Best Restaurants on the Big Island in 2026
Why the Big Island Has Some of Hawaii's Best Dining
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the state, and its food scene reflects that scale. You'll find Japanese-influenced plate lunches in Hilo, farm-driven fine dining in Waimea, and fresh poke served out of a cooler steps from the ocean in Kona. The island's ranching heritage and agricultural diversity — coffee, macadamia nuts, tropical fruit, grass-fed beef — give local chefs ingredients most restaurants in the country would envy.
Merriman's Waimea — The Farm-to-Table Pioneer
Merriman's in Waimea (Kamuela) is widely credited as the restaurant that started Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Chef Peter Merriman opened this upcountry gem in 1988 and built direct relationships with local farmers and ranchers before it was fashionable. The result is a menu that reads like a who's-who of Big Island producers — Kahua Ranch lamb, Hamakua mushrooms, locally caught fish.
The room is warm and unfussy, which keeps the focus on the food. Order the wok-charred ahi if it's on the menu — it almost always is, and for good reason. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially in peak season. Lunch is a more casual and slightly more affordable way to experience the kitchen.
Brown's Beach House — Kohala Coast Special Occasion
If you're staying on the sunny Kohala Coast and want one truly memorable dinner, Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid is the move. The open-air setting overlooks the ocean, torches flicker at sunset, and the menu leans into local seafood and Big Island produce. Prices reflect the resort setting, so plan accordingly, but the experience — food, service, location — is difficult to beat on the island's west side.
It's the kind of place you dress up slightly for, not because you have to, but because it feels right. Cocktails on the terrace before dinner are worth arriving early for.
Da Poke Shack — Kona's Beloved Counter
For something completely different, Da Poke Shack in Kona is a no-frills counter operation with a fanatical local following. The poke here is made fresh daily, the fish is genuinely local, and the portions are generous. You'll often see a line out the door, which moves faster than it looks.
Come early — they sell out. The spicy ahi and the shoyu ahi are the classics, but the rotating daily specials are worth asking about. Grab yours and walk down to the waterfront. This is one of the most honest meals you'll have on the island.
Cafe Pesto — Hilo's Downtown Anchor
Hilo doesn't get the culinary attention it deserves, but Cafe Pesto has been a reliable anchor of downtown Hilo's dining scene for decades. Located in a historic building on Kamehameha Avenue, the restaurant does wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and local seafood with Italian-leaning flavors.
It's a good option for groups since the menu covers a range of tastes. The locally sourced toppings — Hamakua tomatoes, Big Island goat cheese — keep even familiar dishes feeling grounded in place. Happy hour is popular with locals, and the bar pours a solid selection of local beers.
What to Know Before You Go
- Waimea elevation: Around 2,670 feet — bring a layer for dinner. Temperatures drop noticeably after sunset.
- Kona vs. Hilo: Kona is the sunny, tourist-facing west coast; Hilo is the rainy, locally-flavored east coast. Both are worth eating in.
- Reservations: Essential at Merriman's and Brown's Beach House. Da Poke Shack and Cafe Pesto are walk-in friendly.
- Local fish names: Ahi = yellowfin tuna, mahi = dolphinfish. Ask servers what came in that day.
Beyond These Four
The Big Island food scene extends well past this list. Look for the Kona farmer's market for fresh fruit and local snacks, the fish auction at Honokohau Harbor, and food trucks lining Ali'i Drive in Kona. Village Burger in Waimea does excellent grass-fed local beef patties in a casual setting. For coffee, stop at any of the farm stands along Highway 11 through the Kona Coffee Belt — most offer free tastings.
The Big Island rewards slow travel and curiosity. The best meal you have might be at a roadside stand you almost drove past.
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