Looking for the best restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii? Well, you’re in the right place!
In case your hunger is distracting you, pause and consider trying ULU Ocean Grill or Kaaloa’s Super J’s. You’ll thank me later!
The Big Island, as the epicenter of tourism, houses some of the most amazing restaurants serving incredible food.
Whether you’re a hardcore foodie, wouldn’t mind the extra calories while on vacation, or just looking for a comfortable spot to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we have some excellent picks for you.
The following best restaurants on the Big Island are fantastic and could become your go-to places every time you visit the Big Island.
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1. ULU Ocean Grill
Hawaiian-Asian fusion cuisine paired with phenomenal oceanfront views – an unbeatable combination that draws people to ULU Ocean Grill.
This award-winning restaurant’s menu features local seafood as the star and 75% of the food served here is locally sourced.
Whether you opt for a table indoors or by the water, the real magic happens during sunset. Many folks plan their visit around this time to enjoy a breathtaking view.
If you love sushi, get the Hualalai Sushi Trio from their Sushi Lounge.
This option lets you sample some of ULU Ocean Grill’s splendid sushi creations and includes Seared Otoro Nigiri, Seared Wagyu Nigiri, Uni & Ikura, with Osetra Caviar.
Served with local seasonal veggies and slightly tart and tangy yuzu butter, the Mahi Mahi from their Ocean Grill selection comes grilled beautifully—flaky, juicy, and tender, and tastes wonderful.
The Spicy Crab Noodles is a mouthwatering rendition. The whole dish has a nice spice kick to it, and the buttery and creamy sauce balances the spiciness with its richness. Not to mention, you get big chunks of king crab meat with the noodles!
As for dessert, their Pineapple Upside Down takes the top spot. Picture this: a rich Butter Pound Cake forming the perfect base, topped with irresistible Rum Caramelized Pineapple. The star of the show is the Fior Di Latte Gelato which adds a cool finish to each bite.
What to order: Hualalai Sushi Trio, Mahi Mahi, Spicy Crab Noodles, Pineapple Upside Down
Address: 72-100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
2. Kaaloa’s Super J’s
When it comes to authentic Hawaiian food on the Big Island, one of the first names you get recommended would be Kaaloa’s Super J’s.
This small, family-run restaurant is widely popular for its Laulau, and a variety of other original Hawaiian dishes, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
You have to start with the authentic Pork Laulau. While there is a chicken version too, the pork is authentically Hawaiian, and Kaaloa’s serves a damn good one.
The pork is slow-cooked for several hours in an underground oven, wrapped in taro leaf, and comes to the table so tender that it just falls apart. Take one bite, and you’ll notice that the dish is prepared skillfully and with lots of love!
You can have your Laulau with a side of potato or macaroni salad (I always go with the mac salad), rice, and Lomi Salmon.
The Lomi Salmon is a blend of onions, tomatoes, and salted salmon—fresh, salty, and acidic, and brings the plate together really well.
The Kalua Pork is another extraordinary Hawaiian dish you should try here. This is essentially braised cabbage with tender shredded pork. This is onee of the best Kalua dishes you can find on the island.
What to order: Pork Laulau, Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pork
Address: 83-5409 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704
3. Merriman’s Big Island
An award-winning restaurant run by an award-winning chef, Merriman’s has been around for more than 20 years and is a Big Island treasure, no doubt.
The place serves regional Hawaiian cuisine, with authentic flavors. While the interior may be simple and unassuming, it’s the go-to choice for locals celebrating special occasions.
What’s really cool is their big list of wines, and you can pick from lots of different ones, even by the glass!
If it’s your first time here, I highly recommend the Kalua Pig & Sweet Onion Quesadilla, a delightful twist on the traditional favorite.
Packed with tender kalua pig, sweet onion, and heaps of cheese, this quesadilla is served alongside house-made kimchi and a mango chili mustard sauce that beautifully complements the rich flavors.
For a taste of the ocean, try the Curried Hamakua Macadamia Nut Crusted Fish. This dish showcases the catch of the day, perfectly cooked to achieve a balance of salty, nutty, crunchy, and flaky.
