The 22 BEST Restaurants the Big Island Has for Every Foodie
The 22 BEST Restaurants the Big Island Has for Every Foodie
When it comes to things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, most visitors immediately think of hiking Kilauea, snorkeling with manta rays, or watching the sunrise from atop Mauna Kea, and rightly so. But the Big Island's culinary scene is a destination in itself, one that deserves a spot right at the top of your travel itinerary. From humble poke shacks where fishermen drop off their morning catch to oceanfront fine dining restaurants that rival the world's best, eating your way across this island is one of the most rewarding adventures you can have.
Whether you're staying at one of the island's celebrated Big Island hotels and resorts along the Kohala Coast or renting a bungalow in the rainforests of Puna, the food on this island will surprise, delight, and deeply satisfy you. The Big Island's unique combination of fertile volcanic soil, a thriving fishing culture, ranching heritage, and deep-rooted multicultural traditions (Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, and more) has created a food culture that is entirely its own. Hawaii Regional Cuisine, born right here on these islands in the early 1990s, celebrates local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, and the Big Island remains its spiritual home.
From the macadamia-crusted fresh fish of Waimea's farm-to-table stalwarts to the late-night sushi deals on the resort strip, from steaming plate lunches eaten at roadside picnic tables to candlelit dinners beside lava-rock shorelines, here are the 22 best restaurants the Big Island has to offer. Buckle up; you're going to be hungry!
1. Merriman's Waimea
Farm-to-Table Pioneer
Peter Merriman is widely credited as one of the founding fathers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his flagship restaurant in Waimea is the crown jewel of his empire. Nestled in the cool upcountry hills of Kamuela, Merriman's sources the vast majority of its ingredients directly from neighboring farms, you'll often see the names of local ranchers and growers printed right on the menu. The pan-seared ahi and Kahua Ranch lamb chops are legendary, and the rotating seasonal menu ensures every visit feels fresh. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
WHERE: 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: 808-885-6822
2. Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid
Oceanfront Fine Dining
For sheer romance and tropical elegance, few dining experiences on the Kohala Coast rival Brown's Beach House. Perched just steps from the water at the Fairmont Orchid, this open-air restaurant serves upscale Hawaiian cuisine as the sun melts into the Pacific. The grilled catch of the day (often ono or mahi-mahi sourced locally that morning) pairs beautifully with a glass from their extensive wine list. Live Hawaiian music drifts through the warm evening air. It's the kind of dinner that stays with you long after you've left the island.
WHERE: 1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: 808-885-2000
3. Lava Lava Beach Club
Barefoot Beach Vibes
If you want your feet in the sand and a tropical cocktail in hand, Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa is your happy place. This beloved open-air beachfront spot is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, tiki torches, and crowd-pleasing menu of fresh fish tacos, coconut shrimp, and island-style burgers. It's especially magical at sunset, when the sky turns shades of orange and purple over the water. Come casual, come hungry, and don't skip the Lava Lava Colada.
WHERE: 420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 | WHO: 808-241-5282
4. Da Poke Shack
Legendary Poke
No Big Island food guide is complete without a visit to Da Poke Shack in Kailua-Kona. This unassuming roadside spot has earned a cult following among locals and visitors alike for its outstanding, made-fresh-daily poke bowls. Choose from a rotating selection of marinated ahi, octopus (tako), spicy scallop, and more, then pile it high over rice or salad greens. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the flavors are absolutely unmatched. Lines can stretch out the door, it's worth every minute of the wait.
WHERE: 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | WHO: 808-329-7653
5. Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
Local Favorite in Kona
Jackie Rey's is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that earns its loyal following one meal at a time. Located in Kailua-Kona, this casual but polished eatery serves up creative Pacific Rim cuisine at reasonable prices. The macadamia nut-crusted fresh fish is a perennial bestseller, and the happy hour deals on pupus (appetizers) are some of the best on the island. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere and attentive service make it a place you'll want to return to night after night.
