No trip to the Big Island is complete without gaining 5-10 pounds. There are so many great places to eat and I never get tired of trying new places. Below are some of my recommendations!
Now before talkin' shop, let me highlight some favorite food places of mine where you can create lifelong memories with your family and friends. Check out the video below!
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Please enjoy my list of Big Island recommendations! Do you have a favorite you want to share? Let me know! In the meantime, good eating!
Kona and All Points South
Pine Tree Café
73-4040 Hulikoa Dr
Kailua, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 327-1234
Kini Says: A true Hawaiian Treasure. Sure you just got off a plane from parts unknown and your rental car is stuffed to the gills with soft sided luggage because you actually thought you’d wear pants somewhere on the island. This is your first stop. 2 miles south of the Airport is this little gem in a strip mall. Everything is awesome. No joke. The family ate here several times covered about 12 items on the menu and found nothing significant to complain about. The best thing: the ribeye with onions. You get a 8oz steak (Sterling Farms) grilled to perfection, smothered with onions and rice on the side for $15 ($25 now ... inflation shootz). BTW, that 8oz steak is a joke and probably why I’m still considered height - weight proportional here on the Big Island. I would have guessed my steak was at least 12 oz. The fried chicken was awesome and the saimen had good flavor.
Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering LLC
74-5565 Luhia Street, #110
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Phone: (808) 331-2200
Kini Says: You will regret not ordering the Garlic Furikake Fried Chicken, it is a show stopper. The Bulgogi Fries are also a treat … messy, yea Bra … betta’ bring plenty fork and napkin. Their pork belly treatment is done with a shoyu (soy sauce) braise so if that is more your thing, you’re covered.
Nephi’s Smokehouse
74-5565 Luhia St Suite 109
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 731-5151
Kini Says: Stellar plate lunch place with a tiny Pilipino flare. Get all the great traditional plate lunch food and a little smoked meat. Fried chicken dishes are outstanding in katsu and Korean forms. For the love of Pele, someone please order the donuts with Ube. It’s not a meal … although you’ll eat a hundred of those golf ball sized heavenly dough balls … it an experience for an entire family to enjoy so be nice and share.
Sam Choy’s (Closed – reopen in Mauna Lani?)
Now: Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai
78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #1000
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 333-3434
Kini Says: Sam went “upscale” with this effort at the southern end of Ali’I Drive. Could possibly be the coolest place to catch a sunset if you get a good table. Food covers land, sea and air creatures in a simple yet classic manner. A great place to celebrate a special occasion or score points with the spouse!
Big Island Grill (Breakfast and Lunch)
75-5702 Kuakini Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 326-1153
Kini Says: Quickly moving to the top of my favorite places to eat when in Kailua. A converted Burger King or something, this place serves local food and plenty of it. The teriyaki beef plate is great, but I come back on Fridays for a great Lau Lau. If you are there on a Monday, Stroganoff has Prime Rib in it. Huge desserts.
Chubby’s Diner – At The Bowling Alley
75-5591 Palani Rd
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 326-2695
Kini Says: I’m not joking. This place isn’t near the bowling alley it’s IN the bowling alley. Here is the deal though. Sometimes you get caught between meals and you don’t get to eating till late. Well, Hawaii pretty much rolls up its’ streets and you might be out of luck. BOOM, Chubby’s is the answer. Several items are homemade on the menu including the chili. The saimin is very solid and the fried chicken(s) are all good. I often settle on a special of the day or Loco Moco and to be honest … it works. You won’t be breaking the bank here even if you have a large party, but the best part is I know an easy competitive way to settle who pays for the bill!
Mrs. Barry’s Kona Cookies
3-5563 Maiau Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 329-6055
Kini Says: I stop here before I go to Costco so I can pick up some “shopping snacks”. I don’t think I have had a single cookie that I didn’t like. Oh, there’s ones that I really like, but I can’t think of one that I don’t. 6 more of those mac-nut and white chocolate please!
