2 Best Restaurants in Big Island, Hawaii

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Between star chefs and myriad local farms, the Big Island restaurant scene is becoming a destination for foodies. Food writers are praising the chefs of the Big Island for their ability to turn the local bounty into inventive blends inspired by the island's cultural heritage.

Resorts along the Kohala Coast have long invested in culinary programs offering memorable dining experiences that include inventive entrées, spot-on wine pairings, and customized chef's table options. But great food on the Big Island doesn't begin and end with the resorts. A handful of chefs have retired from the fast-paced hotel world and opened their own small bistros in upcountry Waimea, or other places off the beaten track. Unique and wonderful restaurants have cropped up in Hawi, Kainaliu, and Holualoa, and on the east side of the island in Hilo.

In addition to restaurants, festivals devoted to island products draw hundreds of attendees to learn about everything from breadfruit and mango to avocado, chocolate, and coffee. Agritourism has turned into a fruitful venture for farmers as farm tours afford the opportunity to meet with and learn from a variety of local producer. Some tours conclude with a meal of items sourced from the same farms. From goat farms churning creamy, savory goat cheese to Waimea farms planting row after row of bright tomatoes to high-tech aquaculture operations at NELHA (Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii Authority), visitors can see exactly where their next meal comes from.

Binchotan Bar and Grill

$$$

In a sophisticated setting that includes open-air patio seating, this restaurant offers contemporary Asian dishes made with meats, prawns, peppers, and more grilled over an open flame in the traditional style. Blending locally sourced ingredients with Japanese and Hawaiian influences, chef Justin Kalaluhi creates a menu that pays homage to multiple cultures. Premium sakes, outstanding whiskeys, and artful cocktails give the bar sophisticated flair. Prices are reasonable for a resort restaurant. 

1 N. Kaniku Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), HI, 96743, USA
808-885--5778
Known For
  • Robatayaki Experience (chef's selection of grilled items)
  • Okonomiyaki (savory Japanese-style pancakes) featuring Kona lobster and macadamia nut shrimp
  • Reservations strongly recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch

TK Noodle House

$

Former resort chef TK Keosavang serves inventive Asian fusion cuisine with the emphasis on noodles. Generous portions are beautifully plated, like the crispy pork belly sauté with Chinese greens and garlic sauce, and noodle soups and abundant salads don't disappoint. The savory seafood yentafo soup is a good bet. Lunch specials draw the locals.