MAI
- Jun 3, 2016
- 4 min read

REVIEW: Big Island Juice Co.

Jimmy and I walked into Big Island juice Co. the other day while strolling down Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo Town. We briefly read the menu and quickly decided we had to come back and eat lunch here ASAP. Apparently, their first day in business was January 1st of this year. I couldn't tell you why it took us so long to check this place out. But, we're just really happy that we finally did!

Pineapples are the official welcome fruit in the islands.

The lovely phrase, E komo Mai, which means Welcome in Hawaiian, is painted on the upper beam in splashes of bright tropical colors.

Order Superfood Smoothies, Health Shots, Chillers, and mouth watering Island Gourmet Cuisine to eat here or order to go from this happy guy. Everyone is so friendly and laid back, in a good way. They really want you to be comfortable and love what you receive.

Seriously hungry, Jimmy ordered the Bad Ass BBQ (Grilled chicken smothered in house lilikoi BBQ sauce, melted Swiss, cucumber, cilantro, red onion, local greens, and pineapple on a bad ass baguette). I ordered the 808-Summer (Juicy watermelon & sweet strawberries, with mint, cucumber, spiraled carrots, chia seeds, & walnuts on a bed of organic mixed greens with house lilikoi vinaigrette and piled high with clover sprouts).

For your convenience and ready to go, shiny glass jars filled with refreshing and organic libations in a an array of beautiful colors and exotic tropical flavors.

As I look around, swaying to the beat on the radio, I see just enough tropical flare and whimsy making me feel like I could just hang out here all day.

Photos on display are some of the best you'll find on Big Island Juice Co. Instagram page.

Colorful artwork depicts island life and leisure. Oh goodie, here comes our lunch...

Jimmy's sandwich, came resting on a custom wooden surfboard platter. It tasted like candy, if you can believe that, and was simply an amazing treat for his palate. His also came with a side of their home made sweet potato chips. I rarely indulge in chips, but these are special. Crispy, savory, salty, and with a natural sweetness, these are our newest healthy addiction. My salad, besides beautifully presented, was so refreshingly light and very tasty. The combination of watermelon, strawberries and mint is one of my favorite summer-time flavors.

After we ate I noticed this plaque on the wall and realized the woman who made my fantastic salad was also the owner. I decided I had to let her know how delicious it was, to offer our congratulations on the opening of such a sweet little "Gourmet Island Kitchen & Juicery" and to express what a welcome addition to the downtown Hilo business community they are.

Shiny, happy people, Camu and Lokelani Wentzel, proud owners of Big Island Juice Company. Camu is originally from Finland. Lokelani is a Hawaii island girl from Pahoa. Together they have blended their talent for creating delicious tasting and holistic cuisine with their passion to build an honorable and successful legacy for their young son, Makani. You can tell that happiness and fun are also on the menu.

They need a huge inventory of fruit on hand for all the juices they make daily.

Next time I'd like to try something with tumeric, ginger and lemons.

Me with Lokelani... she's a doll and don't I look all energized from my nutritious lunch?

Usually I'd treat myself to a coffee to go after lunch, but today...

I couldn't resist trying the Dragonfruit Lemonade. The color is so attracting, it just sucked me in. Turns out, it also tastes amazing. It's like nothing I've ever had before. Really hard to explain it exactly. You'll just have to try one for your self!

You'll see this saying upon exiting. It's a great reminder how powerful what we choose to consume can be. I have agreed with this line of thought ever since reading the Book by Jean Carper, Food -- Your Miracle Medicine, many years ago.

We can't wait to be back in that cozy little corner amongst newfound friends, delectable food, and soulful refreshments. I'll be adding to this post here, at the bottom, as *I try out new items to satisfy my hunger and sweet tooth! Check out Big Island Juice Co. on their Facebook page and "LIKE" them today!