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
74-5599 Pawai Pl
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 238-0571
Kini Says: Get some poke while you wait for a table or if you want an appetizer that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this place. The fish is always fresh and the marinade is just right … stay local with the Kanaka or go a little green with the avocado, you can’t make a mistake. The Furikake chicken is a flawless choice, but you may want to go mauka and try a beef plate. If you are celebrating, you can go with Pulehu Beef or stay blue color with the Loco Moco.
O’s (Closed)
75-1027 Henry Street
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(North Kona District)
Phone: (808) 329-9222
Kini Says: Reservations might be helpful. OK this may sound funny, but order the Tuna Casserole. Seared Ahi (tuna) over a bed of handmade noodles and covered in a cream sauce. I go back for this plate. If you can, order the strawberries and crème shaved ice dessert.
Teshima's Restaurant
Honalo
Keauhou, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 322-9140
Kini Says: Reservations for large parties will make life easier. Someone please order the sashimi. Most combinations get a serving, and it is really good. Go to your favorite mainland sushi joint and you’ll pay the same price for the fish, but won’t get the rest of the meal! I suggest a combination plate. They are modest portions, but really well prepared. To finish, get the chocolate custard. They’ll offer whipped crème, but don’t stop there get the vanilla ice cream as well. You won’t be able to sleep with yourself if you don’t.
Manago Hotel Restaurant
Highway 11
Captain Cook, HI 96704
(South Kona District)
Phone: (808) 323-2642
Kini Says: Yes this place looks like a hole in the wall, but it really is a working hotel! That’s a Manago working the front desk. The weather is always cooler here (750 foot elevation). Order the pork chops. Best chops around. My uncle, a professional wrestler named Kenji Shibuya, used to eat here back in the 50’s and he said one thing he remembered from his stays here was the great pork chops. They also serve fresh fish, but I don’t think I’ve ever ordered it? Update, just ate the Opelo and it is very good.
Hawaiian Ice Cones
75-5595 Palani Rd
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 895-8390
Kini Says: Since I spend a lot of time in Kona and I can’t go more than 15 minutes without looking for a shaved ice place I go here. Really easy location, right in the middle of the Mall on Pilani next to the drug store. Huge sizes. All the fixings. I will debate all day how this is better than Scandinavian Shaved Ice.
Kalama’s (Converted to Food Truck)
825674 Lower Napo'opo'o Rd
Honaunau-Napoopoo, HI 96704
Phone: (808) 328-2828
Kini Says: This place is a gem. A must stop when returning from the inferno known as the “City of Refuge”. I guess this place is a refuge, and because it is high up on the hill, about 15 degrees cooler than the park. The shaved ice is maybe the best on the Island, they take great care in shaving it slow so you’ll wait 5 minutes even if you are first in line, which is not likely. The food is typical roadside diner with a Hawaiian touch. You really feel and taste the Aloha in even the simplest stuff they make. I could eat here several times a week and not grow tired of it.
Super J’s – Lau Lau
83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy
Captain Cook, HI 96704
Phone: (808) 328-9566
Kini Says: Incredible Lau-Lau’s. If you are a lover of taro leaf wrapped pork perfection this is the place for you. Pro tip: avoid the chicken unless your diet demands. She makes it only to satisfy tourists not the locals. Desserts are made fresh daily.
Kohala Coast and All points North
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery
Junction Highways 250 and 270
Hawi, HI 96719
(North Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 889-5555
Kini Says: If you make it to Hawi, reward yourself with dinner at this place. If you are really lucky, local musicians will be playing live music in the bar while you eat. I actually saw John Kiawe playing here on my honeymoon. As featured on Rachel Ray’s $40/day, the pot sticker appetizers are solid, but the main dishes are better. Local meats, local produce it’s all awesome.
Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill
Waikoloa Beach Resort
Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, HI 96738
(South Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 886-4321
Kini Says: Well, every once in a while I have to take the wife out to a place she wants to go. And so, we have Roy’s. This guy can cook. Order anything you want, but make sure you get the chocolate soufflé. Very tasty.
