Hawaiians love to eat. This is more obvious
with some of us than others, but it's a big part of life here anyway. Everything revolves around food. And here on Big island there's plenty to choose from. With our many ethnic groups there is a wide range of cuisin
es, with something to suit even the fussiest eater. However, the adventurous gourmand will have the most
fun. Don't be afraid to try local grinds (food). It's safe. Like most places, you can spend as little or as much as you want dining out (we have all the Mainland fast-food franchises), but don't feel that to have a great meal on
Hawaii you have to forego the kids' braces. The following list of restaurants, which is by no means complete, will always be under revision, as places come and go, so
check back often. Comments are based on our own personal experiences and are simply opinions, another thing which we all have. If a particular place is notoriously awful, we won't
bother to list it. If you have a new entry for us, click here.
$=$7 and under $$=$8-12 $$$=$13-17 $$$$=$18 and up
R=Reservations E=Entertainment B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner P=Parking V=View
Click Restaurant Name for Web Site
American/Eclectic
Bakeries/Delis Chinese Continental Creole French Greek Hawaiian/Pacific Rim Italian/Pizza Indonesian Japanese
Korean Mediterranean Mexican Seafood Thai
American / Eclectic
Hard Rock Cafe $$ E,L,D,P,V
75-5815 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-8866
Gee, I guess we've arrived.
Lulu's $$
L,D,P,V
75-5819 Ali'i, Kailua-Kona 331-2663
Eclectic menu. Fun place to catch a bite, overlooks the ocean for great sunset view. Lots of TVs throughout for sports junkies. Youngish crowd. Great fries with gorgonzola dip. Could use less Jimmy Buffet music.
Jake's Cafe & Bar $$ E,B,L,D,P,V
75-5819 Ali'i, Kailua-Kona 329-7366
Right underneath Lulu's. Used to be Durty Jakes, probably not a great restaurant name. Food's
good though. Hearty local style breakfasts, two scoops rice if you want 'em. Sit on the main drag and watch the ocean or the people. Live music at night.
Koa House Grill $$$$ R,E,L,D,P
65-1144 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea 885-2088
Real, old paniolo (cowboy) decor in the heart of Big Island cattle country. Killer food, artistically
presented. Live music Friday and Saturday night. Karaoke Thursdays for those who can't, but try anyway. Sunday brunch, too.
Drysdale's Two $$ to $$$ L,D,P,V
Keauhou Shopping Center 322-0070
Local sports bar with eclectic menu. Overlooks part of the Ironman course. Great place to watch the race.
Oodles of Noodles $$ to $$$ R,L,D,P
75-1027 Henry St., Suite 102, Crossroads Shopping Center 329-9222
Pretty little cafe with great noodle dishes. Good drinks. Very fresh ingredients prepared with great care and artistry.
Carol's Cafe $ to $$ L,D,P
75-5699 Kopiko, In the Club, Kailua-Kona 326-2333
Indoor/outdoor dining at the Club, one of Kona's best gyms. Run by Carol, a champion body
builder, the food is healthy and delicious. Try the grilled chicken quesadillas with mango chutney.
Ken's House of Pancakes $ B,L,D,P
1730 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo 935-8711
Great breakfast when you're on the Hilo side. Daily chef's specials. Open 24 hours.
Kimo's Family Buffet $$ E,B,D,P
75-5739 Ali'i Dr., Kona Bay Hotel, Kailua-Kona 329-1393
All you can eat island-style buffet in comfortable open-air setting. Free Polynesian Hula show Tues-Sun. nights.
Tex Drive In $ B,L,D,P
45-690 Pakalana, Honoka'a 775-0598
Good place to take a break if you're traveling between Waimea and Hilo, or going to Waipio
Valley. Opens early for breakfast at 6:00am. Try the hot malasadas (Portuguese doughnut, minus hole). Local favorite.
Korner Pocket Bar & Grill $ to $$ E,L,D,P
Kealakekua 322-2994
Casual local meeting place with pool tables, games, big screen TV and a bar on one side and comfortable dining on the other. Great selection of beers, 12 on tap. Huge menu (served til late)
and great daily specials that are surprising in their creativity. One of the best deals in Kona. Family run, fun place for those who want to get off the tourist-beaten path. Live music Friday
night. Interesting assortment of colorful characters. Sort of the "Cheers" of Kealakekua.
