Gallivanting in North Kohala

As part of an ongoing project on writing a series about Farmers Markets around the Big Island, I made a visit to the Hawi Farmers Market 'Under the Banyan Trees' yesterday, Saturday the 8th.  Readers can read each month's Farmers Market feature after the 28th of the month in the Hawai'i HomeGrown Food Network pages. (*)

 

After the visit to the farmers market it was time for lunch and we chose a place where we look forward to eating anytime we're in the North Kohala area.

 

The Courtyard Cafe is located in the quaint Nanbu Building on Akoni Pule Highway, the main street in Kapa'au.

 

The Nanbu Building, which records show has been standing at least since 1898, has had a rich history and served as a hotel and restaurant in the 1920s until it closed down in the 1960s after the death of the owner.

 

It wasn't until sometime in 1999 that the building was renovaded and several businesses moved in, among them The Courtyard Cafe.

 

The beautiful courtyard in back of the building lends its name to the cafe.

 

The menu is quite ambitious yet simple.  Pastries, breads, panini, sandwiches, soup of the day, salads and mouth watering desserts get served Monday to Friday from 6:30 am until 3 pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am until 2 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

I ordered the Focaccia Panini; stuffed with melted Provolone, basil and a taponade made with olives and walnuts.  A fresh garden salad was included on the plate.

 

 

 

 

Anthony ordered the Reuben Panini which, of course, included corned beef, melted Swiss Chesse, sauerkraut and Russian Dressing.   A fresh garden salad was also included on the plate.

 

 

 

 

After lunch we had a couple of hours before we were scheduled to attend a cooking class up in that area, so we spent it driving to the end of the Akoni Pule Highway (Hawaii State Highway 270) to the scenic Pololu Valley viewing area.

 

 

 

The day was a bit cloudy by then so the photo is not as clear as I would have liked. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spirit of Aloha is alive & well in North Kohala - providing not only water but even a receptacle for your 'opala' (rubbish)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way back down to our next destination, we noticed this humorous detail on the side of the road.  The Spirit of Mischief & Humor is also very much alive & well in North Kohala.

 

The cooking class experience will be my next posting!

 

(*) The Kino'ole Farmers Market feature

Comments

[Sonia]

They were delish, Portia
I'm going to be making some of the olive and walnut tapenade...except I will use some pecans I have in the freezer that my cousin in GA sent me... ;-)

[Portia Little]

Those panninis at the Courtyard Cafe look delish! And your photos are wonderful, Sonia, even with a few clouds. I look forward to hearing aobut the cooking class.

[Sonia]

Oh, good news....there will be plenty of time to plan something while they are here!

[Sonia]

Aloha Marilyn.... that whole area has that feel of old Hawaii, but when we were leaving it to take the long drive home, Hawi was jumping with night life...of course, it was a Saturday night...but both of us commented the fact there were so many cars parked all over and lots of music and laughter everywhere.

[Sarah H]

Looks like a great day!

Dad & Linda will be over to Hilo near the end of May or early June and staying for 3 months.

[Jamarilyn]

Sonia, I remember visiting Hawi once and fell on love with that small town. It has a slow feel to it like what I imagine old days in Hawaii to have been. That scenic bay was gorgeous the day we took our drive. Hot and sunny, but your photo is still rich and beautiful. Love stopping at Waipio also.

[Sonia]

Thank you, Debbie!

[Deb]

Delightful Sonia!

[Sonia]

Thank you, Donna.....I know I do and am grateful every single day!

[donna c.]

Haha, that was fabulous! Especially the last picture. You live in such a richly diverse and wonderful place!