Places to Eat

10 Best Restaurants In Big Island Hawaii For A Fine Dining Experience

Chef Keoni's steamed clams with fresh Waimea tomatoes and Portuguese sausage served at Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club
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Best restaurants in Big Island Hawaii includes 1. Merriman's Big Island 2. Shaka Tacoz 3. Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay 4. Kona Inn Restaurant and more.

The Big Island boasts several top-notch dining places that serve a variety of dishes. Here is the list of the 10 best Big Island Restaurants.

1. Merriman’s Big Island

Best restaurants on the Big Island Merriman’s Big Island is a fine dining place locate in the Kamuela neighborhood. You can make a reservation here for $95 per person.

The dining place is located at the heart of the Big Islands farm community. It specializes in Hawaiian Regional Cuisine and uses 90% of local produce, fish and beef.

Rincon Farms Waimea Strawberry with Vanilla Meringue & Whipped Cream ready to serve at Merriman’s Big Island
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To reserve a table at Merriman's and to dine with your family is a unique Big Island thing to do in 2023. The restaurant offers an award-winning wine list that has selections for all to enjoy.

Other additional services are BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar and wheelchair access. Marriman's Big Island offers popular dishes including Burger, Lilikoi Mouse and Keiki Steak. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item.

  • Address: 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Phone: 808 885-6822
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 to 2 pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30 to 1 pm (Sat- Sun)
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 2,189 reviews

2. Shaka Tacoz

Best restaurants in Kona Hawaii Shaka Tacoz serve crispy cheese taco shells with great flavors melded together. It is a vegetarian-friendly fast food place in Captain Cook.

The dining place specializes in Mexican cuisine and fast food. Travelers can enjoy lunch and dinner onsite, order them online or buy at the food truck.

Mouthwatering tacos prepared for lunch at Alii Garden Marketplace
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The Special Diets include Vegetarian-friendly and Gluten Free options. Furthermore, Shaka's Tacoz is a budget-friendly dining place where you can enjoy 3 tacos for just $15.

Address: 75-6129 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: 808 333-6186
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tue - Sun)
Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5 based on 156 reviews

3. Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay

Restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay in downtown Hilo is famous for pizza and crab cakes. You can make a reservation via opentable.com.

The services at the place include Dine-in, Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery. Visitors can taste timeless classics for breakfast & brunch, amazing salads and delectable desserts here.

The eatery specializes in local Hawaiian cuisine, Italian dishes and makes a delicious pizza. The place also offers vegetarian-friendly dishes and vegan options.

Yummy pizza served at Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay made from fresh and flavorful locally sourced ingredients
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The dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients with a creative Hawaiian flair. Alcoholic drinks are available along with features such as free Wi-Fi, full bar, live music, and 

  • Address: 308 Kamehameha Ave #101, Hilo, HI 96720
  • Phone: 808 969-6640
  • Opening Hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm daily
  • Happy Hours: 3 to 5 (Sun & Mon)
  • Oniste Parking Available 
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 1,917 reviews

4. Kona Inn Restaurant

Best restaurants in Kona Big Island Kona Inn Restaurant is a seafood eatery located in Kona Inn Shopping Village. The dining place features a horseshoe-shaped bar for mai tais.

This two-story Hawaiian structure is artfully designed to blend with the Palm fringed Kona shore. The open-air environment with a beautiful view of the sunset makes for a great dining experience.

A rainbow over the Kona Inn Restaurant pictured in August 2021
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Food and ambience at Kona Inn includes local and American cuisines, Grills, Seafood, Soups and Polynesian items. The place offers Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, and Late Night meals.

Travelers don't need to worry about advance reservations to grab a bite at this wonderful place. Simply walk in and the hospitable crew will set up a table for you.

  • Address: 75-5744 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Phone: 808 329-4455
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 9 pm daily
  • Dining Style: Casual
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5 based on 1,456

5. Moon and Turtle

Best restaurants Big Island Hawaii Moon and Turtle is an Asian-owned eatery offering a dynamic International Menu. The place emphasizes on locally sourced ingredients.

Moon and Turtle is famous for serving various cuisines including Japanese, Hawaiian, International, seafood, and fusion items. Here, you can taste the best-ever steamed mahi-mahi. 

Small Kine Pupus dish prepared at Moon and Turtle including spicy garlic dill pickles, smoked ahi and taro crackers
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Visitors can also enjoy alcoholic drinks along with dinner at the property or opt for the Takeout option. This place is wheelchair accessible and features onsite parking space.

  • Address: 51 Kalākaua Street, Hilo, HI, United States, 96720 
  • Phone: 808 961-0599
  • Opening Hours: 5:30 to 9 pm (Tue -Sat)
  • Price Range: $10 to $30
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 371 reviews

6. Huggo’s

Big Island Hawaii restaurants Huggo’s is a fine dining place that serves tasty seafood, steaks and pasta. The place with scenic waterfront view also has tiki drinks.

