Where to Eat: Hawaii's Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii is a true island paradise, where the vibrant culture and lush landscapes come together to create a tantalizing and diverse food scene unlike anywhere else in the world. The food on the Big Island is a reflection of the unique blend of cultures and natural abundance, whether you're indulging in a plate of freshly caught seafood or savoring the sweetness of tropical fruits, the Big Island promises a gastronomic journey that captures the unique essence of this enchanting island paradise.

Poke bowl purchased from a local grocery store.

Most vacation destinations involve eating out, however, Hawaii is so unique in this aspect because there is good food around every corner. Although there are a large variety of wonderful restaurants as well, Hawaii really shines for its abundance of fresh seafood and fruit. Catching your own fish is a popular local pastime, and a way to making a living for others, and whether you reel in your own catch or visit the local fish market, you're guaranteed the freshest, most flavorful seafood imaginable. This is really incomparable to any other fish you've had in your life, guaranteed. Please do not go to Hawaii without trying some fresh poke! Any local grocery store sells poke by the pound that is guaranteed to be amazing every time.

Assortment of grocery store poke and sushi.

The tropical climate and fertile soil of Hawaii also gives rise to an array of succulent fruits. There is an abundance of fruit stands and farmers' markets, so it's easy to stock up and create your own meals. If you are staying somewhere with a fridge or kitchen area, it is easy to get plenty of authentic items to try at a local market or grocery store. Of course, there are plenty of wonderful options on the Big Island to eat out, however, it is worthwhile to note that the local grocery store has just as much to offer tourists. Try getting some fresh mango and blending it into a cocktail, or taking some local fruit and making a Hawaiian sangria.

(Pictured: Enjoying some beverages during our stay.)

Hawaiian adult beverages from the grocery store: lots of options!

Staying in Kona means having the opportunity to enjoy homemade feasts that showcase the island's exceptional ingredients. For example, my aunt is a fantastic cook, and she's made some of the most memorable Hawaiian meals I've had to this day.

(Pictured: Homemade Hawaiian meals.)

Hawaiian BBQ and Spam Musubi

Traditional Hawaiian BBQ.

While on the Big Island, be sure to stop by and try some authentic Hawaiian BBQ and a spam musubi (not pictured). These can be found at multiple locations across the island, although I haven't found one that I like more than the other quite yet. With that being said, any stop is usually a tasty one!

(Pro Tip: Spam musubi can be found in the hot food section of many Hawaiian grocery stores!)

Farmers Markets

Hawaii's vibrant farmers markets offer an opportunity for visitors to indulge in the local flavors and colors of the islands, connecting with the land and community all at once. Be sure to come check out all the various food offerings, as well as crafts and other goods.

Hilo Farmers Market

Shaved ice at Hilo Farmers Market.

If you are on the Hilo side of the Big Island, the Hilo Farmers Market is a bustling tapestry of island culture and flavors and worth the stop to grab something to eat. Under colorful canopies, vendors display a kaleidoscope of tropical fruits, organic vegetables, fragrant flowers, and handmade crafts. There are also some good Asian restaurants in this area to stop for lunch if nothing interests you at the farmers market.

Pure Kona Green Markets

(Pictured: Food from the Pure Kona Green Markets.)

Pure Kona Green Markets is located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, and is more than just a farmers market; it's a gathering place where people, produce, and purpose can combine and work towards a more sustainable future for the Big Island. It provides an opportunity to support local businesses, discover unique treasures, and contribute towards a more eco-friendly way of life.

Punalu'u Bake Shop

Pastries purchased at Punalu'u Bake Shop.

At Punalu'u Bake Shop, you'll find an impressive selection of Hawaiian sweet breads, each infused with local ingredients and a touch of Aloha spirit. Their signature creation is the sweetbread and offers classic flavors like taro and guava. Beyond the shop's famous sweet bread, Punalu'u Bake Shop also offers an array of pastries, cookies, and other treats. This is definitely a must-stop if you are passing by!

Magic's Cafe

(Pictured: Breakfast at Magic's Cafe.)