OBISIC (Original Big Island Shaved Ice Company) – King’s Shops
69-250 Waikōloa Beach Dr
Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Phone: (808) 895-6069
Kini Says: Simply put … the best shave ice for miles in every direction. If you are staying in Waikoloa you need to make this a daily stop. Both the ice cream and the shave ice is excellent, but let’s not kid ourselves … in “Hawai’I nei” it’s all about the fresh fruit syrups on the shave ice. Refrain from the artificial stuff at all costs … you’ll thank me later.
Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ
64-1067 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 885-4147
Kini Says: Da Kine, Brah! This place is like you went to your Auntie’s to eat. The portions are “you’re a growing boy” size and every dish seems to have that little touch of special to it. The beef stew is tomato based and leans to the sweet side. Personalize with some rice and chilli peppa water or Tobasco and it is a home run. The fried chicken is special. I’m gonna say it’s like a super talented chef made chicken like Zippy’s, but you can tell there is more going on. The Loco Moco is right up there with the best I’ve had … full stop. I’m gonna elaborate on this point cause I have several classes of Loco Moco deliciousness for which I rate. If you like a meat loaf style patty and complex pork texture in your gravy then I’ll say, “ Naw, Brah, ‘dis a different class,” see Highway Inn or Nico’s on Pier 38. This is Ol’ School Loco Moco. I somehow imagine the guys at Café 100 saying, “now, dat’s what I’m talkin’ bout.” The patties are grilled so you can get flashes of char when you eat it. They are like little bursts of caramelized flavor in every bite. The gravy is just perfect. Eat as-is or spice it up with hot sauce, it’s up to you, but you get no distracting clash of flavor, just a nice smooth deepness to the beefiness.
Fish and the Hog
64-957 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd
Waimea, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 885-6268
Kini Says: Would you believe me if I said you would get some of the best BBQ right here in Waimea? In a way, it should come as no surprise as Paniolos (Hawaiian Cowboy – See: Waiomina) have been roping steers in this area for more than a century. Now, I’m a brisket freak. A straight up Point or Flat junkie and I must say this version is straight up fantastic. Surprisingly, the pork ribs may even be betta! Super meaty porcine meat pops that go down surprisingly easy. I really enjoy the use of the local wood (Kiave) which is often regarded as a top wood for smoking purposes. People who love Hickory smoke will enjoy the sweetness. If you are there for lunch don’t hesitate to get a sandwich they are not only generous, but outstanding. Regardless of the time of day, get a dessert. You’ll scold yourself later for the chocolate cake you hammered after saying no a couple times, but I suggest the banana cream pie … at least you’ll get some potassium so you don’t cramp up trying to digest all that meat.
Patisserie Nakano
64-1067 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd Ste A5
Waimea, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 491-2290
Kini Says: Sophisticated baked goods that cover the gamut of savory to sweet. Seasonal fruit tarts or bread based offerings that really hit the spot. Cream Filled rolls are delicious without being super sweet. Get there early.
Parker Ranch Grill (Closed)
Parker Ranch Center
67-1185A
Mamalahoa Highway
Kamuela, HI 96743
(South Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 887-2624
Kini Says: Can’t wait till Hilo to eat breakfast? Right in the middle of town, this place is great for a nice steak and eggs breakfast. I order the Locco Mocco and it is very good.
Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant (Closed)
65-1259 Kawaihae Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
(South Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 887-2200
Kini Says: You need to score points with the wife because you played an extra 9 that afternoon? I think that’s why places like this exist. This place does everything right. Make reservations and wear pants if you are eating there for dinner. You don’t need to, but I feel more comfortable when I sit on the Lanai to eat. A great Crème Brule. One of the best I’ve had. My standing bet is if you don’t like the meal I’ll pay you back!
Café Pesto (Closed)
Kawaihae Shopping Center
Kawaihae, HI, USA
Phone: 808/882-1071
Kini Says: A mini CPK. They make a Kalua Pork Pizza (Hawaiian Style) that is out of this world. The pepperoni isn’t too bad either. Not to mention, the gallery next door is really cool to look at. Their Crème Brule might be the best I’ve had.
