The crown jewel of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel dining scene is stunning in every aspect, from the unique decor to the exotic dishes to the superb views. The restaurant is set on its own tiny island. Guests walk on a stone path, crossing the stream on a tiny bridge. Once there, it's easy to see and hear the Pacific Ocean located just a few hundred yards away. Signature items include the Lobster Tempura appetizer, the Seared White Peppered Ahi and the Grilled Lemon Pepper Scallops.
Hawaiians have been enjoying Roy Yamaguchi's innovative recipes for more than a decade. This restaurant located at the Kings' Shops is one of a half-dozen in the state. It serves artistic, flavorful, complex Pacific Rim cuisine, featuring the best local ingredients and eclectic preparations. Signature dishes include "Town & Country" Island Style Poke and Steamed Hawaiian Onaga. The wine list features varieties from around the world, plus a few from Roy's own label.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
One has just got to love a small town where the pizza franchises are absent and you can find a classy upscale pizza that will awaken the senses instead of just a hunger-numbing pie. This small spot offers the best pizza in town, along with flavorful gourmet sandwiches everyday but Sunday. The soba salad and the pan seared-fish sandwiches are beyond good.
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.