Well now that we have decided we are really going would love to get some restaurant suggestions, we'll be very close to town. We love all kinds of food - all ethnicities so what are your favorites? thanks

Don't eat out much, but Da Poke Shack on Alii Drive is excellent (but more stand in line and take outside).
​​​​​​Take a very short drive above Kona to Holualoa (a little town with lots of galleries) and try the Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe (farm to table, garden seating, lovely views). You won't regret it.

And before you do the tired old Bamboo up in Hawi, read the Yelp reviews...

thanks, appreciate the suggestions

It's been years, but we always liked the Kona Inn for fresh fish sandwiches on its oceanside grill with patio. Kona Inn...Restaurant in Kona. Hawaii...

Kawaihae Harbor, to the north, has a Cafe Pesto (some love it), but we always sit outdoors at the Fish Truck; beer battered fresh Ono sandwich is the best. Just past the Puukohala heiau National Historic Site. You'll probably be doing an excursion or two up that way: after walking the route through Lapakapi State Park (remains of an ancient fishing village), and going on to Hawi and Kapaau (the original Kamehameha statue), there's an unassuming storefront sandwich shop across the street from the statue that has a nice garden setting behind the building.

thanks everyone

Sylvia, the Yelp reviews for the Bamboo look pretty positive to me. Try going on a night (Friday or Saturday-it can vary) when there is wonderful Hawaiian music and hula dancing by long time local residents, either John Keawe and his family, or the Kupuka'as another local couple.

I have a house in the area and I go there often and always find the food to be well prepared, fresh and local, plus I love the lilikoi (passionfruit) margaritas. The interior is old Hawaii style charm.

Been to Bamboo more times than I can count. Even given/gotten gift certificates. Servers are great, atmosphere is fun, food is ok.Used to get the lilikoi margaritas, now can't get enough of the lilikoi iced tea. The Yelp thing was a reference to the combative nastiness of the owner when she gets a bad review (not every place can do everything right all the time). It is-- almost-- fun to read, and might influence some in their decisions.

Of all the gin joints to trash on Hawaii Island I would never have chosen Bamboo in Hawi. We've had less enjoyable meals at the 4Seasons. I think it has its charm.

How on earth is "servers are great, atmosphere is fun" remotely trashing?! I merely suggested the OP read Yelp reviews. I've had good meals (can't go wrong with fresh catch of day sandwich) and some mediocre (kalua pork on a hamburger bun-meh) and bad ones (satay...never again).

That's not trashing an establishment?

No, it is not.
would you care to follow me elsewhere and harass?

Forvthe record, Bamboo prides itself on being in an old, somewhat decrepit building; the warped floors, dusty decor, etc., are part of the ambiance. ( Pick up a groady napkin, and "tired" is a flattering term.) However, "tired, old" is not trashing.

Laura, if you make it over to Hilo, the Hilo Bay Cafe is a nice setting (on the bay) with very good food. Never been disappointed, even when it was in its old strip mall location. A bleu cheese burger for lunch lol will set you back $15 or so, but it's locally sourced beef. Their fish dishes are excellent.

lol? Didn't type that!