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From its upstairs, open-air dining room decorated with kitschy surfer chic, this new restaurant invites customers to enjoy views of the pier and a bustling corner of Alii Drive. Fortunately, an excellent, extensive menu makes it well worth a stop; fresh fish plates including fish tacos are a sure bet. The clam chowder is some of Kona's best. Try the smashburger (a cooking technique that adds flavor while reducing grill time) or the marinated sirloin or New York strip. Death by Chocolate is the dessert to die for. They also serve breakfast from 7 until noon, and there's a happy hour as well as live music nightly. Great prices keep the locals coming in.
75-5663 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- Full bar menu of island-style cocktails
- Five types of eggs Benedict
- Clam chowder
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What this casual pub-turned-burger-joint lacks in space and parking is more than made up for in burger choices: more than 22 varieties of gourmet burgers, from a bacon ranch burger to a southern BBQ burger. Many of the ingredients come straight from the Big Island, and non-beef selections such as fish burgers are available as well, so it's definitely worth checking out.
776 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Grass-fed local beef
- Live entertainment
- More than 21 beers on tap
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An ultrapopular destination with an outdoor patio, Kona Brewing offers an excellent, varied menu, including famous brews, pulled-pork quesadillas, gourmet pizzas, and a killer spinach salad with Gorgonzola cheese and macadamia nuts. The sampler tray, a good value, offers four of the 10 available microbrews. Try the notable Hefeweizen. If you're staying in town, purchase beer to go in a half-gallon jug ("growler") filled on-site from the brewery's own taps.
74-5612 Pawai Pl., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Longboard Lager and other famous brews made on-site
- Live music
- Selling growlers of to-go beer from taps
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Dig your toes into the sand and enjoy one of the most happening, entertaining, and memorable bar/restaurants on the Kohala Coast. There's something for everybody here, whether you want cocktails and pupus (appetizers) for sunset or a fine-dining experience; highlights include Black Angus truffled New York steak and the chef's signature gazpacho topped with macadamia nut pesto. The atmosphere is super-casual—you can dine in your beach togs, and there's always something going on: the blowing of the conch shell at dusk, the lighting of the tiki torches, tropical cocktails served in Hawaiiana ceramic ware, and live entertainment featuring stellar Hawaiian recording artists.
69-1081 Kuualii Pl., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Live entertainment
- Great Parmesan lava tots and coconut shrimp
- Signature Sandy Toes cocktail
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With the bar in the front and the dining patio in the back, Quinn's may seem like a bit of a dive at first glance, but this venerable restaurant serves the best darn cheeseburger and fries in town. The menu has many other tasty options, such as fish-and-chips and beef tenderloin tips. If time gets away from you on a drive to the north beaches, Quinn's, which stays open until 10, awaits your return with a cheap beer and a basket of fried calamari. Drinks are strong—no watered-down cocktails here. Breakfast is served from 7 to 10:45 during football season, and it's sure to be lively, especially if the Green Bay Packers are involved. Park across the street at the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel and get free 90-minute parking with validation.
75-5655 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Strong cocktails
- Comfort food like meatballs
- Old Kona vibe
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Locals flock to this downtown Kailua-Kona restaurant for good reason: the poke is the most onolicious (superdelicious) in town, and the many other seafood offerings are just as stellar. Poke does not get more authentic than this, and you can get it by the bowl or the pound. Sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and salads round out the gourmet menu. A kids' menu features affordable burgers, poke bowls, and sides. Happy hour runs from 3 to 5.
74-5599 Pawai Pl., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Daily specials using the freshest fish
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Authentic Kona experience
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Shave ice and ice cream in every imaginable flavor can be found at the ideal spot, close to the resort coast beaches. Prepare to wait in line for 15–20 minutes as you ponder your options, but don't fret: it's worth it.
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Lilikoi shave ice
- Kona fudge ice cream
- Creative use of local flavors
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Beautifully designed, this venue provides a relaxed and elegant setting for alfresco dining near the sand, with its boardwalk-style deck, outdoor seating under the trellis, and enormous vaulted ceiling. The menu features brick-oven pizzas, gnocchi with Keahole lobster, seafood entrées, steak, and farm-fresh salads; there's a kids' menu too. The tropical Peletini martini is a favorite, and at dinner, the premium wine list includes the Beach Tree's own signature reds and whites. Live Hawaiian music is featured nightly. Reservations are highly recommended.
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Special Ohana Table four-course dinner
- 60 wines by the glass
- Upscale resort atmosphere, reservations essential
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With indoor and outdoor seating, this easygoing Italian restaurant in a Keauhou shopping center serves gourmet pizzas and a tasty selection of pasta dishes, calzones, sandwiches, and salads. Everything is made from scratch, and they even have dairy-free cheese and gluten-free options. There's live music on Wednesday nights.
78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Excellent wine selection
- Delivery available
- Option to take pizza and bake at home
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.
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This beloved local-style restaurant has switched to drive-up only and serves huge portions of pork chops, diet-busting loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), and an assortment of fish specialties at very reasonable prices. At this writing, the drive-up window is open until 2 pm, but you can call to confirm.
75-5702 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Authentic local vibe
- Succulent Kalbi short ribs
- Large saimin portions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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Established in 1948, this casual spot is famous for its tasty loco moco, prepared in more than three dozen ways (with different meats, chicken, vegetables, and fish), and its low-priced breakfast and lunch specials. The word "restaurant," or even "café," is used loosely—you order at a window and eat on one of the outdoor benches provided—but you come here for the food, prices, and authentic, old-Hilo experience. You can stuff yourself for $5 if you order right.
969 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Family-owned eatery
- The Super Loco Moco
- Generous portions
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends
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The only full-service restaurant at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott offers a farm-to-table, island-inspired menu. Photos of surf breaks from around the world adorn the walls of this casual, spacious open-air restaurant, which has plenty of patio seating with sunset views. The circular bar is a good spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the tiki torches light up the gardens.
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Weekly-special nights, including lobster night and prime rib and crab nights
- Good breakfast buffet
- Famous Kuu Alii mai tai
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Come hungry: there’s a reason the line is usually out the door at this popular hole-in-the-wall eatery in a shopping center downtown. Not only does the Hawaiian comfort food hit the spot, it’s affordable and served in sizable portions. The heavily “local” menu items include fresh-fish specials, poke bowls, and Kalua pork hash served with fried rice and eggs. There's another location in Waimea.
681 Manono St., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Breakfast available all day
- Kalua pork hash
- Vegetarian options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Mon. and Tues.
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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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The brightly decorated, open-air restaurant is a favorite lunch and dinner destination of visitors and residents, thanks to generous portions and a nice variety of chef's specials, steaks, and seafood dishes. The lunchtime menu offers such diversity as beer-battered fish-and-chips, kalua (earth oven–baked) pork quesadilla, and guava-glazed baby-back ribs. Entrées can be pricey, but good happy hour selections and prices keep locals coming back.
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Strong local following
- Great-value lunch menu
- $5 happy hour
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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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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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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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
