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 Kohala & Waimea
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Kohala & Waimea
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…
North Kohala
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…
South Kohala
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…
Kohala & Waimea
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…
South Kohala
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…
Kohala & Waimea
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…
Kohala & Waimea
With a circle of vendors around a grassy field, this farmers market has a friendly, cohesive vibe. Find artisan edibles, including handcrafted pasta and…
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co, Inc.
South Kohala
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…
South Kohala
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…
North Kohala
Looking for a down-home country barbecue on a gorgeous piece of sloping pasture with wide-open views? Busloads of lei-wearing tourists join the Richards…
South Kohala
Spectacularly maintained and stocked, this is a one-stop shop for takeout food, freshly made sushi, basic and specialty groceries, magazines, gifts and…
South Kohala
The Mauna Lani's flagship restaurant showcases local ingredients creatively but simply. Island ingredients are crafted with care; the risotto with Hamakua…
Big Island Brewhaus & Taqueria
Kohala & Waimea
This brewpub nails the intersection of booze and belly-busting meals. The brewmasters have crafted over a dozen memorable beers, including White Mountain…
North Kohala
With its umbrella-shaded patio and tiny kitchen, this avocado-colored roadside cafe offers a beach vibe and unfairly good food, given Kapaʻau's small size…
Kohala & Waimea
Malasadas are a kind of Portuguese donut gone Hawaiian. Manuela Malasada Co is a food truck slinging some wonderful variations – stuffed with passion…
North Kohala
When you're done hiking in the Pololu Valley – or, y'know, if you're just driving and feeling kind of peckish – pop into this fruit stand, which serves…
South Kohala
Always ridiculously bustling and noisy, Roy's will either delight or disappoint. We suggest that you focus on the food and not the buzzy atmosphere. The…
South Kohala
Hawi-born Rio Miceli cranks out eclectic, island-themed dishes at this spiffy restaurant, such as cold soba noodles with lobster, kalua pork flatbreads…
North Kohala
The King's View is a bit of a community fixture in North Kohala, offering hot subs, creative pizzas (rosemary garlic anyone?), omelets, burgers and plate…
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
South Kohala
Local celebrity chef DK Kodama is known for innovative, fusion Japanese cuisine, such as his signature flash-fried ahi roll, and an extensive wine list…
North Kohala
This cozy kitchen serves heaping plates of vegetarian, gluten free and vegan fare, from congee (rice porridge) cooked with black rice, garlic and local…
North Kohala
If you're in need of a Thai food fix in North Kohala, this roadside stall with outdoor bench seating is pretty much your only option. It's a good one as…
Kohala & Waimea
Kevin Cabrera's mission is to bring fresh, artisan bread to the people of the Big Island. Rustic boules and flour-dusted loaves of all sorts – triple-oat…
South Kohala
At the breezy beachside Hau Tree, you'll find casual dining and outdoor dress codes, all overlooking the deep blue Pacific. The solid if not super…
Kohala & Waimea
This cheery cafe serves healthy, innovative food such as a breakfast burrito with eggs, tofu and sweet red pepper, and a hearty vegetable lasagne. Drink…
Waimea Homestead Farmers Market
Kohala & Waimea
This market, spread out on a grassy field, has a scruffy, local feel. It offers fruits and vegetables, eggs, preserves, flowers, meats, cheeses, tea,…
North Kohala
A comfy place to hang out and treat yourself to muffins, fresh-brewed Kona coffee and heavenly Tropical Dreams ice cream. For breakfast, the bagels,…
Kohala & Waimea
This midweek market offers goodies including local organic produce, honey, handmade soaps, hot-plate lunches and live paniolo music. Before browsing,…
North Kohala
This little market is the place to come for fresh fruits, cold drinks, and a nice fridge full of ice cream and popsicles. There's a slew of jams, honey,…
