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All of the establishments listed here are recommended by us or by our web site visitors. The above icon represents our highest rating. We do not post bad reviews. Only those we've experienced positive results. We are not paid to publish these reviews.
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| Big Island Grill - Kailua-Kona - Largely Local and Americanized Food. Under new management in 2008 but still has a loyal following (owned by relatives of former owner Chef Bruce and Maile Gould). Eat in or take out, either way you'll enjoy large portions at very moderate prices. You'll likely have to wait (at peak hours). Superb local island food. Service is above average. Good value. |
Billfish Bar at the King Kam Hotel Kailua-Kona - Still under transition/renovation but open for business. Local spot where you can get "finger fast food" and people watching in a relaxed atmosphere near the pool. Big Plus: offers FREE validated parking. Friendly bar staff when they are not too busy. Beverages are at hotal prices so check out their happy hour specials. Order from the Appetizer Menu. Still a bargain for a fast snack or appetizers that run under $13/person.
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Cafe Pesto - 808-969-6640 - Hilo - American and Local Food. Creative island dishes; organic foods; wine, something for everyone. Web site.
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Don's Grill - 808-935-9099 – Hilo - Local and Americanized Food. Good "diner" in Hilo area. At 485 Hinano St, Hilo. Efficient, friendly, and great plate specials. Not too heavy portions like other local restaurants.
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Hilo Homemade Ice Cream - 41 Waianuenue Avenue 808-933-1520. Offers an array of choices including Ginger, Macadamia Nut, Poha Berry, Kona Coffee, as well as contemporary flavors like Blueberry Cheesecake and Mud Pie, and exotic Green Tea. The emphasis is on freshest and Hawaii grown. Web site.
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Bamboo Restaurant
Leave your mainland (high) expectations at the door and you'll enjoy the food and atmosphere. If you read too much into the ads and comments of this restaurant on the internet you might be disappointed. However, lower your expectations and you'll enjoy the local flavor it has to offer. The service is friendly and can get "busy friendly" during peak periods such as lunch. If you are into experimenting with new local places, the building is located on the main road, is over 100 years old, and rustic-campy (some say somewhat tacky). A bit on the pricy side for a quick casual lunch. The management seems sensitive to customer comments so please don't hesitate to let the owner/manager know your comments or concerns. Phone: (808) 889-5555. Kapa`au, Hawaii, U.S.A. 96755 Web site.
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Kawaihae Harbor Bar and Grill
American and Local Food.
808-882-1368 - Kohala Coast - Located at the entrance to the harbor this restaurant is a charming gem for locals and visitors alike. Their menu includes fresh fish, steaks, ribs, salads, pasta, and specials. Desserts and fine wines are also available. You can sit indoors or on the lanai. Comfortable seating. Lunch and dinner. Generally good portions. Web site.
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Keei Cafe
Nice hideaway in the coffee upcountry on the Mamalohoa Highway 11 in Captain Cook. Great hardwood interior with simple but tastefully prepared food. Cash only. Well worth a stop for lunch or dinner. 808 322 9992 |
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Ken's House of Pancakes - Hilo. Your typical "local truck stop" with no nonsense service and in a "breakfast served all day" atmosphere. [The only Ken's left - the other was in Millbrae, CA] Great for fast breakfast, lunch, or dinner. "Cheap" but ono (good)! 808.935.8711. Revisited October 2007. Catch a quick breakfast here before dashing off to the Volcano.
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Kona Inn Restaurant - 808-329-4455 - At the famous Kona Inn. This is a landmark restaurant that we upgraded our recommendation from average to slightly above average. Prices are a little on the high end for what you get in food and service. Go for the view and not necessarily the service which sometimes can come off as "superficial aloha." However, if you get them on a good service and food day, it's worth the visit.
Kona Canoe Club (operated by the Kona Inn) - Located in the Kona Inn marketplace just a few yards north of the Kona Inn entrance - Nice view of Kailua Bay with cool breezes. Great for lunch or early dinners.
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Manago Hotel - Very Local Food. Phone (808) 323-2642 - 82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy. Captain Cook, HI 96704 (Approximately 15 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Mamalahoa Hwy.) Local food (served local style), economical, and very layed back. Old plantation style fare. Keep an open mind and be adverturous when you dine here.
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| Pine Tree Cafe - Kailua-Kona -We give this place one of our highest ratings for Local Food (although they also serve burgers, too.) Great local and Americanized fare. Good menu of local foods. Very popular for take outs; busy place with great food and reasonable prices. Reviewed 9/2008 |
| Teshima's Restaurant (808) 322-9140 at 79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750. Many delicious Japanese/Local Island Cooking food. A throw back to when "plantation-style" dining was common on the Big Island. Very reasonably priced, very friendly and accomodating staff. A true gem to soak in local flavors and history. |
The Seaside Restaurant & Aqua Farm - 808-935-8825 - American and Local Food. Best seafood in Hilo (hands down!) on the edge of the farm's fish lagoon! Priced at the higher end but excellent! The prime rib wasn't bad either. Revisited in 2001.
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| U-Top-It - Good value; generous portions. To-go orders okay. Bear/wine only. Its hard to find a "busy" local place to have breakfast or lunch (especially breakfast!) and this place fills that bill. Friendly aloha service; can sometimes be slower than usual during busy hours but well worth the wait. Located next to the Coconut Grove Marketplace (access fromKuakini Hwy or Ali`i Drive). Lots of FREE parking. 75-5799 Ali`i Drive, Kilua-Kona 808-329-0092. Specializes in Hawaiian Taro PanCrepes, local and "Smart" Carb dishes. Revisited 12/2008. Web info on Youtube |
Vista Restaurant at the Kona Country Club
Don't let the name keep you from dining here. Club house (pau hana) atmosphere with a limited but "good" menu. Great for lunch or cocktails and pupu (snacks). Menu offers American and local Hawaiian food. A place for golf jocks, malihini (visitors) and kama`aina (local folks) to relax, shoot the breeze, and enjoy the cool breezes of Keauhou Bay. Call for times open. Revisited 3/2009 Web site |
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