If you’re exploring the lunch menu, the Herb Grilled Eggplant Sandwich is a vegetarian must-have. Enhanced with sriracha aioli and fresh elements, this sandwich bursts with flavor and is surprisingly filling in my experience.
What to order: Kalua Pig & Sweet Onion Quesadilla, Curried Hamakua Macadamia Nut Crusted Fish, Herb Grilled Eggplant Sandwich, Waialua Chocolate Torte
Address: 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743
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🍕 Check out the best food tours in Hawaii!
4. Da Poke Shack
Serving unbelievably fresh and mouthwatering poke on the Big Island, Da Poke Shack is a take-out style restaurant that lets its food do all the talking!
The place may be small with shared tables and limited outdoor seating, but it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a fresh meal bowl to-go, especially if you’re headed to the beach or a nearby beachfront park.
When you step into Da Poke Shack, you have two choices: Poke Bowl or Poke Plate. My best advice? Opt for the Poke Bowl if you’re dining solo, featuring two poke selections, one side dish, and a scoop of rice.
If you’re sharing, the Poke Plate is the way to go, offering four poke selections, two side dishes, and two scoops of rice.
When it comes to poke selections, one of the most popular choices is the Wet Hawaiian. Made with roasted kukui nuts, this is a savory creation that is well-seasoned, without overwhelming the flavor of the fresh fish, and tastes beyond delicious with the rice.
Another favorite on the list is the Shack Special. Enhanced with sweet miso and honey, and topped with roasted seaweed, this poke is so irresistible that you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
If you’re looking for something spicy, go with the Spicy Garlic Sesame. Trust me, it’s SPICY! Just make sure to have your choice of beverage ready on the side.
What to order: Wet Hawaiian, Shack Special, Spicy Garlic Sesame, Kim Chee Tako
Address: 76-6246 Ali’i Drive, Suite 101 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
5. Canoe House
Located on the Kohala Coast, Canoe House pairs beautiful oceanfront views with fresh farm-to-table meals.
This modern and elegant indoor-outdoor space offers sunlit ocean views during the day and transforms into an enchanting scene by night, with a mesmerizing fire pit and tiki torch glow against the ocean backdrop.
I personally recommend starting with the Shokupan Pull Apart Bread—buttered, salted, fresh, and warm, it sets the perfect tone for your meal.
If you’re here for the seafood, the Warayaki will impress you just by the way it’s served; it comes atop a small grill and is smoked in front of you.
The freshness of the fish is umami heaven, complemented by the infusion of smoke, wasabi soy, and mustard miso.
The Oysters, dressed in a sweet onion tosazu, are my favorite! The mild dressing harmonizes with the oysters’ salty ocean taste without overshadowing their natural flavor.
What to order: Shokupan Pull Apart Bread, Warayaki, Oysters, Smoked Pork Jowl
Address: 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kamuela, HI 96743
6. Teshima’s Restaurant
A Kealakekua landmark and people’s favorite, Teshima’s is a family-run Japanese-Hawaiian fusion restaurant that has been serving generations since its inception in 1957.
Comfort food is the basis of the menu here, and the setting is quite old-school and family-friendly.
A signature dish introduced in 1960 and available exclusively for dinner, their Shrimp Tempura is a must-have. The shrimp is exceptionally fresh, coated in a tempura batter that achieves the perfect crunch on the outside while retaining succulence within.
The beautiful golden color alone is enough to make your taste buds anticipate a dance!
For an all-encompassing taste of Teshima’s delights, try the Deep Sea Trio combo. This feast features Shrimp Tempura, Fried Fish, and Sashimi, accompanied by a bowl of miso soup and unlimited rice, ensuring both fullness and happiness.
Cap off your meal with scrumptious desserts crafted from Grandma Teshima’s recipes, with standouts like the Pumpkin Pie and Jane’s Homemade Chocolate Truffle.