Kope Kope Espresso Bar & Cafe $ E,B,L,P
1261Kilauea Ave. Suite 220, Hilo 933-1221
Light fare, bagels, sandwiches and soups. Famous for their tuna sandwiches and tomato tortilla wraps. Four TVs so you can keep up on anything from the market to sports. Popular local spot.
Bakeries/Delis
Chris Bakery $ P
Kealakekua 323-2444
Tiny little bakery right on the road in Kealakekua. Excellent malasadas, but they go fast. Cream puffs that should be illegal.
Buns in the Sun $ B,L,P
Lanihau Center, Kailua-Kona 326-2774
Good local baked goods and sandwiches.
The French Bakery $ B,L,P
74-5467Kaiwi St. Bay 6 326-2688
Good breads, pastries and sandwiches. Try the spinach stuffed Tongan bread. Run by an actual
Frenchman, Fernand Guiot.
Daylight Donuts & Deli $ B,L,D,P
Keauhou Shopping Center 324-1833
Mac Pie $ P,
Keauhou Shopping Center 322-7437
Seven flavors of macadamia nut pies. Best there is. Don't try this stuff unless you have incredible
willpower. They also mail out so you can make your friends and relatives on the Mainland love you forever.
Canaan Deli $ B,L,P
Kealakekua 323-2577
Real deli run by guys with strange accents. They're from some weird place called Philadelphia. Breakfast starts at 7.
Evie's Natural Foods $ L,D,P
Mango Court, Kainaliu 322-0739
Fresh made salads, sandwiches and such.
Chinese
Don's Pake Kitchen $ L,D,P
74-5588 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona 329-3770 & Kamuela (Waimea) 885-2025
Pake means Chinese in Hawaiian. One of my Hong Kong-raised wife's favorite places.
Golden Chopstix $ R,L,D,P
Kaahumanu Plaza 74-5467 Kaiwi St., Kailua-Kona 329-4527
Mandarin, Szechwan and Hunan.
King Yee Lau $$ L,D,P
75-5799 Ali'i Dr., Ali'i Sunset Plaza, Kailua-Kona 329-7100
Cantonese and Mandarin. Live crab and lobster, as well as vegetarian dishes.
Royal Jade Garden $$ L,D,P
Lanihau Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona 326-7288
Cantonese and Mandarin. Well-run friendly place. Order from menu or create your own combo.
Ocean View Inn $ B,L,D
75-5683 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-9998
Popular local spot that's been here forever. Across from the seawall in Kailua. Hawaiian version of Chinese food.
Grand Palace Chinese Restaurant $$ L,D,P
King's Shops, Waikoloa 886-6668
Gourmet Mandarin and Cantonese. Sunday brunch buffet.
Ocean Seafood $ L,D,P
75-5626 Kuakini Hwy King Kamehameha Mall 329-3055
Buffets daily. Large menu, friendly people. Dim Sum Saturdays 11:00 til 2:00.
Hong Kong Chop Suey $ L,D,P
Kealakekua Ranch Center 323-3373
Family run, nice folks. Casual, local crowd. Unpretentious and good.
Happy Valley Seafood Restaurant $$ L,D,P
1263 Kilauea Ave., Hilo Shopping Center, Hilo 933-1083
Chinese seafood specialties.
Continental
Kilauea Lodge $$$$ R,D,P,V
Volcano Village 967-7366
Beautiful place in the romantic heights of Volcano.
Kona Village Resort $$$$ R,E,L,D,P,V
Queen Kaahumanu Hwy.,Hale Samoa 325-5555
Fabulous resort with individual grass huts, right on the beach. Pricey. Always excellent food. The best luau in Kona Fridays.
Creole
Roussels Waikoloa Village $$$$ R,E,L,D,P
Waikoloa Village Golf Club 883-9644
Not much Cajun food to be found on Big Island, but this place is authentic, if toned down a bit. Run by a real coon ass who loves good food. The mud bugs are great.
