Shiono Japanese Restaurant
Among the best sushi establishments on the Big Island, Shiono Restaurant offers an incredible selection of Japanese dishes.
If there’s one thing the Big Island isn’t lacking, it’s incredible dining options at a high level. Easily stacked up with some of the finest restaurants in Hawaii, the options crafted by Big Island chefs aren’t just wonderful by competitive Hawaiian standards; they can be matched up against similar offerings throughout the fine dining world. But with so many options at your disposal, the choices can be overwhelming – even if you eat out every single night of your stay. So to pare things down and highlight some of the tastiest options around, consider this list of our favorite sophisticated dining experiences Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer.
Beach Tree
72-100 Kaupulehu Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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A tremendous dining experience set in a postcard-worthy setting, the Beach Tree is centered in the luxurious Four Seasons Resort at Hualalai and offers breezy covered seating or beachside dining and an outdoor lounge featuring nightly musical entertainment. With world-class cocktails and gourmet dining that lives up to the Four Seasons name, you’re hard to find a disappointing item throughout their four course and casual menu.
‘Ulu Ocean Grill + Sushi Lounge
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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A healthy divide between a traditional sushi lounge and a fine Hawaiian grill, the ‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge is located within the Four Seasons Hualalai and features some of the finest seafood and sushi in the world. The oceanside open-air seating is only bested by the tasteful, creative interior and the Hawaiian torches lit each evening, so if you’re able to make a reservation (the place fills up fast), you owe it to yourself and your party to stop in.
Merriman’s
65-1227 Opelo Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
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Nestled in the tiny mountain town of Waimea, Merriman’s is one of Hawaii’s most food-first restaurants. Chef Peter Merriman is largely responsible for encouraging the modern local and organic food movement among Hawaiian farmers, and that dedication to island-fresh ingredients shows in every dish. Try the macadamia nut-crusted Kona kampachi for an authentic taste of everything the Big Island dining scene has to offer.
The CanoeHouse
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743
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Like many of the more memorable dining environments on the Big Island, The Canoe House overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Pacific, providing guests with a breezy, gentle ocean atmosphere. With the majority of their ingredients sourced right on the island, menus are seasonal, personally curated by expert chefs, and carefully paired wines with each course, the Canoe House’s Captain’s Table experience should be atop of your culinary expeditions during your stay.
Huggo’s
75-5828 Kahakai Rd
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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A mainstay of downtown Kailua-Kona, Huggo’s has earned its reputation as a must-stop dining destination for visitors of the Big Island. With a seaside location, gentle ocean breeze, fresh-caught seafood and a cocktail selection to die for, a trip to the Big Island is incomplete without checking out Huggo’s.
Pineapples
332 Keawe St
Hilo, HI 96720
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A Hilo favorite, Pineapples’ is a bit more casual, and the menu skews toward more traditional pub and burger joint fare, but the preparation, atmosphere, and quality of the ingredients combine for an unforgettable dining experience. Compared to the rest of the establishments on this list, it’s also more affordable than most, making it a great option for families adventuring on the Hilo side.
Cafe Pesto
308 Kamehameha Ave #101
Hilo, HI 96720
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One of the best (and affordable) Italian restaurants on the Big Island, Cafe Pesto combines traditional Italian cuisine with a Hawaiian touch. A mainstay of the Hilo restaurant scene, Cafe Pesto’s reputation for a delicious, expertly crafted, and diverse menu is unmatched.
Among the best sushi establishments on the Big Island, Shiono Restaurant offers an incredible selection of Japanese dishes.
The premier dining establishment in the Mauna Lani Resort, CanoeHouse offers fine dining in a breathtaking Big Island setting.
A locally-sourced Pacific Fusion restaurant with incredible, attentive preparation standards, Moon and Turtle is food the way it should be.