One of the most famous island hole-in-the-wall joints, the Hawaiian Style Café is known throughout the islands as the spot to go for local dishes. Loco moco, Hawaiian plates and much more are offered at this counter-style diner. Be sure to have the country-style breakfast that will feature local grass-fed beef and huge portions. Cash only!
Chef Peter Merriman, the former culinary star of Mauna Lani Resort, has received critical and public acclaim for his Upcountry venture. Serving the best and freshest Big Island products with contemporary flair, this restaurant is on a par with the finest resort gourmet rooms. Mr. Merriman personally supervises the purchase of ingredients from local farms and makes sure to give credit where credit is due. Fresh seafood, creative salads and decadent desserts are always present on the ever-changing menu.
Oenophiles will rejoice at this fantastic offering within the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that gives as much attention to the food served as to the wine itself. The daily changing food menu centers around the restaurant's superb wine list, with the chef concocting excellent Hawaiian-inspired specialties with a creative bend. The restaurant boasts of an Enomatic wine storage system which allows patrons to sample pretty much every wine on the list by the glass; a sheer delight for wine lovers. The wine list itself is pretty diverse and throws up some great choices from the best wine producing regions. The restaurant changes character in the mornings to become a lively breakfast destination. The restaurant benefits from the hotel's stunning location and offers breathtaking water views from pretty much every seat. The light-filled outdoor area is an excellent choice for a romantic sunset meal.
One of the best restaurants in the Waikoloa resort, this contemporary sushi temple is a must-try. One of many restaurants owned by island celebrity chef D.K. Kodama, this eatery is fun, casual and comfortable. The menu is eclectic and ranges from traditional Japanese selections to creative sushi and unique fusion dishes. Arrive early for specials or come later for the karaoke. The shopping center offers an abundance of free parking, but it's also within easy walking distance of the larger resorts.
The chef here serves up his own style of Hawaiian Regional cuisine, which features seafood, poultry and plenty of cuts of prime meat prepared with an island twist. Local vegetables, fruits and herbs accompany meaty, savory main dishes. Expect to see many dishes that have been coconut-crusted or teriyaki-glazed. The decor is elegant in a relaxed sort of way. Tropical flowers border the outdoor patio, and a stream rushes over the rocks several yards away. A local musician serenades the room as the sun lazily dips below the horizon.
This is a hidden gem along the Kohala Coast. Located in the Mauna Lani resort, this open-air restaurant is located along the beach behind security gates. Once past the sentry, the shaded parking lot gives way to the clubhouse that offers a private and secluded setting. The menu is a collection of island and Asian flavors combined with fresh local seafood, beef and produce. The restaurant offers an abundance of coastal views to enjoy while dining. Sunset dinner reservations are recommended. Dress is casual and the restaurant is cooled by tropical sea breezes.
Chef Peter Merriman, the former culinary star of Mauna Lani Resort, has received critical and public acclaim for his Upcountry venture. Serving the best and freshest Big Island products with contemporary flair, this restaurant is on a par with the finest resort gourmet rooms. Mr. Merriman personally supervises the purchase of ingredients from local farms and makes sure to give credit where credit is due. Fresh seafood, creative salads and decadent desserts are always present on the ever-changing menu.
One of the most famous island hole-in-the-wall joints, the Hawaiian Style Café is known throughout the islands as the spot to go for local dishes. Loco moco, Hawaiian plates and much more are offered at this counter-style diner. Be sure to have the country-style breakfast that will feature local grass-fed beef and huge portions. Cash only!
This is a hidden gem along the Kohala Coast. Located in the Mauna Lani resort, this open-air restaurant is located along the beach behind security gates. Once past the sentry, the shaded parking lot gives way to the clubhouse that offers a private and secluded setting. The menu is a collection of island and Asian flavors combined with fresh local seafood, beef and produce. The restaurant offers an abundance of coastal views to enjoy while dining. Sunset dinner reservations are recommended. Dress is casual and the restaurant is cooled by tropical sea breezes.
Depending on what evening you come, this might be a Chinese, Japanese or Italian restaurant. Buffets are served on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The a la carte menu features such specialties as Pepper Roasted Free Range Chicken and Citrus Basted Mahi Mahi. There is always a salad bar. The lunch menu is equally impressive, serving up gourmet wraps, salads and the signature Hualalai Gazpacho. While this restaurant isn't as formal as Pahu i'a, it is definitely upscale, and proper dress is requested. Live music plays every night except Monday and Tuesday.
Kohala Burger and Taco is one of the smaller shops in a small cluster of shops and eateries in Kawaihae, but not one to be overlooked. The burger place is a perfect spot for yummy, juicy burgers and flavorful tacos. This burger spot prides itself on using island grass-fed beef and homemade tortillas. The prices are a bargain, especially when you compare it to nearby resort offerings, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The eatery is very small, but what lies inside this cheery eatery is perhaps one of the best deals in the neighborhood. Skip the resort food and enjoy more for a lot less.
Located at the Four Seasons Resort at Kaupulehu, this restaurant is certainly one that should not be overlooked. Alan Wong is one of Hawaii's premier chefs, and this restaurant is his Hawaii showplace. The setting is upscale in a subdued island way, where service is attentive and not smothering, and presentation is elegant and creative. The menu features fresh island produce and fish. Selections include short ribs done with a distinctively Asian twist, braised in a konbu and shoyu sauce with a unique Chinese mustard crust. Also recommended is the fresh island fish, especially the Opakapaka with an edamame puree.