If we had to describe the Big Island's food scene with one word, it would be diversity. Foodies will take great pleasure in exploring the eclectic mix of casual eats, food markets, and upscale dining experiences in the local area. What really sets the Big Island apart, however, is its unique blend of international flavors with local ingredients and traditional dishes.
Whether you grab a quick poke by the beach or sit down for an Italian meal with a Hawaiian twist, you'll get to enjoy a culinary experience that's unlike anything you've ever tried before.
01 Merriman's: Farm-to-table dining with a Hawaiian twist
A unique combination of masterful cooking and a true appreciation of local influences makes Merriman's one of the area's finest dining options. Chef Peter Merriman is one of the pioneers of Hawaiian regional cuisine — a blend of indigenous, Asian, and Portuguese influences and mouth-watering local ingredients. He's also a guiding light in the farm-to-table restaurant scene — most dishes on the menu feature products that have been sourced within 24 hours of serving. Reservations are a must, especially if you're visiting during one of the busier tourist seasons.
02 Da Poke Shack: Fresh poke from local waters
Poke's significance in Hawaiian culture cannot be overstated. It dates back to the olden days when fishermen would cut up some of the smaller fish they caught that day, season it with whatever was on hand (typically sea salt and seaweed), and serve it raw. Simple yet mouth-wateringly delicious, poke quickly became a beloved delicacy all over the Big Island. Traditionally, poke was made with tuna or octopus; however, modern interpretations of this dish are much more varied. Da Poke Shack has endless options on offer, such as the award-winning Wet Hawaiian (which features roasted kukui nut) or the Shack Special.
03 Hilo Farmers Market: A foodie's paradise for local flavors
No foodie tour to the Big Island is complete without a detour to the Hilo Farmers Market. Here, you'll find an abundance of local delicacies at affordable prices, as well as locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You'll be spoilt for choice no matter when you visit — in summer; you can enjoy mouth-watering lychee, passion fruit, and mango; in winter, there will be rambutan and longan. Don't forget to get a little sweet treat from one of the baked goods vendors — butter mochi and banana nut bread are particular favorites.
04 Big Island Bees: Sweet stops at the local honey farm
We are not exaggerating when we say that Big Island Bees offer some of the world's finest honey. They're a small family business and hold themselves to extraordinarily strict standards — they only sell honey from their own beehives, use no herbicides or pesticides, and exclusively use organic compounds. The result? Absolutely delicious honey that's packed full of enzymes and healthy bacteria. Try out the Lehua honey — it's one of the rarest honey varieties in the world and is only found in Hawaii. It's known for its delicate flavor and naturally thick texture.
05 Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill: A seafood lover's dream
Seafood loves mustn't neglect Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill. This family restaurant stands out in the already excellent seafood scene in Hawaii as it offers many local delicacies. Try out one of the platters or the poke bowls — they're made of extremely fresh ingredients and provide a true boat-to-table experience.
06 Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company: Snack your way through macadamia heaven
Chances are that you've heard of Hawaii's world-famous macadamia nuts — here's your chance to try them out. True foodies will enjoy a tour of Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company's showroom, as it features countless sampling opportunities. There are plenty of free samples to try out, from indulgent coconut-glazed or unique SPAM-flavored nuts for the adventurous to simple, lightly salted varieties. Hamakua is supplied by over 200 local farms, most of which are small-scale and family-owned, so you can fill up your luggage with bags of macadamia knowing that you're supporting local farmers.
07 Two Ladies Kitchen: Sweet treats with local and Japanese influences
Japanese foods have especially major significance in Hawaiian cuisine, and mochi is one of the island's most popular treats. Strawberry mochi is a particularly beloved treat — and the ever-present long queues can prove that. Many consider Two Ladies Kitchen to be one of Hilo's most iconic establishments, so stopping by is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
08 Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory: Savor the island's only homegrown chocolate
Have a sweet tooth? Then, the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory is not to be missed. The first and by far only chocolate producer on the island, they use only locally-grown beans. Unlike mass chocolate manufacturers, they employ non-blending techniques that conserve the taste and texture of their high-quality beans. Try out both the milk and dark chocolate, and if you've got a bit of time, book a tour of the factory.
09 Kona Brewing Company: Island-inspired brews for the beer enthusiast
Lana Brewing beer is nothing but a labor of love. When they first opened, Kona Brewing Company set out to become one of the most eco-friendly breweries in the country. They have a diverse selection of beers on offer, and all yeasts originate in Big Island. Try out a few of their beers over lunch — they have their restaurant, and the food there is surprisingly good!
10 Manago Hotel Restaurant: Old-school Hawaiian comfort food
Nobody understands old-school Hawaiian comfort food better than the Manago Hotel. This spot is perfect for those looking to step away from the more touristy options on the island and dine with the locals. Try out their renowned pork chops, or if you're feeling like having some fresh seafood, order the shrimp sauté or the mahi mahi.
11 Hawaiian Vanilla Company: A gourmet tour for vanilla lovers
Set aside a couple of hours for a gourmet experience featuring one of the world's most precious spices. The tour takes place at the Hawaiian Vanilla Company — America's first vanilla farm. Their Tasting and Farm tour will start off with an exploration of the many uses of vanilla and how it can be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes. It will walk you through the entire farming process, followed by an exploration of the whole farming process. If you've got a bit of extra time, you can add on a luncheon. This feast features a diverse range of vanilla dishes, followed by the star of the show — indulgent vanilla bean ice cream.
12 Lava Lava Beach Club: Dining with your toes in the sand
Sitting down at Lava Lava Beach Club can make you feel like you've been transported in a postcard. The laid-back atmosphere, the sound of the crashing waves, and your toes in the sand all create the idyllic atmosphere we all think of when we think of Hawaii. The club's signature cocktails, such as the Lava Lava Flow (on the rocks) or Hugo Mai Tai, are an indulgent way to recover after a long day of sightseeing on The Big Island.
13 Cafe 100: The birthplace of Loco Moco
Loco Moco — a simple yet delicious meal consisting of white rice, a hamburger patty, gravy, and a sunny-side-up fried egg — is a beloved dish all over Big Island. In fact, it was first served here in Cafe 100 back in 1949. Nowadays, there are over 30 varieties on offer at this iconic establishment, and some of them are available only on certain days of the week. Try out one of the unique varieties on offer or opt for the classic loco moco — you'll be satisfied either way.
14 The Coffee Shack: Breakfast and Kona coffee with a view
If you're looking for a breakfast with a view, The Coffee Shack is your spot. This family-owned restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Kona coast, overlooking Kealakekua Bay, and consistently delicious food. Don't forget to grab a cup of delicious smooth and mild Kona coffee — the beans are grown directly below The Coffee Shack at 1400 feet elevation. The stunning views you can enjoy here are truly something to remember!
15 Pueo's Osteria: Italian cuisine meets Hawaiian ingredients
Most of us wouldn't think of stopping for some Italian food on a trip to Hawaii — but that would be an oversight. Pueo's Osteria offers a blend of world-renowned Italian cooking techniques and locally sourced ingredients, which makes it a top choice among locals. Try out the Agnolotti di Fungi, which is made with delicious local Hamakua mushrooms or the Hawaiian Kampachi Collar.
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