What to order: Shrimp Tempura, Deep Sea Trio, Pumpkin Pie, Jane’s Homemade Chocolate Truffle
Address: 79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
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7. The Fish and the Hog
Serving Texas-style BBQ on the Big Island, The Fish and the Hog is all about Southern comfort food, everything made from scratch and well-executed.
The restaurant is located in a historic building and has an old-world Hawaiian charm to it, and the amazing tropical cocktail selections on the menu are crowd-pullers.
The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich is the OG dish on the menu, and is where it all began! Served with crispy onion rings, slaw, and pickles, this sandwich has slow-cooked pork, barbecued to perfection, making it extra juicy.
Here’s a tip: before uniting the two sides together, add some BBQ sauce to the meat, let it get drenched, and enjoy the sandwich to your utmost satisfaction!
For a flavorful explosion, The Hot Hawaiian burger is a must-try. A juicy beef patty, thick-crispy-smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a kick of spicy/sweet pineapple rosemary habanero jelly come together between a soft Hawaiian roll.
I highly suggest asking for some extra pineapple rosemary habanero jelly on the side. Don’t ask why, you’ll understand in just one bite.
And before you head home, get a slice of their decadent Chocolate Cake; it’s a must!
What to order: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, The Hot Hawaiian, Fish N Chips, Chocolate Cake
Address: 64-957 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
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8. Big Island Grill
Serving all Hawaiian favorites, Big Island Grill is one of the few places you can head to for a quick, filling, and delicious meal to take on your next island adventure.
The restaurant is spacious and simple, and has a laid-back vibe, allowing you to enjoy your meal comfortably and in peace.
First up, the Loco Moco is a must-try. Imagine a bed of rice crowned with your choice of meat—options include a Hamburger Patty, Chicken Katsu, Spam, Portuguese Sausage, Bacon, Roast Pork, or Fried Shrimp.
Two eggs, cooked to your liking, add a touch of perfection, all topped with their signature homemade brown gravy.
For those craving an extra-filling meal, the Super Loco Moco steps up to the plate. This dish takes everything that makes the Loco Moco special and amplifies it. Now, you get to choose three meats to adorn your bed of rice!
Don’t forget to treat yourself to the beloved Hawaiian Mud Pie for dessert! This creation, layered with coffee ice cream, fudge, Oreo cookies, and more, is the epitome of sweet indulgence and the best way to round off your meal.
What to order: Loco Moco, Super Loco Moco, Hawaiian Mud Pie
Address: 75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
9. Broke Da Mouth Grindz – Kona
Rightly named Broke Da Mouth (meaning “incredibly delicious food”) in Hawaiian slang, this restaurant delivers impeccable Filipino and Hawaiian flavors.
This favorite neighborhood nook is warm, inviting, and cozy, and the food served is fantastic, till the very last bite.
As the “home of da garlic furikake chicken”, how can you not order their popular Garlic Furikake Chicken?!
These are boneless skin-on chicken thighs, deep-fried to make the skin extremely crispy, while the inside remains juicy, and sprinkled with crunchy and salty furikake.
The sweet/savory sauce on the side perfectly contrasts with the chicken’s flavor, making it sing.
For a bolder experience, opt for the “Spicy” Garlic Furikake Chicken. Drizzled with spicy aioli and sriracha, adorned with chili flakes, and served with an extra spicy “chili peppah watah dip sauce,” it’s a fiery twist on a classic favorite.
Craving flavors from the sea? The Garlic Butter Shrimp has beautifully plump shrimp, lightly battered and fried, and tossed in fragrant garlic butter.
I suggest dipping them in their aioli dipping sauce to enjoy a game-changing combination.
Conclude your feast on a sweet note with their Ube Ice Cream Mud Pie. Super-rich and utterly delightful, you’ll wish you could easily make this treat at home!
What to order: Garlic Furikake Chicken, “Spicy” Garlic Furikake Chicken, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ube Ice Cream Mud Pie
Address: 74-5565 Luhia Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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10. Moon and Turtle
An Asian fusion restaurant, with a rotating menu, starring locally sourced produce – Moon and Turtle takes creativity to another level with its unique dishes.
