DO NOT EAT BREAKFAST BEFORE YOU GO ON THIS TOUR!!
We were a party of 7 & were joined by a couple. The van was spacious and well appointed. Our guides were Victor & TJ.
We had 4 stops. First up a bakery where Victor took coffee/drink orders & got us each an assortment of pastries. Everyone got their own!! Obviously couldn’t eat it all, so they made sure we had a nice box to take the leftovers.
Next stop was a seafood store that had different styles of poke & other seafood. Again each couple got their own assortment - everything from octopus to Lomi Lomi salmon., some smoked fish & opihi. The guides gave us the background on which ethnic group introduced each offering as well as where some of the shellfish and seaweed are gathered. We had people that said they don’t normally eat “raw” fish, that tried the poke & ended up enjoying it because the fish was so very fresh & well seasoned.
As we were driving from location to location - important landmarks were pointed out & discussed.
Lunch was above a grocery store where there were some great food stalls. Garlic shrimp (way too much to finish) as well as rice w/garlic sauce w/ the drinks of our choice. Both TJ & Victor served us at the tables. We all ended up wrapping leftovers to go. (They have a large Yeti cooler in back of the van as well as additional plates, napkins & wipes)
Last stop was at the best shave ice place on the island. Victor told us what he usually ordered (I opted for the same) but you could order whatever you wanted. While we were waiting Victor discussed other great places to try & advocated a Korean place that added tons of sliced mango to their offering.
Something I thought added a very personal touch was the fact that we were discussing the Li Hing Mui powder that is great added to the shave ice, but also great on fruit. Victor got each couple a packet - so very thoughtful.
He also said we could text him with any questions or Resturant suggestions during the rest of our stay.
Food was good, but the conversation on where to get the best saimen, the best kimchee fried rice, great fish dishes, etc. as well as different tidbits on buildings, history, etc. really made the tour.
Needless to say, you’ll have a ton of leftovers, so don’t make dinner reservations either.