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Hidden lakeside at the Kings' Shops, this little takeout place is a best-kept secret in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The combo baskets brim with tempura fresh-catch fish, chicken, shrimp, and more. Grab a table beneath the gazebo and enjoy assorted appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts while taking in the view.
69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Breakfast options such as loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), laden with tempura fish fillet
- Local ownership since 2000
- Great fish-and-chips to go
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Unassuming from the outside, this small, local-style plate-lunch eatery serves top-quality, genuine Hawaiian specialties in Hilo. All the staples are here, from kalua pork (slow-cooked and pulled) to shoyu chicken (cooked in a sauce including fermented soy sauce), loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), and pork adobo. Order at the takeout window and grab a seat at one of the picnic tables outside.
194 Hualalai St., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Daily specials like oxtail soup
- Extremely affordable prices
- Favorite among locals since 1964
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Pahoa Town isn't known for gourmet dining choices, but Kaleo's is pretty sophisticated for a small-town restaurant and remains a local favorite with very good food. Hawaiian-inspired fare blends the gamut of the island's international influences with tempura ahi rolls, grilled burgers, and banana spring rolls. Nightly entertainment makes this the place to be on a laid-back Pahoa evening. Sit on the porch and watch the goings-on in Pahoa Town.
15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd., Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778, USA
Known For
- Good people-watching from the porch
- Nightly entertainment
- Kalua (baked in an earth oven) pork wontons
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This is a popular local hangout, and not just because the kava drink makes you mellow. The Hawaiian proprietors also serve traditional Hawaiian food, including fresh poke, bowls of healthy organic greens, opihi (limpets), and traditional Hawaiian laulau (pork or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and steamed). Organic kava root, used for relaxation, is harvested on the Hamakua Coast and transformed into a traditional, slightly bitter brew. Seating is at a premium, but don't be afraid to share a table and make friends.
75-5803 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Kava served in coconut cups
- Pulled kalua pork
- Squid luau (the leaf from a taro plant)
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For years, this legendary diner near Banyan Drive between the airport and the hotels has been a gathering place for Hilo residents and visitors. Breakfast is the main attraction: Ken's serves 11 types of pancakes, plus all kinds of fruit waffles (banana, peach) and popular omelets, like Da Bradda, teeming with meats. The menu features 180 other tasty local specialties (loco moco, or meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy; tripe stew; oxtail soup) and American-diner-inspired items.
1730 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Local landmark with old-fashioned vibe
- Extensive menu of Hawaiian and diner fare
- Weekly special nights like Sunday spaghetti and Tuesday tacos
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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When not on limited pandemic hours, this little spot offers epic cheeseburger plates (using grass-fed beef) and even has a 1950s-style malt shop. They also serve a local favorite, the pineapple whip, perfect for a cool break on a hot day. For now, order online and pick up; check online to see if they're back to full capacity.
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Freshly prepared meals
- One of the few eateries in Kawaihae
- Mexican food on the menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Mon. No dinner
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If you're looking for something sweet—or savory—this busy café in downtown Hawi serves breakfast (bagels, espresso machine–steamed eggs), and lunch (hot dogs, burgers, chili, salads) until 6. Sit outside and watch the world go by as you enjoy locally made ice cream that is ono (delicious), as well as other sweet treat specialties.
55-3412 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, Hawaii, 96719, USA
Known For
- Vegan soup
- Sometimes crowded
- Outstanding local coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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All of this family-owned coffee company's businesses—growing, roasting, brewing, and serving their authentic Kona coffee—operate within a 10-mile radius of the farm. At their homey little café, they offer a staggering array of coffee drinks, along with upscale deli items such as lox and a veggie focaccia sandwich; breakfast goodies include acai bowls. Stop by the café/outlet on Wednesday (starting at 8:30 am) for a free curated tasting with the baristas, and shop for other Hawaiian-made treats, from honey to chocolate-covered coffee beans. There's a happy hour daily from 3 to 6; a small selection of beer and wine is available.
74-5588 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Small-batch, estate-grown coffee
- Kona coffee tastings every Wednesday
- Hawaiian-made food treats for sale
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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It's quite simply the best New York–style pizza in Kona. At this small, no-frills shop, the proprietors take great care to obtain the highest-quality ingredients for their pizzas, including large gourmet olives, banana peppers, and even meats sourced directly from Fontanini in New York. They shipped their special pizza ovens and mixers directly from New York too, adding to the pizza quality and authenticity. Try the Kona Supreme, smothered with mozzarella, sausage, red peppers, bacon, onions, and other fresh toppings. The homemade drizzles range from olive oil to BBQ sauce to ranch to sriracha. Online ordering makes it easy to call in your order and pick it up hot and ready to go. Kona Crust is open daily until 8 pm.
74-5586 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Pizza by the slice
- Homemade drizzles
- Authentically sourced ingredients
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A hidden gem, the open-air eatery is on the second floor of an oceanfront shopping center. Patrons can watch the scene below on bustling Alii Drive while enjoying freshly prepared Thai specialties, including plenty of vegetarian options and delicious Thai iced tea. Be prepared to bring some home, as the portions are large. Locals flock here for the lunch specials.
