We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we’re thinking that definitely includes the all-time breakfast lunch combo. It’s brunch time on your vacation, but where should you go? Are you in the mood for something sweet or savory? Luckily for you, the Big Island has pretty much everything you need when it comes to brunch. If you’re wondering where the tasty spots are, we’ve created a list of some of the hottest brunch spots on the Big Island just for you!
Here are 11 brunch spots you absolutely cannot pass up while on the Big Island:
Merriman’s Waimea
You might know of Merriman’s from the other island like Maui or Kauai, and the Big Island follows every great thing you’ve heard about this restaurant. Excellent service, excellent views, and a truly incredible ambiance — equipped with even finer service. With menu items like house-made buttermilk biscuits and puunaluu sweet bread french toast, you’ll have no problem finding something you like at Merriman’s.
Island Lava Java
This coffee shop knows how to wow you for the perfect brunch. Incredible beach views and tasty menu items like guava bbq ribs or ahi poke, you’ll find savory and sweet at this cafe. You’ll find yourself returning for more – not just because of the food – but because of the atmosphere and service. Island Lava Java gets relatively busy due to its popularity, so plan to arrive early to beat the crowd. Overall a great brunch choice with delicious drinks!
Paul’s Place
Cafe fare, smoothies, and coffee… what more could you want? Paul’s Place is a cozy spot located in Hilo and offers an array of choices, including that special menu item for vegans and vegetarians. This is a smaller spot, so make sure you call and make reservations — you won’t want to miss an opportunity for truly exceptional service. Enjoy some breakfast caprese or some belgian waffles, the brunch at Paul’s Place is a must if you can grab a table.
The Coffee Shack
Look over at the coastline at The Coffee Shack. Kona eggs, ham & cheese omelets, Hawaiian french toast, and so much more wait at this shack! This family-owned restaurant overlooks Kealakekua Bay and offers views you simply cannot get most places. Acres of Kona coffee trees let this establishment serve 100% Kona coffee every day. This spot is also known to be a great brunch spot to grab a photo or two.
Kalikala Cuisine
If homemade gelato doesn’t sound appetizing to you, then stay away from Kalikala Cuisine. Huevos rancheros, lilikoi french toast, Hawaiian waffles, and more… these are food items you can look forward to the moment you step into this hot brunch spot. In fact, Kalikala Cuisine is only open for brunch. Chow down on some healthy Hawaiian favorites at this unbeatable location. Some would even say it was the best breakfast they had on the island, but we’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Gramma’s Kitchen
There’s surely no cookin’ quite like the cookin’ in Gramma’s Kitchen. With top-notch portion sizes with friendly service, you won’t regret stepping inside this food establishment. You’ll find comfort in each bite as you enjoy dishes like a big breakfast or a Honokaa country breakfast. Give this restaurant a try as you head to the scenic overlook down the road and explore the history around town!
Cafe Ono
Garden views + cafe fare = a perfect brunch restaurant to spend your day. Cafe Ono is located in an old Hawaiian garden estate and offers menu items like Mexican casseroles and vegan carrot cake. This cafe surely knows how to deliver an array of choices for many dietary special needs. Choose from the many vegan items on the menu or gluten-free choices! You can never go wrong with a unique and special experience at Cafe Ono.
Pele’s Kitchen
Could you imagine Ulu waffles with fruit and locally grown mac nuts? If that sounds tasty to you, head to Pele’s Kitchen in Pahoa. Featuring items like local honey, organic coffee, and farm-to-table options — this is an incredible brunch dining experience highlighting local ingredients. Expect each plate to have an array of color upon it, these dishes are inventive and delicious. There’s also a farm tour where you can see bees, cacao, macadamia, and more!
Tin Shack Bakery
Stop in for your brunch favorites at Tin Shack Bakery. Have a cinnamon roll…or 5. This bakery services breakfast, lunch, and baked goods. The service at Tin Shack Bakery is impeccable as well, with super fresh coffee and tea that you won’t be able to get enough of. With menu items like sourdough bagels and gluten-free quiches, you can never go wrong with a visit to this bakery. Get your fuel on before or after you go to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This spot is a treasured treat.
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack
If you’re looking for a smoothie stop or an acai bowl, Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack has exactly what you need. Their colorful ice cream and bowls make for one photogenic meal — you’ll often catch people taking pictures of their treats after they stop here. Grab a snack or a morning smoothie and satisfy your morning sweet cravings. Want a sandwich? Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack has some delicious sandwich eats as well! Never go wrong with a visit here, great for brunch or dessert.
Hawaiian Style Cafe
Hawaiian Style Cafe offers quality homemade food in large portions, good enough to satisfy your appetite with just a few bites! Try out the massive pancakes or kalua pork hash — this cafe is the comfort food that you’ve been waiting for. Although this location tends to stay pretty busy, you can expect service to be quite fast and on top of things. Friendly service accommodates parties and always serves the deliciousness as quickly as they can.
When it comes to brunch, you need to find the best start to your day. Any of these restaurants on the Big Island are sure to fulfill your needs. Chow down on something sweet like french toast, or grub on some island-style comfort flavors. With this many options, you won’t know what to do with yourself. So, grab a fork and load up on these tasty brunch spots!
