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The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is the youngest and largest in the Hawaiian chain. Its sister islands include Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. As a result, Hawai’i is a melting pot of cultures and peoples. This blending is most evident in the island’s greeting of Aloha and the island’s multi-faceted cuisine.
The serene island giant features breathtaking black, green, and white sand beaches, dense tropical rainforests, and two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. There is enough activity for any visitor to work up an appetite. They stand vigilantly as many visitors snorkel, scuba dive, and surf their waters near Hapuna Beach and Kahalu’u Beach.
Japanese and American culinary influences abound in the Big Island’s local flavors. Poke is a popular daily island dish, as is Loco Moco, Huli Huli chicken, and Lau Lau pulled pork. While many Big Island restaurants look for creative nuances, the contemporary dishes are rooted in Hawaii’s favorite foods. Here are some of our top suggestions for the best eating on the Big Island.
1. Merriman’s
- 65-1227 Opelo Road, Waimea
- https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/waimea/
- $$$
One of the best Big Island restaurants, Merriman’s, is a chef-centric favorite known for its locally sourced creation by famed Chef Peter Merriman. This Big Island institution is located inland in Waimea.
The elegant beach atmosphere of Merriman’s complements the delicious lunch and Sunday brunch. The evening meal is a chef’s choice, Pris Fix Menu. It is consistently named on the “best eatery list” on the Big Island of Hawaii.
2. Huggo’s
- 5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Road, Kailua-Kona
- https://huggos.com/
- $$$
Huggo’s combines casual but elegant dining with breathtaking views of the Kona Coast. Choose between the upscale sea-to-plate dinner menu or the small plate menu in the “hBar.” Huggo’s is a beachfront favorite boasting handcrafted cocktails and a cool Kona lounge vibe. Evenings at Huggo’s include local live music for the perfect Big Island dining experience.
3. Roy’s Waikoloa
- 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive., Waikoloa Village
- https://www.royyamaguchi.com/roys-waikoloa-big-island
- $$
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill, led by notable James Beard Award-Winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi, serves Hawaiian- infused fare in a contemporary setting. The Euro-Asian influences, farm-to-table ingredients, and an impressive wine list redefine the evening meal. Located near the historic King’s Trail with visible lava fields and unique rock art, Roy’s Waikoloa overlooks the King’s Course Fairway and Lake.
Whether you are craving perfectly prepared Surf and Turf lobster tails, Misoyaki Butterfish, or Chef Roy’s Meatloaf, this Waikoloa restaurant is a must-try.
4. Cipriano’s Kitchen Kawaihae
- 61-3642 Kawaihae Road, Waimea
- http://ciprianoskitchenhawaii.com/
- $$
If you are craving a bit of Italian food while on the island, then Cipriano’s Kitchen Kawaihae is a perfect choice. A local favorite, Cipriano’s Kitchen Kawaihae, is located off of Kawaihae Harbor on the northwestern shore of the Big Island.
This trendy upscale eatery for breakfast and lunch fuses Italian and Peruvian flair. Combine these tastes with locally sourced ingredients, and you have amazing signature dishes, such as the signature Kale Ravioli with Lobster or the Kauai Shrimp Pasta. All are served in a lively, open-air cafe.
5. Da Poke Shack
- 76-6246 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona
- http://dapokeshack.com/
- $
Da Poke Shack is a beach joint specializing in seafood poke. You know you’re getting authentic poke when the menu is offered in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, three of the most discerning raw fish cultures.
Casual, affordable takeout with your choice of locally sourced ahi-yellowfin tuna, shrimp, tako, and taegu. Da Poke Shack is also known for pulled pork, traditionally prepared Hawaiian style Lau Lau or Kalua. For the health minded, a vegetarian poke bowl with gluten-free choices is also on the menu. Located in Kona Bali Kai and open daily, Da Poke Shack is a great stop for a fresh lunch.
For a local fresh fish fix, The Poke Shake doesn’t disappoint. Come with an empty stomach and leave full of the Big Island’s freshest catch traditionally seasoned with salt, limu kohu (seaweed), Inamona (roasted kukui nut).
6. The Fish And The Hog
- 64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Waimea
- https://www.orderfishandthehog.com/
- $$
The Fish and the Hog, known by the locals as the Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill, is an island favorite set in a historic building on the northern point. It is well-known on the island for its delicious, slow-cooked, mouth-watering Southern-style BBQ.
While the exterior may have you passing by without a second look, you’ll know it by the wafting smells of sow cooked succulent BBQ. This laid-back cafe serves moderately priced, sustainably sourced fresh island fish, brisket burgers, fish tacos, and homemade desserts in a casual setting.
For dessert, don’t miss the local fruit inspired Lilikoi Cheesecake, baked fresh in house. There are limited quantities so arriving early is the only way to grab a slice.
7. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
- 332 Keawe Street, Hilo
- https://www.pineappleshilo.net/
- $$
Located in downtown Hilo near Papaikou and the Hilo Farmers Market, this trendy, Big Island restaurant features upscale New American dishes with an island twist. Set on the Hilo Bayfront Beach Park, this is the spot to go to for a lunch time surf break or after sunset “ono grinds.”
This open air eatery is perfect to dip into specialties that include Kabocha Pumpkin Curry, Teriyaki Kalabi Ribs, with Sweet Potato Fries. The Catch of Day is also a safe bet when the source of seafood is just steps away from the door.
Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine is a great place to meet friends for happy hour as the tropical handcrafted cocktails are a local favorite. The Kalapana Sweet Tea cocktail is infused with Two Queens Honey direct from a local farm.
8. Manta
- 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela
- https://www.maunakearesort.com/dine/signature/manta
- $$$
Manta, located in the Mauna Kea Resort, is an upscale, elegant beach restaurant offering Hawaiian cuisine and contemporary American dishes. Chef Ryan Brannigan helms this locally popular eatery. And the sustainably sourced, iconic dishes and spectacular views overlooking Kauna’oa Bay will provide the perfect meal.
Popular with the locals for its breakfast buffet, the hidden gem of this restaurant is one of Manta’s signature dinner entrees – the tender, macadamia nut-encrusted Mahi Mahi. And the award-winning wine list complements the menu with a soft jazz trio adding to the experience.
Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this is one of the best Big Island restaurants. One or two cats may be roaming the grounds in the open-air eatery.
9. Canoe House
- 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Kamuela
- https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dining/
- $$
Canoe House, Mauna Lani’s storied oceanfront restaurant of the Auberge Resorts, is led by Executive Chef Matt Raso.
Excellently crafted, island-inspired Japanese cuisine celebrates Hawaii’s connection between land and sea with locally raised abalone and fresh opakapaka, snapper, Kahuku Corn Ribs, and tart poha berries. Enjoy stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean in this contemporary upscale Big Island restaurant under the glow of tiki torches.
10. Brown’s Beach House
- 1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast
- https://www.brownsbeachhouse.com/
- $$$$
The Brown’s Beach House restaurant is one of the best restaurants on the Big Island, with unparalleled Hawaiian cuisine and breathtaking panoramic Pacific Ocean views overlooking Pauoa Bay. Located at The Fairmont Orchid, guests peacefully dine under the stars and a canopy of swaying palms.
The AAA Four Diamond Brown’s Beach House defines the island’s fine dining experience. Pan-culture-inspired cuisine that is sustainably sourced. The chef incorporates Hawaiian flare in award-winning dishes such as the coconut red curry lobster bisque appetizer or the five-spice duck breast spiced with pineapple rum sauce and Molokai sweet potatoes plated entree.
A select wine list complements the menu. And a separate vegan menu is available. Brown’s Beach House is only open for dinner, with reservations very much required
11. ULU Ocean Grill
- 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Ka’upulehu, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/restaurants/ulu_ocean_grill/
- $$$
This upscale eatery is located in the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, on the Big Island’s western shore. The ULU Ocean Grill offers a creatively Pacific-Rim-inspired restaurant created from island-sourced ingredients from over 160 local farms. ULU serves al la carte breakfast and beach-elegant dinner indoors or on the beach’s grassy knoll.
One of the signature dishes, the Charcoal BBQ Octopus with Cucumber Namasau, combines flavors that are unique to island tradition. And the adjacent ULU Sushi and Sake Lounge incorporates the tastes of Asia with breathtaking vistas and a perfect spot for evening cocktails at sunset.
However, if you are looking for an up beach casual bar, the adjacent Beach Tree Bar is well-loved for tropical cocktails and a sea-to-table lunch.
12. Jackie Ray’s Ohana Grill
- 75-5995 Kuakini Highway, Suite 1, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.jackiereys.com/
- $$$
Jackie Ray’s Ohana Grill has two locations. The original restaurant is located near Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort. The second is in the historic Kaikodo Building in downtown Hilo, near Hilo Bay. Both Jackie Ray’s Ohana Grill locations are chef-driven and perfect for fresh seafood.
Both casual eateries are open for cocktails and a superb Hawaiian-influenced dinner. Jackie Ray’st is a local favorite with a range of pupus and creative signature dishes such as the Machico Encrusted catch of the day. All are locally sourced for a consistently excellent meal.
13. Hualalai Grille
- 72-100 Kaupulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/dining/restaurants/hualalai_grille/
- $$$$
The Hualalai Grille is another of the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s finest restaurants, located just on the edge of the Pu’u Wa’aWa’a National Preserve. This beach-casual, open-air chophouse overlooks the 18th green.
Styled as an intimate American steakhouse with an island flare, the Hualalai Grille is open for dinner service and drinks at the bar and specializes in grass-fed beef. Chef-led, the signature dishes include Chateaubriand and Grilled Tempeh, complemented by a lively and impressive wine list. For an upscale dining experience that will not disappoint, the Hualalai Grille is a must.