WHERE: 64 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: 808-961-2572
6. Moon & Turtle
Hilo’s Most Celebrated Hidden Gem
Tucked down an unassuming street in downtown Hilo, Moon and Turtle is the kind of restaurant that inspires visitors to plan entire trips around a reservation. This intimate, family-run Pacific Fusion spot seats only around 40 guests and operates on a daily changing menu built almost entirely from locally sourced ingredients; which means every visit is a genuinely new experience. Standout dishes include the smoky sashimi, sizzling poke, legendary mushroom risotto, and whatever the market fish happens to be that evening. The craft cocktails are inventive, the service is warm and attentive, and the prices are remarkably reasonable for the quality on the plate. Reservations are essential and worth every bit of the planning.
WHERE: 51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: 808-961-0599
7. Hilo Bay Café
Eclectic Gem on the Hilo Side
The rainy, lush east side of the Big Island doesn't always get the dining spotlight, but Hilo Bay Café is a true hidden gem. This stylish waterfront bistro offers an eclectic menu that ranges from Thai-spiced ahi spring rolls to herb-roasted chicken and handcrafted pastas. The gorgeous Hilo Bay views, thoughtful wine list, and warm service make it feel like a serious big-city restaurant transplanted into a small-town setting. It's a must-visit for anyone spending time exploring Hilo's farmers markets, waterfalls, and cultural sites.
WHERE: 123 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: 808-935-4939
8. Tex Drive In
Home of the Famous Malasada
You simply cannot leave the Big Island without biting into a warm, freshly fried malasada from Tex Drive In in Honoka'a. These Portuguese-style doughnuts (pillowy, golden, and dusted in sugar) have been a Big Island staple for decades. Tex Drive In offers both traditional plain malasadas and filled versions packed with haupia (coconut cream), guava, or taro. Stop here on your way to or from the stunning Waipio Valley, and load up on a bag to snack on during your scenic drive through the Hamakua Coast.
WHERE: 45-690 Pakalana St #19, Honokaa, HI 96727 | WHO: 808-775-0598
9. Café Pesto
Artisan Pizza and Island Flavors
With locations in both Hilo and Kawaihae Harbor, Café Pesto has been winning hearts with its creative fusion of Italian-inspired dishes and local Hawaiian ingredients since 1988. The wood-fired pizzas topped with kalua duck, smoked salmon, or fresh Big Island goat cheese are unlike anything you'll find on the mainland. Their fresh-baked focaccia, organic salads, and seasonal pasta dishes round out a menu that caters beautifully to both vegetarians and carnivores. The Hilo location, set in a gorgeous historic building, adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
WHERE: 308 Kamehameha Ave #101, Hilo, HI 96720 | WHO: 808-969-6640
10. Kaleo's Bar & Grill
Pahoa's Coolest Gathering Spot
In the funky, artsy town of Pahoa on the Puna Coast, Kaleo's Bar & Grill is the beating heart of the local social scene. This colorful, laid-back spot serves up everything from fresh fish and coconut curry to hearty burgers and local-style plate lunches. The outdoor lanai buzzes with live music on weekends, and the bartenders mix some mean tropical cocktails. It's the kind of place where locals and visitors mingle freely, and the aloha spirit feels completely authentic.
WHERE: 15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778 | WHO: 808-965-5600
11. KPC – Kamuela Provision Company
Sunsets and Steaks on the Kohala Coast
Perched high above Anaehoomalu Bay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, the Kamuela Provision Company is famous for two things: premium steaks and sunsets that will steal your breath away. This open-air restaurant is one of the most romantic on the island, with sweeping Pacific views that make every dinner feel cinematic. The menu features dry-aged local beef, fresh island fish, and a legendary chocolate lava cake that is absolutely non-negotiable for dessert. Book a table facing west and arrive a few minutes before the sun goes down.
