6 Best Restaurants in Big Island, Hawaii

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Between star chefs and myriad local farms, the Big Island restaurant scene is becoming a destination for foodies. Food writers are praising the chefs of the Big Island for their ability to turn the local bounty into inventive blends inspired by the island's cultural heritage.

Resorts along the Kohala Coast have long invested in culinary programs offering memorable dining experiences that include inventive entrées, spot-on wine pairings, and customized chef's table options. But great food on the Big Island doesn't begin and end with the resorts. A handful of chefs have retired from the fast-paced hotel world and opened their own small bistros in upcountry Waimea, or other places off the beaten track. Unique and wonderful restaurants have cropped up in Hawi, Kainaliu, and Holualoa, and on the east side of the island in Hilo.

In addition to restaurants, festivals devoted to island products draw hundreds of attendees to learn about everything from breadfruit and mango to avocado, chocolate, and coffee. Agritourism has turned into a fruitful venture for farmers as farm tours afford the opportunity to meet with and learn from a variety of local producer. Some tours conclude with a meal of items sourced from the same farms. From goat farms churning creamy, savory goat cheese to Waimea farms planting row after row of bright tomatoes to high-tech aquaculture operations at NELHA (Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii Authority), visitors can see exactly where their next meal comes from.

Hayashi's You Make the Roll

$ Fodor's choice

Tiny and locally owned, this sushi shack in the heart of town has gained an incredible following and specializes in "reverse" (rice on the outside, nori on the inside) rolls, filled with three or four ingredients of your choice. It's super popular and gets crazy crowded, so expect a long wait—but it's worth it. (Wait times can exceed an hour or more, but they let you know how long before you order.)  The restaurant also makes fantastic party platters that you can order in advance.

Japanese Fodor's Choice $ Lunch Dinner
75-5725 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740, USA
808-326--1322
Known For
  • Affordable take-out sushi rolls
  • Small, low-key location
  • Local favorite
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No dinner

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Kenichi Pacific

$$$

With black lacquer tables and lipstick-red banquettes, Kenichi offers a more sophisticated dining atmosphere than normally found in Kona shopping centers. This is the place 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 in the bar (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.

Japanese $$$ Dinner
78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740, USA
808-322–6400
www.kenichipacific.com
Known For
  • Upscale dining at far less than resort prices
  • Happy hour discounts on sushi
  • Cheaper lounge menu of small plates
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch

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MOA Kitchen

$

Just like an authentic Japanese izakaya (bar/restaurant), this hip little place serves yakatori (skewered chicken) grilled on a binchotan (grill) that the restaurant owners 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. They get busy so reservations are essential; make them online. 

Japanese $ Lunch Dinner
65-1298 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea (Hawaii County), HI, 96743, USA
808-339--7887
Known For
  • Island-grown ingredients
  • Hawaiian spicy ramen
  • Uni nigiri
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Sun.
reservations highly encouraged

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

$$

Creative sushi and contemporary Asian cuisine take center stage at this entertaining restaurant at Queens' MarketPlace, where you can make a meal out of appetizers and sushi rolls or feast on great entrées from both land and sea. Though it has tried-and-true mainstays, the menu is consistently updated to include options such as Hawaiian ahi carpaccio and Japanese yellowtail nori aioli poke.

Japanese Family $$ Dinner
201 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, HI, 96738, USA
808-886–6286
www.sanseihawaii.com
Known For
  • Sushi bar specials
  • Panko-encrusted ahi sashimi roll
  • Karaoke on the weekends
Restaurant Details
Closed Tues. and Wed.

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Sushi Cocoro & Udon Noodle

$

A tiny hidden gem in the heart of downtown, this authentic little place offers excellent sushi at affordable prices. The Japanese-born chefs serve such offerings as six-piece rolls for under $6. If you want to share, the sushi combo for two includes 30 pieces. The Red Hot Lava roll is a sure bet, and they also specialize in udon noodle and poke bowls.

Japanese $ Lunch Dinner
75-5699 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740, USA
808-331--0601
Known For
  • Red Hot Lava roll
  • Inexpensive sushi combos for two
  • BYOB welcome

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Teshima's Restaurant

$

Its modest exterior and interior belie the fantastic South Kona experience Teshima's brings; it has been a kamaaina (local) favorite since 1929 for a reason. Locals gather at this small landmark restaurant whenever they're in the mood for fresh sashimi, puffy shrimp tempura, or hekka (beef and vegetables cooked in an iron pot). Try teishoku (tray) No. 3, featuring sashimi, tempura, sukiyaki beef, rice, miso soup, and sunomono (cucumber salad). The restaurant has been family owned and operated by five generations of Teshimas, and if you come in more than a couple times, they will start calling you by name.