3 Little-Known Dining Options in Kau

Big Island Guide Travel Guide

If You’re Visiting the Sparse and Beautiful Kau, Here are 3 Little-Known Dining Options for You.

The southernmost district on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kau is sparsely populated and consisting largely of dense tropical rainforests, expansive lava fields, and areas with extensive volcanic activity. While it’s short on accommodations and traditional comforts, it’s an outdoor playground with plenty of sightseeing opportunities and outdoor activities. Should you choose to spend a day or two in Kau, your options for dining out will be limited compared to other areas on the island, but if you want to treat yourself to a good meal or delicious treat after a day of adventuring, check out these establishments.

Mehe’s Kau Bar and Grill
92-8754 Hawaii Blvd
Ocean View, HI 96737
(808) 929-7200
Open: Sat-Thurs 10 AM – 9 PM, Friday 10 AM – 1:30 AM
Website

A cozy, quaint eatery that provides a perfect taste of a Hawaiian family dining experience, Mehe’s Kau Bar and Grill isn’t going to win any awards, but the food is tasty, the atmosphere is homey, and the people are friendly. Burgers, fries, sandwiches, and fresh seafood are standards on the menu, but if you find yourself in the area on Saturday night, they’ve got a prime rib special that will knock your socks off.

Punalu’u Bake Shop
HI-11
Naalehu, HI 96772
(866) 366-3501
Open: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
Website

Possibly the best and well-respected bakery on the Big Island, the Punalu’u Bake Shop is famous for its Hawaiian sweetbreads, but the shop along Route 11 provides plenty of baked goods, fresh-brewed Kona Coffee, and a rotating menu featuring island-grown ingredients for lunch. With more than 200,000 visitors per year, it’s a popular spot, so getting there early is highly recommended.

Hana Hou Restaurant
95-1148 Naalehu Spur Rd
Naalehu, HI 96772
(808) 929-9717
Open: Sun-Thurs 8 AM – 7 PM, Fri-Sat 8 AM – 8 PM
Website

With breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offering daily specials, the Hana Hou Restaurant is a consistently tasty hometown diner with a Hawaiian twist. You’ll find few issues with the menu here, as it ranges from Hawaiian local favorites to comfort foods from back home, sourcing items from right here on the Big Island. For a quick, no-frills dining option that won’t disappoint, Hana Hou is a must-visit during your Kau adventures.

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