While trying to kill time before our flight back, at Ala Moana Center, we came across Kona Abalone. The Ezo abalone
(Japanese Northern) strain are raised in an aquafarm on the Big Island near the shores of Kona. The mollusks are fed a diet of patented algae and water sourced from the deep Pacific Ocean. The abalone is shipped to Japan and the US for chefs at top-end restaurants.
Generally sold at the KCC Farmers Market in Honolulu, they opened shop at the Ala Moana Center Malakai Food Court. Abalone is sold in various forms and varieties here. You can find them raw, grilled, or in rice bowls. If you’re not sure what you would like, ask for samples.
I was eager to try the abalone sashimi ($15) and was not disappointed. It was chewy but you can taste the fresh quality of the abalone.
Of the grilled varieties, I tried the butter, garlic, parsley grilled abalone. The garlic was strong but I LOVE garlic so I was very delighted with this.
YUMTRAVELS 