The dimly lit space is casual yet charming, and attracts families, couples, and bigger groups as well.
When in doubt, start your food adventure at Moon and Turtle with the Smokey Sashimi. If you’re a fan of sashimi, you’re sure to appreciate this one!
Looking for something unique? Try the Garlic Eggplant with Oyster Sauce. Each bite is full of different flavors that will blow your mind away.
In case you’re craving pasta in Hawaii, Moon and Turtle got your back with their Portuguese Sausage Campanelle! It’s fresh pasta mixed with spicy local sausage, veggies, a tasty sofrito sauce, and topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Want a comforting meal? The Mushroom Risotto is your best bet. It’s cooked slowly to be super creamy and indulgent, so every spoonful is a burst of deliciousness that leaves you happy and full.
What to order: Smokey Sashimi, Garlic Eggplant with Oyster Sauce, Portuguese Sausage Campanelle, Mushroom Risotto
Address: 51 Kalakaua Street, Hilo, HI 96720
11. Kanoa Grill & Poke
Fresh fish, local flavors, locally sourced produce, and their ever-popular Lobster Crab Cakes, Kanoa Grill & Poke stays true to Chef Bryan Fujikawa’s culinary excellence.
Step into an inviting space paired with bright colors that add a touch of fun to your dining experience. The service here is not only prompt but also genuinely friendly,
Yes, start with the obvious—Lobster Crab Cake. Chef Bryan’s famous Lobster Crab Cake is made with fresh lobster and crab meat, which you get to taste in every bite, and has limited breading just to hold everything together.
Grilling on open fire gives it a superb smoky taste, and the creamy sauce on top is a welcome addition.
Not to forget, Kanoa Grill serves one of the best Fish Burgers in Hawaii. They’re my favorite!
The fish is panko-crusted and grilled to perfection – crispy on the outside and flaky and juicy on the inside, and the burger comes with homemade seasoned chips on the side.
If you visit the restaurant on a Thursday, don’t forget to order the Lilikoi Pork Chops. This is a Hawaiian version of pork chops, which has super juicy and tender pork chop with a crunchy exterior.
The highlight of the plate is definitely the lilikoi or passion fruit sauce, which is thick, sweet, and tangy, and balances the rich pork chops well.
What to order: Lobster Crab Cake, Fish Burger, Lilikoi Pork Chops, Key Lime Pie
Address: 75-1027 Henry Street ste 102b, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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12. Rebel Kitchen
Established in 2011, Rebel Kitchen is the dream child of two rebels themselves, and the restaurant has grown to become a local favorite.
This fun and quirky joint serves hearty burgers, sandwiches, and various specialties, made with locally sourced ingredients, and featuring international flavors.
Their Chicken Fajita Wontons are an amazing appetizer to start with. The wontons are crispy with a generous chicken filling, along with beans, corn, and cheese.
Finished with a drizzle of avocado cream sauce, every mouthful tastes sublime.
For something heartier, try the Homemade Soup of the Day. Nothing beats the warmth and comforting embrace of a steaming bowl after a tiring day of going around the island.
One of the bestsellers, the restaurant’s namesake burger (Rebel Burger) has a plump and juicy beef patty, topped with crispy bacon, cheese, onion, tomato, and pickles, and is further elevated with a spicy pineapple coleslaw.
The house-baked bun keeps everything intact, and the burger is finger-licking good.
Another one of their specialty dishes is Coconut Curry Ono and Shrimp. The fish features fresh ono fish and shrimp in a spicy and flavorsome coconut curry, and tastes wonderful with rice.
What to order: Chicken Fajita Wontons, Homemade Soup of the Day, Rebel Burger, Coconut Curry Ono and Shrimp
Address: 79-7399 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750
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The Big Island is abundant not just with natural beauty but also with restaurants serving local and international cuisines, especially the capital – Honolulu.
Explore the city’s best foodscapes with this list of the best restaurants in Honolulu.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.