Visit Big Island: The Koa Table

While researching places to dine at in Waikoloa, I stumbled upon The Koa Table in the Kings' Shops, which was just a short walk away from the hotel we were staying at.

Owned by Chef Ippy Aiona, who grew up on the Big Island, The Koa Table offers "Chef-inspired comfort food."  

Local + comfort food?  I'm there!

Hamakua Mushrooms

If it weren't for a friend of mine who I happened to be texting with earlier in the day, I probably never would've tried the Hamakua Mushrooms.  I would have simply ordered an entree, but I'm so glad I ordered this award-winning pupu, because it was the highlight of the meal.  In fact, it was my favorite dish during our entire Kona getaway!

The combination of mushrooms, onions, and pea shoots in a pistachio vinaigrette was simply amazing.  I admit I ate most of it myself!

Ni`ihau Lamb Loco Moco

Fried Chicken

My husband had the Lamb Loco Moco - he had no problems devouring the entire dish, which was just smothered in country gravy.

For my entree I opted for the Fried Chicken - two huge pieces of perfectly fried chicken were served with Hawaiian chili pepper cornbread and country gravy. Talk about an entire plate of comfort food! The chicken was slightly sweet, which my husband loved. In fact, he loved the chicken and gravy so much, that he ate whatever I couldn't finish (the Fried Chicken was his favorite dish during our entire trip to Kona).

Keiki Macaroni & Cheese

All of my kids ordered the Keiki Macaroni & Cheese, which is served with carrots on the side.

For dessert, I knew exactly what I wanted to get (again, thanks to that friend of mine who I was texting earlier that day) - the Big Island Honey Cheesecake.

But sadly, they were out of cheesecake (Chef Ippy and family, including his mom who makes this popular cheesecake, were busy on Oahu - I was fortunate to meet him and his mother at an event two days after dining at The Koa Table).

So we ordered the Apple & Pineapple Brown Betty, which was good, but I was still longing for the cheesecake!

Apple & Pineapple Brown Betty

Service was wonderful during our meal, and our server really treated us like `ohana.

I'll definitely be back to The Koa Table next time I'm in the area - and I hope there will be cheesecake!

The Koa Table
250 Waikoloa Beach Dr
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
(808) 339-7145