14 Best Places to Eat on the Big Island
The Big Island’s food scene is a wild ride of flavors that’ll make your stomach do a happy dance. We’ve done the hard work (and the eating) to bring you the ultimate list of the top munch-worthy destinations.
Loosen those belts; these spots are about to become your new favorite places. Warning: excessive drooling may occur!
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1. Foster’s Kitchen
Foster’s Kitchen is known for its fresh, locally-sourced dishes. This charming spot in Kailua-Kona offers made-from-scratch meals using top-quality ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring you always get the best flavors.
Try their popular Kalua pork sliders, Ahi stir fry or the catch of the day. Pair your meal with a refreshing lilikoi martini for a true taste of Hawaii. The restaurant’s commitment to quality shines through in every bite.
Insider Tip: Grab a seat on the lanai for stunning ocean views with your meal. Ask your server about the daily specials – they’re often hidden gems not listed on the regular menu.
2. Jackie Rey’s
With its cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes at Jackie Rey’s is a local favorite in Kailua-Kona. This local favorite serves up a delightful mix of fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.
Don’t miss their garlic shrimp and the nightly fish special – they’re absolutely divine! And save room for dessert, because their Kona coffee mud pie is legendary. The friendly staff and relaxed vibe will make you feel right at home.
Insider Tip: Swing by during happy hour for awesome deals on pupus and drinks. If you’re there on a Friday, you’re in for a treat with live music to accompany your meal.
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3. Kamana Kitchen
You’ll find a taste of India right in the heart of Kailua-Kona at Kamana Kitchen. This charming spot serves up mouthwatering curries, fluffy naan, and aromatic rice dishes.
Craving some butter chicken? Kamana’s version is pure heaven – creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Vegetarians, you’re in for a treat too! The palak paneer is a standout, with perfectly cooked spinach and chunks of paneer cheese.
Don’t forget to order some fresh-baked naan to soak up every last drop of sauce. And the best part? You won’t need to empty your wallet for this culinary adventure.
Insider Tip: Feel free to ask for your desired spice level – the kitchen is happy to tailor the heat to your taste. Can’t decide what to order? Go for the thali platter and sample a bit of everything!
4. Kona Brewing
Kona Brewing’s pub on the Big Island is the perfect spot to kick back with a cold one after a day of sun and surf.
Sip on their famous Longboard Lager or Big Wave Golden Ale while soaking in the chill island vibes. The pizza here is top-notch – crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. And don’t even get us started on those massive nachos!
The staff is super friendly, making you feel right at home. You can even take a brewery tour to see where the magic happens.
Insider Tip: Try their small-batch beers only available on-site – they’re a real treat for hop lovers!
5. Canoe House
You’re in for a treat at CanoeHouse, a stunning oceanfront restaurant at Mauna Lani. This place is the bee’s knees for fine dining on the Big Island.
Imagine savoring Japanese-inspired dishes while gazing at the Pacific. The menu celebrates Hawaii’s farmers and landscape, with seasonal ingredients taking center stage.
Open nightly from 5:30-9:30 PM, CanoeHouse has been a local favorite since 1989. It’s where friends and families gather for unforgettable meals and breathtaking sunsets.
Insider Tip: Book your table well in advance, especially if you want prime ocean views. Arrive early to catch the sunset – it’s a show you won’t want to miss!
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6. Manta
Manta is an oceanfront gem that serves up Pacific Rim cuisine with a side of breathtaking views. As you dine, you might spot graceful manta rays gliding through the waters below – talk about dinner and a show!
The seafood tower is a must-try, piled high with fresh catches. Don’t miss the miso-glazed butterfish – it’s so tender, it practically melts on your fork. Pair your meal with a selection from their impressive wine list.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for a pre-dinner drink at the bar and catch the stunning sunset. Ask your server about off-menu chef’s specials for truly unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
7. Merriman’s
Merriman’s is a farm-to-table pioneer that has been dishing up Hawaii Regional Cuisine since 1988. Chef Peter Merriman’s passion for local ingredients shines through in every bite.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can’t go wrong with the macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi or locally raised lamb. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a Merriman’s Mai Tai for a true taste of tropical paradise.
