Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a 40-acre natural garden of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise located in the Onomea Valley.
4 Off-the-Beaten Path Hamakua Restaurants
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Well-known for its expansive and largely preserved natural lands, Hamakua rewards visitors with unbelievable sightseeing and outdoor adventure opportunities. Stretching from the slopes of Mauna Loa to nearly 50 miles of undeveloped coastline, Hamakua is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and rural landscapes as far as the eye can see. But whether you’re passing through or staying in Hamakua at an inn, B&B, or camping out, you’ll want to check out these out of the way dining options in Honokaa on the Big Island.
Cafe Il Mondo
45-3626A Mamane St
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-7711
Open: Mon-Sat 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Aloha service, slow food philosophy, and perhaps the best Italian meals you can find in the region, Cafe Il Mondo is a truly community-driven establishment that proudly serves locally-grown produce and Big Island-raised pork, seafood, and beef ingredients in every dish. With a global wine selection and service you’d expect from a high-end Italian joint, you’d be hard-pressed to find any issue with a dinner at Cafe Il Mondo.
Waipi’o Cookhouse
48-5370 Honokaa-Waipio Rd
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-1443
Open: Daily 8 AM – 7 PM
Cute and unassuming, Waipi’o Cookhouse is as local as it gets. Farm-to-table ingredients and homestyle cooking that’s the perfect remedy to a long hike through the Waipi’o Valley, grabbing an outdoor table at this little cafe and enjoying a freshly cooked meal is as ideal as can be.
Tex Drive-In
Kalapana Street & Hwy 19
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-0598
Open: Daily 6 AM – 8 PM
A hometown favorite, Tex’s Drive-In is Big Island famous. Their menu is stuffed with local Hawaiian treats and has been featured as a must-visit since they opened nearly 50 years ago. Island-grown ingredients, fresh-baked buns and Malasadas, and plenty of options for comfort food make for a spectacular dining experience on the quick.
Gramma’s Kitchen
45-3653 Waipio Rd
Honokaa, HI 96727
(808) 775-9943
Open: Tues – Thurs 8 AM – 3 PM, Fri – Sat 8 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM, Sunday 7:30 AM – 3 PM
Living up to its namesake, Gramma’s Kitchen brings the homestyle dining you’d expect from a beloved old chef. Excellent breakfasts, tasty lunches, and delicious dinner items at a fraction of the cost of high-end eateries make for an affordable, satisfying respite from the typical dining experience.
