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Between star chefs and myriad local farms, the Big Island restaurant scene is becoming a destination for foodies. Food writers are praising the chefs of the Big Island for their ability to turn the local bounty into inventive blends inspired by the island's cultural heritage.
Resorts along the Kohala Coast have long invested in culinary programs offering memorable dining experiences that include inventive entrées, spot-on wine pairings, and customized chef's table options. But great food on the Big Island doesn't begin and end with the resorts. A handful of chefs have retired from the fast-paced hotel world and opened their own small bistros in upcountry Waimea, or other places off the beaten track. Unique and wonderful restaurants have cropped up in Hawi, Kainaliu, and Holualoa, and on the east side of the island in Hilo.
In addition to restaurants, festivals devoted to island products draw hundreds of attendees to learn about everything from breadfruit and mango to avocado, chocolate, and coffee. Agritourism has turned into a fruitful venture for farmers as farm tours afford the opportunity to meet with and learn from a variety of local producer. Some tours conclude with a meal of items sourced from the same farms. From goat farms churning creamy, savory goat cheese to Waimea farms planting row after row of bright tomatoes to high-tech aquaculture operations at NELHA (Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii Authority), visitors can see exactly where their next meal comes from.
A hands-down island favorite, this casual brewpub from owner and veteran brewmaster Tom Kerns churns out premium ales, lagers, and specialty beers from his on-site brewery in Waimea. With a focus on fresh ingredients, the brewpub's menu includes burgers, poke, fish tacos, burritos, and quesadillas fresh to order. They have plenty of seating both inside and out.
The signature restaurant of Peter Merriman, one of the pioneers of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, is the home of the original wok-charred ahi: it's seared on the outside, leaving sashimi on the inside. Although lunch prices are reasonable, dinner is "resort pricey," so prepare to splurge. The interior is plain and boxy, but that's not what shines here. Many locals choose it for their special occasions. The extensive wine list is impressive and includes many selections poured by the glass.
Just like an authentic Japanese izakaya (bar/restaurant), this hip little place serves yakatori (skewered chicken) grilled on a binchotan (grill) that the restaurant imported from Japan. Ramen is served with a variety of broths—regular shoyu, spicy, and vegetarian. Their nouko base enhances every serving with creamy undertones.
Its name is Hawaiian for "done," perhaps an allusion to how eagerly the pizzas are gobbled up at this eatery with cool artwork and a relaxed vibe. On offer is a wide selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas loaded with lots of local local ingredients. All sauces and salad dressings are made in-house. When it comes to the pizzas, anything goes; order one of Pau's 16-inch signature pies or create your own. You can order online and pick up. Lunch is a deal if you order the triple slice: a quarter pizza cut into three slices plus a side salad at a special price.
Chef David Abraham serves upscale café fare with a twist and a side of aloha. Although it opens fairly early (at 2 pm Tuesday–Friday, noon on Saturday), there's only a single, all-day menu, and this place is busy, so reserve ahead. Sushi is an option; the Fuji roll is prepared tempura style, and sashimi is served with organic greens. This café is popular among locals and is a nice spot for the whole family—Abraham's young daughter developed the kids' menu.
At this little eatery that brings a whole new meaning to gourmet hamburgers, locally raised, grass-fed, hormone-free beef is ground fresh, hand-shaped daily on-site, and grilled to perfection right before your eyes. Top your burger (be it ahi, veal, Kahua Ranch Wagyu beef, Hamakua mushroom, or Waipio taro) with everything from local avocados, baby greens, and chipotle goat cheese to tomato marmalade.
Right next to the Waimea General Store, this is a good stop for a steaming latte and a warm pastry, a cup of hot soup, or a freshly made salad. The small lanai offers enjoyable views of Waimea's compact, rolling hills dappled with rain, fog, sunlight, and, often, rainbows.
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