6 Excellent Big Island Oceanfront Restaurants
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Attending a Hawaiian lu’au is a great oportunity to get friends and family together and celebrate with food, fun and dance!
Discover Big Island Dining
Visitors to the Big Island can generally agree on one thing: the incredible, diverse selection of food available throughout the Big Island dining scene. World-class chefs, local tastemakers, and island-specific dishes exist around seemingly every corner and it’s not uncommon for a recommendation from a local to take you across the island chasing a memorable meal.
Because of the climate and the remoteness of the Hawaiian Islands, fresh, local ingredients are a recurring theme you find throughout every type of dining establishment. From locally sourced produce, fresh caught fish and grass-fed beef, the ingredients in your meal rarely travel far before they hit your plate.
There is also a fantastic fusion of flavors on the Big Island, stemming from the diversity of the people who call the island home. From traditional Hawaiian food, authentic Thai food, classic Italian, French Bistros, to Pacific Fusion and delicious Sushi, the Big Island is a food lovers playground.
Like most tourist destinations, if you stay within the most populated areas, you will find mostly traditional food choices with a few uniques options, but just a bit of adventuring off the beaten path will open up a host of new dining experiences.
Casual Dining
The food truck and food hut movement has been good to Big Island dining. Around nearly every corner and certainly near every major tourist attraction is a locally-owned food truck or food hut with incredible offerings on the cheap. Breweries, cafes, and burger joints keep the island fed without breaking the bank – a welcome experience in Hawaii.
Fine Dining
On the backs of high-end, luxury resorts came the appetite for fine dining on the Big Island, but the chefs and culture of delicious, satisfying food was here long ago. A perfect symbiosis of demand and talent means visitors to the Big Island are rewarded with unforgettable dining experiences from world-renowned, creative chefs.
Big Island Coffee Shops
Home to the only coffee farms in the United States, Hawaii’s reputation as a coffee powerhouse is only improved by the incredibly talented and creative coffee gurus located throughout the Big Island. As long as their beans are locally sourced, you’re ensured a delicious cup no matter where you go.
Big Island Local Favorites
A little insider’s assistance can go a long way – especially when it comes to food. We’ve asked Big Islanders for their favorite eating destinations. From coffee to quick bites to a full-fledged, high-end dinner.
Big Island Nightlife
As one would expect from the Big Island, things tend to wind down after sunset, but that doesn’t mean your adventure is over. Amazing restaurants, bars, clubs, luaus and music abound once the sun goes down. For those craving something more low key, manta ray viewing, stargazing, or a walk on the beach are within easy reach of most major hotels and resorts.
Dinner Events on the Big Island
Stepping away from your typical day-to-day is what a visit to the Big Island is all about. A far cry from the traditional restaurant experience via a luau, barbecue, or outdoor celebration isn’t just possible here, it’s encouraged. So gather up family and friends and get celebrating!
Breweries on the Big Island
Home to the colossal Kona Brewing Company, locally-made beer on the Big Island has made a serious mark on the craft beer industry. But while a visit to Kona’s taproom and brew facility is a must-see for beer fanatics, smaller, regional breweries are creating unique and delicious beer all over the island.
Treats & Bakeries on the Big Island
Most visitors consider Hawaiian shave ice the local treat of the Big Island, but small creameries and bakeries have made a visit to Hawaii’s largest island a sweet tooth’s delight. Before you head out, be sure to stock up on locally-made malasadas – you’ll be happy you did.
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Hawaiian Food Questions Answered
To help guide you through some of the local offerings on the Big Island, we’ve assembled this guide of the most popular dishes.
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Must Try Fine Dining Restaurants on the Big Island
If you’re looking for a sophisticated dining experience be sure to check out these delicious fine dining restaurants.
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
The Best Beach Bars to Relax with a Tropical Drink
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.
Big Island Guide
Travel Guide
Dining Map
Big Island Lava Flow Video
From the red glow of molten lava, to ocean entry plumes and exciting crater activity, watch the Big Island’s lava flow and volcanic activity of Kilauea.
Kona Hawaii Luau Video
Enjoy one of the best sunset dinner shows on the Big Island, presenting the legends and lore of Polynesia, with oceanfront dining and dancing.
Kailua Kona Parasailing Video
Fly high on a parasail and enjoy an awe inspiring bird’s eye view hundreds of feet above the Big Island’s Kona Coast.
Hawaii Dolphin Video
Explore the underwater world of the dolphin in this exciting dolphin video from Kona Hawaii.
Highlights
The Kohala Dining Scene is a Food-Lover’s Paradise
Teeming with amazing, high-quality food at every price point, Kohala’s dining scene is one of the best on the Big Island.
Music and Mai Tais at Don the Beachcomber
If your Thursday evening slot is open, there’s no better place to be on the Big Island than at Don the Beachcomber’s in Kona.
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas is an upscale, three-screen movie venue with full-service restaurant and bar located in Queen’s Marketplace.
Featured Tours
Volcano Winery
With the unique environment of the Big Island’s southern regions at their beck and call, Volcano Winery offers Hawaiian wine grown right on the island and unlike any you’ve ever tasted.
Take the Kona Brewery Tour
Tour one of the most successful and best-known craft breweries in the United States, Kona Brewing Company on the Big Island.
Buddha’s Cup
With over 650 coffee farms in the Kona region of the Big Island, a few really stand out and Buddha’s Cup is among the very best.
Sea Paradise Boat Tours
One of the Big Island’s most experienced ocean tour companies, Sea Paradise offers an unmatched sailing and snorkeling experience.
Island Breeze Luau
A beautiful luau on the Big Island’s stunning Kona Coast, Island Breeze Luau is the ideal dinner event for you and your family.
Hilo Coffee Mill
Along with serving up great coffee, food and drinks, Hilo Coffee Mill also offers fun and enjoyable visitor tours with tons of interesting and insightful coffee information.
Sunset Cocktail and Appetizer Cruise
A gorgeous outdoor dining experience set against the famous Kohala sunsets, this casual cruise is well worth the expense for a romantic evening.
Sunset Luau
Enjoy a luau experience on the Big Island, the Sunset Luau offers a unique, beautiful natural setting during a remarkable dinner show.
The Mauna Kea Luau
Famous for its delicious luau banquet and live entertainment, the Mauna Kea Luau is among the best in all of Hawaii.
Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
Offering a well-rounded tour experience that takes you to the top of the Big Island’s greatest geologic feature, Mauna Kea Summit Adventures makes reaching the summit easy.
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
Entertaining and informative, Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is a unique opportunity to learn and indulge in Hawaiian culture.
The Best Hawaii Dinner Cruise is in Kona
Take a historic dinner cruise and enjoy sailing down the Kona coast while hearing fascinating history, local musicians, and enjoying dinner at sea.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company
An organic and widely acclaimed producer of authentic Kona Coffee on the Big Island.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation
The Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation offers a fun and tasty visitor center experience for guests to the Big Island.
Legends of Hawaii Luau
Legends of Hawaii isn’t any typical luau – luxurious and indulgent, this dinner event is unlike any other you’ll find on the Big Island.
Fair Wind Cruises – Big Island Ocean Guides
Offering unique and memorable ocean cruises and snorkel tours that are sure to be the highlight of your vacation.
Big Island Bees
One of the most unique and engaging farms you can experience on the Big Island, Big Island Bees offers tours and a great gift shop with their island-made goods.
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