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With cocktail bars both upstairs and downstairs, oceanfront Island Lava Java serves eggs Benedict for breakfast, fresh fish tacos for lunch, and pasta, Big Island beef, and seafood for dinner, plus towering, fresh bistro salads. There are also pizzas, sandwiches, and plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Portions are large, food is made from scratch, and most of the menu is fresh, local, and organic.
75-5801 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Large portions using mostly local organic ingredients
- Bar with extensive cocktail menu
- 100% Kona coffee
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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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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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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Just 20 minutes south of Kailua-Kona, this nicely appointed restaurant with a warm, woodsy vibe serves delicious dinners with Brazilian, Asian, and European flavors, highlighting fresh ingredients from local farmers. Favorites are the Brazilian seafood chowder or peanut-miso salad, followed by pasta primavera smothered with a basil-pesto sauce. There's an extensive wine list, or you can sip a refreshing mojito or a good champagne before dinner. If your party is smaller, you may opt to eat on the lanai.
79-7511 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kealakekua, Hawaii, 96750, USA
Known For
- Most upscale restaurant in South Kona
- Live dinner music
- Cash-only place and reservations are essential
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
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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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With black-lacquer tables and lipstick-red banquettes, Kenichi offers a more sophisticated dining atmosphere than what's normally found in Kona. This is where residents go when they feel like splurging on top-notch sushi, sashimi, steak, and Asian-fusion cuisine. The signature rolls are creative, especially the always-popular Dynamite Shrimp. To save a buck or two, go early for happy hour (4:40 to 6:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday), when sushi rolls are half-price, or hang out in the cocktail lounge, where menu items average $6. Its shopping center location feels like a secret, but it's worth seeking out.
78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Upscale dining at much less than resort prices
- Happy hour discounts on sushi
- Cheaper lounge menu of small plates
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
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At this historic lodge in the heart of Volcano Village, the fare ranges from gourmet grass-fed Big Island beef burgers and locally sourced lamb burgers to Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta, catch of the day, and farm-fresh salads. The koa-wood tables and intimate lighting are in keeping with the ambience. Kilauea Lodge itself was built in 1937 as a YMCA camp, and the restaurant still retains the Fireplace of Friendship embedded with coins and plaques from around the world. Happy hour is from 2 to 4.
19-3948 Old Volcano Rd., Volcano, Hawaii, 96785, USA
Known For
- Fireplace of Friendship
- Fine dining with prices to match
- Popular Sunday brunch
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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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This vintage open-air restaurant at the historical Kona Inn Shopping Village offers a beautiful oceanfront setting on Kailua Bay. The view and the bar are Kona icons, and it's a great place to have a mai tai and some appetizers later in the day, or to enjoy a calamari sandwich, clam chowder, or salad at lunch. Dinner is also available, but the entrées can be hit or miss, and for the prices there are better options once the sun disappears.
75-5744 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Sunset-watching spot
- Nice bar and lounge at all times
- Inconsistent food at dinner
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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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The breezy lanai has the most spectacular view of the leeward coast of any restaurant on the Big Island, and it's the perfect accompaniment to the elegant yet down-to-earth Hawaii Regional Cuisine and specialty cocktails. Entrées are on the pricey side, but the ginger-steamed monchong (a deep-water Hawaiian fish) is a winner, and the Keahole lobster chowder does not disappoint. Dessert is a real treat here. Get here by 5:30 if you want to score a seat for the sunset.
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Specialty cocktails, such as the Island Passion mango martini
- The island's best sunset dinner spot
- Decadent Kona Coffee Mud Slide dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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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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A nondescript office building, just to the south of town, is home to this quiet, country-style bistro with dark-wood walls and private booths. The traditional French cuisine might not impress visitors from France, but this popular local favorite offers such classics as escargots, beef with a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce, and rack of lamb with roasted garlic and rosemary; it's nice for a special occasion. Less traditional is venison with a pomegranate glaze. Call well in advance for reservations.
77-6400 Nalani St., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Reservations needed well ahead of time
- Great cassoulet
- Good wines by the glass
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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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
