Must-see restaurants in Hawaiʻi the Big Island

  • Liko Lehua

    Hilo

    For well-prepared American classics, dine with local fans of this family-run (and family-friendly) restaurant. There's something for everyone, including…

  • Tuk Tuk Thai Truck

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Heaping piles of pad thai and a veritable river of savory curry pour out of this local's favorite lunch spot. The truck parks at Akatsuka Gardens except…

  • Ocean Sushi Deli

    Hilo

    For cheap sushi in a sit-down space, you'll do OK at this longtime joint. For variety, try the special rolls, such as Poke Macnut or the Banzai Natto with…

  • Hilo Bay Sugar Shack

    Hilo

    Wow, multicultural shave ice (called 'ice shave' on the Big Island)! Filipino 'halo halo' includes coconut milk, ube (purple yam) ice cream, agar jellies…

  • Kilauea Lodge Restaurant

    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

    Volcano's venerable high-end kitchen puts out a locally sourced dinner menu offering an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, steak, pasta and continental…

  • Kinoʻole Farmers Market

    Hilo

    The low-key Kinoʻole farmers market is geared for locals, so don't expect the spectacle of the downtown market. The draw here? All produce and products…

  • One Aloha Shave Ice

    Kailua-Kona

    Head here for organic shaved ice, with flavors ranging from green tea to bubble gum to mango to li hing mui (sweet and salty plum). This shaved-ice spot…

  • Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

    Hilo

    If urban ambiance is a priority, you'll like Jackie Rey's, a 'night out' dining spot with chic interior, sweeping bar and somewhat overpriced menu. The…

  • Dragon Kitchen Sushi

    Hilo

    For fresh, inexpensive sushi to go, make a beeline to this nondescript counter near the downtown farmers market. Rolls and nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) are…

  • Tamari Japanese Lunch Shop

    Hilo

    Seeking value-priced, home-style Japanese takeout? This tidy little shop turns out yummy bento in three sizes, a welcome option for light eaters or kids…

  • Big Island Grill

    Kailua-Kona

    The grill serves gut-busting portions of Hawaiian soul food like plate lunches and loco moco (rice, fried egg and hamburger patty topped with thick gravy)…

  • Foster's Kitchen

    Kailua-Kona

    In the midst of the booziest, cheesiest stretch of Aliʻi Dr, Foster's comes out with farm-to-table New American dishes – roast chicken, fresh salads,…

  • Ken's House of Pancakes

    Hilo

    There's something reassuring about a 24/7 old-fashioned diner with a mile-long menu. Established in the 1970s, this popular spot is known for friendly…

  • Café Pesto

    Hilo

    Café Pesto is a safe choice, whether for business lunches or dinner with your mother-in-law. Set in a handsome historic building downtown, the large…

  • Hawaiian Style Cafe

    Hilo

    Massive appetite? Unfazed by meat, gravy and fried food? If yes, we dare you to finish your order here. This island-style diner serves portions that could…

  • TJ'S BBQ By The Beach

    Kailua-Kona

    Located in Aliʻi Gardens Marketplace, TJ's does enormous, tasty slabs of ribs and other meaty favorites, smoked and slathered in sauce (lots of sauce; if…

  • Puka Puka Kitchen

    Hilo

    This little gem serves tasty Japanese-style mains, such as sautéed ahi (yellowfin tuna) and chicken katsu, with a fantastically fresh green salad. The…

  • Seaside Restaurant

    Hilo

    Set on a natural Hawaiian fishpond, this multigenerational family-owned restaurant specializes in fresh fish, from locally caught mahimahi to pan-size…

  • Cronies Bar & Grill

    Hilo

    Cronies has long attracted a diverse crowd, including families, for decent food, ample seating, multiple TVs and a great downtown location. The menu…

  • Queen's Court

    Hilo

    Willing to blow your budget on one meal? If – and only if – you can do 'all you can eat' justice, dig in at this longstanding hotel buffet. Don't expect…

  • Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

    Kailua-Kona

    Jackie Rey's is a casual, family-owned grill with a delightfully retro-kitsch Hawaii vibe. Haute versions of local grinds include guava-glazed ribs,…

  • Poke Market

    Hilo

    For the perfect lunch to go, customize a bowl of fresh poke on rice or greens, with two signature sides (mashed purple sweet potato is a winner). Healthy…

  • Hilo Lunch Shop

    Hilo

    Don't be paralyzed by the vast selection at this busy okazu-ya (Japanese deli). Favorites include nori-wrapped chicken, corned beef hash patties,…

  • Pineapples

    Hilo

    On any given day, Pineapples' open-air dining room is hopping with a convivial crowd, predominantly tourists. The food features island-inspired…

  • Hilo Burger Joint

    Hilo

    Imagine an Irish pub that expanded its burger menu 10 times. That's Hilo Burger Joint, a former pub now offering over 20 types of Big Island beef burgers,…

  • Sushi Ebisuya

    Hilo

    For inexpensive sushi in a cozy setting, this hole-in-the-wall is sure to please. Order rolls and nigiri sushi à la carte or in generous combos (up to 30…

  • Original Thai

    Kailua-Kona

    Run by a friendly Thai family, this place does a mean line of Thai classics (as the name implies), including the standard rainbow of curries. There's a…

  • Abundant Life Natural Foods

    Hilo

    Located downtown, Abundant Life opened in 1977 when only hippies in Hilo ate 'health food.' Like all health-food stores predating Whole Foods, it's…

  • Kuhio Grille

    Hilo

    Large appetites will find satisfaction at this no-frills diner specializing in local favorites: taro corned-beef hash, oxtail soup, fried-rice loco moco…

  • Taco Tita

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    A Mexican joint in the same building as the famed Hona Hou diner, serving up tacos, burritos, nachos and taco salads. Pick your protein (pork, chicken,…

  • Bears' Coffee

    Hilo

    An unhip fixture downtown, this coffee shop has an old-school vibe (and teddy bears lining the walls). It's a laid-back spot for a cuppa joe and…

  • Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack

    Hilo

    If Lisa Frank did fruity 'health' food, it would look like the rainbow of concoctions served here. Think technicolor smoothies and giant bowls of fruit…

  • Moonstruck Patisserie

    Hilo

    Strange but true: an impeccable European-style bakery is plopped in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Pastry chef Jackie Tan-DeWitt specializes in classic…

  • Saucy Dogs

    Hilo

    Go beyond mustard and relish at this indie hot dog shop. The Mac Attack is smothered in bacon and house-made mac and cheese, while the Kalua Pork Dog is…

  • Kawamoto Store

    Hilo

    Stand in line (the earlier the better) with the local crowd to fill a box with freshly cooked okazu-ya (Japanese deli) food. Don't miss the maki sushi,…

  • Ponds

    Hilo

    This steak, seafood and pasta restaurant will suit those hankering for familiar American food with an island twist. More mainstream than cutting edge,…

  • Peaberry & Galette

    Kona Coast

    Brewing 100% Kona estate-grown coffee and Illy espresso, this cafe with Euro-bistro style also dishes up sweet and savory French crepes, plus satisfying…

  • DJ's Pizza and Bakeshop

    Hawaiʻi the Big Island

    The pizza is only above-average, however, the gluten-free crust and vegan meatball sandwich are a welcome find in the area. Come here to satisfy your…

  • Scandinavian Shave Ice

    Kailua-Kona

    Shave ice is piled up here in huge, psychedelic-colored mounds that are as big as your head. Dither over a rainbow variety of toppings, from condensed…

  • Kamana

    Kailua-Kona

    Kamana is a fine choice for Indian food way out here in the islands, with a deep menu that caters to carnivores (chicken vindaloo) and vegetarians …

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