Kohala & Waimea
Chef-owner Peter Merriman's Waimea namesake has long wowed diners with its creative use of organic, island-grown ingredients. Today there are four sister…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Kailua-Kona
Poke is a local specialty that blends ceviche and sushi: raw, marinated cubes of fish mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilies, seaweed and…well, really,…
North Kohala
This ever-popular sushi bar is famous all over the island for its fusion tropical rolls, which might include papaya, mac nuts, Fuji apple or goat cheese…
Hilo
This hole-in-the-wall is famous statewide for outstanding Japanese mochi (sticky rice cake) in both traditional and island-inspired flavors such as liliko…
Uncle Robert's Wednesday Night Market
Puna
The place to be on a Wednesday night is the late Uncle Robert's family compound where a significant percentage of the population turns out to live aloha…
Papa‘aloa Country Store & Cafe
Hamakua Coast
In the 'middle of nowhere,' this neat little market-cafe-restaurant serves delicious in-house baked pastries at their cafe, while the excellent restaurant…
South Kona Coast
The full name is 'Kaʻaloa's Super J's Hawaiian Food,' but everyone calls it Super J's. They also call it freakin' delicious. The laulau (pork, chicken or…
Hamakua Coast
A malasada is just a Madeiran-style Portuguese doughnut, but Tex is famous for serving them hot and fresh. They come plain or filled; either way, folks…
Hilo
With sweeping bay views and solid Hawaii Regional Cuisine, this casually sophisticated restaurant could be stuffy. But it's not. Here you'll find a…
South Kona Coast
Perched precariously next to the highway, the Shack is famous for insane views of Kealakekua Bay from its open-air deck. We can say, with no hyperbole,…
Puna
We're not sure if it serves anything besides fish'n'chips...we've never felt the need to ask. The battered and fried ono and mahimahi (and salmon, ahi or…
Hilo
An outstanding family-owned company, KTA's flagship store includes a bakery, pharmacy and sprawling deli. Don't miss the impressive selection of fresh…
South Kohala
Run by a former top resort chef, this hidden gem will satisfy your cravings for gourmet-rustic Italian fare: pizzas, pastas and classics, including a…
Hilo
This bustling market features wide-ranging fruits and veggies, plus takeout food and edible gifts. It's come a long way since opening in 1988 with four…
Hamakua Coast
The restaurant's storefront sign states 'Very homestyle cooking.' And it's true. Gramma's is your ticket for local, often Portugese-influenced dishes,…
Kailua-Kona
What happens when sandwich-loving owners from Louisiana and Arizona come together on the Big Island of Hawai'i? Pure delight on bread, from turkey Reubens…
Kailua-Kona
A favorite with the plate-lunch crowd, Broke Da Mouth lives up to its name via heaping portions of delicious garlic furikake chicken (try it 'hurricane…
Kailua-Kona
Inside a mini mall, wickedly fresh sushi and sashimi are complemented by a sake list that's as long as Honshu. Everything is good, but the grilled eel and…
Kohala & Waimea
Burger connoisseurs, prepare to be impressed. Big Island beef, veal and lamb burgers are juicy and tender, while vegetarian options (Waipiʻo Valley taro…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The better-than-average modern cuisine crafted from local ingredients may be overpriced for the quality, but you come here for the ambience. Call ahead to…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Finally, foodies have a reason to linger in Volcano. Combining local flavors with international flare, the daily-changing portions here may be small, but…
North Kohala
The ever-popular Bamboo offers interesting takes on old standbys, such as mahimahi on focaccia with shredded papaya. It shares space with a gallery and…
South Kohala
This cheerful spot is a favorite with tourists and locals, who snack on excellent coconut shrimp with ginger-guava sauce, ginger-crusted ahi with ponzu…
South Kohala
Since 1998, this shave-ice counter has delighted all comers with snowy shave ice and premium ice cream, which is perfect on a hot day, or following, say,…
South Kohala
Brown's remains a standout for those willing to pay top dollar for island cuisine. Expect gracious service and the finest local ingredients: the surf and…
Hilo
Imagine eating at a friend's home, if your friend were a gourmet chef. This six-person eatery is that small and that special. Paul serves exquisite…
Hilo
This under-the-radar Thai spot is a revelation. Chef Tina steers clear of tired standards and transports Thai cuisine into novel territory – fresher and…
Hilo
A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…
Hamakua Coast
Your fondest memory of the Pepeʻekeo 4-Mile Scenic Drive might be this roadside eatery. On the northern end of the drive, look for the cheerful yellow…
South Kona Coast
We first came here after Ironman, where we saw a wiry Italian, without an ounce of fat on his body, walk by, then walk in, saying to his partner, 'It's…
Kona Coast
If some freak climatic event ever brought winter hibernation to the Big Island, you could survive the lean season by storing the calories away after a…
Kohala & Waimea
Think you can eat a lot? Expect enormous portions of loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with gravy or other condiments), pancakes the…
Kona Coast
The storefront cafe serves 100% Kona coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. Out back, an organic, slow-food restaurant dishes up a sophisticated yet casual…
Hilo
For a mouth-watering variety of freshly made poke (sold by the pound), Suisan is a must. Buy a takeout bowl of poke with rice and chow down outside the…
South Kohala
When only a real burger will do, come here for local grass-fed quarter-pounders with specialty toppings that are, in short, absolutely gorgeous. If you're…
Puna
Fat pancakes, flavorful scrambles or hearty French toast, all made from scratch. This is breakfast the way it was meant to be. You won't find a more…
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Authentically flavored and well portioned if somewhat overpriced (and splitting a plate will cost you a $6 surcharge). The chefs recognize that good Thai…
North Kohala
This little family-run organic take-out stand dishes out delicious empanadas (try the sweet potato, kale and goat cheese), bowls of ulu (breadfruit) curry…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hana Hou embodies all the glory and nostalgia of a 1940s family diner – because it was, and still is, one. The menu is filled with local takes on good ol'…
Hawaiʻi the Big Island
In an area with few options, Mehe's is a surprisingly good one. Friendly staff serve burgers, sandwiches and a rotating selection of daily specials to…
