6 Best Restaurants in Big Island, Hawaii

Perched on the edge of a bluff overlooking the sparkling waters of Kaunaoa Beach, the resort's flagship restaurant is a compelling spot for a romantic meal at sunset, especially at one of the outside tables. The culinary team's take on Hawaii Regional Cuisine highlights locally sourced, sustainable fish, chicken, and beef. The grilled chicken, for example, comes from the Kau district of the Big Island, while the Kona kampachi is raised on the coast.

In the heart of Hawi, this popular restaurant provides a historical setting in which to enjoy a menu brimming with Hawaiian country flair. Most of the entrées feature fish and chicken prepared several ways, although if the kitchen gets busy, you might get a mediocre plate. Bamboo accents, bold local artwork (both for sale), and an old, unfinished wooden floor make the restaurant inviting.

Located in a beautiful high-ceiling venue in the vintage S. Hata Building, Café Pesto offers creative pizzas with ingredients such as fresh Hamakua mushrooms, artichokes, and Gorgonzola. You can also make a full meal of the Asian-inspired pastas and risottos, fresh seafood, delicious salads, and appetizers. Products from local farmers feature heavily on the menu—Kulana free-range beef, Kawamata Farms tomatoes, and Kapoho Farms lehua-blossom honey. Happy hour is 2–5 pm.

With cocktail bars both upstairs and downstairs, oceanfront Island Lava Java serves eggs Benedict for breakfast, fresh fish tacos for lunch, and pasta, Big Island beef, and seafood for dinner, plus towering, fresh bistro salads. There are also pizzas, sandwiches, and plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Portions are large, food is made from scratch, and most of the menu is fresh, local, and organic. 

At this historic lodge in the heart of Volcano Village, the fare ranges from gourmet grass-fed Big Island beef burgers and locally sourced lamb burgers to Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta, catch of the day, and farm-fresh salads. The koa-wood tables and intimate lighting are in keeping with the ambience. Kilauea Lodge itself was built in 1937 as a YMCA camp, and the restaurant still retains the Fireplace of Friendship embedded with coins and plaques from around the world. Happy hour is from 2 to 4.

Chef David Abraham serves upscale café fare with a twist and a side of aloha. Although it opens fairly early (at 2 pm Tuesday–Friday, noon on Saturday), there's only a single, all-day menu, and this place is busy, so reserve ahead. Sushi is an option; the Fuji roll is prepared tempura style, and sashimi is served with organic greens. This café is popular among locals and is a nice spot for the whole family—Abraham's young daughter developed the kids' menu.