14 Best Places to Eat on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi

Looking for the best places to eat on the Big Island? You’re in the right place.

The Big Island isn’t just about dramatic landscapes and endless ocean views. It’s also one of those places where food quietly becomes part of the experience. Simple, local, often unexpected – and sometimes unforgettable.

From fresh poke eaten somewhere by the road, to shave ice that actually cools you down after a long, hot day – there’s a lot to discover, if you slow down a little.

You’ll find Hawaiian classics, Japanese influences, and plenty of plant-based options along the way. But more than that, you’ll find places with a certain feeling – the kind you remember later, not just the taste.

I’ve been to every spot on this list myself, choosing them not by hype, but by how they felt in the moment.

So take your time, stay a little longer, and here are 14 places on the Big Island that are truly worth it.

A Map of Must-Try Restaurants on the Big Island

Best Places to Eat in Kona

1. Paʻakai Poke, Kona

Price range: $10-$29.95

You can’t come to Hawaiʻi and skip poke – but the truth is, not every poke tastes the same.

Fresh ahi tuna, simple seasoning, a bit of sesame oil – when it’s done right, it doesn’t need much more. It’s light, clean, and exactly what you want after a long, warm day.

In Kona, Paʻakai Poke is one of those places you remember.

Nothing fancy – just really good food. You choose your base, mix your flavors, and somehow everything works together. The fish is fresh, the portions generous, and the whole experience feels easy and local.

It’s the kind of place where you stop for a quick bowl… and end up thinking about coming back the next day.

If you’re not sure what to order, go for the Ave-Lemon Ahi. And don’t skip the Kimchee Cucumber Salad – it’s simple, but really, really good.

2. Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill, Kona

Price range: $12-$80

If you’re in Kona and want to try local flavors in a slightly more lively setting, Umekes is one of those places that keeps coming up – and it actually delivers.

They’re known for their poke, made fresh with local fish and simple, well-balanced ingredients. But it’s not just about poke. The menu is bigger, more comfort-driven – with dishes like Hawaiian wings, fish tacos, and their take on loco moco.

Loco moco, if you haven’t tried it yet, is one of those meals that feels very Hawaiʻi. Rice, a juicy hamburger patty, fried egg, and warm brown gravy. It’s simple, a little messy, and surprisingly satisfying.

Umekes has a bit more energy than smaller poke spots – a place where you can sit down, order a drink, and stay a little longer.

If you’re choosing, their chef’s poke is a good place to start. And if you like a bit of heat, the Hottie poke is worth trying.

3. Izakaya Shiono, Kona

Price range: $3.50-$85

If you’re craving something beyond Hawaiian classics, Izakaya Shiono in Kona is a really good place to slow down over Japanese flavors.

Hawaiʻi has a deep connection to Japanese cuisine, and you can feel it here – in the ingredients, in the way dishes are prepared, and in that balance between simplicity and depth.

Izakaya Shiono is known for its fresh, high-quality sushi, but it’s the kind of place where you can order a few different things and take your time. There’s ramen, small plates, and a mix of flavors that work surprisingly well together.

It’s a quieter kind of experience – less about trends, more about the food itself.

If you’re choosing rolls, the Volcano Roll is a good place to start. And if you like something a bit richer, the Mauna Kea Roll with eel and avocado is worth trying.

4. Herbivores, Kona

Price range: $9-$30

If you’re looking for something plant-based in Kona, Herbivores is one of those low-key spots that just works.

The menu blends Mexican and American influences with a local twist – simple, creative, and surprisingly satisfying. You’ll find things like a vegan loco moco with plant-based “beef” or a taro burger served with crispy fries.

It’s not trying too hard – just good, honest food made with fresh, local ingredients and prices that still feel reasonable.

If you’re there in the morning, the Southwest Breakfast Burrito is a good choice – filling, flavorful, with a bit of heat.

And if you feel like something refreshing, their locally brewed kombucha is worth trying.

5. Scandinavian Shave Ice, Kona

Price range: from $7

If you’re in Kona and need something cold after a warm day, Scandinavian Shave Ice is one of those easy stops that just makes sense.

The shave ice here is soft and light, almost like fresh snow, soaked in colorful syrups. You can keep it simple or go a bit further – with ice cream or frozen yogurt hidden at the bottom.

It’s a small thing, but it fits the island perfectly.

Shave ice has roots in Japanese culture and has been part of life in Hawaiʻi for generations – originally a simple way to cool down after long days of work. Today, it’s still just that.

With over 60 flavors, choosing can take a moment. But that’s part of the experience.

Where to Eat in Hilo

6. Poke Market, Hilo

Price range: $13.95-$125

Hilo feels a bit different than Kona – greener, slower, less polished. But when it comes to food, it more than holds its own.

Some of the best meals on the island are hidden here, on the rainy eastern side.

Poke Market is one of those places.

Small, local, and always busy – the kind of spot people come back to. They’re especially known for their Shiitake Salmon Poke, which sounds unexpected, but works beautifully. Fresh salmon, sushi rice, a bit of crab salad, and a subtle truffle note that brings everything together.

If that’s not your thing, the All Star Bowl with spicy ahi is another solid choice.

It’s simple food, done really well – and one of those places you’re glad you didn’t skip.

7. Suisan Fish Market, Hilo

Price range: $9-$28

Another great place for poke in Hilo is Suisan Fish Market – a spot that’s been here for generations.

Right by the water, simple setup, steady flow of people. It doesn’t try to be anything more than it is – just fresh seafood, done well.

