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Kona Abalone is among the most popular vendors at the Saturday morning Farmers Market at Kapiolani Community College, where chowhounds find the succulent, lightly salted pieces of grilled, locally raised abalone worth a wait in line.
Those who could never make it to the market early enough to enjoy the abalone don’t have to worry about setting their alarm clock. Kona Abalone has opened a flagship store at the Makai Market Food Court at Ala Moana Center.
The shop, at the Diamond Head end of the food court, offers bento boxes of grilled abalone at prices ranging from $10 to $15 depending on the abalone’s size and numbers. For example, one large abalone is $10, two medium size is $11, three smalls are $11 and a pack with three large runs $15.
The store also offers canned and vacuum-packed abalone for made-in-Hawaii omiyage.
If you’re wondering how they can keep up with demand, The Big Island Abalone Corp. maintains an inventory of more than 4 million Ezo (Northern Japanese) abalone on its 10-acre site, where they thrive on a diet of proprietary red algae that boosts their health and flavor.
Open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, except center holidays. Call 941-4120 or visit www.bigislandabalone.com.
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