75-5744 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Uncrowded, spacious layout
- Lunch specials
- Large portions
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There's no atmosphere to speak of at this diner, and water is served in unbreakable plastic tumblers, but if you're searching for local fare—that undefinable fusion of ethnic cuisines—this is the place. Choose from "grindz" that include loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), oxtail soup, plate lunches, pork chops, steaks, saimin, stir-fry, and daily specials.
80 Pauahi St., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Authentic Hawaiian experience
- Good plate lunches
- Award-winning one-pound laulau
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
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This is an affordable place to grab a sandwich or a coffee and check your email (Wi-Fi is free with purchase of a meal) before heading to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The homey, sit-down diner caters to families, serving up heaping plates of comfort food like pancakes and French toast for breakfast; on the lunch menu, burgers range from bacon-cheese to turkey and paniolo (cowboy) burgers made with Hawaii grass-fed beef. A full bar serves draft beer and cocktails. There's live music in the evenings on a small stage.
19-3972 Old Volcano Hwy., Volcano, Hawaii, 96785, USA
Known For
- Roadhouse atmosphere
- Live music in evenings
- Full bar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. Closed Mon.
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Long an island favorite for tasty, albeit greasy, Mexican grub, this landmark has made a comeback in funky Pahoa in a different space after a fire destroyed the original restaurant in 2017. Tacos are great (go for crispy), especially when stuffed with grilled, seasoned local fish on occasion. Chips are warm and salty, the salsa's got some kick, and the beans are thick with lard and topped with melted cheese.
15-1448 Kahakai Blvd., Pahoa, Hawaii, 96778, USA
Known For
- Good chips
- Affordable fare
- Delicious huevos rancheros
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The historic Manago Hotel is like a time warp, complete with a vintage neon sign, TV room, and old photos. T-shirts brag (and it's not false advertising) that the restaurant has the best grilled pork chops in the world; the fresh fish and New York steak are excellent as well. Meals come with rice for the table and an assortment of changing side dishes, which usually include macaroni or tuna salad, long rice, and a sautéed veggie dish.
82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- One of the only places in Kona serving opelu, a local fish
- Mains come with a variety of side dishes
- Local hospitality
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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The staff at this little place take pride in learning customers' names and treating you like a "regular." All the coffee favorites are here, from espresso to latte to a good old-fashioned cup of Kona. Homemade pastries are available, and they open at 6 am for the early birds.
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Variety of blended frappes
- Outdoor seating
- Free Wi-Fi and outlets
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Hawaii is not usually known for good Mexican food, but this tiny, cash-only café on the ground floor of a vintage building is definitely one of the exceptions. Quality ingredients and a decent menu are on tap at this friendly establishment decorated with charming touches of Mexico. Order online, then take out or dine in.
55-3419 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, Hawaii, 96719, USA
Known For
- BYOB policy
- Outstanding chiles rellenos
- Large portions
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Just like an authentic Japanese izakaya (bar/restaurant), this hip little place serves yakatori (skewered chicken) grilled on a binchotan (grill) that the restaurant imported from Japan. Ramen is served with a variety of broths—regular shoyu, spicy, and vegetarian. Their nouko base enhances every serving with creamy undertones.
65-1298 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Uni nigiri
- Hawaiian spicy ramen
- Island-grown ingredients
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
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There's been a bakery in this building since 1912, when the previous owner served cookies and treats to the kids of plantation workers. Dean and June Edmoundson took over the spot in 1990 and have been treating visitors and residents to delectable goodies, including guava bear claws, paniolo (cowboy) cookies, homemade preserves, ice cream, and shave ice. There are also basic snacks if you've worked up an appetite visiting Akaka Falls, such as hot dogs and manapua (pork wrapped in a steamed bun). If you're staying in the area, they will deliver.
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honomu, Hawaii, 96728, USA
Known For
- Fresh-baked pastries and desserts every morning
- To-go food such as hot dogs and manapua (pork in a steamed bun)
- Proximity to Akaka Falls State Park
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
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Across the street from the Kona Inn Shopping Village, in Kailua Village, this upstairs cantina is a nice perch for enjoying nachos and margaritas (try the hibiscus margarita) on a lazy afternoon, or for watching the passersby on Alii Drive. Try the molcajete—a type of bowl—loaded with marinated chicken, steak, and shrimp and a sauce crafted of chiles and topped with jack cheese. Or just order the chips, salsa, and ceviche, which might hit the spot at the end of a long day sightseeing. At 5 pm, the banyan tree nearby fills with hundreds of chirping mynah birds, a veritable happy hour in bird land. The cantina is open daily 3 to 8.
75-5725 Ali’i Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Popular happy hour hangout
- Better for snacks than a full meal
- Homemade salsa
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Its name is Hawaiian for "done," perhaps an allusion to how eagerly the pizzas are gobbled up at this eatery with cool artwork and a relaxed vibe. On offer is a wide selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas loaded with lots of local local ingredients. All sauces and salad dressings are made in-house. When it comes to the pizzas, anything goes; order one of Pau's 16-inch signature pies or create your own. You can order online and pick up. Lunch is a deal if you order the triple slice: a quarter pizza cut into three slices plus a side salad at a special price.
65-1227 Opelo Rd., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Popular build-your-own-pizza option
- Superfood salad with quinoa and brown rice
- Triple slice lunch special