WHERE: 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 | WHO: 808-886-1234
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12. Huggo’s Restaurant
Kona’s Iconic Waterfront Dining Since 1969
Few restaurants on the Big Island carry as much history and local pride as Huggo's in Kailua-Kona. Open since 1969, this beloved family-owned institution has built its reputation on one simple promise: serve the freshest fish possible, and serve it beautifully. Each morning, Huggo's maintains direct contact with local fishing boat captains to find out what has just been pulled from the water, and those catches land on the menu within hours. The signature teriyaki steak (unchanged since the restaurant first opened its doors) remains a menu icon decades later. Set on an open-air lanai literally inches above the waves of Kailua Bay, the oceanfront setting is as memorable as the food. Whether you order the macadamia nut-crusted fresh catch, the farm-raised Kona kanpachi, or a classic prime rib, every plate reflects a kitchen that genuinely cares about quality. A true Kona classic, and one of the most enduring dining institutions on the entire island.
WHERE: 5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | WHO: 808-329-1493
13. Bamboo Restaurant
Historic Plantation Charm in Hawi
Located in the charming North Kohala village of Hawi, Bamboo Restaurant occupies a beautifully restored 1920s plantation-era building that oozes old Hawaii atmosphere. The menu combines Hawaiian regional cuisine with Asian influences (think island-style curries, garlic shrimp, and creative preparations of local fish) all served amid vintage plantation decor, antique Hawaiian artwork, and the occasional live Hawaiian music performance. It's a beloved institution that captures the soul of the Big Island's history and agricultural roots.
WHERE: 55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719 | WHO: 808-889-5555
14. Broke Da Mouth Grindz
Local Cult Favorite for Filipino-Hawaiian Comfort Food
In Hawaiian Pidgin, "broke da mouth" describes food so incredibly good that you stop talking and just eat - and this Kailua-Kona institution lives up to its name completely. Tucked into a neighborhood shopping center a short drive from Ali'i Drive, Broke Da Mouth Grindz has earned a devoted following by merging Filipino, Hawaiian, and Korean flavors into generous, boldly seasoned plates that hit every comfort food note imaginable. The garlic furikake chicken is the undisputed star; a crispy, umami-packed showstopper that even caught the attention of Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Beyond that, the braised short ribs, spicy garlic shrimp, kalua pork, and kimchee fried rice are all outstanding. Portions are enormous, prices are remarkably reasonable, and the casual, welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like a local. It's tucked away enough that many tourists miss it entirely; which means more for those in the know.
WHERE: 74-5565 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | WHO: 808-327-1499
15. Harbor House
Authentic Kona Waterfront Eats
Tucked into the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor just north of Kailua-Kona, Harbor House is the kind of no-frills waterfront spot that locals love and visitors stumble upon with delight. The menu is simple and focused: fresh fish and chips, fish tacos, garlic shrimp plates, and daily specials pulled straight off local fishing boats. Eat at a picnic table overlooking the harbor while watching outrigger canoe paddlers and charter fishing boats come and go. It's unpretentious, affordable, and absolutely delicious.
WHERE: 74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy #4, Kaiminani, HI 96740 | WHO: 808-326-4166
16. CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani
Iconic Oceanfront Fine Dining
The CanoeHouse at the Auberge Resorts' Mauna Lani is one of the most storied restaurants on the Kohala Coast, and its recent renovation has elevated it to new heights. The iconic open-air dining room sits cantilevered over a natural lava shoreline, offering jaw-dropping Pacific views at every seat. Executive Chef Matt Jacobson weaves indigenous Hawaiian ingredients and global techniques into a menu that feels genuinely rooted in place. The Japanese A5 wagyu and whole-roasted local fish are standout dishes on a menu full of them.
WHERE: 68-1400, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: 808-885-6622
17. Teshima's Restaurant
Old-School Japanese Comfort Food
Teshima's in Honalo has been serving no-nonsense Japanese comfort food since 1929, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on the island. The menu of miso soup, sashimi, chicken katsu, and hearty teishoku set meals hasn't changed much over the decades, and that's precisely the point. Three generations of the Teshima family have kept this beloved institution running with pride. Step inside and you're stepping back into a simpler, more enduring version of Big Island life.
