munching the mochi - View this location on map 'pick up a two-course lunch to go, starting with a deliciously authentic bento ($3.75 and up) at the puka puka kitchen ( 808-933-2121). for dessert, walk to the two ladies kitchen (274 kilauea avenue; 808-961-4766) and get the best mochi in the islands. you can see this glutinous rice sweet being made in the tiny shop as five workers scurry around with the hot mixture sticking to big ladles. the delightful owner, nora uchida, said that she employs 15 workers (including her parents, who are in their 80's) to handle customers during winter holidays and the busy merrie monarch festival in the spring. all the flavors are ono (hawaiian for delicious), but savor the strawberry ($2.25 each), if it's available. pack the food in the car and make the 45-minute drive southwest to hawaii volcanoes national park (highway 11; 808-985-6000), where you can dine alfresco in the picnic area.'' New York Times 270 Kamehameha Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii Restaurant, Local spot, Budget

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