Recommended Restaurants
Merriman's Waimea
Farm-to-Table Hawaiian
65-1227 Opelo Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Original Wok-Charred Ahi - Peter Merriman is the father of Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive for dinner right at 5:30 PM when they open to snag the best sunset-facing tables without a reservation. The golden hour lighting creates perfect ambiance, and you'll avoid the 7-8 PM rush when tour groups arrive.
Ask your server about the 'ohana style' vegetable sides that aren't on the regular menu - they're farm-fresh selections that change daily based on what's harvested from local Waimea farms that morning.
Skip the expensive wine list and ask for their 'local spirits' menu featuring Hawaiian-made vodka and gin - they're often half the price of imported options and pair beautifully with the island-sourced cuisine.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Merriman's Kawaihae
Hawaii Regional
65-1227 Opelo Rd #5, Kamuela, HI 96743
Must Try: Make reservations weeks in advance. Try the original wok-charred ahi. Sunset views are spectacular. Famous for launching Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive by 5:30 PM for dinner to snag a sunset table on the oceanfront lanai - they don't take reservations for these prime spots and locals know they fill up fast by 6 PM.
Ask your server about the daily catch preparation options - Chef Merriman often has special preparations not listed on the menu that showcase whatever was caught locally that morning.
Order the market-priced fish during lunch instead of dinner - it's the same high-quality local catch but typically $8-12 less expensive than the evening portion.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Brown's Beach House at Fairmont Orchid
Hawaiian-Asian Fusion
1 N Kaniku Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Reserve a beachfront table for sunset. The torch lighting ceremony at dusk is magical. Dress is resort casual.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best oceanfront table experience - most tourists don't realize you can make early dinner reservations around 5:30 PM to catch both golden hour lighting and the spectacular Big Island sunset while dining on the outdoor lanai.
Ask your server about the daily fresh catch preparation options beyond what's printed on the menu - the chef often has special preparations for locally caught mahi-mahi, ono, or uku that showcase traditional Hawaiian cooking methods not advertised to casual diners.
Skip the expensive resort parking by using the complimentary valet service if you're dining for dinner - many visitors don't realize that dinner guests get validated valet parking, which saves the $25 daily self-parking fee at the Fairmont Orchid.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani
Contemporary Hawaiian
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Request oceanfront seating. The tasting menu is excellent. Live music some evenings.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure the best oceanfront table without a reservation. The restaurant doesn't take reservations for sunset dining, so locals know to arrive early and enjoy a cocktail while waiting for the prime tables to open up as the sun starts to set.
Ask your server about the daily catch preparation options that aren't on the menu. The chefs often have special preparations for the local fish that they'll make if you ask, especially during slower weeknight service when they have more flexibility in the kitchen.
Walk down to the ancient fishponds just south of the restaurant after dinner for incredible night photography opportunities. The ponds are part of the historic Mauna Lani resort area and offer stunning reflections of the restaurant lights and stars, with much fewer people than the main dining terrace.
Avg. per person
$100
$$$$
Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill
Hawaiian Fusion
250 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Must Try: Try the misoyaki butterfish (signature dish). Three-course prix fixe is good value. Reservations recommended.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 5:00-5:30 PM for dinner to snag sunset-facing window seats before the dinner rush. The restaurant doesn't take reservations for specific tables, but early arrivals get priority for the coveted ocean-view spots with unobstructed Mauna Kea views.
Order from the bar menu instead of the dining room - many of the same signature dishes are available at lower prices, and you can still enjoy the same ocean views from the bar area. The chocolate soufflé is the same recipe but costs $3 less when ordered at the bar.
Ask your server about the daily fish selection that didn't make it onto the printed menu - Roy's often gets ultra-fresh local catches that they'll prepare with any of their signature sauces. This off-menu option is usually the best value and freshest fish of the night.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
Island American
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #109, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Great for lunch after shopping at The Shops at Mauna Lani. Try the coconut shrimp. Happy hour specials.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during their daily happy hour from 3-6 PM when you can get discounted appetizers and drinks while still enjoying the oceanfront views. The bar area is less crowded than dinner service and you'll get better service from the bartenders.
Ask to sit at the bar facing the ocean rather than waiting for a table - you'll get the same menu, faster service, and arguably the best views in the restaurant. The bartenders are also great at recommending local fish preparations.