French
La Bourgogne $$$ R,E,L,D,P,V
77-6400 Nalani, Suite 101, Kailua-Kona 329-6711
Not many French restaurants here, either. Intimate dining. Excellent food, well presented by people who take what they do seriously.
Greek
Cassandra's Greek Tavern $$$ R,E,L,D
75-5719 W. Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 334-1066
Popular spot. Indoor and outdoor seating right in the big middle of everything. Frisky belly dancers doing things that most consider humanly impossible.
Hawaiian / Pacific Rim
Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery $$ E,L,D,P
Downtown Hawi, North Kohala 889-5555
Quaint old building, feels like old Hawaii, which it is. Lilikoi (passion fruit) margaritas. Ono. Sunday brunch.
Super J's $ L,D,P
Makai side of the highway, Honaunau
Not your typical tourist stop. Little family run take-out place. Best laulau and poi. Plate lunch, too, with potato mac salad, lomi salmon, etc.
Cafe Pesto $$$ R,E,L,D,P
Kawaihae Center, S. Kohala 882-1071 & 308 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo 969-6640
Only been to the one in Hilo. Pretty place in old downtown area. Fresh seafood, pastas and salads all with an island touch. Wood-fired gourmet pizzas are wonderful.
Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill $$$ L,D,P
King's Shops, Waikoloa 886-4321
Much imitated Hawaiian chef Roy puts an elegant twist on our regional faves. Imu roasted chicken broke da mouth, so good.
Manago Hotel $ B,L,D,P
Captain Cook 323-2642
A real Kona institution built in 1915. Family style dining. Popular spot after church. Manago's pork chops are legendary.
Surt's at Volcano Village $$$ L,D,P ,V
Volcano Village 967-8511
Very eclectic menu. Everything from spring rolls to filet mignon. They call it "fusion cuisine".
Tropics Cafe $$$ R,E,B,D,P,V
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona 329-3111
Casual oceanfront dining right on Kailua Bay. All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Steaks, seafood and Hawaiian regional cuisine served nightly 6-9.
Kamuela Provision Company $$$$ R,E,D,P
Hilton Waikoloa Village 886-1234
Pacific rim specialties in the fabulous Hilton Waikoloa complex.
Merriman's $$$ R,L,D,P
Hwy. 19, Kamuela 885-6822
Well-respected Waimea restaurant. Hawaiian regional.
Kuhio Grille $$ B,L,D,P
111 E Puainako, Prince kuhio Plaza, Hilo 959-2336
Home style local food and fresh baked goods. Ready for a one pound laulau? Open 24 hours on weekends.
Sam Choy's $$ L,D,P
73-5576 Kauhola, Bay1, Kailua-Kona 326-1545 & Keauhou Astin
Local style food by Hawaii's version of Chef Paul. Best saimin.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel $$$$ R,E,D,P,V
Kohala 882-7222, ext. 5801
Spectacularly beautiful setting with food to match. Upscale, way up, Hawaiian/Polynesian. Luau Tuesday night. Clambake Saturday night.
Island Breeze Luau $$$$ R,E,D,P
King Kamehameha Hotel, Kailua-Kona 326-4969
I know it's touristy, but you should do a luau while on the island. For one thing, it's a great way to sample a lot of different Hawaiian food. All the luaus in Kona are excellent, but all have subtle differences. I am partial to the Island Breeze dancers, though they're all elegant and gorgeous. As to the four dollar signs, remember you get a whole show, all you can eat and all you can drink. If you're at all like me, you'll find a way to get your money's worth. Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
Drums of Polynesia Luau $$$$ R,E,D,P
Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona
So as not to force competition, this excellent luau takes place on Monday, Friday and Saturday. You can also view the imu (fire pit they kalua the pig in) ceremony here.
Kona Village Resort Luau $$$$ R,E,D,P
Hale Ho'okipa, 325-6787
A bit more expensive than the other two. Food exceptional. Friday nights. Their brunches and other meals are first class as well.
Ke'ei Cafe $ to $$ R,D,P
Honaunau, 328-8451
Cute little place on the makai side of the road in Honaunau. Great local style dishes done with something of a flourish. Tables fill up fast.
