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Merriman'sChef-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 Kohala & Waimea
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Sushi RockThis 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…
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Pueo's OsteriaRun by a former top resort chef, this hidden gem will satisfy your cravings for gourmet-rustic Italian fare: pizzas, pastas and classics, including a…
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Village BurgerBurger connoisseurs, prepare to be impressed. Big Island beef, veal and lamb burgers are juicy and tender, while vegetarian options (Waipiʻo Valley taro…
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BambooThe ever-popular Bamboo offers interesting takes on old standbys, such as mahimahi on focaccia with shredded papaya. It shares space with a gallery and…
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Lava Lava Beach ClubThis cheerful spot is a favorite with tourists and locals, who snack on excellent coconut shrimp with ginger-guava sauce, ginger-crusted ahi with ponzu…
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AnuenueSince 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,…
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Brown's Beach HouseBrown'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…
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Hawaiian Style CafeThink 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…
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Kohala Burger & TacoWhen 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…
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Roots AlchemyThis little family-run organic take-out stand dishes out delicious empanadas (try the sweet potato, kale and goat cheese), bowls of ulu (breadfruit) curry…
- RRedwater Cafe
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…
- TTrio
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…
- UUnder the Bodhi Tree
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…
- FFish and the Hog Market Cafe
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…
- NNapua
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…
- AAka Sushi Bar
Ignore the strip-mall setting: this is a gem for reasonably priced or takeout sushi, and a beloved local institution. Nigiri (oblong-shaped sushi) and…
- WWaimea Town Farmers Market
With a circle of vendors around a grassy field, this farmers market has a friendly, cohesive vibe. Find artisan edibles, including handcrafted pasta and…
- OOriginal Big Island Shave Ice Co, Inc.
Shave ice is great, but it's even better when it's mobile. This supremely good shave ice stand has great flavors ranging from ube (sweet potato) to haupia…
- HHale I'a Da Fish House
Also known as just 'Da Fish House,' this take-out counter mainly sells fresh fish, but you can also score some outstanding, delicious poke. Head to the…