Nachos in Paradise: Circle Island NACHO TOUR: Chile Relleno + Spitting Caves, Makapuu, Waimanalo, etc.

After breakfast, we headed east out of Waikiki and drove the long way around Diamond Head and through Kahala. The ocean was so calm and flat so we stopped at Diamond Head lookout and saw whales instantly. Next up we headed to Portlock to hike down to Spitting Caves for a look at a different type of terrain. I have never seen it so clear and calm. We were able to see turtles swimming and a bunch of whales. It was so gorgeous! Next up, a quick stop at Halona Blowhole to gaze down at Eternity Beach. Since the ocean was so calm, there was no action from the blowhole. Further down the road was Makapu'u lookout where we could see for miles down the Windward Side of the island. You can't come to this side of the island on a beautiful day like that without stopping to see the soft sand of Waimanalo. There were so many local flowers blooming and the plants were so green from all the rain we had been having. The water was light blue and the white sand was soft between our toes. I could have spent the day there, but we had other adventures to be had.

By 11:00am we had worked up enough appetite for nachos #2 of the day. We found a place open in Kaneohe called Chile Relleno. Since I had never been there, I had no idea what we were in store for. The restaurant is super cute with an earthy and woody Mexican decor. We immediately got a table and ordered one plate of shredded beef nachos to share. When the nachos came out, they looked amazing with lots of fresh cheese melted all over the top. Were we hungry enough to eat this big plate? Are we going to be able to accomplish our goal of 5 nachos if we are already almost full at 2?

Nachos ($13.95) - Freshly made corn tortilla chips, refried or black beans, with your choice of shredded chicken, shredded beef or ground beef, salsa fresca, black olives and mexican blended cheese. Topped with fresh guacamole and sour cream.

Leah (4) - PRESENTATION: melted cheese, refried beans, sliced olives, guac & sour cream, shredded beef. RAD: Tasty! LAME: No margs, soggy chips. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 2:1, more toppings than chips. Nice, comfortable atmosphere, good service.

Shananigans (4.25) - PRESENTATION: real melted cheese and lots of it, smothering everything on the plate, definitely can tell these are baked which are my favorite style. RAD: so cheesy, olives, simple and basic but good flavors because they are fresh. LAME: No margaritas! Needs some spice. The chips are smothered in cheese so they get real soggy real fast from the melty cheese blanket holding in the moisture of the refried beans. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 4.25, all the chips had toppings. Cute atmosphere. I like that you can see the chefs making the food.

Carly (5) - PRESENTATION: Looks like a dream. RAD: Well covered in cheese. LAME: A teeny liquidy at the base. TOPPING TO CHIP RATIO: 5. Excellent service, friendly waitress.

Diamond Head lookout where the water was so calm and flat we easily spotted turtles within a minute!

Next stop, Spitting Caves on the most calm day I have ever seen. The water was so calm and clear you could see the rocks under the water that is usually covered by choppy waves. We saw turtles and a bunch of whales, even a full whale tail fin slap!

Diamond Head in the distance

Spitting Caves

Nacho BFFs

Eternity Beach, nick-named for the movie From Here to Eternity filmed here back in 1953. One of the first iconic love scenes was filmed with the actors rolling around right down on that little beach.