The best sunset photos are taken from the oceanside deck area about 30 minutes before sunset when the lighting is golden. Position yourself near the railing for unobstructed shots of the coastline with palm trees framing the scene.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Huggo's on the Rocks
Seafood & American
75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Reserve oceanside tables for sunset. Huggo's on the Rocks (more casual) is great for drinks. Watch for sea turtles.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to snag one of the oceanfront tables without a reservation - most tourists don't realize the restaurant operates on a first-come basis for the prime sunset spots, and locals know the golden hour timing gives you the best chance.
The lava rock formations on the ocean side create natural frames for photos, especially during high tide when waves crash dramatically - walk down to the rocks adjacent to the restaurant for Instagram-worthy shots that most visitors miss while staying seated.
Order the fish tacos during happy hour (3-6 PM) - they're not heavily advertised but are the same quality as dinner portions at nearly half the price, and locals consider them one of the best values on the menu.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Magics Beach Grill
American & Seafood
77-6452 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Get there early for beachfront tables. Great for lunch with beach views. Parking can be challenging.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Bring cash for faster service and better rapport with staff - the card reader can be temperamental, and cash tips are always appreciated by the hardworking local crew.
Visit during the 3-5pm window when locals take their pau hana (after work) break - you'll get better service and the kitchen is less rushed, plus you might catch some impromptu local musicians jamming on the lanai.
Ask about the 'local kine' portions when ordering - many servers will offer island-style bigger portions of rice and mac salad for the same price if you're friendly and ask nicely.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Poke & Seafood
74-5563 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Get the poke bowl with multiple varieties. Cash only at some locations. Very fresh and authentic.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the lunch and dinner rushes. This is when locals often grab their poke bowls, and you'll get faster service plus first pick of the freshest fish that just came in from the morning boats.
Order the poke by the pound instead of the pre-made bowls - you'll get more fish for your money and can mix and match different varieties. The staff will let you sample different poke styles before deciding.
Ask about the daily catch specials that aren't always on the posted menu. The kitchen often has fresh local fish like ono or mahi that they'll prepare as sashimi, poke, or cooked preparations based on what the local fishermen brought in that morning.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Da Poke Shack
Poke
76-6246 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Try the wasabi ahi poke. Get there early as they sell out. Take to beach for a picnic.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 11:30am-12:00pm on weekdays to get the freshest poke before the lunch rush hits. The fish is usually cut that morning, and you'll avoid the long lines that form after 12:30pm when tour groups start arriving.
Order the large poke bowl and ask for it to be split into two containers - they'll do this for free and you'll get enough for two meals at a better per-ounce price than buying two small bowls.
Ask to sample the different poke preparations before ordering - locals know the staff is happy to let you try small tastes, especially of their specialty marinades like the wasabi ahi or spicy tako, which aren't always clearly described on the menu.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Basik Acai
Acai Bowls & Healthy
75-5831 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Perfect post-snorkel breakfast. The pitaya bowls are excellent. Outdoor seating with ocean views.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit right when they open at 8am or during the 2-3pm afternoon lull to avoid the long lines that form during peak breakfast (9-11am) and lunch (12-2pm) hours, especially on weekends when locals and tourists both flock here.
Ask about their 'local kama'aina' portions - while not officially advertised, they often offer slightly larger bowls for the same price if you're friendly and mention you live on the island, especially during slower periods.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Scandinavian Shave Ice
Shave Ice
75-5699 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Try unique flavors like lilikoi (passion fruit). Get the ice cream bottom. Cash only.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit on weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM when the mainland tourist buses are at other attractions and local kids are still in school - you'll have your pick of flavors and get faster service.
Ask for extra condensed milk on the bottom before they add the ice - it creates a creamy pudding-like layer that locals call 'the treasure at the bottom' but tourists rarely know to request it.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill
American & Hawaiian
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Check the daily specials board. The macadamia nut crusted fish is excellent. Reservations recommended.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during pau hana (after work) hours around 4:30-5:30 PM when locals stop by for drinks and pupus. You'll get the best service from bartenders who aren't slammed with dinner rush yet, and you might catch some impromptu live music from local musicians who drop by.
Ask about their 'kama'aina special' even if you're visiting - they often extend local discounts to friendly tourists, especially if you're staying longer than a week. Also, their happy hour pupus portions are generous enough to share as a light dinner for two people.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Kona Brewing Company
Brewpub & Pizza
74-5612 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Take the free brewery tour. Try the Longboard Lager. The Kona pie pizza is a favorite. Can be crowded.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM when the tourist buses have left and before the dinner crowd arrives. You'll get better service, easier parking, and a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the oceanfront setting.
