood counter or in Hilo at Suisan’s Fish Market. If you’re looking into specialty presentations of Poke, consider trying the poke dish at Da Poke Shack on Ali’I Drive in Kona or in Hilo at Poke to Your Taste.

Shave Ice

If you’re looking for soothing and cool icy dessert then you’ll probably know that shave ice on the islands is a favorite local ice treat that everyone craves regularly here.

Credit: Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) / @HungryHipsters

Most shaved ice places create their own specialty juices. They use organic ingredients and use machines that make extra fine ice (almost like snow). The ingredients are then combined with delicious tropical flavors like coconut, pineapple, mango, passionfruit and guava. Lastly, choose your favorite toppings and even a nice scoop of local ice cream to make it an even more decadent to enjoy.

The two most well-known and popular local shave ice places in Hilo are at Wilson’s by the Bay Original Shave Ice in Waikoloa, and in Kona at Scandinavian Shave Ice. A visit to Scandinavian Shave Ice is one of the most popular things to do in Kona! This shave ice and coffee shop is located in the heart of Kailua Village and has been in business since 1991. Their colorful shave ice and ice cream treats are also very Instagrammable.

Malasadas

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Portuguese malasadas or donut style with no holes have come into their own in Hawaii. The Hawaiian versions offer different takes on the basic fried donuts and filling the insides with delicious local flavors like passionfruit jelly, mango creams, coconut and guava inspired centers that make malasadas the must go to snack on the islands.

Best served hot when they are just taken out and then filled with some delicious center, it is almost as hard choosing a favorite so many sure to order a variety of different items to try out.

If you’re ready to go dig into these tasty treats, then the head over to Punalu’u Bake Shop in Na’alehu or to Tex Drive Inn at Honoka’a on the Hamakua coast.

Delicious Kalua Pork

You can’t go to any luau in Hawaii without trying some traditional Hawaiian food with Kalua pork. You’ll find Kalua pork dishes offered as a mixed plate combo at mom and pop take out shops, deli stands at grocery stores to fine dining venues around the island that create their own elevated dish and presentation of Kalua pork.

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Heather Goodman / @hbgoodie

One of the best ways to actually sample this is as a pupu dish and the best kalua pork pupu you can enjoy is at Jackie Rey’s restaurants in Kona or Hilo locations. Their pupu/appetizer Kalua Pork Quesadilla offered during their happy hour or regular happy hour time frame.

Check out the Jackie Rey’s Menu’s here for inspiration on what they are serving fresh from the island to you.

Best Farm to Table Experience

Chef Peter Merriman was one of the founders of the farm to table experience in Hawaii. The movement originally started in Waimea. He sources the freshest local ingredients from fruits and vegetables and local fish to meat and chickens from around the island and prepared fresh everyday with inventive and tasty local styles and ingredients.

This food concept spread to all the other islands and now Merriman’s has outlets in most of the other Hawaiian Islands that also draw from the same concept of sourcing local ingredients to prepared and served to local and visitors to the islands.

Check out the original Merriman’s location in Waimea town here for their menu and booking a reservation.

Best Big Island Ocean Dining Experience

You can’t have a complete Hawaii dining experience without being oceanfront on island.

Splurge with oceanfront dining, magical sunsets on the beach and exceptional service at the Kohala side of the island at CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. Guests will experience five-star dining food and service. Sip artisan cocktail drinks with inventive mixes and friendly service.

Sunsets for outdoor dining, the sounds of the ocean and the stars lighting up the dark skies really makes this a complete experience on the Kohala coastline of the Big Island.

Best appetizer/pupu happy hour experience on the Big Island

Happy Hour or Pau Hana as it is called on the islands is a favorite time to relax and unwind with some friends and have some delicious local brews and pupu’s or appetizers. With so many eateries and bars offering their special Happy Hour menu, you’ll have plenty of choices to try around the island.

If you want to rare experience to have Happy Hour on a sandy oceanfront beach, then head out to the Waikoloa side of the island at Lava Lava Beach Club. A popular local favorite hangout spot with perfect beach and ocean views, you’ll enjoy the cocktails, appetizers, live music, and of course a perfect sunset.

Additional Resources

Learn more about traveling to Hawaii and discover many more local food spots and experiences to remember across the Big Island.

