Hawaii’s Big Island: Discover 31 Must-Try Eateries

Hawaii’s Big Island offers a diverse culinary landscape, from fresh, farm-to-table creations to casual local eateries and sweet treats. I’ve explored many of these spots, seeking out flavors that capture the essence of the islands.

Dining Highlights

When I visit the Big Island, I always make time for Merriman’s in Waimea. It’s a bit of a drive from some of the resort areas, but the dedication to local ingredients is truly impressive. The menu feels like a love letter to Hawaiian regional cuisine, showcasing produce sourced from within a close radius. I find myself eyeing almost everything on the menu, and the option to enjoy a duo of entrees is a smart way to sample more. It’s wise to book reservations in advance, as this popular spot fills up quickly.

For a more casual breakfast or coffee break, Arvo Cafe in Waimea is a favorite. After gaining popularity at its Honolulu location, it brought its charm to the Big Island. Their toasts are a standout, with options like a hearty avocado toast or a sweet combination of nuts and strawberries. The coffee is excellent, and I always enjoy browsing the adjacent Surf Camp shop.

If you find yourself in Hilo, a stop at Two Ladies Kitchen is a must for freshly made mochi. I wasn’t always a mochi fan until I tried their authentic versions. They offer a wide variety, from traditional styles to more modern twists. The strawberry mochi, with a whole fresh strawberry inside, is particularly famous, but I also enjoyed their brownie mochi. Be prepared for a potential wait for your order, especially during peak times, but the unique flavors are worth it.

Oceanfront Experiences

For a truly memorable dining experience with an incredible view, Manta at the Mauna Kea Hotel is a top recommendation. The setting itself is spectacular, with most tables offering a direct ocean vista. What makes it truly special is the hotel’s private manta ray viewing area nearby. It’s a chance to witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat without having to enter the water after dark. The food at Manta is inventive and fresh, with a focus on high-quality seafood. While the prices reflect the upscale atmosphere, the overall experience is often considered a highlight of a Big Island visit.

Another exceptional beachfront spot is Lava Lava Beach Club, located in Waikoloa Beach Resort. This place embodies the ideal tropical dining scene: open-air ambiance, good drinks, fresh seafood, and live music, all with sand between your toes. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a sunset on the Kona side of the island. Keep in mind that they operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take reservations.

Island Lava Java offers a more laid-back oceanfront dining option, especially suitable for breakfast. Its location in downtown Kona provides lovely sea views, making it a pleasant place to start the day. They also have a location in Waikoloa.

Brewery Vibes

Visiting the headquarters of Kona Brewing Co. is practically a rite of passage for beer enthusiasts. Located conveniently near downtown Kona, this popular brewery offers a full range of their craft beers on tap, along with solid food options. It’s a well-maintained facility with a gift shop, and they offer brewery tours that include tastings for those 21 and older. This is a great spot to get a feel for a local craft beer institution.

Exploring Specific Areas

Near Black and Green Sand Beaches

If your exploration takes you towards the southern tip of the island where the black and green sand beaches are found, Hana Hou in Na’alehu is a good stop for lunch. They offer plate lunch specials, burgers, and pizzas. It’s advisable to call ahead for pizzas due to their longer preparation time. Don’t miss their lilikoi lemonade. Note that they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Also in Na’alehu, Punalu’u Bake Shop is a charming spot to grab a sweet treat, especially their glazed lilikoi and chocolate malasadas. It’s also a convenient place to take a break, use facilities, and pick up small souvenirs or provisions.

Kona Ocean Views

For sunset views and cocktails in Kona, Huggo’s On the Rocks is a long-standing favorite. It shares an ownership with Lava Lava Beach Club, so you can expect a similar lively, relaxed atmosphere. Their kalua pork nachos are a popular choice. Foster’s Kitchen also provides excellent ocean and sunset views, particularly from its second-floor seating area, and offers a solid menu of food and drinks.

Hilo Dining

In Hilo, Pineapples is a vibrant restaurant in the historic downtown area, serving island-inspired cuisine. Trying one of their specialty tropical cocktails is recommended. Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is another casual option, popular with both locals and visitors for its seafood specials, pupus (appetizers), and happy hour deals.

For a trendier, more contemporary dining experience in Hilo, Moon and Turtle is highly regarded. This small Asian-Hawaiian fusion restaurant requires reservations and is often cited as a top Hilo dining destination.

Inside the National Park

The Rim at Volcano House offers dining with a view of the Kilauea caldera. While many opt for dinner to potentially see the crater’s glow after dark, breakfast here can be a pleasant way to warm up after an early sunrise visit. The breakfast buffet is decent, providing a convenient meal option within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

After Snorkeling Kealakekua Bay

Teshima’s Restaurant, a Kona institution since 1929, serves traditional Japanese comfort food. It’s a beloved local spot that’s also very welcoming to visitors. If you’re new to this type of cuisine, the staff are friendly and can offer recommendations; chicken katsu is often a good starting point for Americans unfamiliar with Japanese dishes. Be prepared for a potential wait during lunch hours, as they have an efficient system.

Rebel Kitchen offers a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating and an innovative menu that blends Hawaiian flavors with Southern comfort food. Manago Hotel Restaurant provides a local, affordable dining experience with a distinct Hawaiian ambiance. For authentic Hawaiian food, especially laulau, Ka’aloa’s Super J’s, located south of Kona near Captain Cook, is a recommended stop.

Kohala Coast Dining (Outside Resorts)

If you’re craving Italian food while on the Kohala Coast, Pueo’s Osteria in Waikoloa Village is a great choice. The patio offers nice ocean and sunset views, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than many resort restaurants. The Radiatore ala Vodka with meatballs is a standout dish.

While not a tiki bar, Seafood Bar & Grill is noted for its offerings. For a more upscale resort dining experience, Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid offers romantic, open-air beachfront dining. ‘Ulu Ocean Grill at the Four Seasons Hualalai is another luxurious option known for its island-sourced ingredients and romantic setting.

Breakfast Spots

Ken’s House of Pancakes in Hilo is a long-standing establishment serving breakfast all day, with macadamia nut pancakes being a major draw. They also offer local favorites and a dinner menu. Hawaiian Style Café, with locations in Hilo and Waimea, serves both local and American classics for breakfast and lunch; it’s a good place to try a loco moco.

808 Grindz Café in Kona focuses on local Hawaiian favorites, with many items priced at $8.08 all day. It’s a straightforward spot to sample authentic island flavors.

Sweet Treats and Local Favorites

For freshly made malasadas, Tex Drive In, on the way to the north shore or Hilo, is a good stop. Their chocolate-filled malasadas are particularly popular.

Scandinavian Shave Ice in downtown Kona is often a contender for the best shave ice on the island, offering a refreshing treat on a warm day.

When it comes to fish and poke, Umeke’s Fish Market Bar & Grill is a well-regarded spot with a full seafood menu and a relaxed setting. For a more traditional Hawaiian-style poke experience, Da Poke Shack is a favorite for take-out meals perfect for enjoying by the beach. Pau Hana Poke is a newer option located near Costco in Kona.

Exploring the culinary offerings of the Big Island is a journey in itself, with each area providing unique flavors and dining experiences.