Hilo
For the perfect lunch to go, customize a bowl of fresh poke on rice or greens, with two signature sides (mashed purple sweet potato is a winner). Healthy…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hilo
Don't be paralyzed by the vast selection at this busy okazu-ya (Japanese deli). Favorites include nori-wrapped chicken, corned beef hash patties,…
Hilo
On any given day, Pineapples' open-air dining room is hopping with a convivial crowd, predominantly tourists. The food features island-inspired…
Hilo
Imagine an Irish pub that expanded its burger menu 10 times. That's Hilo Burger Joint, a former pub now offering over 20 types of Big Island beef burgers,…
Kohala & Waimea
Kevin Cabrera's mission is to bring fresh, artisan bread to the people of the Big Island. Rustic boules and flour-dusted loaves of all sorts – triple-oat…
South Kohala
At the breezy beachside Hau Tree, you'll find casual dining and outdoor dress codes, all overlooking the deep blue Pacific. The solid if not super…
Hilo
For inexpensive sushi in a cozy setting, this hole-in-the-wall is sure to please. Order rolls and nigiri sushi à la carte or in generous combos (up to 30…
Kailua-Kona
Run by a friendly Thai family, this place does a mean line of Thai classics (as the name implies), including the standard rainbow of curries. There's a…
Kohala & Waimea
This cheery cafe serves healthy, innovative food such as a breakfast burrito with eggs, tofu and sweet red pepper, and a hearty vegetable lasagne. Drink…
Hilo
Located downtown, Abundant Life opened in 1977 when only hippies in Hilo ate 'health food.' Like all health-food stores predating Whole Foods, it's…
Hilo
Large appetites will find satisfaction at this no-frills diner specializing in local favorites: taro corned-beef hash, oxtail soup, fried-rice loco moco…
Hamakua Coast
Specializing in waffle 'sandwiches' and inventive acai bowls, ranging from healthy to decadent, this tiny cafe is popular for light bites and takeout …
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
A Mexican joint in the same building as the famed Hona Hou diner, serving up tacos, burritos, nachos and taco salads. Pick your protein (pork, chicken,…
Hilo
An unhip fixture downtown, this coffee shop has an old-school vibe (and teddy bears lining the walls). It's a laid-back spot for a cuppa joe and…
Hamakua Coast
Experience a plantation-era general store, with freshly cooked plate lunches and a vast selection of local snacks, such as 'seed' (salty-sweet-sour…
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
Hilo
If Lisa Frank did fruity 'health' food, it would look like the rainbow of concoctions served here. Think technicolor smoothies and giant bowls of fruit…
Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
Kohala & Waimea
This market, spread out on a grassy field, has a scruffy, local feel. It offers fruits and vegetables, eggs, preserves, flowers, meats, cheeses, tea,…
Hilo
Strange but true: an impeccable European-style bakery is plopped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pastry chef Jackie Tan-DeWitt specializes in classic…
Hamakua Coast
Honokaʻa's oldest restaurant, a cozy go-to spot for wholesome eats, from taro pancakes to an open-faced spicy turkey melt. A kids' menu, biodegradable…
Hilo
Go beyond mustard and relish at this indie hot dog shop. The Mac Attack is smothered in bacon and house-made mac and cheese, while the Kalua Pork Dog is…
Hamakua Coast
Check out the staggering selection of homemade preserves featuring local fruit ($8.50 per jar). Liliko‘i (passion fruit) is a classic. Low-sugar and sugar…
Hilo
Stand in line (the earlier the better) with the local crowd to fill a box with freshly cooked okazu-ya (Japanese deli) food. Don't miss the maki sushi,…
North Kohala
A comfy place to hang out and treat yourself to muffins, fresh-brewed Kona coffee and heavenly Tropical Dreams ice cream. For breakfast, the bagels,…
Hilo
This steak, seafood and pasta restaurant will suit those hankering for familiar American food with an island twist. More mainstream than cutting edge,…
South Kona Coast
Menehune, named for Hawaii's legendary little people, makes some fine coffee and dishes out a great range of burgers, fish and chips, sandwiches and other…
Kohala & Waimea
This midweek market offers goodies including local organic produce, honey, handmade soaps, hot-plate lunches and live paniolo music. Before browsing,…
North Kohala
This little market is the place to come for fresh fruits, cold drinks, and a nice fridge full of ice cream and popsicles. There's a slew of jams, honey,…
Kona Coast
Brewing 100% Kona estate-grown coffee and Illy espresso, this cafe with Euro-bistro style also dishes up sweet and savory French crepes, plus satisfying…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
The pizza is only above-average, however, the gluten-free crust and vegan meatball sandwich are a welcome find in the area. Come here to satisfy your…
Hamakua Coast
A good bet for solid gourmet sandwiches (Applewood smoked bacon BLT on local jalapeño cheese bread, portobello on focaccia with local goat cheese etc)…
Hamakua Coast
This smallish supermarket is the biggest between Hilo and Waimea. Find all the essentials, plus a local-style deli with poke (marinated raw fish), takeout…
Kailua-Kona
Shave ice is piled up here in huge, psychedelic-colored mounds that are as big as your head. Dither over a rainbow variety of toppings, from condensed…
Hamakua Coast
A fudge shop turned cafe, this pleasant (and enticingly fragrant) spot satisfies a variety of cravings: sandwiches, salads, ice cream, shave ice and…
Puna
Reliable, above-average Thai food with an emphasis on local, organic ingredients. The green curry is usually top notch, as is the authentic green papaya…
Kailua-Kona
Kamana is a fine choice for Indian food way out here in the islands, with a deep menu that caters to carnivores (chicken vindaloo) and vegetarians …
South Kona Coast
Thin crust and zesty sauce makes us happy travelers. Claims to authentic NYC pizza are only slightly exaggerated at this native NYer's kitchen, just south…
Kohala & Waimea
This weekly farmers market offers hand-crafted goods, fresh local produce and original art. Held at the Paniolo Heritage Center.
Kohala & Waimea
This casual eatery serves reliably creative, tasty and healthful salads, sandwiches, pastas and more than a dozen crisp, thin-crust pizzas.
Puna
Find organic produce, healthy sandwiches, hot mains and the local nouveau hippie crowd.
