We were just in this area in March. We were staying in a condo, though. Anyway, at the King's Shops across from the Hilton, there is a Subway sandwich shop and Dairy Queen, and a few other fast food places in the food court. www.waikoloabeachresort.com/casual_dining.php There is also Merriman's Market Cafe, which has good food, and seafood, but at pretty reasonable prices. Here is the link to their menu http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/cafe.htm They did also have a kids menu with spaghetti and chicken strips, etc. It was a nice break from the fast food.

Debbie

aS mentioned the fast food court in Kings shops as about it for to 20 to 30 miles in any. direction

In the resorts there is only resort price levels for the most... Caution on costco... it is not the bargin many think... check out other prices.... Costco here Knows what resort visitors buy and tracks it...they price these items way higher than even safeway. Costco is the highest price liquor here... Just be an informed shopper....assume nothing

If you flight arrives after 1:30 dont head to Kona because of traffic... go rather to Waimea or Waikoloa Village market... cheaper than a lot of costco stuff

Thank you for the information! We will head to Safeway for shopping and snacks. What inexpensive restaurants are in Kailua-Kona? We have two teenagers and a ten year old...so burgers, pizza, type restaurants would definitely do. Thanks for your suggestions so far. We head to Hawaii tomorrow (Sunday).

Check out www.konaforum.com for restaurant reviews, some "local" places included.

Ok, for grocery shopping head to Waimea or Waikoloa Village, correct? and those high liquor prices? all over or is there someplace to go to get good beer and other spirits reasonably?

We're staying in a condo, so I plan to bring lots of food and stuff to feed the kiddos. I love the idea of having a full kitchen and barbeques to use.

Thanks for this wonderful information. I'm loving finding this site!

J Peachy,

Try Longs for liquor; there is one in Kailua-Kona. There is a Foodland and KTA in Waimea. Sign up for the Maikai card at Foodland, it will also be good at Sack N Save in Hilo. There is a market in Waikoloa Village, good for essentials the first night in, etc.

Pick up the Sunday West Hawaii Today if you will be there over the weekend and check the ads for beer and wine, same on the East side, use the Tribune Herald.

Good luck and happy travels!

We are in Waikoloa right now and we're staying in a condo. We stopped at Costco on our way in (super easy right near the airport - thanks tt for the directions). The prices at Costco were EXCACTALLY the same as they are at home in Connecticut (the gas was actually LESS in Kona than at home) so I am not sure where the jacked up prices idea came from. We bought 2 of the rotiserrie chickens, fresh green beans, steaks, fruit, ice cream, a prepared Italian meal (just heat and serve) pizzas, snacks and water for $125. We added a few items at the Waikoloa Market (like bread, quick rice side dishes, butter, milk, eggs) for another $40 and we've eaten on this at our condo for 4 days. We only had dinner out once this week (we'll eat out all week next week when we move to a resort in Maui). I second the Merriman's market. We went out in Kona for dinner and went to Bubba Gumps. Family of 4 with 3 adult meals, 1 child meal and drinks for $75 plus tip. Their kids' meals are only $5.95. Also today we bought a day pass to the Hilton Waikola and ate lunch poolside for $40. The kids menu was had several choices for $6.95 - $7.95 and they had burgers for $6.95. Drinks were $8 to $10 each. (We paid $12-$15 in South Beach last year and I paid $9 in Las Vegas last week, so I didn't think this was too bad).

Hi Datedog, *waves*

nice to know you're enjoying your vacation and not in sticker shock!

I happen to like Bubba Gumps too. this is odd because in general I don't like "tourist traps" but the view is great and the food is good value.

Have you gone up to Kawaihae at all? The ice cream place is yummy. And the same up in Hawi.

How about Island Fish & Chips? Do you like their ono?

The English pub (Anthony's?) in Waikoloa Village Shopping Center is a nice family restaurant ... or used to be a couple years ago.

One day left on the Big Island (LOVE IT) and now I have suggestions for where to go/eat tommorrow. We go snorkeling in the am and then we are free in the afternoon and PM - off to Maui on Saturday. We like the tourist traps especially if they have a great veiw. We are tourist afterall, and I find that they always have reasonably priced children's meals and my 9 year old will only eat chicken and burgers most days. At Bubba's last night we had a fantasic waiter and a great table right on the water and the food was good (I love the hush pups).

hi Datedog,

sorry you are leaving ...

you mentioned view, so I wouldn't want to steer you to waikoloa village (anthony's) for your LAST dinner here, as it has no view ... just to be clear!

I kind of like the Boat Pavilion Landing at the Hilton (no pass needed) ... the outdoor place by the lagoon that sells burgers, etc.. and has a musician playing. (It's at the very end of the tram). But no actual ocean view. the prices are as good as it gets at the Hilton though.

Did you ever go to Nalu's to watch the sunset (at the Marriott by the pool)? I can't figure out if they're open during the construction. Definitely has a view .

If you haven't done the drive up to Hawi yet, I would recommend it for a drive before you leave -- if you have time. Yet another affordable kid-friendly lunch place is Rainbow Cafe in Kapa'au, the little town on past Hawi where Kamehameha's statue is, on the way to the Pololu lookout. It'a about a 90 minute round trip to the statue on the coast road, add another 45 to get to Pololu and back.