Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

  • Hula Hulas

    Hilo

    With walls of glass overlooking the bay, this airy restaurant has a 'resort' atmosphere uncommon in Hilo. With two happy hours (3pm to 5pm and 8pm to 10pm…

  • Tin Shack Bakery

    Puna

    Where Puna gets its morning coffee and breakfast bagels. All of Puna. At the same time. Which makes for fascinating people-watching and startlingly…

  • Gill's Lanai

    North Kohala

    With its umbrella-shaded patio and tiny kitchen, this avocado-colored roadside cafe offers a beach vibe and unfairly good food, given Kapaʻau's small size…

  • Liko Lehua

    Hilo

    For well-prepared American classics, dine with local fans of this family-run (and family-friendly) restaurant. There's something for everyone, including…

  • Tuk Tuk Thai Truck

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Heaping piles of pad thai and a veritable river of savory curry pour out of this local's favorite lunch spot. The truck parks at Akatsuka Gardens except…

  • Ocean Sushi Deli

    Hilo

    For cheap sushi in a sit-down space, you'll do OK at this longtime joint. For variety, try the special rolls, such as Poke Macnut or the Banzai Natto with…

  • Low Store

    Hamakua Coast

    Tropical fruit stand. General store. Patio cafe. And oh so picturesque! The Low Store, on the northern end of the Pepe‘ekeo 4-Mile Scenic Drive, serves…

  • Manuela Malasada Co

    Kohala & Waimea

    Malasadas are a kind of Portuguese donut gone Hawaiian. Manuela Malasada Co is a food truck slinging some wonderful variations – stuffed with passion…

  • Hilo Bay Sugar Shack

    Hilo

    Wow, multicultural shave ice (called 'ice shave' on the Big Island)! Filipino 'halo halo' includes coconut milk, ube (purple yam) ice cream, agar jellies…

  • Honi Wai Cafe

    Puna

    Grab a fresh hot pastrami sandwich on your way through or enjoy the open dining area – a mix of contemporary chic and country cottage – while you sip a…

  • Kilauea Lodge Restaurant

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Volcano's venerable high-end kitchen puts out a locally sourced dinner menu offering an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, steak, pasta and continental…

  • Rebel Kitchen

    South Kona Coast

    There’s a sense of playful anarchy here, from the young counter staff to the punk and reggae coming out of the kitchen. You know what else comes out of…

  • Kinoʻole Farmers Market

    Hilo

    The low-key Kinoʻole farmers market is geared for locals, so don't expect the spectacle of the downtown market. The draw here? All produce and products…

  • Fresh Off the Grid

    North Kohala

    When you're done hiking in the Pololu Valley – or, y'know, if you're just driving and feeling kind of peckish – pop into this fruit stand, which serves…

  • One Aloha Shave Ice

    Kailua-Kona

    Head here for organic shaved ice, with flavors ranging from green tea to bubble gum to mango to li hing mui (sweet and salty plum). This shaved-ice spot…

  • Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill

    South Kohala

    Always ridiculously bustling and noisy, Roy's will either delight or disappoint. We suggest that you focus on the food and not the buzzy atmosphere. The…

  • Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

    Hilo

    If urban ambiance is a priority, you'll like Jackie Rey's, a 'night out' dining spot with chic interior, sweeping bar and somewhat overpriced menu. The…

  • Copper Bar

    South Kohala

    Hawi-born Rio Miceli cranks out eclectic, island-themed dishes at this spiffy restaurant, such as cold soba noodles with lobster, kalua pork flatbreads…

  • Tamari Japanese Lunch Shop

    Hilo

    Seeking value-priced, home-style Japanese takeout? This tidy little shop turns out yummy bento in three sizes, a welcome option for light eaters or kids…

  • Dragon Kitchen Sushi

    Hilo

    For fresh, inexpensive sushi to go, make a beeline to this nondescript counter near the downtown farmers market. Rolls and nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) are…