Indonesian
Sibu Cafe $$ L,D,P
75-5695 Ali'i Dr., Banyan Court Shopping Plaza, Kailua-Kona 329-1112
Tiny little place, but foods good. Lots of spice. Definitely different.
Italian / Pizza
Bianelli's $$ to $$$ R,L,D,P
75-240 Nani Kailua Rd., Kailua-Kona 326-4800
My favorite pizza. NYC-style hand-tossed or Chi Town deep-dish, gourmet kind. Plus all-you-can-eat pasta. The spinach raviloli rules. Try the pink sauce. Or the gorgonzola pizza, or... Triathletes get your carbs here.
Michaelangelo's $$$ R,L,D,P,V
Waterfront Row, Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-4436
All-you-can-eat spaghetti at lunch, big dinner menu. Drink specials nightly. Dancing every night til 2:00am, a rarity in sleepy Kona.
Donatoni's $$$$ R,D,P
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Kohala 886-1234
Upscale Italian. Heard it's good. My wife won't pay this much for Italian.
Pescatore $$$ L,D
235 Keawe St, Hilo 969-9090
Basil's $$ L,D,P
75-5707 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 326-7836
Busy little place right down on the main drag, near the Pier.
Rocky's Pizza $$ L,D,P
Keauhou Shopping Center 322-3223
Good pizza, pastas. Barbecue, too, believe it or not.
Topo Gigio's Italian Bistro $$ L,D,P
Waiakea Villas, 400 Hualani Bldg. 12A, Hilo 961-5588
Claims to have the largest selection of antique toys in Hawaii, as well as a full bar and serious Italian food.
Kona Brewing Company $$ L,D,P
75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona 329-2739
This local micro-brewery is listed in this group because of their gourmet pizza. Cool brew pub, with some of the best beer you ever drank. Try the Lilikoi Wheat Ale for something different.
Paolo's Bistro $$$-$$$$ R,D
333 Pahoa Rd, Pahoa 965-7033
New little place in old Pahoa. Northern Italian food. Hear the chef (Paolo) is wonderful. BYOB.
Japanese
Imari $$$$ R,D,P
Hilton Waikaloa Village, Kohala 886-1234
Elegant Japanese dining. Food as art.
Teshima's $ to$$ B,L,D,P
Honalo 322-9140
Another dependable Kona favorite. Mostly local crowd. You know why? Because it's great. Home-style, nothin' fancy Japanese kaukau. Family run for years. Killer tempura, miso soup. Green tea ice cream is a must to round things off. Be sure to check out Jason Izumi's wonderful paintings throughout the restaurant. Minor inconvenience: No credit cards.
Aki's Cafe $ to$$ B,L,D,P,V
Kailua Bay Inn Plaza, Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-0090
Tiny little place right on the bay. Ostensibly a Japanese cafe, but also has some American food. Surprisingly, their pancakes, topped with macadamia nuts, are incredible.
Yasu's Kona Sushi $$$ L,D,P
75-5799 Ali'i Dr., Ali'i Sunset Plaza, Kailua-Kona 326-1696
Sushi bar. Fresh local fish.
Nihon Restaurant & Cultural Center $$ to$$$
L,D,P
123 Lihiwai St., Hilo 969-1133
Overlooks Hilo Bay and Liliuokalani Gardens. Lunch, dinner and sushi bar.
Hama Yu $$$ to $$$$ L,D,P
King's Shops Waikoloa, Kohala 886-6333
Happy Yu & Yu Sushi $$$ L,D,P
75-5770 Ali'i Dr., Waterfront Row, Kailua-Kona 326-5653
Popular spot, nice location.
Daizen Okazuya $ B,L,P
Hwy. 19, Waimea 885-8511
Only open for breakfast and lunch.
Scruffles $
B,L,D,P
1438 Kilauea Ave., Hilo 935-6667
Japanese and American. Fresh sushi.
Korean
Jennifer's Korean Barbecue $$ L,D,P
74-5605 Luhia St., Kailua-Kona 326-1155
Casual spot. Favorite among the local crowd.
Jimmy's Drive Inn $$ L,D,P
362 Kinoole St., Hilo 935-5711
Local Korean grinds.
