1. Merriman’s
Chef Peter Merriman has a handful of eateries across the Hawaiian Islands, and the flagship Merriman’s in Waimea has been a local favorite for more than 20 years. The focus here is on local ingredients and regional flavor. It’s a pricier night out, but there’s a solid selection of shareable side plates and award-winning entrees, with a wallet-friendly Monday lunch special on shrimp tacos and Mai Tais.
2. Manta
Manta may be known for its breakfast buffet, but its must-try dish is one of its most popular dinner entrees: the macadamia nut encrusted mahi-mahi. The fish is super tender with a hint of nutty sweetness. No matter when you visit, you’ll experience open-air fine dining on a gorgeous patio overlooking Kauna’oa Bay — oh, and you’ll probably encounter a few resident cats strolling among the flower beds.
3. Da Poke Shack
Tempt your taste buds with a variety of fresh poke at this classic shack. Spicy Pele’s Kiss is a local favorite, but you won’t go wrong with garlic and sesame. Or why choose when you can order a plate with four poke selections? There may be a line of folks waiting to order, but the service is fast and friendly. Visit early before the daily menu is sold out.
4. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
The Hawaiian plate lunch is a local classic meant to fill you up on the cheap. Take two scoops of rice, add a side of macaroni salad and enjoy a featured item ranging from marinated chicken to garlic shrimp. L&L Hawaiian Barbeque isn’t fancy, but this is where you want to go for a traditional plate lunch. Ramen fan? Try the SPAM Saimin noodles.
5. Kona Brewing Company
Fill up on liquid aloha as you settle in for a casual patio lunch. Pair a hand-tossed pizza or Kalua pork tacos with a beer flight, or get your veggie fix with the popular chickpea ‘burger’ served with chipotle yogurt sauce. Love the brews? Visit the Growler Shack for big beer takeout. Note: You’ll find the best parking around the back of the pub.
6. Island Fish & Chips
It may feel like you’re playing hide and seek as you try to find Island Fish & Chips, but rest assured this walk-up joint is real, tucked deep inside the King’s Shops at Waikoloa set alongside a koi pond. Must-try items include flaky fish tacos, coconut shrimp and the crispiest fish and chips you’ll ever encounter. The sweet pineapple slaw side is an added bonus.
7. Cafe 100
Loco Moco is a must-try no matter which island you’re visiting, but legend has it Cafe 100 is the original home of this Hawaiian dish. It’s a bowl of white rice beneath a juicy beef patty, layered with rich gravy and topped off with an egg sunny-side up. Undeniably a quirky combo at first, but it’s classic comfort food Hawaiian-style. Try it any time of day and be prepared for follow-up cravings.
8. Huggo’s On The Rocks
A popular spot for locals and tourists, this Kona Bay lounge boasts a cozy waterfront setting. Enjoy live local entertainment while you sample a poke bowl and sip one of the best Mai Tais in town. For your main course, try the Bulgogi fried rice bowl featuring island-style marinated beef. Beach bums will feel at home with the sand floor of this super laidback venue.
9. Hula Hulas
For a local take on happy hour, visit this waterfront venue for lilikoi (yellow passionfruit) cocktails. You’ll also find plenty of regional flavors on the dinner menu, with pineapple chili glazed pork belly and coconut rice stuffed kabocha squash. Service of speed can be hit or miss depending on how busy the restaurant and lounge are, but the atmosphere and taste are worth the trip.
10. Tex Drive In
While there are burgers and plate lunches to be had here, everyone goes to Tex Drive In for the Malasadas; thick, eggy Portuguese donuts sprinkled in sugar and celebrated island-wide. The local favorite is Tex’s Bavarian cream filling. There’s a no-frills walk-up counter certain to have a line-up, but you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating.
Lava Lava Beach Club
$ $ $ $
Hawaii Regional Cuisine | Kailua-Kona
A great location for sunset. Food was excellent and prices were reasonable. We spent our last evening on Hawaii enjoying the live music.
Kamuela Provision Co.
$ $ $ $
Steak | Waikoloa
Romantic outdoor setting, great food and service, a bit expensive but was a very memorable evening.
Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill
$ $ $ $
Eurasian | Waikoloa
We had a great time at Roy's. It has fresh everything. I had the nearly raw seared Ahi. I won't order that at very many places. At this location, it is perfect. My wife had the salmon that was also cooked to perfection. All in all we loved our visit
Hilo Bay Cafe
$ $ $ $
Fusion / Eclectic | Hilo
Just go here. You will be glad you did. I dream of their fish tacos.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island
$ $ $ $
Hawaii Regional Cuisine | Kamuela
Brought our kids and watched the sunset from their patio. Our server, David, was helpful and attentive while letting us take our time and enjoy the night as a family. Great options for the kids and our meals were superb. The Macadamia crusted snapper, crab stuffed shrimp and duo of dips were especially good.