One Day on the Island of Korcula, Croatia

Christen Thomas

The island of Korcula is one of the best places to visit in Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. Here you will find many local wineries, some of the best beaches, luxury villas and plenty of restaurants that will allow you to try the delicious local cuisine.

This small island is certainly worth a visit if you are planning to see any of the Croatian islands or nearby cities, such as Split. And as Marco Polo's birthplace, it is also an excellent place to experience the island's history and cultural heritage. Keep reading for the best recommendations on how to spend one day in Korcula, Croatia.

Overview of Korcula, Croatia

The island of Korcula is the second largest Dalmatian island population-wise, with about 16,000 residents. It has been inhabited since ancient times. Prior occupants include the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans. Following Roman rule, it was ruled by the Byzantians, then Slavic people. The latter of whom continue to inhabit the island today.

During the 10th century, the island became a part of the Venetian empire. Under Venetian rule, the city gained the distinctive “storybook” look that it has now. Today the island is best known as a summer / high season vacation spot due to its sandy beaches, dense forest, vineyards, and quiet, yet scenic cities.

One Day in Korcula, Croatia | The Itinerary

Morning

Korcula Old Town is often referred to as little Dubrovnik, as it is also a medieval walled old town, and is full of ancient buildings dating back to the early middle ages. If you enjoy quiet and scenic walks, one of the best ways to explore the city is an early morning walk before the town wakes up. You'll be able to take a lot of pictures undisturbed and enjoy the early morning peace.

Some sites to see within the old city include the Korcula Cathedral of St. Mark, which was built in 1557. This cathedral is likely the most important building in the old town, given its importance as a place of worship in the city since construction. Another site worth visiting is the Governor's Palace, built in 1525. This building was formerly the home of the island's governor, but now serves as a municipal building. There are quite a few more palaces to see in the city as well, as the city was once home to several aristocratic Venetian families. These include Arneri Palace, Ismaelli Palace, and Spanic Palace.

If you like museums, there are two within Korcula's old town that you should see. The first is the Korcula Town Museum that is housed in Gabrielis Palace. Inside the museum you'll have the chance to learn about the island's history and culture. Artifacts here range from the 4th century BC through the Middle Ages.

The second museum you should see is the Marco Polo Museum. Something you may not know is that Korcula was the birthplace of Marco Polo. Inside the museum you'll find scenic depictions and wax figures of Marco Polo's life, such as his visit to Kublai Khan in China. The museum is housed in his (alleged) house of birth and features a tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take some time exploring one of the many wineries on the island. The main area for wine tasting is in the town of Lumbarda, Korcula. There are eight wineries here that specialize in Grk wine production. This wine is particular to the island, and not produced in great quantities. With this in mind, it is a variety you should certainly try while in Korcula. Two of the wineries you may want to check out are Vitis and Popic, but as mentioned above, there are other options here as well.

In Lumbarda, you also have the opportunity to stroll through the olive groves found in the little town as well, if it interests you. In the event you don't visit one, you should certainly aim to purchase a bottle of the local olive oil while there. It is another one of the island's delicacies.

After a day of leisurely exploring, I recommended exploring the beautiful beaches in Korcula. My recommendation would be to spend a few hours at Beach Vela Przina. This sandy beach is also located in the Lumbarda region. In addition to the crystal-clear waters here, there are several beach eateries, toilets, showers, and a wifi network.

Evening

As you close out your day in Korcula, go for dinner at one of the island's local restaurants. A place that would be good to try is Maredin, a Dalmatian Tapas and Wine Bar. There are plenty of delicious options to try here and a very nice social ambiance as well.

If time permits, another experiencer you must try is the Moreska Sword Dance. This cultural experience is essentially a fighting dance that tells the story of a king and an abducted princess. Note, this dance only occurs on specific days at certain times of the year. It takes place on Monday and Thursdays at 9PM from July - August and from September - October just on Thursdays at 9PM.

Know Before You Go

Getting There

The only way to reach Korcula is via boat. You have the ability to take ferry boats here from the other nearby islands and cities, such as Split, Mljet, Hvar, and Dubovnik. In addition, it is also common to reach the islands via one of the popular yacht trips, like the one offered by SailWeek Croatia. Most likely boats will take you either to the port near Korcula Town or to the larger port in Vela Luka.