14. Halani
- 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, Waimea
- https://aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dine/halani/
- $$
Located in the upscale Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, the contemporary, moderately priced Halani celebrates the Kohala Coast. From breakfast to dinner, Halani nourishes the body and soul.
Their commitment to source ingredients from local fishermen and farms makes all the difference in main course quality. Everything is served family-style, from locally-sourced tropical fruits to the expertly prepared fresh catch of the day.
Reserve your breakfast hour for their Big Island Benedict and Bacon Jalepeno Cheese Scone. Fresh pressed juices in local tropical flavors make the perfect addition to a light lunch of Pineapple Jalapeno Fish Tacos. Dinner is made just right with a selection of Lobster Mac and Cheese or Hamakua Wood Fired Pizza.
15. Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai
- 78-6831 Ali’i Drive #1000, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.samchoyskailanai.com/
- $$
Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai is a popular Big Island restaurant that offers panoramic views of the ocean and island. With Native Islander and celebrity Chef Sam Choy who is considered the culinary ambassador of the Big Island. With a master at the helm, you can’t go wrong at this affordable eatery which offers delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
You can taste the aloha welcome in this eatery’s use of meat and organic vegetables sourced from local farms. Classic favorites are the Big Island Poke Wrap, Ahi Caprese Salad, and Asian Braised Short Ribs which all come up big in representing the local flavors.
Kai Lanai also makes the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink. Grab a handcrafted cocktail and sit near the open fire pits on the patio.
16. Kona Brewing Company Brewpub
- 74-5612 Pawai Place, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.konabrewinghawaii.com/come-visit
- $$
The Kona Brewpub is one of the more interesting of the Big Island restaurants. Moderately priced and a companion to the Kona Brewing Company, this casual, rustic pub serves deliciously prepared hand-tossed pizza and pork tacos. The vegetarian in the group can opt for the fantastic chickpea burger. Dishes can be paired with the perfect Kona brew to highlight the meal.
17. Island Fish & Chips
- 69-250 Waikoloa Beach Drive # D3, Waikoloa Village
- https://www.islandfishandchipshawaii.com/
- $$
This reasonably priced restaurant with a walk-up stand may be small but it is big in flavor. A Hawaiian style fish taco just isn’t complete without a side of Pineapple Coleslaw. They do dip a toe into other flavors with their CAjun Style Fish Sandwich which is definitely worth a try.
Island Fish and Chips is consistently one of the best-rated restaurants on the Big Island. Located deep inside the King’s Shops at Waikoloa, Island Fish and Chips is locally owned and specializes in fried seafood. Their fish and chips are some of the crispiest outside Surrey, and their flaky fish tacos are worth the trip.
18. Cafe 100
- 969 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo
- https://cafe100.com/the-loco-moco/
- $$
Cafe 100 serves good, inexpensive food in downtown Hilo. With a long history on the island, Cafe 100 was a tribute to the 100th Infantry Battalion led by Chef Richard Miyashiro. It opened in 1946, immediately after the end of WWII. It has been an island mainstay ever since.
Cafe 100 is a must-try restaurant. Highly affordable, this modern walk-up eatery is the home of the Hawaiian Loco Moco™ – rice topped by a hamburger patty and Hilo-style brown gravy, all topped with a sunny-side-up egg. Of course, Cafe 100 has roughly 30 variations on this island dish, but the classics are still the best. The menu also includes pupu platters and handmade burgers.
19. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
- 75-5595 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
- https://www.hawaiianbarbecue.com/
- $$
Even though L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a Hawaiian-themed franchise restaurant chain, its flagship location is in Honolulu, Hawaii. This affordable, dine-in, or drive-in Hawaiian influenced plate lunch spot highlights the popularity and importance of Hawaiian barbeque.
Casual, simple surroundings are key at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. The basic meal here includes two scoops of rice, adding a side of macaroni salad, and enjoying a featured item ranging from marinated chicken to garlic shrimp. There is even an option for SPAM fans with the Saimin noodles.
20. Red Water Cafe
- 65-1299 Kawaihae Road, Waimea
- http://redwatercafe.com/
- $$
Led by beloved Chef David Abrahms, the award-winning Red Water Cafe in Waimea serves creative Pan-Pacific dishes. Set in an unassuming, rustic building, the Red Water Cafe is a must-try. The moderately priced menu merges complementary flavors and locally sourced catches of the day into culinary creations. There is also a full sushi menu that is nothing short of impressive.
For dessert, the Red Water Cafe, curated by the Hawaii Gourmet Society, is home to Red Water ® Hawaiian Chocolate.
The Big Island Has A Strong Culinary Tradition
The culinary scene on the Big Island does not disappoint in quality and freshness. An abundance of locally sourced fresh foods on land and in the surrounding waters combine with the tastes and spices of the varying cultures in Hawaii’s long Pan-Pacific history. If a food tour of Hawaii’s biggest island is on the agenda, you’ll need to book a homebase. This Polynesian paradise is not short on vacation home rentals that will keep you close to the eating action.