Order the flight sampler and ask your server which beers are rotating out soon - they'll often let you substitute a full pour of the rotating beer for one of the standard flight options at no extra charge rather than waste inventory.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Big Island Grill
Local Hawaiian
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy #3, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: Cash only. Huge portions - come hungry. The loco moco is legendary. Expect a wait during lunch rush.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Big Island Grill during their late lunch hours (2-4 PM) when the local work crowd has cleared out but before the dinner rush. You'll get faster service and can actually hear yourself talk in the usually bustling atmosphere.
Order the massive plate lunch portions and ask for an extra plate - locals know these servings are huge enough to split between two people, making it one of the best values on the island for authentic local-style food.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
Seafood & Steaks
75-5683 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Must Try: The salad bar is huge and included with most entrees. Happy hour (3-6pm) has great deals. Reserve oceanfront tables.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during weekday happy hour (4-6 PM) when you can enjoy the same oceanfront views and sunset from the bar area with discounted drinks and pupu, while avoiding the dinner rush crowds that pack the dining room.
Request a table on the makai (ocean) side lanai rather than just asking for 'oceanview' - the hostess will know you're familiar with local terms and may prioritize you for the best unobstructed sunset viewing spots.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Hilo Bay Cafe
Pacific Rim
315 Makaala St, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Make reservations. Excellent service and food quality. Try the fresh catch of the day.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during weekday lunch hours (11:30am-2pm) when locals are at work - you'll get faster service and better table selection, plus the kitchen is at its freshest since they prep most dishes in the morning.
Ask your server about the daily fish special that's not always on the printed menu - they often get fresh local catch from Hilo Bay fishermen that morning and prepare it simply grilled or as poke, usually at a better price than the regular menu items.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Moon and Turtle
Japanese-Hawaiian Fusion
51 Kalakaua St, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Reservations essential. Limited seating. Try the omakase if available. Excellent sake selection.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the shoulder hours between 2:30-4:30 PM when the lunch crowd has cleared but before dinner service gets busy - you'll get better service and can often snag the best oceanview tables without a wait.
Ask your server about the daily catch preparation options - they often have off-menu cooking styles like Hawaiian salt-crusted or local style butter garlic that aren't listed but showcase the chef's local technique.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Cafe Pesto
Italian-Hawaiian
308 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: The shiitake mushroom pizza is excellent. Great for lunch or dinner. Also location in Kawaihae.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Cafe Pesto during their weekday happy hour (3-6pm) when locals come for discounted appetizers and drinks, but avoid the dinner rush that starts around 6:30pm when cruise ship passengers flood in.
Ask for the 'local style' preparation of their fresh catch - they'll prepare it with Hawaiian salt, garlic, and local herbs instead of the tourist-friendly continental preparations, but you have to specifically request it.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Ponds Hilo
Seafood & American
1334 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Request waterfront seating. The seafood is very fresh. Good happy hour specials.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Ponds Hilo during weekday lunch hours (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) when locals are at work - you'll get faster service and better attention from staff compared to the busy dinner rush when families crowd the restaurant.
Ask for extra char siu on your saimin - many locals know that Ponds will add extra barbecue pork for just a small upcharge that isn't listed on the menu, making it a much heartier meal.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Ken's House of Pancakes
American & Local
1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Open 24 hours! Perfect after volcano viewing. Try the macadamia nut pancakes. Huge portions.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays to avoid the breakfast rush and late-night crowd - you'll get faster service and can actually enjoy the retro diner atmosphere without the chaos.
Order the 'Local Kine Plate' which isn't prominently displayed on the menu but offers generous portions of local favorites like loco moco or kalbi at better value than individual items.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Suisan Fish Market
Poke & Seafood
93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Get there early for best selection. Cash preferred. Take to Liliuokalani Gardens for a picnic.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive early in the morning, ideally before 7 AM, when the freshest fish comes in from the overnight boats and you'll have the best selection before the local restaurants come to buy their daily catch.
Don't be afraid to ask the fish counter workers for cooking recommendations - they're incredibly knowledgeable about local preparation methods and will often share family recipes or suggest the best seasonal fish that tourists typically overlook.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Two Ladies Kitchen
Japanese Mochi
274 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
Must Try: Go early - they sell out quickly! The strawberry mochi is legendary. Cash only. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive before 10 AM or call ahead to pre-order your mochi - they often sell out of the most popular flavors like butter mochi and peanut butter mochi by mid-afternoon, especially on weekends.