WHERE: 79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750 | WHO: 808-322-9140
18. Punaluu Bake Shop
Sweet Bread and Iconic Stops
No road trip along the southern stretch of the Big Island is complete without a stop at the Punaluu Bake Shop, the self-proclaimed southernmost bakery in the United States. Famous for its impossibly soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas, this roadside institution draws buses of visitors and savvy locals alike. Grab a loaf of taro or guava bread, a box of fresh pastries, and a cup of Kona coffee before continuing your drive toward the dramatic black sand beaches of Punaluu.
WHERE: 79-7251 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750 | WHO: 808-322-9140
19. Umeke's Fish Market Bar & Grill
Fresh Poke and Local Plates
Umeke's has grown from a humble Kona fish market into one of the most celebrated casual dining spots on the island, and for good reason. Their poke (ahi, salmon, spicy tako, and more) is consistently ranked among the best on the Big Island, made fresh daily with quality fish and house-made marinades. Beyond poke, their plate lunches featuring grilled mahi-mahi, garlic shrimp, and loco moco are hearty, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Multiple locations make it easy to fit into any itinerary.
WHERE: 74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 | WHO: 808-238-0571
20. Café Il Mondo
European Flair in Kailua-Kona
If you're craving something a little different from the parade of Pacific Rim flavors, Café Il Mondo delivers a welcome slice of European charm right in downtown Kailua-Kona. This intimate Italian-inspired café serves wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh salads using quality local ingredients alongside imported Italian staples. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, the service is warm, and the outdoor courtyard seating creates a lovely alfresco atmosphere. It's a popular spot for a romantic dinner away from the resort scene.
WHERE: 45-3580 Mamane St, Honokaa, HI 96727 | WHO: 808-775-7711
21. Meridia at the Westin Hapuna Beach
Poolside Dining with a View
Meridia at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is the ideal spot to combine a spectacular beach day with an equally spectacular meal. The restaurant's breezy open-air design frames one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii, and the menu delivers island-fresh flavors to match. Think paella with a Hawaiian twist, lamb rack with island vegetables, and craft cocktails featuring house-infused tropical spirits. It's elevated casual dining at its finest, and the view of Hapuna Beach stretching out below makes every bite taste better.
WHERE: 62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: 808-880-1111
22. The Fish & The Hog
Waimea’s BBQ and Fresh Fish Institution
Sitting along the Hawaii Belt Road in the upcountry ranching town of Waimea, The Fish and The Hog is one of those rare places where every single item on the menu is made completely from scratch and you can taste exactly that in every bite. The owners are fishermen themselves, which means the poke, fish tacos, and daily catch specials are pulled directly from their own boat and land on your plate with remarkable freshness. But the BBQ is what draws the crowds: low-and-slow smoked brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sausages, all cooked for hours and served with three signature house sauces including the legendary lilikoi gold, a passion fruit BBQ sauce that perfectly captures the flavors of the island. House-made cakes and pies round out a meal that feels like a backyard feast at a local family's home. No reservations, so arrive between 2 and 5 PM for the best chance at a table and when the brisket sells out, it's gone for the day.
WHERE: 64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743 | WHO: 808-885-6268
Taste the Aloha: A Big Island Dining Journey
The Big Island of Hawaii is many things; a land of fire and ice, of black sand beaches and snow-capped summits, of ancient sacred sites and cutting-edge astronomy. But it is also, quietly and deliciously, one of the greatest food destinations in the entire Pacific. The 22 restaurants on this list represent the full spectrum of what this extraordinary island has to offer: the poke shacks and plantation-era institutions, the barefoot beach bars and white-tablecloth oceanfront temples, the immigrant bakeries and the fine dining rooms where world-class chefs celebrate everything that makes this land so special.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning island devotee, eating well on the Big Island is never a challenge, it's a joy. Make reservations at the places that require them, arrive early at the spots with long lines, and leave room (always leave room) for malasadas and poke. The flavors you discover here will follow you home, and chances are, they'll bring you back.
For more guides to exploring the Big Island of Hawaii visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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