Where to Eat on Big Island: 15 Must-Try Restaurants & Local Gems

The trip is incomplete wherever we go on vacation without satisfying our taste buds. Suppose you are on the Big Island of Hawaii or planning to visit there. In that case, it will not only provide peace to your eye with its scenic landscapes and natural beauty but also has mouth-watering and delicious local cuisines and diverse food variety. 

From the fresh flavours of local ingredients like Kalua Pig or Lomi Salmon to the popular comfort food loco moco and the fine culinary feast and dining experience, there’s something for everyone to satisfy their taste receptors with bursting flavours. This blog post will be your one-stop guide for finding the best dining experience or local spot to find some of the hidden gems we picked from every corner of the Big Island. So, you don’t have to rely on others to find where to eat on the big island.

🥢Best Restaurants in Kailua Kona

📌Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar ( Oceanfront Dining With Fresh Seafood )

I have visited Papa Kona with my friends and family, and the environment there is refreshing. Because of the ocean view, you will feel the soothing breezy air. We ordered a Pineapple Teriyaki Burger with Volcano Fries, Chicken Salad and a unicorn breakfast sandwich. The food was well prepared and delicious, and the serving staff were so friendly you would not be disappointed. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy local cuisine. They also offer live music and happy hour specials to their customers. Also, the prices match the food quality and quantity.

Directions – 75-5770 Ali’i Dr Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

📌Pau Hana Poke (Best poke bowls in Kona)

When listing the top restaurants on the big island, we can’t miss the name Pau Hana, known for its fresh and high-quality poke. If you want to taste some authentic and delicious Hawaiian poke, you can’t miss this place. People can’t stop themselves from praising one dish from the menu, “Spicy ahi poke”, and yes, it’s worth the praise and a must-try; they also serve mouth-watering wood-fired pizza.

I liked the Katsu chicken loco moco. From the pricing side, they offer great value at a price. The only thing you can say negatively about is the limited seating capacity. Also, you will have a great food experience with superb service here.

📌Lava Lava Beach Club (Beachside dining with live music)

Lava Beach Club is among the popular names in Kailua Kona, and you can land here if you are searching for the best food on the big island. They serve the best tropical cocktails in Kona. I got some mixed reviews about the food. Plus, they don’t accept reservations, which means if you are coming late, then you have to wait. Also, the rush makes the service slow, but the scenic ocean views with sunset and the beachfront dining experience.

🌊 Where to Eat On Big Island – Hilo

The northeastern side of the big island belongs to Hilo, which holds the beauty of tropical rainforests and waterfalls; Hilo also satisfies its visitors’ taste buds and is home to some of the best restaurants on the big island.

📌Hilo Bay Café (Fresh seafood with ocean views)

Hilo Bay serves some of Hilo’s finest fusion and creative food, from the food, ambience, and cleanliness to the supportive servers. Everything is just awesome. Try their signature dishes like Pork chops, Maui rum BBQ ribs and mushroom pot pie. They also offer a special kids menu for your little ones.

📌Moon & Turtle (Asian-fusion seafood & innovative dishes)

I ordered Mushroom Risotto, Sizzling Poke, and Ahi Belly. It’s so full of flavours that I can’t explain in words. Their cocktails are also up to the mark. Their menu was small and not complicated, and they changed it daily, so every day was unique. The service was fantastic, and the waitresses were very supportive. Make sure to book an early reservation to enjoy the superb dining experience.

📌2 Ladies Kitchen (Famous for strawberry mochi)

The popular 2 ladies’ kitchen is located in downtown Hilo. You can keep it in the restaurant category. You can refer to it as a store that sells mochi, which is available in many delicious flavours, especially strawberry mochi, and is worth drooling over. They also have pre-packed boxes for you if you want to skip the waiting. The service and taste are top-notch. I had my first mochi there. I found it pretty delicious.

🌿 Must-Try Restaurants in Waimea

Waimea has surprising valleys, rainforests and marvellous waterfalls. It’s also popular for its hiking trails and zipline tours, and after all the adventure, your mind starts shuffling the best restaurants in Big Island Hawaii and a question starts popping into your head about where to eat on the big island to satisfy your taste buds.

📌Merriman’s (Upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients)

We can’t forget Merriman’s in the search of best places to eat on big island , Merriman’s are known for serving local Hawaiian food and seafood. They also rely on local produce, ensuring that the food served on the table is fresh. My husband ordered macadamia-crusted fish, and I ordered an amazing lamb. They also have the best limeade. From my personal experience, I will say avoid Saturday nights!! Make your reservations before going to enjoy the ambience and the dining experience.

📌Waimea Butcher Shop (Best burgers & grass-fed steaks)

Waimea is known as the Big Island’s cattle-producing region, and this restaurant brings ranch to your dining table, offering locally sourced grass-fed beef. If you are searching for the best food on the Big Island, you can experience authentic farm-to-table Big Island dining with the best steaks and burgers at Waimea Butcher Shop., which are praised for their flavour-loaded dry-aged cuts. The staff’s behaviour was very hospitable and friendly, you will enjoy the dining experience.

📌Gill’s Lanai (Fresh fish tacos & Maui venison burgers)

There are mixed reviews on the internet about the restaurant. It’s a quirky place with calming vibes. They serve fish tacos, pork tacos, mahi-mahi, Iced tea, coconut shakes, and fried fish burgers. The taste is good, and the price is decent. If you plan a hike at Pololu Valley, you can stop there for a meal. You will love the overall combination of food with a cool atmosphere. It’s not among the best restaurants on the big island but worth visiting.

🔥Unique Dining Experiences Near Volcanoes National Park

Besides witnessing the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea At Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the best restaurants where you can enjoy the ultimate big island Hawaii dining experience and satisfy your cravings.

📌Mauka to Makai Eatery (Authentic Hawaiian farm-to-table dining)

I found this hidden gem when our group returned to the hotel, thinking about where to eat on big island. They had some of the best hamburgers. Everything we ordered was prepared with fresh, delicious local ingredients.

📌Cafe Ono (Vegan-friendly café with a peaceful garden setting)

Here, you will experience fresh food full of flavour that will satisfy your cravings. The Mexican Vegan Burrito and carrot cake were simply awesome. Also, they had garden seating arrangements, providing a pleasant atmosphere.

📌El Encanto Food Truck (Best Mexican & Salvadorian flavors on Big Island)

Their authentic Salvadoran cuisine recognises the food truck; they serve freshly prepared delicious food like tacos and pupusas. Before visiting their food truck’s previous location, check their current location and opening hours. 

After enjoying the delicious food on Big Island, if you’re planning a romantic getaway, check out our guide on the 7 Best Places to Visit in Ohio for Couples for your next travel inspiration.