Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The whole community comes out to this weekly market to buy farm-fresh produce, flowers, local crafts and limited food (coffee, pastries, breakfast…
North Kohala
Pleasantly low-key, this owner-run cafe can be mixed with the service – sometimes it feels warm and friendly, sometimes you feel like you've interrupted…
North Kohala
There's a lot of focus on organic, healthy, gluten-free, name-your-food-trend dining in the Hawi and Kapaʻau area. Not at CSC – this place is all about…
Hilo
Hilo is a pretty chill spot, but Lucy's divides opinion. People either like the no-frills atmosphere and minimal service, or they find the laid-back…
Hilo
Hankering for Chipotle? Hilo's version of that semi-DIY menu is found here. In a bowl, wrap or tacos, pick your rice, veggies, protein, salsa and toppings…
Kona Coast
Sam Choy is one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, an island-grown version of Pacific Rim fusion. At this casual eatery with dynamite sunset…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
This roadhouse joint is nearly always jumping. Burgers aren't gourmet by any stretch but indeed decent while the stick-to-your-ribs menu of seafood and…
North Kohala
This local-favorite family restaurant serves generous, groaning portions of Hawaiian and American comfort food: burgers, sandwiches and plate lunches,…
Kona Coast
There aren't a ton of pizza places in Keauhou, which is a shame, as it's been scientifically proven that pizza is the most important food group in the…
Hilo
Hidden in a mall, Miwa is a low-key standby for Japanese cuisine and sushi. Sadly, the food is hit or miss (and rather pricey), so stick to the reliably…
North Kohala
Hawi folks and West Coast transplants (to be fair, there's a lot of overlap between those categories) love this little Mexican place, which is basically a…
Hilo
There's no need to dress up at this very casual restaurant geared for locals. Favorites on the lengthy, meat-heavy menu include the slow-roasted prime rib…
Kailua-Kona
Metal Mike, who seriously looks like he spent time as a roadie, runs this rock 'n' roll pretzel stand on a narrow alley by a parking lot just above Aliʻi…
South Kohala
The island of Hawaiʻi is famous for its beef and its ocean bounty; Mai wants to get it recognized for its bacon. And so the house-made coffee-cured bacon…
South Kona Coast
This roadside business dishes out fish and chips made with locally caught seafood species such as ono and mahimahi. It's decent enough, and pretty filling…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
The dishes served in this tiny and cute restaurant with world-class views are made-to-order with fresh ingredients, some of which are grown in the organic…
South Kohala
A pair of friendly brothers run this Hapuna Beach concession stand, which sells enormous fish tacos, burgers and other variations of food that all go down…
South Kona Coast
This clean, cozy cafe has a back porch for sitting, watching geckos and sipping strong Kona coffee while dining on salads, sandwiches, bagels, scrambles,…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
By the post office and an auto-parts store, this community grocery store sells hot food and sandwiches and a decent variety of goods and fresh produce,…
Kailua-Kona
Quinn's, while lacking a waterfront location (did you see the name of the place?), serves up some of the better fish and chips in Kailua-Kona. The…
Hilo
The Koji loco moco – with two homemade hamburger patties, teriyaki sauce and gravy, over-easy egg, Portuguese sausage, macaroni salad and kimchi – is the…
Hilo
Whether you're seeking locally inspired pastries, gourmet focaccia panini or a wedding cake made to order, this bakery-cafe is sure to please. We dare you…
Hilo
Come here for healthy Thai classics made with local produce, fresh chef-grown herbs and lots of veg options. The restaurant interior is pleasant enough,…
South Kona Coast
Barbecued ribs, pork and chicken are slowly cooked in the barrel smoker parked by Mile 106. Chow down at picnic tables out back, or for DIY surf-and-turf…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Fresh and hearty sandwiches, salads and grab-and-go wraps are served out of a small kitchen fronted by picnic tables serenaded by nonstop contemporary…
Kailua-Kona
Healthy, wholesome acai bowls bursting with tropical fruity goodness, granola, nuts, shredded coconut and even cacao nibs, along with fresh juice…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Slim pickings for groceries, but does decent sub sandwiches (from $7.45) and pizza to go (from $13; 3pm to 6:30pm – call ahead for pickup). ATM and gas as…
Hilo
Reuben's does strictly 'OK' Mexican food. It may not wow you, but neither will it disappoint, and when you're in need of a nice big burrito where you can…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
The pizza is just OK, but they do make filling sandwiches (we're partial to the French Dip), but the lack of ambiance makes this a place where you eat, or…
Puna
Of Keaʻau's three Asian-inspired restaurants, Spoonful has been consistently the most dependable. Serves standard Thai fare in a comfortable space set…
Hamakua Coast
Every village has its hangout spot, and in Honomu, this is it. Locally grown coffee (and chocolate), outdoor seating, tasty wraps, refreshing smoothies…
South Kohala
Located mauka (inland) of the highway in Waikoloa Village, this branch of the excellent KTA Super Stores is a full-service grocery store with deli, bakery…
Puna
Pahoa's biggest grocer is best for basics and known for its diverse and excellent poke (seasoned cubes of raw fish; $12 per lb) selection.
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
A small farmers market (Wednesday is bigger than Saturday) sets up in front of Ace Hardware twice weekly. Arts, crafts and limited produce.
South Kona Coast
South Kona's largest grocery store lets you stock up on beach picnic supplies. Also has a very good beer, wine and liquor selection.
Kailua-Kona
This health-conscious grocery store has a deli making sandwiches, wraps and salads to go, plus a hot-and-cold takeout bar.
Kona Coast
Locally owned supermarket chain stocking groceries, beach snacks and drinks, with a full-service deli and bakery.
Puna
A more subdued affair than the Wednesday night festivities at the same place. Stock up on local produce.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Basic groceries, camping supplies and a few grab-and-go items. Friendly staff and two gas pumps.