Magic's Cafe is located right next to Magic Sands beach in Kona. The location next to the beach makes it a lovely, and laid-back place to enjoy breakfast. They offered a great variety of food items, and to my surprise, everything was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. I would highly recommend stopping here after a morning swim at Magic Sands.

Don's Mai Tai Bar

(Pictured: Happy hour at Don's Mai Tai Bar.)

Don's Mai Tai Bar is renowned for its Mai Tai (duh), so you need to have at least one while you are there. They also offer flights that are fun to sample with some appetizers, such as poke nachos. If you time it right, I would recommend trying to get a table by the water during happy hour to watch the sunset. This is an ideal place to enjoy a few drinks and have a relaxing date night.

(Pictured: Happy hour at Don's Mai Tai Bar.)

I have been to Hawaii multiple times, and I would never leave the Big Island without stopping at Don's for a drink by the waves! I promise, you will not regret it.

(Pictured: Enjoying some drinks and food at Don's.)

Huggo's On the Rocks

(Pictured: Dining at Huggo's on the Rocks.)

Huggo's On The Rocks offers an open-air oasis where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of paradise, and it is only a short walk away form the Royal Kona. The most unique feature of this restaurant is its seating location: on the rocks. You are in a small seating area of sand as the waves crash right next to you. They often have live music in the evenings, and this is a laid-back place to unwind and have a drink. I also make a point to stop here during every visit we make to the Big Island.

Kamana Kitchen

Mango Lassi from Kamana Kitchen.

If you are a fan of Indian food, Kamana Kitchen is a great stop in downtown Kona. They offer authentic Indian dishes and is perfect for a sit-down meal or to bring something to-go to enjoy elsewhere.

Humpy's

(Pictured: Having drinks at Humpy's.)

Humpy's Big Island Alehouse in Kona is a lively establishment that is known for its extensive selection of craft beers, offering a rotating lineup of both local and mainland brews that cater to every palate. The upstairs seating offers nice views of downtown Kona, and it is a lively spot to stop during an evening out.

Ken's Cafe

(Pictured: Breakfast at Ken's Cafe.)

Breakfast at Ken's Cafe in Hilo, Hawaii is a true reflection of Hawaiian comfort food, offering a delightful range of breakfast options to suit every palate. Whether you are craving some macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup, or some spam and eggs, Ken's offers a quality meal and great portions. If you are on the Hilo side of the island, make a point to stop here for breakfast.

Lava Lava Beach Club

(Pictured: Dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club.)

Lava Lava Beach Club is located at the Waikoloa Village and is a great place to enjoy a night out. One notable thing about Lava Lava Beach Club was that they had an amazing waiting area. While waiting for a table, they had ping pong tables, cornhole, and other games to play while you wait. Since when does a restaurant make waiting for a table fun?

Once seated at your table, the atmosphere exudes a relaxed elegance, making it equally suitable for a romantic evening or a casual gathering of friends and family. When we came, they had live music, adding even more to the "vacation vibe" of the entire establishment. I would have to note that their food wasn't the most memorable, but the experience itself is worth the visit.

Makani's Magic Pineapple Shack

(Pictured: Dragon fruit soft serve.)

There is not much to say here except that they serve dragon fruit soft serve. Need I say more? Oh, they also are in Hilo.

Hawaiian Desserts

(Pictured: Lilikoi shake and shaved ice.)

With its rich abundance in tropical fruits, Hawaii is bursting with wonderful dessert options all over the island. Be sure to try some local shaved ice truck, or order some dessert at a random cafe, you are rarely disappointed in such an island paradise.

Outrigger Hotel

(Pictured: Food and drink at the Outrigger Hotel.)

We stayed here a few nights during our last trip, and the restaurant here is notable and convenient for hotel guests. Although they didn't have anything that blew my mind, the food was good and they even had live music one of the evenings we were there. The seating is open-air and is right near the hotel's beautiful pool area and the ocean is only a short distance away.

Overall, the Big Island of Hawaii offers a culinary experience unlike anywhere else in the world. If you consider yourself a foodie, I would highly recommend that you plan your next trip to Hawaii and find out what you are missing out on.