  • King's View Cafe

    North Kohala

    The King's View is a bit of a community fixture in North Kohala, offering hot subs, creative pizzas (rosemary garlic anyone?), omelets, burgers and plate…

  • Big Island Grill

    Kailua-Kona

    The grill serves gut-busting portions of Hawaiian soul food like plate lunches and loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with thick gravy)…

  • Foster's Kitchen

    Kailua-Kona

    In the midst of the booziest, cheesiest stretch of Aliʻi Dr, Foster's comes out with farm-to-table New American dishes – roast chicken, fresh salads,…

  • Ken's House of Pancakes

    Hilo

    There's something reassuring about a 24/7 old-fashioned diner with a mile-long menu. Established in the 1970s, this popular spot is known for friendly…

  • Café Pesto

    Hilo

    Café Pesto is a safe choice, whether for business lunches or dinner with your mother-in-law. Set in a handsome historic building downtown, the large…

  • Kaleo's Bar & Grill

    Puna

    Serving burgers and pasta and an array of island-fusion fare – such as tempura ahi (yellowfin tuna) roll, orzo pasta salad and coconut chicken curry – in…

  • Cafe il Mondo

    Hamakua Coast

    Honoka‘a's fanciest restaurant is this longtime Italian spot, specializing in thin-crust pizzas, pastas and enormous calzones packed to bursting point…

  • The Hub

    Puna

    From Tuesday to Thursday, you'll likely find tacos, hearty Hawaiian dishes and organic coffee (Helloo Sunshine Cafe, Pahoa's best!) served out of food…

  • Hawaiian Style Cafe

    Hilo

    Massive appetite? Unfazed by meat, gravy and fried food? If yes, we dare you to finish your order here. This island-style diner serves portions that could…

  • Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

    South Kohala

    Local celebrity chef DK Kodama is known for innovative, fusion Japanese cuisine, such as his signature flash-fried ahi roll, and an extensive wine list…

  • TJ'S BBQ By The Beach

    Kailua-Kona

    Located in Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace, TJ's does enormous, tasty slabs of ribs and other meaty favorites, smoked and slathered in sauce (lots of sauce; if…

  • Puka Puka Kitchen

    Hilo

    This little gem serves tasty Japanese-style mains, such as sautéed ahi (yellowfin tuna) and chicken katsu, with a fantastically fresh green salad. The…

  • Keʻei Café

    South Kona Coast

    Keʻei Cafe has carved a name for itself as a solid outpost of haute Hawaiian cuisine. Cracking peanut miso salad sets the stage for powerful mains like…

  • Sweet Potato Kitchen

    North Kohala

    This cozy kitchen serves heaping plates of vegetarian, gluten free and vegan fare, from congee (rice porridge) cooked with black rice, garlic and local…

  • Seaside Restaurant

    Hilo

    Set on a natural Hawaiian fishpond, this multigenerational family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh fish, from locally caught mahimahi to pan-size…

  • Cronies Bar & Grill

    Hilo

    Cronies has long attracted a diverse crowd, including families, for decent food, ample seating, multiple TVs and a great downtown location. The menu…

  • Queen's Court

    Hilo

    Willing to blow your budget on one meal? If – and only if – you can do 'all you can eat' justice, dig in at this longstanding hotel buffet. Don't expect…

  • South Kona Fruit Stand

    South Kona Coast

    Baskets overflow with everything from tart apple bananas to filling breadfruit, creamy abiu (sapote) and purple jaboticaba berries. Slurp a smoothie on…

  • Chaba

    North Kohala

    If you're in need of a Thai food fix in North Kohala, this roadside stall with outdoor bench seating is pretty much your only option. It's a good one as…

  • Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

    Kailua-Kona

    Jackie Rey's is a casual, family-owned grill with a delightfully retro-kitsch Hawaii vibe. Haute versions of local grinds include guava-glazed ribs,…

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