Yong's Kalbi
65-1158 Mamalahoa
Highway (Highway 19)
Waimea, HI 96743
(South Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 885-8440
Kini Says: Cafeteria Style. There is a number of really solid plate lunches to choose here, but I always come back to the kalbi. I usually get a cheesy gravy burger to start. Yes, that’s Cheesy – Gravy – Burger. In a pinch, three to go, please.
Earl’s
64-974 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 887-1800
Kini Says: Just passing through Waimea on your way to Hilo or the Waipio Valley? Don’t go hungry by stopping off and grabbing some fresh made bento items. The musubi’s are various including Spam and chicken. They also offer hot plate items that are really solid. Expect to see a constant flow of people passing through this place so don’t be surprised if the parking lot is open when you get there and full when you leave.
C C Jon's Snack In Shoppe (Closed)
45-3390 Mamane Street
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-0414
Kini Says: Eh, you feel like life too fast? You feel like too much stuf’ going’ round? Come sit here, talk some story. Things move much slower here. I can only imagine that this is what it was like in the 1940’s. You actually get to know someone. I would live here in a minute. I almost talked my wife into moving here and starting a taro farm or a gas station or something. It’s that nice here. The food is right off the grill and they’ll make stuff the way you’d make it at home, only betta’ cause they do fo’ you special. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches … just perfect.
Tex Drive-In
Kalapana Street and Highway 19
Honokaa, HI 96727
(Hamakua Coast District)
Phone: (808) 775-0598
AND
75-5660 Kopiko St
Ste D3
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 327-1777
Kini Says: It’s a drive-in. A great plate lunch place 15 minutes out of Kamuela heading towards Hilo. It’s on the ocean side of the highway and is below street level so keep a good look out. Don’t leave before trying a malasada (filled or plain, they all rock).
Kini Also Says: Had to give a shout out to the new location in Kona.
Maha's Café – Closed
Spencer House (Waimea Center)
Waimea, HI 96743
(South Kohala District)
Phone: (808) 885-0693
Kini Says: The Boomtown Rats sang , “I don’t like Mondays”. Maha’s will defiantly make up for it on Tuesdays and Thursdays with one of the best cobblers ever. Great lunches, no reservations are necessary.
Paniolo Country Inn (Closed)
65-1214 Lindsey Rd
Kamuela, HI 96743
(808) 885-4377
Kini Says: Breakfast? In how many cowboy movies do you see them eating fish? You would if they were here. Fish and eggs sounds a bit daunting, but I liked it. Everything else is traditional-good. Great bacon, eggs to order, corned beef the like.
Hawaiian Style Café (See: Hilo Location)
64-1290 Mamalahoa Hwy
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 885-4295
Kini Says: Great local place. Cash only. Korean Chicken is good. Smoked Lamb Ribs are better … lamb for breakfast? Shootz, Brah try before you say you no like. The stews (curry and beef) are really solid. Teri-beef is ono. Get a pancake and share it … all of them are special. You will not leave hungry, the portions are very Hawaiian. The thing that sets this place apart is that they really put flavor into everything. No middle of the road stuff. I think that is why the locals love it. Most of the cliental is either covered in saw dust or coming back from surfing.
Shaved Ice – Waimea (Closed)
Kini Says: Right next door to the Hawaiian Style Café. Great little shop.
Edelweiss (Closed)
Hwy 19
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 885-6800
Kini Says: Reservations recommended. This place is “Rat Pack” cool. Wood covered interior and western chairs make it feel like you’re at home. I had the Rack of Lamb and it is outstanding. The sauce is a strong so a little goes a long way. The steaks are small (14oz) but great quality. The guy behind me ordered the duck so I’ll have to give it the thumbs up as well. The guy was Sam Choy! Whatever he orders is good enough for me. Incidentally, Sam picked up the check for his large party. If he takes people out to this place, you better eat here. Oh, the Crème’ Caramel served with vanilla ice crème is a definite finisher.
Hilo and All Points East
Seaside Restaurant
1790 Kalanianaole Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(Hilo District)
Phone: (808) 935-8825
Kini Says: Go figure. This place raises it’s own fish! You want fresh fish, look out your window, your meal just came out of that pond. I eat here every time I make it over to Hilo during dinnertime. Trust your server. When they say something is buttery or oily or meaty they aren’t lying. Order the Daily Special it’s always good.