Getting Around

If you want to drive around the island, I recommend renting a buggy or doing a buggy tour with a local guide. This will ensure you get to all the sites safely and also see as much as possible in a short amount of time.

When to Go

Korcula Old Town. Credit: Christen Thomas

Similar to other island destinations in the Mediterranean, the best time to visit Korčula, Croatia is during peak season in the summer months. During this time, the waters are warm, and the weather is enjoyable.

Language Considerations

The official language in Croatia is Croatian, which is also known as Hrvatski to the locals. But don't worry if you don't know the language, most who work in tourist-facing roles do speak good English.

Best Way to See the Island

If you prefer not to see the island alone, I recommend that you either take a walking tour of the Old Town. This will allow you to get the best insights into the city's history. You may also want to consider one of the popular buggy tours, including Korcula Buggy Official, that will take you to many of the sites listed in this guide outside of the Korcula Town. The best part about the buggy tour is that it includes a stop at the local guide's home to spend time with his family and have home cooked tapas and drinks.

In Summary | One Day in Korcula, Croatia

We hope you enjoyed this one-day travel guide for Korčula island. As you can see, despite its small size, the island has plenty of things to do and see. From the beaches to the wineries, to the restaurants, to the historical Old Town, your day in Korcula is bound to be a great one.

12 Best Things to Do in Lisbon, Portugal

Ann Kelly

The Portuguese capital city of Lisbon is full of character, charm and exciting things to see and do. Lisbon has the perfect blend of fascinating history, stunning architecture and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it an ideal destination for a weekend break. If you have more time to spend, you certainly won't be bored in a city so diverse.

There are so many great things to do in Lisbon, it can be difficult to decide how to effectively plan your time. This detailed guide to Lisbon will help you to simplify the planning process and ensure you make the most of your holiday.

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the perfect place to base yourself to explore the beauty that surrounds it. If your schedule allows for it, this article also covers some of the best day trips from Lisbon that can easily be included in your stay.

Explore The Alfama District

Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood is made up of a maze of narrow alleys that wind upward from the Tagus River. The Alfama District is home to an impressive collection of historic architecture and a number of famous Lisbon attractions.

As you journey upward through the steep cobbled streets, you will come across the amazing Sé Cathedral, traditional bakeries and cafés, pretty little squares and gorgeous tiled houses. This is the perfect place to get lost and find picturesque scenery and panoramic city views around every corner.

If you continue walking, you'll eventually reach the São Jorge Castle which is perched at the top of the Alfama District, towering over Lisbon and the Tagus River below.

Ride Tram 28

For those who would prefer to avoid an uphill climb, riding the Tram 28 is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. This famous yellow tram travels up and down the streets of the Alfama, passing by the best viewpoints and landmarks along the way.

The historic Tram 28 connects the Alfama District with several other neighbourhoods of Lisbon. You can choose to ride the entire length of the route or simply hop on for a shorter journey to see the best of the Alfama.

This tram line is very popular and can get quite crowded throughout the day. To avoid pickpockets and ensure you get a seat on the Tram 28, plan your ride first thing in the morning or later in the day.

Walk up to São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle. Credit: Turismo Lisboa

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a visit to the incredible São Jorge Castle. If you choose to walk there, your efforts will be rewarded by the spectacular views from the castle's lookout.

The Romans originally built the São Jorge Castle around 200 BC. The Moors expanded the fortress during the 11th century. By 1940, restorers had completely renovated it and opened it to the public.

Being one of the most visited attractions in the city, it's best to get a skip-the-line ticket before you arrive. This will save you the hassle of waiting around in a long queue. The castle is open daily from 10am - 9pm and costs €10 per adult and free for children under 10.

See the Belém Tower

Rising up from the water near the banks of the Tagus River, this medieval tower is quite the sight to behold. Builders constructed it as a fortress in the 16th century to defend the city against potential attacks.

Authorities later used the Belém Tower as a prison and then converted it into a lighthouse. In the 1980s, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the inside of the tower and climb to the terrace at the top.

If you're running on a tight schedule, you may opt to skip the long queue and admire this majestic tower from the outside. Tickets to enter cost €6 per person however entrance to the tower is included when you purchase the Lisbon Card.

