Located at 2764 feet (842.47 meters) in the small ranching town of Waimea, this boutique brewery holds the distinction of being the highest brewery in Hawaii. Locals know this place as an extension to the ever-popular Tako Taco Mexican café. Located in the very heart of Waimea, the brewery was a long time in the making. The vats are anchored to the rear of the restaurant in an old barn with a variety of brews that are too long to list. There is live music three times a week, and that ever-popular Tako Taco menu of salads, burritos and quesadillas is ready for the asking.
Kings View Café is probably one of the easiest eateries to find in North Kohala. Located across the street from the King Kamehameha statue, this open-air eatery offers an unobstructed view of the statue and downtown Kapaau. The country setting is quiet, laid back and the colorful colors of the eatery make for an uplifting atmosphere. The café specializes in salads, burgers and other lunchtime standards. The staff is a friendly collection of area residents who are certain to make a casual lunch a pleasant experience. There is parking just outside the entrance that just happens to be directly across the street from the photo opportunities at the statue.
Pick of the dining options within The Fairmont Orchid, Brown's is a beach-side retreat that sports a perfect setting for unforgettable meals. You can practically feel the sea when you dine in the restaurant's splendid outdoor setting amidst palm trees accentuated by tropical decor. The sweeping ocean views are to die for and sunsets are as romantic as they come. But it's not just the location that has made Brown's, a destination of such caliber. The restaurant has a firm local food philosophy with pretty much all the ingredients being sourced from top local farms. It's the same with seafood. The menu also assumes a local vein with Big Island cooking traditions at the forefront and a healthy choice in Pacific Rim specialties. Seafood is an absolute delight and should not be missed. For a more intimate experience, the restaurant offers the option of private dining in a setting that can only be termed as memorable. Call ahead or check website for reservations and more.
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.
Located at 2764 feet (842.47 meters) in the small ranching town of Waimea, this boutique brewery holds the distinction of being the highest brewery in Hawaii. Locals know this place as an extension to the ever-popular Tako Taco Mexican café. Located in the very heart of Waimea, the brewery was a long time in the making. The vats are anchored to the rear of the restaurant in an old barn with a variety of brews that are too long to list. There is live music three times a week, and that ever-popular Tako Taco menu of salads, burritos and quesadillas is ready for the asking.
Everybody raves about this place's malasadas. The doughnut-like treats, served piping hot and rolled in sugar, are a favorite all over the islands, and general consensus is that no place makes them better than the folks at Tex. Other menu items include wraps, burgers and local-style plate lunches. This place used to be a favorite hole-in-the-wall for years, but now it has turned into a spacious, fully modern restaurant and malasada factory.
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.
Enjoy rich Hawaiian flavors in the plush settings of 'ULU Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge. Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu, extravagance is the theme that runs through this restaurant; it is reflected in the food and ambiance. Cooking styles from the Pacific Rim, Asian and Polynesia are wonderfully blended with local Hawaiian flavors, that is sure to be a feast for your palate. This is a great restaurant to gorge on fresh bounties from the sea, while enjoying beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The sushi lounge is a sheer delight for lovers of this Japanese dish.
An upscale french restaurant in Waimea, The Blue Room Brasserie is the place to be for a scrumptious meal in a rather laid-back setting. The first thing you notice when you enter this restaurant is its exquisite decor, replete with wood paneled walls, dim-lighting and fancy chandeliers, which sets the tone for an enjoyable meal. Each item on the menu is infused with the essence of traditional French cuisine, so one can expect nothing short of a palate-pleasing experience from this restaurant. Not-to-be-missed is the signature Croque Monsieur, Bouillabaisse and Steak au Poivre, which is certain to have you coming back for more.