The poke here leans classic. Ahi tuna with soy sauce, sweet onion, a bit of crunch from macadamia nuts – familiar flavors, but really well balanced.

If you feel like trying something a little different, the kimchee tako with tender octopus adds a bit of heat without overpowering the rest.

You can also buy fresh fish by the pound if you’re making your own bowl. But most people just grab something ready and eat it by the water.

And honestly, that’s the best way to do it.

8. Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine, Hilo

Price range: $7-$40

If you’re in Hilo and feel like sitting down somewhere a bit more lively, Pineapples is an easy choice.

Located in the center of town, it has that open-air, relaxed feel – with live music, people coming and going, and a pace that invites you to stay a little longer.

The menu leans into local flavors but keeps things approachable. You’ll find fresh catch, burgers, pasta, and a mix of dishes that work well after a long day of exploring.

If you’re ordering seafood, the fresh catch sandwich is a good place to start. And if you have space for dessert, the lilikoi cake is light, slightly tangy, and worth it.

It’s not a quiet spot – but that’s part of the experience.

9. Ken’s House of Pancakes, Hilo

Price range: $4.95-$31.95

If you’re looking for a classic breakfast spot in Hilo, Ken’s House of Pancakes is one of those places that’s been here forever – and hasn’t really changed.

A retro diner with red booths, a long counter, and a menu that seems to go on forever. Breakfast is served all day, so you can show up whenever it feels right.

The pancakes are what most people come for – simple, fluffy, and exactly what you expect. But there’s more to choose from: waffles, omelets, French toast, and plenty of savory options if you’re not in the mood for something sweet.

It’s not about trends or presentation. Just generous portions, familiar flavors, and a place that feels easy to return to.

10. Papa’a Palaoa Bakery, Hilo

Price range: $1.25-$38

If you’re walking around Hilo and feel like something sweet, Papaʻa Palaoa Bakery is an easy stop.

It’s small and a bit tucked away, but once you walk in, you understand why people keep coming back. The smell alone slows you down.

They bake everything fresh – sourdough loaves, baguettes, soft rolls – simple things, done really well. But it’s the sweets that are hard to skip.

The cardamom muffins are gently spiced, the scones buttery and flaky, and the cinnamon rolls soft, warm, and just sweet enough to go with a cup of coffee.

It’s one of those places you didn’t plan for – but end up being really glad you found.

Where to Eat Beyond Kona & Hilo – Hawi and North Kohala

11. Gill’s Lanai, Kapaau

Price range: $13.95-$19.95

If you’re driving through North Kohala, Gill’s Lanai is one of those places worth stopping for.

It’s small, simple, and easy to miss – but the food is exactly what you want after a long drive or a hike nearby.

They’re best known for their fish tacos. Fresh, flaky fish, warm tortillas, a bit of crunch, a bit of acidity – everything comes together in a really satisfying way, without trying too hard.

There are a few other options on the menu too – fish and chips, poke, something quick and familiar if that’s what you’re in the mood for.

Located not far from Pololū Valley, it’s an easy stop to refuel before or after exploring the area.

Nothing fancy – just good, fresh food in the right place.

12. Kohala Coffee Mill, Hawi

Price range: from a few to several dollars

If you’re passing through Hawi and feel like slowing down for a moment, Kohala Coffee Mill is a good place to stop.

It’s a small, cozy spot with a steady flow of locals and travelers. Nothing complicated – just solid coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.

You’ll find all the basics: espresso, cappuccino, iced coffee – simple, well made, and exactly what you need on a warm day.

But what makes this place stand out a bit more is the ice cream. They serve Tropical Dreams, made locally in Hawaiʻi – rich, creamy, with flavors like macadamia, lychee, or peach.

There are also a few breakfast options and small bites if you want something more.

It’s the kind of stop that fits naturally into a slower day on the north side of the island.

13. Ama’s Kitchen, Naalehu

Price range: $6-$22

If you’re heading toward South Point, Ama’s Kitchen is one of those easy roadside stops that’s worth it.

It’s a small food truck, simple and unpretentious, but the food is fresh and really well done. Local ingredients, straightforward flavors, nothing overcomplicated.

The fish and chips are crispy and satisfying, and the fish tacos are a good choice if you want something lighter. There are also a few other options – burritos, quesadillas, burgers – plus something for vegetarians.

It’s not a place you plan your day around, but one you’re glad you stopped at.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

14. Punalu’u Bake Shop, Naalehu

Price range: from $1.9

If you’re near Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and feel like something sweet, this is an easy stop.

Punaluʻu Bake Shop is known for its malasadas – soft, fluffy donuts dusted with sugar, best when they’re still slightly warm.

They were originally brought to Hawaiʻi by Portuguese immigrants, but over time became part of the local food scene. Here, you’ll find them in different flavors – guava, taro, mango – simple, but hard to choose between.

There are other baked goods too, and good local coffee to go with it. But most people come for the malasadas.

And once you try one, it’s easy to understand why.

Final Thoughts on Where to Eat on the Big Island

Hawaiʻi is one of those places where food becomes part of the journey.

Not just the flavors, but the moments around them – a poke bowl eaten by the ocean, something sweet after a long day in the sun, a small stop you didn’t plan but end up remembering.

The Big Island has a bit of everything – simple local spots, fresh seafood, quiet bakeries, and places where you naturally slow down.

Take your time with it. Try a few things. Come back to the ones that felt right.

And if this guide helped you along the way, I’m really glad.

If you have a place I should try next time, you can always reach out – I’m always curious to discover more.