Kona Mix Plate $ L,D,P
Kopiko Plaza, Kailua-Kona 329-8104
One of the best deals in Kona. No atmosphere, but the food is great. And they're not scimpy on the portions. Korean, Japanese and American, but mostly Korean. Try the Korean Beef Bugogi. Bring breath mints.
Yong's Kalbi Korean Restaurant $ to $$ L,D,P
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy., Waimea Center, Waimea 885-8440
Korean grinds in the heart of cattle country.
Mediterranean
Edward's at Kanaloa $$$ to $$$$ R,L,D,P,V
76-261 Manukai, Keauhou 322-1434
Creative Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food with a Pacific Rim touch by well-known chef Edward Frady. Al fresco dining with spectacular view. Great place to watch the humpbacks.
Mexican
Pancho & Lefty's Cantina & Restaurante $$ R,L,D,P
75-5719 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 326-2171
Busy spot upstairs on Ali'i Drive. Tex-Mex style. Try the fried ice cream for dessert.
Reuben's $$ R,L,D,P
336 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo 961-2552 & 75-5711 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona 329-4686
Recently opened a new place on the Kona side. Popular, more West Coast-style Mexican food. Crab enchiladas. Good margaritas.
Senor Billy's $ to $$ L,D,P
Captain Cook 323-2012
Baja-style Mexican. Californians will love it, Texans will be less enthused. I like the pork tacos and the empanada de queso. Excellent breakfasts, local style and traditional.
Tres Hombres $$ R,L,D,P,V
Beach Grille, Kawaihae 882-1031 & Steak and Seafood Cantina, 75-5864 Walua Rd., Kailua-Kona 329-2173
The Kawiahe spot has been a local favorite for years. New location recently opened in Kona.
Luquin's Mexican Restaurant $ to $$ B,L,D,P
Pahoa 965-9990
Tex Mex. American style breakfasts, too.
Seafood
Almost all restaurants in Hawaii serve seafood. These specialize.
Huggo's $$$$ R,E,L,D,P,V
75-5828 Kahakai, Kailua-Kona 329-1493
Beautiful location, right on the water. Excellent al fresco dining with every seat a view. Seafood always fresh and prepared with imagination. Great steaks and prime rib. Try the blackened sashimi appetizer. Comfy bar with great drinks. Gargantuan ice cream pie. Dancing nightly.
Jameson's by the Sea $$$ R,E,L,D,P,V
77-6452 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-3195
Watch the surfers at Magic Sands while enjoying some of the best food in Kona. Inside and outside dining, right on the water. Great seafood as well as lamb and beef. Try the salmon pate and garlic rounds. The ham and tomato quiche with caesar salad makes a perfect lunch.
Charthouse $$$ R,L,D,P,V
75-5770 Ali'i Dr., Waterfront Row, Kailua-Kona 329-2451
Great view upstairs at Waterfront Row. Seafood, beef, large salad bar. Indoor and outdoor seating. Nice bar upstairs with some rare single barrel bourbons and single malt scotches.
Kona Inn Restaurant $$$ R,L,D,P,V
75-5744 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-4455
Sealevel dining in the old Kailua Inn Shopping Center. Small menu but consistently good.
Harbor House $$ to $$$ L,D,P,V
Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kailua-Kona 326-4166
Fresh seafood to burgers and munchies right at the marina. See who caught what before they start lying. Ten beers on tap with 18 oz. schooners to hold 'em.
Thai
Bangkok House $$ to $$$ R,L,D,P
75-5626 Kuakini Hwy, Bldg. 5, Kailua-Kona 329-7764
Well established Thai food in the King Kamehameha Mall.
Kona Taeng On Thai $$ to $$$ R,L,D,P
75-5744 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-1994
Pretty restaurant upstairs on Ali'i right in the hustle and bustle of Kailua town.
Thai Rin $$ to $$$ R,L,D,P
75-5799 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona 329-2929
Popular Thai food, nicely presented. Comfortable little restaurant.
The Royal Thai Cafe $ to $$$ L,D,P
Keauhou Shopping Center 322-8424
Pretty, well run place. My personal favorite, and My wife's, who grew up in Thailand. Beautifully and authenically prepared food.
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