Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows

About 30 miles up the Queen K on the way to Hawi, another world awaits for those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle. This resort is home to many athletes and professionals who want to escape the mayhem, and was also a picturesque setting for a “Girls Night Out” vegan dinner with Hilary Biscay and friends. Carrie Barrett reports on an evening of exquisite food and relaxation:

The sun was setting and a west island breeze was blowing as my friend and I were directed the outdoor Canoehouse Gazebo. We weren’t sure what to expect, because usually when you sign up to attend a dinner with a guest speaker at a resort, visions of a cavernous banquet hall and buffet setting come to mind. The island and the resort did not disappoint. Hosts escorted us to our private outdoor table where a dozen or so women were already seated, including Hilary, who was busy introducing herself to her guests. The intimate atmosphere was that of a casual dinner party among friends.

Brief introductions were followed by our first courses of meals provided by Chef Clayton Arakawa—an amuse-bouche of diced watermelon and sea salt and a starter dish of roasted kabocha squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds and organic kale chips. As vegan meal courses continued, so did various conversations around this table of fast friends. Belinda Granger joined for dinner, giving this gathering of athletes and fans a rare treat with two Ironman legends. There was no keynote speech, as I had originally thought. There was, however, vibrant conversation throughout the evening. 

Biscay began her conversion to a vegan diet over two years ago after being inspired by the book, “The Food Revolution” by John Robbins. She admits that it’s a constant journey as she tries to balance her training with this new way of fueling her body, but is totally committed to honoring her body and the planet by committing to a plant strong lifestyle. Guests shared recipes, book ideas, and other informative information as more courses were being served.

We savored grilled tofu skewers served with a green tea soba noodle salad as an appetizer before the main entree for the evening:  a taro root and white bean “steak,” piopini mushrooms and braised organic chard served with a Hawaiian chili pepper, Tahitian lime and coconut jus.

Of the dozen or so women in attendance, three competed in the race on Saturday. One of those was Erin Holmes from Kennewick, Wash. At age 22, Holmes has only been doing triathlons for a year. She raced Ironman Canada in August and won her age group. She arrived on the Big Island and drove straight to the The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows for dinner. Nervous and intimidated, Holmes wasn’t sure what to expect. By the time the meal was over, though, Biscay had dispensed wealth of wisdom and personal advice to this young superstar. Find a good coach that will help you grow. Enjoy the journey of the sport and enjoy your time on the Island.

The evening was topped off with a lovely soursop sorbet dessert, exchanges of emails, photos, hugs, and well-wishes. The beauty of the Mauna Lani Bay atmosphere, the exquisite food,  and the intimate company of Hilary and Belinda certainly made it a night to remember for all who were fortunate enough to attend.

In addition to this event, the resort got in the Ironman spirit by creating some new menu items in honor of Team Mauna Lani pros. Watch for similar offerings next year at Ocean Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy meals like Hillary Biscay’s “Ensalada de Biscay” (a super healthy veggie quinoa salad) Belinda Granger’s “No Stranger To Granger Seared Rare Ahi Tuna Salad” (first photo), Tim DeBoom’s “Boom-Boom” BBQ Steak Salad” with grilled striploin, fresh spinach, bacon bits, crispy onions, Hawaiian sweet potatoes and Iowa blue cheese dressing,  Luke Bell’s “Aussie Luke’s Day Boat Fish ‘n Chips,” and Mirinda Carfrae’s “Not So Carfrae Double/Double Burger” with two Hawaii Island grass fed beef patties.

68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kohala Coast, HI 96743 (800) 367-2323, www.maunalani.com

Kona de Pele

While not technically off the beaten path, just a few saunters east of Lava Java this editor (and coffee snob’s) respite during Kona week: Kona de Pele. As soon as I walked in and saw all my favorite coffee tools—grinders, kettles, a scale, an Aeropress, and a pour over drip station—I knew I was in heaven. This cafe opened up three months ago and despite getting “slammed” (restaurant-speak for crazy busy) during Kona week, the owners remained cheerful and calm.

A true farm-to-table cafe, Kona de Pele operates coffee estate, roasts their own beans, and serves them at their own cafe. This is as pure as you’re going to get. I tried three of their four Kona varieties, and while I don’t really understand the hype around Kona coffee, enjoyed every sip. Each bean is available in a medium or dark roast, and sipping my medium roast (more caffeine, and you get a truer bean flavor profile) I felt like I was in my own living room.

Besides the standard espresso offerings, single-cup drip, and iced beverages, Kona de Pele has panini sandwiches and a small selection of breakfast pastries. The bets deal in the house is their coffee and breakfast sandwich deal at $6.95. A hand drip coffee will set you back $4-$5.50, but trust me, it will be worth every penny. WIFI is freely offered.

75-5805 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI (808) 334-0790, www.konadepele.com

Lotus Cafe

Looking for a bite of dinner on our way to the airport, a colleague and I happened upon a most unlikely spot for dinner: an industrial lot off the Queen K, just south of the airport. We stopped there to purchase some of Mrs. Barry’s Kona cookies, and then Yelp helped us locate this little gem.

While most people opt to eat kailua port and ono all week with the ocean breeze in your hair, this place is a little enclave of Zen. Specializing in Indonesian, Nepalese, Thai and Indian fusion, you can eat your dinner with trickling fountains and wooden carvings. You can still see the ocean, you just have to ignore the industrial buildings in the foreground.

My dinner companion and I tried the taster plate (above), which included fish, chicken, and shrimp dishes, and some kind of curry-filled coconut flour crepe that was unlike anything I’ve ever tried. We ordered both “medium,” which came out a little on the too spicy side, so take note. The gelato is also homemade, and their ginger lemonade was a refreshing, light alternative to the copius beer I’d been drinking. The dinner was a healthy mini detox from a week of hard work and too much junk food.

The staff at this out of the way restaurant bring 35 years of experience working with natural and organic foods to their menu, which offers unique recipes made with ingredients, many of which are grown on their own farm. Claiming to be Hawaii’s only Pan-Asian restaurant, Lotus specializes in healthy and fresh food—perfect for the triathlete crowd looking for something other than the standard Ali’i drive fare. The cafe is gluten free, and uses only organic cold pressed oils, organic coconut milk and organic chicken. Hippies rejoice!

73-5617 Maiau St # 1, Kailua Kona, HI 96740-2692 (808) 327-3270, www.thelotuscafe.com