Hawaiian Style Café (See Kamuela Location)
681 Manono St
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 969-9265
Kini Says: Comfortably cool restaurant in what used to be a warehouse center filled with car repair and workshops. I call this a more modern take on the comfort food locals enjoy. Kalua pig, Loco Moco, and Lau Lau plates are available. I suggest reading the specials for an interesting fish preparation or homemade stew. You cannot go wrong with this menu so stretch your limits a little and you might find a new favorite!
Kawamoto Store
784 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-8209
Kini Says: Ok boys and girls, the word of the day is “Okazuya” learn it, love it. Essentially a Japanese smorgasbord or plate lunch place where you select various items that tickle your fancy that day. This place takes me waaaay back. My mom and Aunties used to cook most of this stuff at various times through the year for special occasions and stuff. To have it all right at your fingertips everyday is a dream come true for me. Chicken braised in shoyu, tempura, futomaki, Korean Chicken, Nishime, shoyu pork, and even meatball and red hot dogs. This place is a culinary time machine … nobody does it like this anymore.
Ken’s House Of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(Hilo District)
Phone: (808) 935-8711
Kini Says: If you plan on going to the Hilo side and you get there in the morning this place is a Hilo landmark. Real solid food. There is something about coconut syrup on pancakes. The waffles are a treat. Toasty, crunchy, whipped crème topped goodness. Macnuts are available on pretty much everything, so if you have not tried a macnut pancake, do it, you’ll hate yourself if you don’t.
Café 100
969 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8683
Kini Says: First off, I’ll admit, I’m biased ... I think the 442/100 Battalion should be on the cover of every recruiting piece in the armed forces. They are the greatest heroes of any war ever fought by the US of A because they were given the worst assignments and suffered the highest casualty rate and were the most decorated even though politically they weren’t supposed to be recognized as citizens. With that said, they do make one hell of a Locco Mocco. My family had 5-6 different dishes and none of us really said this is the best ever, but after a short car ride, we all thought and decided, everything was really very good. The fried chicken is more like Zippy’s than Rainbow. The Locco Mocco is what you think it should be (all 2 million variations) and we didn’t leave a noodle floating in the saimen. Ya know, I’d order a fried chicken plate and a small Locco Mocco right now, just cause I’m thinking about it.
Itsu’s Fishing Supplies
810 Piilani St
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 935-8082
Kini Says: It’s not that I stop at every Fishing Supply Store to see if they have shaved ice, I stop at EVERY store to see if they have shaved ice. Super cheap and really hard to find open, but well worth the stop. The ice is shaved nice and soft and they don’t skimp on the syrup. I suggest grabbing one before you go to the Big Island Candies store down the street.
Kuhio Grill
80 Pauahi St
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 959-2336
Kini Says: Named for the bay nearest the airport it also is one of my favorite songs (https://youtu.be/93EcUllm7gY). They are locally famous for claiming to be the “Home Of The One Pound Lau Lau” however, I am actually the new home of their one pound Lau Lau! Delicious and generous could speak for the entire menu. Leaning toward the Hawaiian side they offer Kalua Pig, lomi salmon and poi along with staples like fried teri chicken, Korean chicken and fried pork cutlet.
Big Island Candies
585 Hinano St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 1-800-935-5510
(Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:00pm)
Kini Says: They truck busloads of Japanese tourists into this place. The quality is excellent, and they seem to come up with something new every time I go.
Kenichi Restaurant
684 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 969-1776
Kini Says: Absolutely one of my favorite places anywhere, let alone Hawaii. A Hilo gem that serves great Korean Chicken, pork chops and sizzling steaks “fajita style” with an Asian twist. Best to order Family Style and get a mix of dishes and try to share. Be sure to get fried rice … I prefer the kimchi added, but you really can’t go wrong with either one. Be sure to order dessert … the fruit crisps or pies are homemade and awesome. Add ice cream that is sourced locally.
Share your favorites with me!
