A Great Dining Lineup for a Day in Kona
If you’re spending a day in Kailua-Kona and looking for memorable dining options, check out these excellent restaurants for an amazing lineup.
Must Try Fine Dining Restaurants on the Big Island
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
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. Here is a highlight some of the tastiest options around, and some of our favorite sophisticated dining experiences Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer.
Beach Tree
Four Seasons Hualalai
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
An amazing dining experience set in a postcard-worthy setting, the Beach Tree Lounge 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 or casual menu.
‘Ulu Restaurant – Ocean to Table Dining
Four Seasons Hualalai
72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
‘Ulu Restaurant is located within the Four Seasons Hualalai and features some of the finest seafood in the Islands. 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, you owe it to yourself and your party to enjoy an evening of fine dining here.
The CanoeHouse
Mauna Lani Auberge Resort
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, Hawaii 96743
Like many of the more memorable dining environments on the Big Island, The Canoe House overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Pacific at the Mauna Lani Auberge Resort, 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.
Merriman’s
65-1227 Opelo Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
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.
Huggo’s
75-5828 Kahakai Rd
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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.
Moon and Turtle Restaurant
51 Kalākaua Street
Hilo, Hawaii
Depending on season and availability, the menu offers everything from seafood to steak with unique chef-inspired creations you won’t find anywhere else. If you are looking for cuisine that is totally unique and tantalizing, harvested from select local ingredients, you must visit Moon and Turtle.
Cafe Pesto
308 Kamehameha Ave #101
Hilo, HI 96720
One of the best 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.
Pineapples
332 Keawe St
Hilo, HI 96720
A Hilo favorite, Pineapples’ is a bit more casual, and the menu skews toward more traditional restaurant fare, but the preparation, atmosphere, and quality of the ingredients combine for a great 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.