Set in upcountry Waimea, the restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with big windows showcasing the stunning surroundings. You’ll feel right at home in this upscale yet laid-back spot.
Insider Tip: Can’t snag a dinner reservation? Try lunch instead. It’s just as delicious and a bit easier on your wallet. Chat up your server for the inside scoop on local producers – they love sharing the stories behind each dish.
8. Cafe 100
You’ll love Cafe 100, a Hilo institution since 1949. This no-frills joint is the birthplace of the loco moco, a Hawaiian comfort food classic. A mound of rice topped with a juicy hamburger patty, fried egg, and savory gravy – it’s pure bliss on a plate!
Don’t miss the teri beef or saimin for a taste of local flavor. The menu’s massive, but stick to these tried-and-true favorites. You’ll be amazed at the wallet-friendly prices that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Insider Tip: Beat the lunch rush by arriving early. Feeling extra peckish? Order the “Sumo” loco moco – it’s enough to feed you and your whole crew.
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9. Moon and Turtle
You’ll love this hidden gem in downtown Hilo. Moon and Turtle serves up incredible dishes using fresh local ingredients. The menu changes daily, so you’re always in for a treat.
Try the kimchi fried rice – it’s a fan favorite. If you spot the smoked opah, grab it quick; the flavors will blow you away.
Insider Tip: Book ahead! This place is tiny and fills up fast. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the culinary magic happen right before your eyes.
10. Suisan Fish Market
Suisan Fish Market has been a Hilo gem since 1907. It’s where locals snag the freshest poke on the Big Island. The no-frills market serves up ahi and salmon poke that’s second to none.
Daily catches mean the selection’s always changing, keeping things exciting. Grab a poke bowl and head to nearby Liliuokalani Park for a scenic snack. It’s simple, authentic, and utterly delicious.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to snag the best flavors before they’re gone. Don’t be shy about asking for samples – the friendly staff will help you find your poke soulmate.
11. Big Island Grill
You’ll feel right at home at Big Island Grill, a local favorite that serves up generous portions of mouthwatering Hawaiian comfort food. The loco moco here is a must-try, piled high with savory goodness that’ll keep you fueled for island adventures.
Craving a taste of authentic Hawaii? The kalua pork melts in your mouth, capturing the essence of traditional island flavors. With a menu as vast as the Big Island itself, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot.
Insider Tip: Bring your appetite – the portions are huge! For a true local experience, give the oxtail soup a try. It’s a rich, flavorful dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
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12. Hilo Bay Cafe
Hilo Bay Cafe is known for its cool vibe and killer views. This hot spot dishes up modern Hawaiian eats. Dive into the ahi poke nachos – they’re a total crowd-pleaser. For your main, the macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi is a must-try.
Don’t forget to sip on one of their creative cocktails. They’re whipped up with local fruits and spirits that’ll transport you straight to flavor town. The lanai is where it’s at for the best bay views, especially when the sun’s setting.
Insider Tip: Save room for dessert; the lilikoi cheesecake is a slice of tropical heaven you won’t want to miss.
13. Big Island Brewhaus
Ready for some seriously tasty brews? Head to Big Island Brewhaus in Waimea. This cool spot crafts award-winning beers that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Try the smooth White Mountain Porter or go bold with the Overboard IPA. Can’t decide? Grab a tasting flight to sample their liquid gold.
The food here is just as good as the beer. Dig into crispy beer-battered fish and chips or munch on mouthwatering kalua pork nachos.
Insider Tip: Take a brewery tour to see how the magic happens. You’ll learn about the beer-making process and get to taste some samples along the way.
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14. ‘Ulu
‘Ulu at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a Pacific Rim culinary paradise. You’ll be dazzled by the oceanfront views and farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the Big Island’s finest ingredients.
The menu is a love letter to Hawaii’s flavors. Sink your teeth into the tableside ahi poke or savor the decadent lobster risotto. With over 160 local farms supplying ingredients, you’re in for a true taste of the island.
Pair your meal with a selection from the impressive wine list. The knowledgeable sommelier will guide you to the perfect pour.
Insider Tip: Book your table well in advance for a prime sunset spot. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for the chef’s tasting menu – it’s a flavor-packed journey through Hawaii’s culinary landscape.
