Where is the best place to eat in Kailua?

For Breakfast: Times Bakery & Coffee Shop on Oneawa Rd (808-262-7122) or Times Coffee Shop on Hamakua Dr (808-262-0300) They make the best fried rice with chunks of Canadian bacon, bacon, green onions, onions and a special sauce. The portion for one is more than enough for the hungriest appetite. 95% of the people order half orders or take home the remainder. Besides the rice, it comes with an egg, toast and potato salad. the meal must weigh about 4-5 pounds. Cost is about $6.

For Lunch: Good to Go Hawaii on Uluniu St (808-266-4646) Great food. Guess these Chef types were sick of the high-pressure-4-star places and decided to open a place where they could just cook good healthy food and teach people how to cook. They are only open for lunch and will deliver for a $20 minimum. Sample of their sandwiches include turkey, brie and cranberry or grilled ahi or grilled opakapaka with lemon caper aioli and sprouts. For and entree, try the Chicken Parmesan & Ricota Cream or Grilled Hawaiian Spearfish & Papaya Salsa. Prices range from $3 - $10.75. They also have mini portions for about half the price.

K & L Bar B Q Inn on Keolu Dr. (808-261-5886) Wide selection of "local style" plate lunches which are not only "ono"(delicious), but have large servings. Their mixed plates are the best. Prices range from $3 - $6. They also have mini plates.

For Dinner or Pupus: Buzz's Original Steak House in Lanikai (808-261-4661). Can't say anythning except they're celebrating their 36th anniversary this year, this is where President Clinton came to eat on one of his visits (had heard about it and decided to just pop in), and this is where you can see a lot of the pro bowl players eating during pro bowl. Prices range from about $8-$20. They dont' take VISA or MasterCard so make sure you have cash. They do take local checks.

Crouching Lion Inn in Kaaawa (808-237-8511) This isn't in Kailua, but at least it's on the Windward side 8)) Crouching Lion Inn has the best atmosphere as you can dine on the lanai and look out over the peaceful Pacific. There is a wide selection for dinner or lunch.

The real reason we go there is for their pupus (hors d'oeuvre) which they serve in the bar. The honey garlic shrimp, teriyaki steak, deep fried zucchini, and sashimi (raw fish) are our picks.

Prices range from about $8 - $25. They take VISA and MasterCard.

-- Roy Inouye (roy@bothi.com), July 14, 1998

Answers

Kin Wah is the place we return to time after time. It's not the absolute best but is consistently good. Prices are reasonable and the waitresses are courteous and helpful. The menu has a very nice assortment of Chinese dishes. Dress is very casual. This is not the place for mink and diamonds. The atmosphere is comfortable and homey.

-- Anona Kam (kamco@ix.netcom.com), November 07, 1998.

This new place was so good we ate there two nights in a row: Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company in Kailua. You may have to wait, but it's worth it.

-- Michael Marcus (speedo232@aol.com), August 28, 2000.