After enjoying our visit to the Waimea Town Market, we packed up, checked out, and headed back to Hilo. We could take our time since our flight wasn't until 230pm and decided to stop at Tex Drive In in Honokaa. It had been a bajillion years since we'd been here and decided it was time to try out the malasadas one more time.
We were surprised that it wasn't very busy as this was a Saturday.
We just ordered one plain malasada.
It was as we remembered; a bit too dense and bready for our taste. But it was fun just to be here again after all these years.
Tex Drive-In
5-690 Pakalana St.
Honokaa, HI 96727
From here it was a clear shot down the Belt Road. We had been in these parts many times so we really didn't bother to stop until our "lunch" destination. You know what the Missus wanted, right? Yep, it was Suisan one more time! In other words "hana hou"!
This time we got a plate; with the Ahi Shoyu and the Ahi Mango Habanero, a half pound of the Ahi Limu, and a Half pound of the Spicy Ahi.
The quality of the fish in the Shoyu Ahi was much better this time; but still not the best. The ahi habanero was quite buttery and there was some decent spice and salt. I never knew that the Missus had never had Ling Hing Mango before! She just loved the stuff! The rice was a bit on the dry side but passable.
There was much more limu in the ahi limu this time around and the fish was nicely salted and tender. This was quite "old school" delicious.
The spicy ahi was good as well. Mild spice, the fish tender.
Suisan Company Limited
93 Lihiwai St
Hilo, HI 96720
We were lucky and scored the bench right in back of Suisan.
We still had a bit of time on our hands after lunch, so we decided to cross the street and check out Liliʻuokalani Gardens. Man, we hadn't been here in years!
The original 5 acres was dedicated by Queen Liliʻuokalani to be a public park in 1907. The park was increased in size to 17 acres in 1917.
The park was then dedicated to the first Japanese immigrants to the island and has claimed to be the largest Edo-style garden outside of Japan.
There are lovely arching bridges over fish ponds, pagodas, torii, stone lanterns, and a wonderful view of Hilo Bay.....
Funny thing, even though I've been here several times, I never knew the history of the park until after my return from this trip.
You can find even more info here.
Soon enough, it was time to fill up the rental car, and head to the airport.
I'm hoping we won't have to wait another decade before returning!
We hit both Tex Drive-In and Suisan on our last visit to the Big Island around 2017 -- loved them both. Got to check out that big lava flow that was pouring into the ocean and walk around the active flows in the area. Hot stuff!
Posted by: Peter | Friday, 15 December 2023 at 03:52 PM
We were fortunate to be able to stay two night in Volcano Village and see Halemaʻumaʻu erupting Peter!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 15 December 2023 at 04:35 PM
nice!
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 16 December 2023 at 05:59 AM
That poke looks good
Posted by: Som Tommy | Saturday, 16 December 2023 at 09:55 AM
It was Kat!
Suisan is a treasure ST!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 16 December 2023 at 10:43 AM
Wow! Hawaii sure is lovely.
Posted by: Soo | Saturday, 16 December 2023 at 10:46 AM
It sure is Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 16 December 2023 at 11:05 AM