Kailua-Kona
Poke is a local specialty that blends ceviche and sushi: raw, marinated cubes of fish mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, chilies, seaweed and…well, really,…
Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hilo
This hole-in-the-wall is famous statewide for outstanding Japanese mochi (sticky rice cake) in both traditional and island-inspired flavors such as liliko…
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Hilo
With sweeping bay views and solid Hawaii Regional Cuisine, this casually sophisticated restaurant could be stuffy. But it's not. Here you'll find a…
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Hilo
An outstanding family-owned company, KTA's flagship store includes a bakery, pharmacy and sprawling deli. Don't miss the impressive selection of fresh…
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Hilo
This bustling market features wide-ranging fruits and veggies, plus takeout food and edible gifts. It's come a long way since opening in 1988 with four…
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Kailua-Kona
What happens when sandwich-loving owners from Louisiana and Arizona come together on the Big Island of Hawai'i? Pure delight on bread, from turkey Reubens…
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Kailua-Kona
A favorite with the plate-lunch crowd, Broke Da Mouth lives up to its name via heaping portions of delicious garlic furikake chicken (try it 'hurricane…
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Kailua-Kona
Inside a mini mall, wickedly fresh sushi and sashimi are complemented by a sake list that's as long as Honshu. Everything is good, but the grilled eel and…
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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The better-than-average modern cuisine crafted from local ingredients may be overpriced for the quality, but you come here for the ambience. Call ahead to…
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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Finally, foodies have a reason to linger in Volcano. Combining local flavors with international flare, the daily-changing portions here may be small, but…
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Hilo
Imagine eating at a friend's home, if your friend were a gourmet chef. This six-person eatery is that small and that special. Paul serves exquisite…
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Hilo
This under-the-radar Thai spot is a revelation. Chef Tina steers clear of tired standards and transports Thai cuisine into novel territory – fresher and…
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Hilo
A cult favorite among foodies, this tapas-style restaurant specializes in local seafood, meat and produce prepared in startlingly creative ways. The ever…
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Kona Coast
If some freak climatic event ever brought winter hibernation to the Big Island, you could survive the lean season by storing the calories away after a…
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Kona Coast
The storefront cafe serves 100% Kona coffee, baked goods and sandwiches. Out back, an organic, slow-food restaurant dishes up a sophisticated yet casual…
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Hilo
For a mouth-watering variety of freshly made poke (sold by the pound), Suisan is a must. Buy a takeout bowl of poke with rice and chow down outside the…
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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Authentically flavored and well portioned if somewhat overpriced (and splitting a plate will cost you a $6 surcharge). The chefs recognize that good Thai…
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Hawaiʻi the Big Island
Hana Hou embodies all the glory and nostalgia of a 1940s family diner – because it was, and still is, one. The menu is filled with local takes on good ol'…
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Hawaiʻi the Big Island
In an area with few options, Mehe's is a surprisingly good one. Friendly staff serve burgers, sandwiches and a rotating selection of daily specials to…
Hilo
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…
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Hilo
With a nouveau hippie vibe, this colorful downtown cafe takes health food up a notch. Breakfast hits include well-stuffed roasted veggie omelets and…
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Hilo
Hip Kanpai looks slick enough for Brooklyn, but it is mellowed with Hilo's small-town camaraderie, easygoing attitude and Pacific fusion soul. The…
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Kona Coast
Ignore the mall setting and savor the beautifully presented Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, including tender miso black cod, Hawaiian ono (white-fleshed wahoo…
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Hilo
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)…
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Hilo
For island-style Japanese food, this diner delivers high-volume flavor in a simple dining room filled with locals. Favorites include steaming ramen bowls…
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Kailua-Kona
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…
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Kailua-Kona
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…
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Kailua-Kona
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…
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Kailua-Kona
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…
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Kailua-Kona
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…
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Kona Coast
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…
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Hilo
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…
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Hilo
Chances are, you won't get in. This destination sushi bar seats only eight – and it's fully booked a year in advance. Miracles can happen, however, and…
Kailua-Kona
Expect a bustling crowd at this sprawling, eco-sustainable brewpub, with tiki-torch-lit outdoor seating and laid-back waitstaff. Pizza toppings verge on…
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ʻULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge
Kona Coast
ʻUlu means 'breadfruit,' and this sustainably minded restaurant is all about locally sourced produce, seafood and meat – some 75% of its dishes are made…
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Kailua-Kona
Fumi's was founded by members of the family that runs Teshima's, and they bring a similar high level of home-cooked fare to hungry diners. The menu dips…
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Hawaiʻi the Big Island
The US's southernmost bakery is squarely on the tour bus circuit and usually crowded – for good reason. If you want to try the Portuguese fried sweet…
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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Lunch on organic vegetarian and vegan comfort foods like salads, sandwiches and pasta in the sunroom behind the Volcano Garden art gallery, or in the…
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Kailua-Kona
Hayama imparts that feeling of authenticity you get when the kitchen and service staff don't speak much English, and most of the clientele speaks fluent…
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Hilo
With walls of glass overlooking the bay, this airy restaurant has a 'resort' atmosphere uncommon in Hilo. With two happy hours (3pm to 5pm and 8pm to 10pm…