This casual dining place first opened its door to the public in 1969. The founders introduced the motto of "good food and good fun" and the famous Teriyaki Steak.

The famous item named Broke da' Mouth Haupia Cake ready to serve at Huggo's
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Fresh fish items are the highlights of the menu at Huggo's. The talented chef focuses on jut-caught fish using the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine style of preparation, innovative chicken fare and fresh desserts.

Huggo's also features hBar on the seaside, offering handcrafted cocktails and a complete small plate menu. Furthermore, the bar has an eclectic variety of house-made syrups and liquors.

  • Address: 5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Phone: 808 329-1493
  • Opening Hours: 4 am to 9 pm (daily)
  • Price Range: $30 to $49.99
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4/5 based on 1,710 reviews

7. Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks

Restaurants in Kailua Kona Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks specialize in fresh seafood items and steaks. The eatery serves Certified Angus Beef and fresh cocktails.

This laid-back dining place prepares fish items with locally caught fish. It also has extensive wine and libations menus you can choose from while enjoying the panoramic view of the Pacific.

A freshly served seafood item and a cocktail at The Fish Hopper with a panoramic view of the ocean
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Fish Hopper Seafood celebrates Kona's longest Happy Hour from 2 pm to 9:30 pm every day. The place has a variety of mixed drinks including the signature Bucket of Fire.

Service options include Dine-in, Curbside pickup and No-contact delivery. Other features at the smoke-free property are outdoor seating and onsite parking.

  • Address: 75-5683 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Phone: 808 326-2002
  • Opening Hours: 7 am to 9:30 pm daily
  • Vegetarian-friendly and Gluten free options available
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 4,330 reviews

8. CanoeHouse

Big Island best restaurants CanoeHouse is an elegant dining place located in Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. This upscale place features an open-air eatery.

The morning at CanoeHouse begins with freshly brewed Kona coffee to refresh your mind and body. During the day, taste the delightful Hawaiian staples such as acai bowls, homemade ceviche and tropical salads.

Enjoy your weekend brunch on the patio at CanoeHouse with Mimosas and Bloddy Marys
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Dine among the company of your friends as you celebrate Hawaii's soulful connection between land and sea. Grab a bite of the creative cuisines and marvel at the golden sky in the evening.

The HaLani serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The HaBar features light fare and crafted cocktails complimented by live music.

  • Address: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
  • Phone: 808 885-6622
  • Opening Hours: 5 pm to 9 pm daily
  • Price Range: $34.99 to $64.99
  • Outdoor Seating and Onsite Parking available
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 1,070 reviews

9. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine

Best restaurants in Hilo Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine is a new open-air American dining place in downtown Hilo. This place offers island-inspired, vegan and gluten-friendly options.

Pineapple Restaurant Hilo has Happy Hours from 3 to 5 pm every day except on Monday. Visitors can enjoy locally-produced beers, specialty cocktails and a comprehensive wine list.

A lady serving freshly made Hawaiian dishes at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine
Source : facebook

The only open-air restaurant in downtown Hilo has an island-inspired menu. This includes locally caught fish, burgers, steaks, pasta and fresh desserts. 

The eatery offers four types of meal options including lunch, dinner, brunch and Late Night snacks. It specialized in American, Bar, Seafood, Polynesian and Hawaiian cuisines.

  • Address: 332 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720
  • Phone: 808 238-5324 
  • Opening Hours: 11 am to 9:30 pm (Tue - Sun)
  • Call now to make a reservation
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 2,056 reviews

10. Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club

Restaurants in Waikoloa Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club is a secluded resort eatery with Dine-in and Takeout options. You can make a reservation for a table via resy.com

The dining place is a short walk along the beachfront and fishponds of Kalahuipuaa. This family-owned place overlooks the stunning Makaiwa Bay. 

The services at the property include Lunch, Dinner, Keiki Menu and Dessert & Wine. For lunch and dinner, there are Appetizers, Salads, and Entrée options.

A delicious recipe prepared and served at Napua at Mauna Lani Beach Club
Source : tripadvisor

The Keiki Menu includes Keiki Burger, Keiki Fish, and Keiki Grilled Cheese for $13 each along with Eisenberg Hot Dog and Keiki Chicken Tenders.

The parking facility is provided at the Kalahuipuaa Historic Park on Pauoa Road, across from the Mauna Lani Spa & Fitness Center.

  • Address: 68-1292 S Kaniku Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
  • Phone: 808 885-5910
  • Opening Hours: 11 am to 9 pm daily
  • Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5 based on 810 reviews