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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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Unquestionably the fanciest spot in Honokaa, this cozy Italian bistro known for its pizza and other options feels like you've taken a step into Florence. Wood details, a full bar, travertine finishes, antique furnishings, pendant lighting, and a fantastic stone pizza oven combine to create a thoroughly welcoming atmosphere. On the menu, pizzas and calzones dominate, but there is a full selection of pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Prices are surprisingly affordable. Local entertainers play on weekends.
3580 Mamane St., Honokaa, Hawaii, 96727, USA
Known For
- Variety of house-made calzones
- Pasta primavera
- Paauilo penne
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Overlooking Hilo Bay from its towering perch on the waterfront, this popular, upscale restaurant with great water views has a sophisticated second-floor dining room that looks like it's straight out of Manhattan. A sushi bar complements the excellent selection of fresh fish, pork, beef, and vegan options. Premium wines and sake are available.
123 Lihiwai St., Hilo, Hawaii, 96720, USA
Known For
- Creative use of fresh local produce
- Blue Bay burger with shoestring fries
- Hilo's most upscale restaurant
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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This open-air restaurant at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort has high ceilings and a lanai that overlooks the pool and the sandy-white shores of gorgeous Hapuna Beach. The focus is on the freshest seafood, and the small-plate appetizers and main course options also showcase a bounty of Big Island ingredients infused with Mediterranean influences. Other features are a charcuterie and crudo bar and an artisan bread nook. Arrive early for the best table. Lines begin forming before the 5:30 pm seating time.
62-100 Kaunaoa Dr., Mauna Kea, Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Reservations essential
- Almond-crusted ahi
- Fantastic location (including for sunset viewing)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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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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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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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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The largest open-air tiki bar in Kona has the absolute best view of Kailua Bay in town. This is the perfect spot to relax with a pupu (appetizer) such as the coconut-crusted shrimp or "Hapa" poke bowl, or to dig into something more substantial like the kiawe wood–smoked prime rib. The Breezeway Lounge is excellent for watching giant surf or breaching whales, and Don's hosts first-rate Hawaiian performers on Thursdays. During happy hour from 4 to 6, the famous mai tais are only $8. Save room for dessert; the mud pie is deliciously sinful, or order one of the luscious dessert coffees.
75-5852 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- 10 types of mai tais
- Worthy desserts and dessert coffees
- Hawaiian performers weekly
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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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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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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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There's been a bakery in this building since 1912, when the previous owner served cookies and treats to the kids of plantation workers. Dean and June Edmoundson took over the spot in 1990 and have been treating visitors and residents to delectable goodies, including guava bear claws, paniolo (cowboy) cookies, homemade preserves, ice cream, and shave ice. There are also basic snacks if you've worked up an appetite visiting Akaka Falls, such as hot dogs and manapua (pork wrapped in a steamed bun). If you're staying in the area, they will deliver.
28-1672 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Honomu, Hawaii, 96728, USA
Known For
- Fresh-baked pastries and desserts every morning
- To-go food such as hot dogs and manapua (pork in a steamed bun)
- Proximity to Akaka Falls State Park
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
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Simply unbeatable proximity to the ocean is part of the draw of this lively restaurant in the heart of town: you just can't get any closer to the water without getting wet—and sometimes you do! It's popular to come here for sunset for drinks and appetizers such as the truffle Parmesan fries or the kalua pork arancini. Otherwise, stick with a burger or sandwich, as the mains can get pricey. Beloved local musicians Lopaka Roots and LT Smooth play nightly.
75-5770 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- Innovative appetizers such as fried garlic avocado
- Large portions
- Specialty craft cocktails
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$ | | Café
The menu at this little crêperie includes Illy espresso, teas, excellent sweet and savory crêpes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and rich desserts like lemon cheesecake and chocolate mousse, all made fresh daily. The small venue has a relaxed, urban-café vibe. It's a nice place to hang for a bit if you're waiting for a movie at the theater next door or feel like taking a break from paradise to sip a decent espresso and view the latest local art installations on display.
Keauhou Shopping Center, 78-6831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- French crêpes
- Cushy seats
- Biweekly art exhibits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Billed as the southernmost bakery in the United States, it's a good spot to grab a snack or lunch. Hawaiian sweetbread is the specialty here. Local-style plate lunches and sandwiches on the bakeshop's sweetbread buns go well with Kau coffee, which has earned a reputation for excellence that rivals Kona coffee.
5642 Mamalahoa Hwy., Naalehu, Hawaii, 96772, USA
Known For
- Plate lunches
- All goods baked on-site
- Malasada (Portuguese doughnuts) glazed with lilikoi (passion fruit)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Known for home-baked pastries, gourmet loose-leaf teas, and high-end coffees, this sweet, cozy spot is a lovely destination not far from the beach. Sandwiches and salads are served from 10 am to 3 pm. Try the brie, apple, and fig jam combo on freshly baked baguette or one of the signature salads. They even serve made-to-order Italian sodas.
75-159 Lunapule Rd., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- European-style specialties
- Italian sodas
- Flaky Portuguese tart
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Visitors enjoy stopping here before or after a morning of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, and for good reason: the views of the Honaunau Coast from this roadside restaurant are nothing short of drop-dead stunning. This place is best for breakfast or a quick bite, as overpriced mains can miss; but if you're in the mood for a Hawaiian smoothie, iced honey-mocha latte, or scone, it's worth the stop. It can get crowded, and parking is tricky and limited, so you may need to park across the highway and dash over. They are open until sunset.
83-5799 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, Hawaii, 96704, USA
Known For
- House-baked luau bread
- Its own brand of Kona coffee
- Popular spot with limited parking
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
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In the heart of Historic Kailua Village, the open-air Hawaii location of the popular Monterey, California, restaurant offers an expansive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a vintage building with a bayfront view. Inventive fresh-fish specials as well as simple fish-and-chips are among the local favorites. The lunch menu is tantalizing, especially the seafood entrées. There's also a comprehensive wine list, plus a happy hour menu in the bar from 2 to 9:30.
75-5683 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
Known For
- Award-winning clam chowder
- Good lunch menu
- Signature Volcano flaming cocktail
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Fashioning itself after Hawaii's iconic shrimp trucks, this little place in the Queens' MarketPlace food court specializes in island-style fare, including garlic shrimp, teriyaki chicken, and kalua pig and cabbage. They are one of the few quick bites open in the food court and can get quite busy, but everything is made to order, so come with patience.
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA
Known For
- Several varieties of Kauai-style shrimp
- Mac nut pie
- Classic plate lunches
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Right next to the Waimea General Store, this is a good stop for a steaming latte and a warm pastry, a cup of hot soup, or a freshly made salad. The small lanai offers enjoyable views of Waimea's compact, rolling hills dappled with rain, fog, sunlight, and, often, rainbows.
65-1279 Kawaihae Rd., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA
Known For
- Specialty coffee drinks
- Convenient to Waimea shopping
- Limited seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
