The biggest island of Hawaii is bound to have an array of different restaurants and choices to pick from when it comes to eateries. In fact, the Big Island has several different types of restaurants and take-out shops with some of the best food around. It is no surprise to see why everyone loves to visit the island when there are this many delicious shops in town. When it comes to the best of the best, which restaurants should you not miss while visiting the Big Island?
Eat at any of these 14 restaurants for a one-of-a-kind dining experience:
Broke Da Mouth Grindz
Get your Hawaiian and Filipino foodie goodness at Broke Da Mouth Grindz & Catering. While this shop only does take-out or drive-thru service, it’s still definitely worth the trip. Huge portions will fill you up as you grab your take-out dishes and have a picnic on the beach or at a park! The staff is extremely helpful and friendly, and the chicken is a definite all-around favorite.
Brown’s Beach House Restaurant
Hawaii regional cuisine meets oceanfront views at Brown’s Beach House Restaurant on the Big Island! Relax by the beach and listen to the live Hawaiian music as you enjoy bites like Miso Sake Clams and Five Spice Duck Breast. Vegan? They have a specified vegan menu with items like Tempura Tofu and Cauliflower “Steak.” This is the Big Island’s top AAA Four Diamond restaurant!
Da Poke Shack
Where the poke sells out daily, Da Poke Shack is a poke restaurant that you simply cannot miss while on the Big Island. Keeping up with the freshness, this shop switches up their food daily and tend to quickly run out of menu favorites. Featured poke items on the menu include; Shoyu Poke, Spicy Garlic Poke, Poke of the Day, and more! They also offer hot Hawaiian plates like Kalua Pork and Lau Lau.
Ulu Ocean Grill
Local seafood and fresh island ingredients fill up every plate at Ulu Ocean Grill! This restaurant has great big island vibes with stunning oceanfront views. Try out some Hand-Cut Noodles, Golden Pineapple Curry, and Champagne Poached Kekela Farm Beets! There are plenty of gluten-free menu items for those dietary restrictions, so feel comfortable knowing that there are plenty of items on this menu.
Merriman’s Big Island
Enjoy some excellent views and an even more phenomenal atmosphere at Merriman’s Big Island. With other locations in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai — it’s no surprise why the people keep coming back. Grub on some Kalua Pig or some Lamb from Kahua Ranch. From the outside patio tables to the inside tropical vibes of the restaurant, you will not want to miss out on the famous restaurant and its eats.
Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay
This intimate cafe is located in Hilo, Hawaii. Cafe Pesto Hilo Bay is widely known for its wood-fired oven pizzas. The service is great, the food is great, and everything about this restaurant explains why it’s a local and tourist favorite alike. Try out the Banh Mi Pork Sandwich, Seafood Medley, or the Smoked Salmon Alfredo. This is a terrific find and completely worth the wait.
Kona Brewing Company
You’re on the Big Island, it only makes sense to check out Kona Brewing Company while you’re there! From brews like the Kona Longboard and the Big Wave Golden Ale, you’re bound to have fun at this Hawaii brewery experience. Sit on the patio and soak up the sun or simply walk around inside and take a look at Hawaii’s famous brewery. You’re bound to have a great time at Kona Brewing Co.
Canoe House
Chow down on some Colorado Lamb Chops, Steamed Clam Nabe, and Radish Salad! Canoe House has incredible views of the ocean as well as some amazing inventive flavors from the ocean to the table. Tiki torches and fire pits line up this restaurant, creating an intimate and tropical atmosphere like no other. After, catch the Mauna Lani Sunset Luau! A little bit of Hawaiian culture combined with a big boast of Hawaiian flavors.
Rebel Kitchen
We’re yelling for more at the Rebel Kitchen restaurant on the Big Island! Get your fill of the Rebel Burger or the Jerk Chicken Sandwich. Want something unique? Pour a little Rebel Kitchen sauce on your food. There’s Mauka Mustard and Hawaiian Fire Sauce that will want to make you step your game up. You can also order these sauces online at the restaurant’s website. This small business has been run by a husband and wife team since 2011, and it continuously keeps people coming back.
Gramma’s Kitchen
Downhome comfort food is waiting for you at Gramma’s Kitchen. With quality food and friendly service, nobody can get enough of Gramma’s Kitchen. This diner offers Portuguese Plates, Creamy Potato Soup, and so much more. Satisfy your cravings at this local favorite and feel as if you walked into your gramma’s house.
Moon and Turtle
This Asian-fusion cafe offers a wonderful array of seafood options as well as local beef to really spice up your night. With its inventive dishes, you will not be able to get enough of Moon and Turtle. This restaurant has an intimate and cozy atmosphere with an ever-changing menu full of different and unique flavors. Indulge in some Mushroom Risotto or some Smokey Sashimi! This restaurant has some exquisite delights that might be some of the best meals that you will have on the Big Island.
Beach Tree Bar & Lounge
Beach Tree Bar and Lounge is an oceanfront experience within the Four Seasons Resort at Hualalai. While this place is wonderful for sunset viewing and cocktails, the food is also something to be admired. Try out the Head-On Garlic Prawns with Tahitian Lime and Calabrian Chili or the Ricotta Cavatelli! Make your evening a memorable one with their excellent food and friendly service, you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to this restaurant.
Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill
Eat, laugh, and enjoy at this friendly bistro. Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill has a strong family focus and started with a sweet couple who named this particular restaurant after their daughter. Try out delicious eats like Kalua Pork Tacos or Mac Nut Ahi Tartare! Interested in some tropical cocktails? Have a taste of a Hawaiian Margarita or Da’ Best Mai Tai.
Paul’s Place
Where can you go wrong with this ultimate brunch spot? Paul’s Place offers Belgian Waffles, Pressed Coffee, and much more. Make reservations at this restaurant because it’s bound to be busy with people all craving some delicious bites from Paul’s Place. This restaurant is cozy and intimate, making every meal feel like you’re dining with family.
The Big Island has plenty of restaurants to choose from, but knowing the best ones to go to can make your experience that much better. If you’re visiting Hawaii, make sure to check out any one of these places for an extraordinary and special meal.
