11 Best Restaurants in Big Island, Hawaii

One of the most romantic settings on the Kohala Coast, this landmark, oceanfront restaurant showcases traditional Hawaiian flavors, artful presentations, and locally grown or raised products. The progressive menu spotlights standout entrées such as roasted beef tenderloin, lamb, fish caught locally, shellfish, island-fresh greens, and local goat cheese. Choose a fine wine from a roster of premium varietals to complement your meal. 

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.

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.

Casual elegance takes center stage at the resort's flagship oceanfront restaurant, one of the most upscale restaurants on the Big Island. Breakfast can be à la carte or buffet, but nighttime is when the magic happens, with diverse menu choices—roasted beet salad, flame-grilled prime New York steak, Kona lobster, shrimp pad Thai, and more—that make deciding what to order a challenge. At least 75% of the food served here is locally sourced. There's also a full sushi menu. The impressive wine program includes boutique wines and world-class imports. 

Sitting right on the resort's sandy Pauoa Bay, the Fairmont's signature restaurant Brown's Beach House offers beautiful sunset dining and innovative cuisine. Attention to detail is evident in the sophisticated menu, which may include crab-crusted Kona kampachi or other dishes with sea fish, roasted duck breast, or Kona coffee–crusted venison, as well as local produce and ingredients. The live Hawaiian music soloists are perfect for the open-air setting under the stars. 

A Kona icon since 1969, family-owned Huggo's is one of the few restaurants in town with prices and atmosphere comparable to the splurge restaurants at the Kohala Coast resorts. Dinner offerings sometimes fall short, considering the prices, but the pupus (appetizers) and small plates are usually a good bet. If you're on a budget or just want lunch, Huggo's on the Rocks, next door, is a popular outdoor bar in the sand, and the burgers are pretty darn good, too. It's also Kailua-Kona's hot spot for cocktails and live music nightly.

The breezy lanai has the most spectacular view of the leeward coast of any restaurant on the Big Island, and it's the perfect accompaniment to the elegant yet down-to-earth Hawaii Regional Cuisine and specialty cocktails. Entrées are on the pricey side, but the ginger-steamed monchong (a deep-water Hawaiian fish) is a winner, and the Keahole lobster chowder does not disappoint. Dessert is a real treat here. Get here by 5:30 if you want to score a seat for the sunset.

A nondescript office building, just to the south of town, is home to this quiet, country-style bistro with dark-wood walls and private booths. The traditional French cuisine might not impress visitors from France, but this popular local favorite offers such classics as escargots, beef with a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce, and rack of lamb with roasted garlic and rosemary; it's nice for a special occasion. Less traditional is venison with a pomegranate glaze. Call well in advance for reservations.

The signature restaurant of Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is the home of the original wok-charred ahi: it's seared on the outside, leaving sashimi on the inside. Although lunch prices are reasonable, dinner is "resort pricey," so prepare to splurge. The interior is plain and boxy, but that's not what shines here. Many locals choose it for their special occasions. The extensive wine list is impressive and includes many selections poured by the glass. 

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. 

Upstairs at the Shops at Mauna Lani, this breezy, open-air restaurant offers an excellent roster of appetizers, including seared-scallop sliders and coconut-crusted crab cakes, as well as meat and fish mains and decadent desserts. The chef here has freedom to cook up his own daily specials, and the seared ahi is a standout. There's live music every evening, and happy hour is from 4 to 6. After eating, hit the Tommy Bahama clothing store located directly below the restaurant.