Bring cash - this family-run operation prefers cash payments and you'll get faster service. Also, don't be surprised by the no-frills atmosphere - locals come here purely for the amazing homemade mochi, not fancy decor.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Village Burger
Burgers
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Try the Laulau Burger. Fresh fries are excellent. Support local ranchers.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Village Burger during weekday lunch hours (11:30am-1:30pm) when the local workers come in - you'll get the freshest ingredients since they prep for the lunch rush, and you can often snag a seat at the communal table to chat with locals about hidden spots around the island.
Ask for the 'keiki portion' even if you're an adult - it's not advertised but they'll make you a smaller burger with fries for about $3-4 less than the regular size, which is perfect since their regular portions are quite generous for most appetites.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Red Water Cafe
Eclectic American
65-1299 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Must Try: Reservations recommended. Menu changes seasonally. Great for special occasions.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays when the lunch crowd has cleared but before the dinner rush - you'll get better service and can actually hear the ocean from their oceanside tables without competing with large tour groups.
Ask your server about the daily catch preparation options - the kitchen will often prepare the fresh fish in ways not listed on the menu, like with a local Hawaiian salt crust or wrapped in ti leaves, especially if you mention you're interested in traditional preparations.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Bamboo Restaurant
Pacific Rim
55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719
Must Try: Great stop after visiting Pololu Valley. The fish tacos are excellent. Live music on weekends.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive before 6:30 PM on weekends to avoid the dinner rush, as this popular Hilo spot fills up quickly with locals who know it's one of the best Pacific Rim restaurants on the island.
Ask your server about the daily fresh fish preparations that aren't always listed on the menu - the chef often creates special preparations based on what the local fishermen brought in that day.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
The Rim at Volcano House
Hawaiian Regional
Crater Rim Dr, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI 96718
Must Try: The crater view is incredible, especially at night with the glow. Make reservations. Visit during the day for park entry.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during late afternoon around 4-5 PM for the best crater views with optimal lighting and fewer tour bus crowds - most group tours arrive earlier in the day or skip dining altogether.
Request a window table on the Kilauea Caldera side when making reservations and mention you're celebrating something special - the staff often accommodates locals and provides the best crater-view seating for memorable occasions.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
Continental
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
Must Try: The fireplace is cozy on cool volcano evenings. Reservations recommended. Excellent wine list.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 5:30-6:30 PM window on weekdays to avoid the tour bus crowds that typically arrive after 7 PM, and you'll have a much better chance of getting a table by the fireplace without a reservation.
Ask your server about the daily fish specials that aren't on the regular menu - the chef often prepares fresh local catches like opakapaka or onaga that are sourced from Hilo Bay fishermen and priced better than the standard menu items.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Cafe Ono
Cafe & Bakery
19-4005 Haunani Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
Must Try: Great for breakfast before visiting the park. The baked goods are excellent. Vegetarian friendly.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Cafe Ono right when they open at 6:30 AM to get the best selection of their famous malasadas before they sell out - locals know that weekends especially see them run out of popular flavors like haupia and chocolate by 8 AM.
Ask about their 'local style' plate lunch portions which aren't advertised on the menu but offer mainland-sized servings at local prices - perfect for sharing between two people and costs about 30% less than ordering two separate meals.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Ke'ei Cafe
Hawaiian-International
79-7511 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Must Try: Breakfast is served all day. The Brazilian crepes are excellent. Cash or check only.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit between 2-4 PM on weekdays for the best experience - you'll avoid the breakfast and lunch rushes, get faster service, and often have your pick of the best outdoor seating with ocean views.
Order the daily plate lunch special which isn't always prominently displayed on the menu board - it's typically $2-3 less than regular entrees and comes with generous portions that locals know about.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
Annie's Island Fresh Burgers
Burgers & American
79-7460 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
Must Try: The burgers are huge and delicious. Try the lilikoi shake. Great local atmosphere.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the 2-4 PM window on weekdays when the lunch rush has died down but they're still serving fresh patties - you'll get faster service and the staff can take more time with custom requests.
Ask for your burger 'local style' with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple - it's not on the regular menu but they'll make it since they always have the ingredients on hand for other dishes.
Avg. per person
$15
$
Super J's Authentic Hawaiian Food
Hawaiian
83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Must Try: Cash only. Huge portions. Try the laulau. Very authentic and local.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit during the late lunch hours (2-4 PM) when locals take their break - you'll avoid the breakfast and lunch rushes while still getting fresh food, and the staff has more time to chat about the daily specials.
Don't be surprised by the cafeteria-style serving - it's traditional Hawaiian plate lunch style. Order your protein first, then sides, and always say 'mahalo' when they pile on the mac salad and rice - they appreciate the respect for local culture.
Avg. per person
$15
$
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