The 10 Best Restaurants On The Big Island, Hawaii

Island Lava Java is a quaint venue situated on the waterfront area of Kona. Coffee and desserts are the speciality here, with rich and dark cappuccinos being served with silky smoothe ice cream varieties including vanilla, caramel and macademia nut. If you’re in the mood for something savoury don’t miss the breakfasts, consisting of fluffy pancakes, tasty eggs and fresh papayas with unsweetened yoghurt. Enjoy a wonderful view of the ocean whilst dining here by sitting on the spacious and airy outdoor patio.

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community, Merriman’s is a jolly spot emanating a simple and refined atmosphere. The expertise of the staff here is unbeatable, with friendly waiters and waitresses always on hand to dispense knowledge about how the food here is prepared and where it is sourced from. Take a stroll through the idyllic herb garden here before entering, and upon arrival, choose from an array of delectable dishes such as flame-grilled crab and the signature coconut crème brulee. A great place for a top tipple too, colorful cocktails abound here, with the margaritas made using tropical lemonade and ultra-fine grain salt and making for a fantastic choice.

Hana Hou Restaurant is a kitsch, charming diner featuring 50s-style chrome chairs and cozy booths. The menu and specials board is wide and varied, featuring everything from gigantic deli sandwiches to full rib roasts and turkey dinners. Bread is baked freshly on the premises, filling the venue with a homely, mouth watering aroma, and the macadamia nut encrusted chicken is exquisite.

Ken’s House of Pancakes is a pancake emporium serving up plate loads of sweet and savoury varieties of the American favorite. Have yours with chocolate and banana, or for a more substantial meal go for the ham and cheese option. The portions here are extremely generous, and the oxtail stew here is a non-pancake option that flies out of the kitchen by the bowlful. The value and service is top notch, and the atmosphere is bustling and lively, since the venue is always brimming with enthusiastic customers.

Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill is situated in the heart of the Kings Shops area, and is an establishment offering an appealing combination of cuisines deriving from both Asia and the Pacific Rim. Must-try dishes include the chargrilled fish specials, the edamame appetizer and the chocolate mousse soufflé, and the outdoor tables here pleasantly overlook the pond at the Kings Shops, offering customers an idyllic view to enjoy whilst tucking into some hearty fare.

Lemongrass Bistro is a cozy joint located in the food court at Queens Market, and offers an aromatic array of Asian delicacies, including plates from Southeast Asia, Vietnam, China and Thailand. Seating is limited here, and although the menu is small, the portions are gigantic. Simple and minimal compared to other restaurants in the area, the no fuss prawn pad Thai here is out of this world. There is an outdoor patio here too, where diners can people watch excited shoppers as they sample some of the freshest noodles in the region.