The Big Island has restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets, so whether you’ve spent the day relaxing at the beach or daytripping in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to enjoy the dinner meal. Here are some of our favorite options on the Kohala Coast.
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.
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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.
Feature Photo: Merriman’s Facebook
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 accommodate small groups as well as larger parties. The menu features fresh seafood and also specialties like Big Island venison. We recommend bringing a large group so you can sample as much of the menu as possible.
Based in Normandy, British celebrity chef Edward Delling-Williams has won legions of viewers and diners with his French country cuisine, but few know he has also designed the seasonal menus of twice-weekly, seven-course tasting dinners that are available only to the guests of the Hamakua Hotel, of which he’s a part owner. Executive chef Joseph Martinez flawlessly executes the island-sourced dinners, which are included in room rates, and also creates the more casual, but still complimentary, Saturday night cookout for guests on the oceanfront lanai.
Chef Peter Merriman is one of the godfathers of Hawaii’s farm to table movement, and Merriman’s is leading the way for culinary excellence on the islands. Their lunch menu has all the fixings of a great midday meal — we recommend the Caesar salad to start, followed by the fresh-catch fish sandwich and accompanied by a couple glasses of chardonnay.
64 Keawe St, Hilo
808.961.2572
Located in the historic Kaikodo building, Jackie Rey’s originally began in Kona. Owners Paul Streiter and Jackie Rey were so captivated by the building’s history and charm — featuring a vintage bank vault and a 150-year-old English bar — that they decided to expand, leading to the establishment of Jackie Rey’s Hilo. The menu highlights locally sourced produce, fresh-caught fish, and hand-cut fillets, delicious options such as house-made lobster ravioli with seared Hawaiian prawns or the mushroom bowl with crispy local Oshiro tofu, yakisoba noodles and vegetables.
Featured on the “Cooking from Scratch” episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Hilo Bay Café already boasts impressive credentials. With a sweeping ocean view and a menu of comfort-style food favorites — such as hāmākua mushroom pot pie, buttermilk fried chicken, and French onion short rib pasta — Hilo Bay Café is a must-visit in Hilo.
Located in the newly restored S. Hata Building, the award-winning Café Pesto offers a lunch and dinner menu featuring delicious Italian favorites, including pastas, risottos, and wood-fired pizzas. With plenty of tempting options, we recommend starting with the coconut-crusted calamari and then savoring the sweet basil pizza.
This cozy neighborhood restaurant focuses on seafood, featuring a daily-changing menu to ensure the freshest selections. Reservations are reservations are recommended, though there may be seats at the bar. Dishes are served family-style and, depending on the menu, you may get lucky enough to enjoy items such as ahi belly, smoked sashimi, poke, red snapper and more.
Lehua is a vibrant newcomer to Hilo’s dining scene, bringing a fresh take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine. This innovative restaurant masterfully combines classic flavors with inventive techniques to showcase Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage. With its delectable dishes, live music, and warm ambiance, Lehua has quickly become a must-visit spot. We suggest starting with the fried kalo.
Ponds Hilo has been serving locals and visitors for over 30 years. Known for its specialty seafood dishes and traditional Hawaiian cuisine — such as macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi and lilikoi cheesecake — the restaurant offers freshly caught seafood, beautiful views, a bar with local wines, and live music, making it a memorable place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
