After brunch at Island Lava Java, we drove out for about 2 hours to Waipi’o Valley Lookout and Akaka Fall in Pepeekeo. Stunning view at the lookout! There was a hike around the area too, but we didn’t really have the time to do it. Next time!
After the short hike at Akaka Falls State Park, lunch was calling. The closest restaurant in Pepeekeo was What’s Shakin, and so we headed there right after.
What’s Shakin is a self-sustaining counter-serve kiosk located on a farm. They grow most of their ingredients on site, you can see the pineapple plants, avocado trees, and banana trees on their field. Based on their extensive beverage menu, it seemed like they’re known for their fresh smoothies and fruit juices. I had a lilikoi tea and my boyfriend had their special strawberry lemonade smoothie.
My lilikoi tea was refreshing and not sweet at all. My boyfriend really liked his smoothie as well, all natural and delicious.
We ordered a tamale extreme to share, since our brunch was still being digested.
Again, you could taste the freshness in all the ingredients – the crisp salad, the fresh salsa, and the seasonal fruit. I picked the jalapeno cheese filling, so that was wrapped in corn-meal dough. It was definitely an interesting new dish for me. Everything blended together and tasted yummy, especially with their hot sauce on it.
Food was in general very fresh and tasty. Staffs were welcoming. I just thought it was a bit pricey for the drinks, $3.50 for my tea and $7.95 for the smoothie. I guess it all goes into maintaining the farm and managing other costs for having a restaurant in a rural area.