Discover History at the Jerónimos Monastery

Located in the Belém District, it's easy to combine your visit to this stunning monastery when you stop at the nearby Belém Tower. The Jerónimos Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and yet another famous UNESCO landmark of Lisbon.

Builders began constructing the monastery in the early 1500s but only completed it in the 17th century. Marvel at the ornate and elaborate designs as you wander through the complex of buildings that make up the monastery.

The Jerónimos Monastery features detailed columns, a two-storied cloister and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria which houses several famous tombs. Entrance to this attraction is also covered with the Lisbon Card.

Taste a Pastel de Nata

Before you leave the Belém neighbourhood, make a quick pit stop at Lisbon's most well-known bakery to try one of the traditional Portuguese custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata.

The Pastéis de Belém has made a name for itself for making the very best Pastel de Nata in town. You'll notice bakeries selling them on every street corner around Lisbon but it's worth it to save this experience until you reach the famous Pastéis de Belém.

This is the original bakery that has been serving these sweet treats since the 1800's. They follow a secret recipe which is still used to this day. There is nothing like sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked Pastéis de Nata.

Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River

Take in the sights of Lisbon on a sunset cruise along the Tagus River. A relaxing river cruise is a nice way to finish off a busy day of sightseeing.

Sip a glass of wine while listening to the peaceful background music as you cruise past some of Lisbon's most iconic monuments and landmarks.

This highly reviewed river cruise lasts for 1.5 hours and gives you a fascinating insight into Lisbon's history while showing you a different perspective of the city.

The ticket price includes a welcome drink. A bar on board offers additional drinks and snacks for those who wish to purchase them. Find more information about the sunset river cruise here.

Snap a Photo at the Elevador da Bica

As you explore the alleys of the Bairro Alto district, you'll come across an iconic scene of Lisbon, the small yellow funicular that carries tourists up and down a steep street.

Taking a ride on this 19th century funicular is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. If you don't plan to ride it, at least make a point of stopping to take a photo there.

The little tram climbing up the narrow sloping street with the backdrop of the Tagus River makes this a postcard perfect scene. It is easily the most photographed scene in the entire city.

Ride the Santa Justa Lift

Engineers built the Santa Justa Lift over a century ago to transport the public between districts in Lisbon. Nowadays, it is a unique tourist attraction that offers a bird's eye view over the city of Lisbon.

At the top of the elevator you'll find an observation deck with a panoramic view over the Baixa district. Visitors should be aware that this attraction gets quite busy during the day, leading to long wait times. Tickets cost €5.30 per person and entry is free with the Lisbon Card.

Dine in the Bairro Alto District

The colourful streets of Bairro Alto come to life in the evening with lively bars and a concentration of the city's best dining options. For those seeking a fun night of bar-hopping, this is where you will find Lisbon's best nightlife scene.

If you're more interested in dining at a nice restaurant, look no further than the Bairro Alto neighbourhood. From traditional Portuguese food to international cuisine, there is a restaurant to suit everyone's preference in this quarter of the city.

For appetizers and tapas, head over to the Leve Leve - Tapas Bar which is one of the best tapas restaurants in the area. If Portuguese cuisine is what you're after, make sure to stop at the popular Taberna do Bairro Alto for an authentic meal and delicious wine.

Take in the Views from a Miradouro

Lisbon is full of scenic lookouts (miradouros) offering breathtaking views over the city's red rooftops and the São Jorge Castle. Located within the Bairro Alto district, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.

Despite the crowds that tend to form here, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset in Lisbon. The best part about this spot is that there are several food/drink stalls so that you can enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine or beer.

Take a Day Trip from Lisbon

Obidos

Located just over an hour from Lisbon, this fortified town is one of the prettiest villages in Portugal. Obidos features well preserved medieval houses, a castle on a hilltop and plenty of history to discover. The town is small and compact but there is plenty to see and do which makes it a great option for a day trip.

Sintra

The charming town of Sintra is an easy 30 minute drive from Lisbon and a very popular place for a day trip. Spend the day exploring the town's extravagant palaces and enjoying the stunning natural scenery that surrounds them.

Cascais

Follow the coast for 30 minutes west of Lisbon and you will end up in the seaside town of Cascais.

This traditional fishing village offers beautiful beaches, museums, and great restaurants. It has become a popular tourist hotspot.

Visitors can easily take a day trip from Lisbon to explore the area.