Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

In the 'middle of nowhere,' this neat little market-cafe-restaurant serves delicious in-house baked pastries at their cafe, while the excellent restaurant…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

An outstanding family-owned company, KTA's flagship store includes a bakery, pharmacy and sprawling deli. Don't miss the impressive selection of fresh…

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…

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…

The restaurant's storefront sign states 'Very homestyle cooking.' And it's true. Gramma's is your ticket for local, often Portugese-influenced dishes,…

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…

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…

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…

Burger connoisseurs, prepare to be impressed. Big Island beef, veal and lamb burgers are juicy and tender, while vegetarian options (Waipiʻo Valley taro…

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…