Get to Know the Big Island of Hawaii

It’s never a bad move to stay thrifty during a Hawaiian vacation, so here’s a list of our favorite wallet-friendly happy hour spots on the Big Island.

Tin Shack Bakery is a fun and funky cafe with beach shack decor and high quality coffee and baked goods that make it a must-visit.

If you’re looking for the best Big Island oceanside bars and lounges to chill out with a tropical drink in hand, look no further.

These deep-fried balls of delight are a perfect answer to a nagging sweet tooth.

A locally-sourced Pacific Fusion restaurant with incredible, attentive preparation standards, Moon and Turtle is food the way it should be.

Among the Big Island’s best culinary outputs is Thai food and Naung Mai Thai Kitchen is a stand out option in the entire Thai scene.

A frozen delight made famous in Hawaii, a visit to the Big Island is incomplete without a tropical treat from Scandinavian Shave Ice.

If you’re considering a Big Island vacation and want to take advantage of the top cuisine, look no further than the following fine restaurants.

The Puna District has many locally-owned restaurants perfect for a quick, affordable bite on your way to your next Big Island activity.

The Rim is the singular dining experience in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, offering spectacular views of the Kilauea Caldera from the restaurant.

There’s a real challenge to finding affordable restaurants in a resort area, but we searched out some budget friendly dining options for you.

Quick bites like fish tacos are always favorites on the Big Island, but these three establishments will satisfy even the pickiest fish taco fan.

Local and proud of it it, 808 Grindz Cafe offers excellent Hawaiian dishes in a casual and laid back setting.

The western side of the Big Island is home to Kona Brewing Company and that success has spurred one of the best brew festivals in Hawaii.

One of the finest places to buy and enjoy the world-famous Kona Coffee, Kona Coffee and Tea is a perfect cafe for a relaxing cup of joe.

One of the best coffee shops near Captain Cook, Kaya’s in Kealakekua offers some of the finest brews and tastiest breakfasts in the area.

Puna is the perfect place to explore off the beaten path and experience a nice flavor of local life at the Ho’olaule’a Farmers Market.

Papa Kona Restaurant (formerly Daylight Mind Cafe) is a cozy eatery with an incredible view on the Big Island.

Hula Hulas is a classy, fun and enjoyable eatery located in in beautiful Grand Naliloa Hotel in Hilo. It offers great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and delicious drinks.

The flagship establishment for this small local chain, Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill offers fantastic seafood and American cuisine at an affordable rate.

A locally-owned cafe and kava bar, the Sea Dandelion Cafe and Awa Bar offers fresh vegetarian cuisine and Polynesian beverages.

Comfort food and local brews abound at Tropics Tap House in Kona, making for the perfect vacation lunch or dinner with good friends.

A fresh seafood restaurant and market, Pahoa Fresh Fish lives up to its name with delicious fresh-caught seafood in a casual setting.

Whether you’re craving local seafood, poke or simply a delicious fish taco, Umeke’s is the ideal local style dining destination in Kona.

Nestled in a remote part of the Big Island, this food truck can help with that sweet tooth and with the heat with delicious ice-cream treats.

Cajun Paradise Farms was a culinary delight, with down home, honest-to-goodness cajun food until the 2018 Kilauea eruption devastated the property.

A parkside eatery that’s as fast as it is delicious, Tuk Tuk Thai Food makes for a perfect meal wherever you’re headed.

A celebration of beer, food, and Hawaiian culture, the Rotary Club of Hilo’s annual Hilo Brewfest is an afternoon of fun, beer, and music.

Redefining international soul food with a Hawaiian twist, Rebel Kitchen is one of the best places on the Big Island to explore southern mainland cuisine.

Huggo’s is a Big Island institution and for good reason – the food, drinks, and location are idyllic and uniquely Hawaiian.

The perfect spot for dinner after a long day of exploring the gorgeous Waipio Valley, Waipio Cookhouse is a local favorite among Big Island foodies.

A unique dining experience overlooking Keauhou Bay, dinner at Rays on the Bay rewards visitors with fantastic views of manta rays.

Praised throughout the world for its full-bodied, pleasing flavor and distinct aroma, genuine Kona Coffee is truly special.

World-renowned for the quality and consistency of its beans, Kona Coffee alone is worth a trip to the Big Island.

A Big Island favorite for decades, Huggo’s On the Rocks offers lunch, dinner and tropical drinks in a beachside setting alongside nightly live music.

One of Kailua-Kona’s favorite hangouts, Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse offers tasty grub and cold brews.