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October 2024 by Yumiko
This is the phantom ceviche, an item from a retail store attached to a gas station. However, don't underestimate the fact that it's just a gas station; the ceviche is only sold on weekends, so if you let your guard down and go there in the late afternoon, you'll find that the ceviche is already sold out.
The location is a gas station near the famous "Two Steps" (officially Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park), which is famous as the best snorkeling spot on the Big Island.
Paradise Express is also known as the "last gas station heading south." The sign in the window says, ``Currently the cheapest gas store.'' What's more, it's a very enthusiastic shop that opens at 6 a.m. on all days except Sundays (even on Sundays, it opens at 8 a.m.).
As you enter the store, excited by the hand-written menu displayed outside the store, you'll find it fun to see all kinds of items lined up in a jumbled manner. It's a treasure trove of miscellaneous goods that you'll want just by looking at it, with a lineup that you can reach for just the little things you need, such as Ziploc bags, hair clips for children, and sweets sold separately.
In the showcase at the back right of the store, you can see sparkling ceviche! I came early today, so there's still a lot of food, but even as I was taking photos, the locos kept coming quickly, rushing straight to the ceviche and rushing to buy ceviche ($10) or ceviche and shrimp cocktail ($10). I will continue to do so. Not to be outdone, I opened the back of the case, took it out, and headed to the register.
Marie is the cashier and cook. He started making ceviche three years ago and only makes 45 meals on weekends.
So, if you purchase this, why not try it outside on the terrace?
Eating food at a formal restaurant is wonderful, but when you are gazing at the blue sky melting into the deep blue sea below and feeling the Hawaiian breeze, you can feel your heart melting. It is also recommended to go snorkeling in the morning and have it afterwards.
Of course, the taste goes without saying: the acidity of the vinegar and lemon stimulates your appetite, and the flavor of the ono (white fish: Spanish mackerel) spreads throughout your mouth. The fish is exquisitely rare, and the texture of the cilantro, tomato, and cucumber makes it so enjoyable that you can't stop eating it. Many ceviches are spicy by default, but this one is safe for even my 2-year-old daughter to eat. In fact, she loves it so much that I have to buy another one for her.
By the way, this shrimp cocktail is also highly recommended. Most shrimp cocktails are eaten with cocktail sauce, but this one can be drunk gazpacho-style. The large, plump shrimp is generously packed into the dish, and will cool down your flushed body. All ceviches come with tortilla chips and shrimp cocktails come with crackers.
Encounter rate rarity: ★★★
Spicy level: ★
Sourness: ★★★
Umami: ★★★★
No regrets after purchasing: ★★★★★
[Paradise Express]
84-4811 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
(30 minutes from Kailua Kona)
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February 2024 by Franc R. Grau
Just to stop for a juice while the sun was setting was worth it. They have a kind of terrace with tables available to anyone who wants or needs to use them. Truly an idyllic space. We loved it.
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October 2023 by Taylor Herbert
TheyGet the job done.
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June 2023 by Steve Ivacko
A random stop for a quick lunch resulted in wonderful, friendly service, and the best tamales we've ever had!! Definitely worth a stop if you're passing by - the view is phenomenal, and don't let the humble exterior dissuade you!
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April 2023 by Talis Abolins
LAST GAS SCAM. Drive right by. Do not stop. They claim to have the last gas, but it is a gas because there's a ton of cheaper gas stations between where you are and volcanoes national monument.
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November 2022 by Marrissa Aguilar
If you love burritos tamales tacos or even chile relleno this is the place for u. Friday and Saturday special is shrimp cocktail and fish ceviche. Give it a try plus they have delicious kona super coffee
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September 2022 by JE NP
Great customer service.Prices very reasonable, considering you are in Hawaii...$3 for barbacoa tacos :).The pork tamales were good and of good portion size.The chicken quesadilla was very good.And after hiking a trail, the frozen lime "bolis" were refreshing.The counter top has salt, pepper, napkins, utensils, and salsa upon request.Authentic Mexican products sold here, such as candy, frozen treats, drinks, and food.An awesome find!
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July 2022 by JEN PVP
Great customer service.Prices very reasonable, considering you are in Hawaii...$3 for barbacoa tacos :).The pork tamales were good and of good portion size.The chicken quesadilla was very good.And after hiking a trail, the frozen lime "bolis" were refreshing.The counter top has salt, pepper, napkins, utensils, and salsa upon request.Authentic Mexican products sold here, such as candy, frozen treats, drinks, and food.An awesome find!
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June 2022 by Mo Mo
After buying 30$ worth of food . No one asked if I wanted salsa or any condiments. So I got home with some expensive garbage .
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March 2021 by Maria Gutierrez
Amazing burritos, very good costumer service.
