fdecarlo

I've got nothing against Costco meat, just paying $50 for it in a resort restaurant.

Sylvia, local fish and veggies abound on the island, but we've been on a 30+ year search for a consistently great steak on the BI. We've run into them sporadically at many restaurants (Kona Inn, Huggo's, Plantation Grill, Outback etc), but consistency just doesn't exist there like it does on the mainland. We've even had mediocre steaks at Merriman's, just fewer of them than at other restaurants.

Recs for restaurants that use local beef are always appreciated, but imo it's a different point. Local beef isn't always great beef, but it's usually (not always) better than previously frozen beef. Because of distance and shipping time (even the ranches of California are out of reach), virtually all meat that isn't local is imported frozen.

sylvia3

I only order beef (including burgers) on the BI if the place has local grass-fed to offer. (That's why I like Hilo Bay cafe and Holuakoa); most places I stick to fish, and if I have to have a steak, I pick and grill my own (from Costco, usually)

brubenow

Restaurants:

Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa
Cafe Pesto- 15 min. North of Waikoloa in Waimea/Kawahiae
Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel in Waikoloa
Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel in Waikoloa
Bamboo (lunch) in Hawi, about 45 min north, eat here on the way to Pololu Valley
Merriman's in Waimea

Things to do on the west side:

Horseback riding at Dahana ranch in Waimea up in the mountains
Hiking down cliffs to a black sand volcanic beach at Pololou Valley near Hawi
Hiking Waipio Valley from the lookout
Snorkeling at "Two Steps" at Pu'uhonua National Patk near Kona

Have fun! MUCH better weather on the west side!

brubenow

Also...Not sure where you're staying but the beach in front of the Fairmont is full of giant sea turtles, if you are a snorkeler.

lynni

sf3707, while you are on the Big Island, drive up the road a bit to the Four Seasons Hualalai. Whether you go for a nice dinner or just for appetizers/bar food, do not miss it! The Ulu Ocean Grill is spectacular! I haven't seen anything like it in California and the food and service were incredible. We determined they must not have a "coastal commission" anything like ours here in California!

Have a wonderful trip! I can't wait to read your report... we are going back in May.

sf7307

Only part of the way through our trip, but wanted to report that we've had burgers at Village Burger in Waimea (we were meeting a friend there) - pretty good burgers, probably a B+. Dinner at Pueo's in Waikoloa Village - really enjoyed it. Good food and service, homey atmosphere. B+/A-. Yesterday, happy hour and sunset at Lava Lava Beach Club. Drinks - good. Setting - great. Sunset - spectacular.

Might head up to Hawi this afternoon, and maybe Pololou. Dinner at Cafe Pesto tonight.