Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

Finally, foodies have a reason to linger in Volcano. Combining local flavors with international flare, the daily-changing portions here may be small, but…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The storefront cafe serves 100% Kona coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. Out back, an organic, slow-food restaurant dishes up a sophisticated yet casual…

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…

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…

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…

Authentically flavored and well portioned if somewhat overpriced (and splitting a plate will cost you a $6 surcharge). The chefs recognize that good Thai…

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…

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'…

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…