Brett and I recently returned home from visiting the Big Island for ten days with my parents. Per usual, Brett took lots of photos so I could share all the details about our trip. Today, I’m recapping all the delicious restaurants we dined at on the Big Island of Hawaii, and if you’re looking for activity ideas to do on the Big Island, check back because I’ll be sharing that in a separate blog post soon!

Coffee + Breakfast

Island Corner Cafe — A cute cafe to pop into to snag a coffee if you’re in the Kona area. Seating is limited, but we just walked a half mile and enjoyed our coffees along the shore. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and smoothies.

Kona Heaven Coffee — This coffee shop was a short walk from where we stayed, and we loved it so much that we went back multiple times! It’s in a prime spot across the street from the ocean, with chairs facing the water where guests can enjoy the views while sipping coffee.

Green Flash Coffee — Small family-owned coffee shop serving breakfast and drinks. Be patient as they make everything fresh to order. Note: they only allow one party inside to order at a time, but there’s some seating outside.

Tea-licious Cafe — Unique European-style cafe and tea shop in Kona. We went for the coffee and stayed for the delectable breakfast items. Brett and I shared a ham and cheese croissant, Portuguese custard tart, and lemon cream cheese Danish.

The Coffee Shack — One of the only sit-down breakfast restaurants we visited. It’s a popular restaurant with sweeping panoramic views of the Kona coastline. We sat on the lanai and fueled up before heading to Papakolea Green Sand Beach.

Lunch

Original Thai Cuisine — We randomly stopped in for lunch, not knowing Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives featured them. This was an unexpected personal favorite! I ordered pad see ew (wide rice noodles with egg and broccoli) with added chicken, which was perfectly seasoned.

Pineapple’s — Unlike most restaurants I share in this guide, Pineapple’s is located in downtown Hilo, on the island’s east side. It’s an open-air restaurant serving island-inspired, locally-sourced food. Get the Pineapple Pow to share (can be alcoholic or nonalcoholic).

Fresh Off the Grid — What a hidden gem in Kapaau. We swung by after hiking the Pololu Trail, and while I wish we had more time to sit down and enjoy this beautiful spot, we grabbed food and ran back to the car because it started torrential downpouring. Brett and I split the poke nachos, but after one bite, I wish I had ordered my own, haha! Also, we shared a smoothie, iced coffee, and brownie — everything was delicious.

Da Poke Shack — The only place on this Big Island, Hawaii restaurant guide I didn’t personally go to (and not from lack of trying). I went the last two days we were there, and on both days, they sold out and closed by the time I got there. If you’ve been, let me know if it’s worth the hype!

Broke Da Mouth Grindz — An offbeat hole-in-the-wall serving hearty portions of Hawaiian and Filipino goodies. Brett and I split the spicy garlic furikake chicken plate and a side of macaroni salad, and it was perfect for sharing. 

Dinner

Don’s Mai Tai Bar — Located at Royal Kona Resort, this open-air restaurant offers spectacular ocean views. My favorite was my lava flow flight, which was delicious and came in a cute presentation (after all, you eat with your eyes first).

ULU Ocean Grill — If you’re down to splurge, look no further than ULU Ocean Grill, part of Four Seasons Hualalai. The property is sprawling and stunning, and the restaurant has a breathtaking sunset view over the beach.

We tried a variety of surf and turf dishes, from oysters to steak; however, my favorite was the chef’s assorted sashimi, which came with five different fish selections. To finish off the evening, we all shared the Honoka’a chocolate crémeux.

Jackie Rey’s Hilo — Also located in Hilo, Jackie Rey’s Hilo is inside a former bank with high ceilings, making it bright and modern. It’s a great spot to satisfy your cravings after a day of adventuring and chasing waterfalls in Hilo!

There were multiple Pupus I wanted to try, so I was delighted to see a pupu platter on the menu. It was a sampler of edamame, ahi poke, pork spring rolls, and crispy ribs — everything was delicious and flavorful. It’s a great way to try some of everything and share among the table.

For entrees, we all tried different dishes. I ordered the seared duck breast, which was thinly sliced and tender. Brett got the guava BBQ glazed baby back ribs that came with french fries and island slaw with pineapple relish; my mom had the seafood trio consisting of a grilled fresh catch, crab cake, and shrimp kabob accompanied by Molokai sweet potatoes; and my stepdad tried the homemade lobster ravioli with seared Hawaiian prawns.

They serve generous portions, and while we were happily stuffed, we couldn’t turn down trying some desserts. We ended up all sharing the lilikoi cheesecake and triple fudge brownie roll. If you’re in the area, check out this popular local favorite!

Huggo’s — Another waterfront restaurant with a fun ambiance. They have live music every night, and Kairie Tehaamatai performed the night we were there (primarily popular hits and it was a total vibe). I would’ve gone back solely to listen to him again because I loved it that much.

Fish Hopper — Casual restaurant where I got my first and only pasta this vacation! I ordered the Pasta Isabella (jumbo scallops, shrimp, clam meat in a rich cream sauce over linguine pasta), and it hit the spot — 10/10 for that dish!

I hope this Big Island, Hawaii restaurant guide helps and gives you ideas for your trip. If you have any questions or additional recommendations, please leave them in the comments. Also, if you’re visiting Kauai, check out my First Timer’s Travel Guide to Kauai, Hawaii. xo

Otherwise, browse my other travel guides to inspire your next trip:
Los Angeles, California Travel Guide
Flagstaff, Arizona Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
The Ultimate Havasupai Guide: Everything for a Successful Trip
A Local’s Travel Guide to St. Louis, Missouri
Why You Need to Add Clear Lake, Iowa, to Your Summer Bucket List
One Day in Bisbee, Arizona Itinerary
36 Hours in Boulder, Colorado: Ultimate Travel Guide
Golden, Colorado Travel Guide

Thank you to Jackie Rey’s Hilo for the complimentary dinner. As always, all opinions are my own.