Whether you’re enjoying a romantic meal with your partner on the terrace or celebrating a milestone with the whole family, no meal or music will set the mood quite like a sky dappled in pinks, oranges and purples. Here are some of the top places on the Big Island that combine the best of both worlds—delicious meals and prime sunset views.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.
For more suggestions on best restaurants on the Big Island, the best things to do on the Big Island, and the best places to stay on the Big Island, click here.
Featured Photo: Brown’s Beach House
TIP: Be sure to sure to make your reservations about thirty minutes before the sun sets.
Sunset Dining in Kona
5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd., Kailua-Kona
808.329.1493
You really can’t beat the location—right on the water in downtown Kona. The menu features tasty entrees like seared and sesame crusted ahi and Molokai sweet potato ricotta gnocchi, and also includes a raw bar section. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are available too. Huggo’s is open daily 5pm to 9pm. Reservations recommended.
Sunset Dining in Kohala
1 North Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast
808.885.5778
Located inside the Fairmont Orchid Hotel north of Kailua-Kona, Brown’s Beach House boasts spectacular views and live Hawaiian music. The restaurant can accompany small intimate parties as well as larger groups. The menu features many fresh seafood dishes but also includes specialties like Big Island venison. Bring a large group so you can sample as much of the menu as possible as well as the divine sunset. Open daily for dinner from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Reservations recommended.
69-1081 Ku‘uali’i Place, Waikoloa
808.769.5282
Lava Lava Beach Club offers farm to table food and a spectacular sunset, with several tables right on the beach. Try their “Low & Slow Baby Back Ribs” served with a hoisin-guava BBQ sauce with coconut coleslaw on the side. There’s also a liquid happy hour every day from 3pm to 5pm—a nice option before you sit down and dine as the sun sets. Open daily 12pm to 9pm.
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr., Kailua-Kona
808.325.8000
Located inside the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, this restaurant is both open-air and oceanfront. The bulk of the menu of this award-winning eatery comes from the sea and local farms. Their motto is RSA—“regional, seasonal and artisanal.” Enjoy your dinner as the sun sets and then eat your dessert under the stars. Ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge is open daily 5:30pm to 9pm — reservations are required for dinner.
Sunset Dining in Hilo
93 Banyan Dr., Hilo
808.932.4545
This oceanfront eatery is the perfect place to enjoy a casual dinner. Hula Hulas serves authentic Hawaiian cuisine with an eclectic twist, the menu represents both the land and the sea. The drink list is just as long as the food menu, so there’s something here for everyone. Open daily from 12pm to 9pm.
