Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

Locals love this drive-in for generous plate lunches and 20 rib-sticking varieties of loco moco (dish of rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with…

With a nouveau hippie vibe, this colorful downtown cafe takes health food up a notch. Breakfast hits include well-stuffed roasted veggie omelets and…

Redwater has quickly risen to the top of many lists, propelled in part by the reputation of owner/chef David Abrahams, a 25-year veteran of resort…

Hip Kanpai looks slick enough for Brooklyn, but it is mellowed with Hilo's small-town camaraderie, easygoing attitude and Pacific fusion soul. The…

Randy's may only be open twice a week, but during those hours it packs in the customers, who come for Styrofoam boxes of huli huli chicken (smoked and…

Ignore the mall setting and savor the beautifully presented Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, including tender miso black cod, Hawaiian ono (white-fleshed wahoo…

A longtime local favorite, Miyo's is known for delicious home-style Japanese meals and nightly crowds. Try classics such as broiled ahi (yellowfin tuna)…

For island-style Japanese food, this diner delivers high-volume flavor in a simple dining room filled with locals. Favorites include steaming ramen bowls…

Trio specializes in three-course, creative Hawaiian-fusion cuisine. The menu has a lot of variation; on one night you might mix Indonesian chicken with…

The bingo-parlor dining room of the Manago is an iconic Big Island experience. It feels like an early-20th-century diner, but one made for South Kona's…

Vegetarians flock to this spot, where the dishes show a commitment to local and organic produce and Pacific Rim influences. Kalbi-style tofu is served up…

Come here for several variations on delicious ahi tuna poke, plus a range of other island dishes like salted Waimea beef served plate-lunch style with…

Don’t let the fluorescent-lit dining room and polystyrene plates fool you: Ba-Le serves the sort of Vietnamese food that makes you want to pack it all up…

Barbecue isn't the first food genre folks tend to associate with Hawaii, but this is an island that loves smoked meat. This sit-down restaurant serves…

An adorable little Japanese sushi house awaits discerning eaters on the west end of Aliʻi Dr. Friendly Seiji serves fresh fish and creative rolls that…

Fine dining and Pacific influences come together at this gem, which overlooks a fine sweep of the Mauna Lani oceanfront. Try the rib-eye steak, the slow…

A convivial gathering spot for Sunday brunch or a sunny breakfast (served until 11:30am) with ocean-view dining on the sidewalk patio. This upscale diner…

Kailua-Kona is likely your introduction to the Big Island; with this in mind, let Ultimate Burger be your introduction to the wonderful world of Big…

Do you know what’s better than enjoying pupu (snacks) or a great burgers on the breezy, beachside porch of the Beach Tree on a perfect Hawaiian day? Not…

Vegetarians rejoice, everything is fresh, locally sourced and meat-free at this pleasant cafe. You'll find 'ulu (breadfruit) and taro serving as the base…