The Kohala Coast Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Kohala Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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22 Recommendations
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1. A-Bay's Island Grill
$ | |Beachy yet upscale, the restaurant has an in-house beer sommelier who advises on the perfect pairing with your food choice, which can range from fresh catch, steak, burgers, and sandwiches to crab cakes and escargots; many dishes incorporate Hawaiian touches. This sports bar offers a 24-tap digital beer tower and 10 TV screens. An innovative frost rail on the cocktail bar keeps your drinks cool. Patio seating outside offers additional dining options. There's a second location in Kona.
250 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-209--8494Known For
- Fish tacos
- Patio seating available
- Great tapas menu
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2. CanoeHouse at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
$$$$ | |One of the most romantic settings on the Kohala Coast, this landmark, oceanfront restaurant showcases traditional Hawaiian flavors, artful presentations, and locally grown or raised products. The progressive menu spotlights standout entrées such as roasted beef tenderloin, lamb, fish caught locally, shellfish, island-fresh greens, and local goat cheese. Choose a fine wine from a roster of premium varietals to complement your meal.
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA808-885–6622Known For
- Memorable sunsets with tiki torches
- Customized dining program by the chef offered at the Captain's Table
- Reservations essential far in advance
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
3. Knead & Bake
$$ | |This authentic little pizzeria with tables inside and outdoors might just make the best hand-tossed pizza on the Kohala Coast, if not the whole island. The New York–born owner does not scrimp and has even imported special pizza ovens and dough machines from New York, as well as Fontanini-brand ingredients, to give his pizzas that extra pizzazz. Try the Dr. Goody, named after a beloved local ER doctor. It's baked to perfection with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, banana peppers, sausage, arugula, garlic, and mushrooms. The chicken pesto and Gorgonzola are other standouts. Because each pizza is custom made, there might be a wait. For the quickest service, order online and pick up.
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA808-731--4490Known For
- Good prices
- Innovative pizza toppings
- Fresh local ingredients
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4. Lava Lava Beach Club Restaurant
$$$ | |Dig your toes into the sand and enjoy one of the most happening, entertaining, and memorable bar/restaurants on the Kohala Coast. There's something for everybody here, whether you want cocktails and pupus (appetizers) for sunset or a fine-dining experience; highlights include Black Angus truffled New York steak and the chef's signature gazpacho topped with macadamia nut pesto. The atmosphere is super-casual—you can dine in your beach togs, and there's always something going on: the blowing of the conch shell at dusk, the lighting of the tiki torches, tropical cocktails served in Hawaiiana ceramic ware, and live entertainment featuring stellar Hawaiian recording artists.
69-1081 Kuualii Pl., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-769–5282Known For
- Live entertainment
- Great Parmesan lava tots and coconut shrimp
- Signature Sandy Toes cocktail
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5. Meridia
$$$$ | |This open-air restaurant at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort has high ceilings and a lanai that overlooks the pool and the sandy-white shores of gorgeous Hapuna Beach. The focus is on the freshest seafood, and the small-plate appetizers and main course options also showcase a bounty of Big Island ingredients infused with Mediterranean influences. Other features are a charcuterie and crudo bar and an artisan bread nook. Arrive early for the best table. Lines begin forming before the 5:30 pm seating time.
62-100 Kaunaoa Dr., Mauna Kea, Hawaii, 96743, USA808-880–1111Known For
- Reservations essential
- Almond-crusted ahi
- Fantastic location (including for sunset viewing)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Seafood Bar and Grill
$$ | |Upstairs in a historical building, this seafood tiki bar has been a hot spot for years, known for a dynamite and well-priced bar menu with tasty pupus, signature seafood dishes such as the coconut shrimp and poke burger, and even a prime rib special on Tuesday. Don't let the retro appearance deter you; this place is frequented by legacy celebrities whose names you know or whose records you've bought. Service is impeccable. Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6, and the calamari is a standout.
61-3642 Kawaihae Harbor (Hwy. 270), Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA808-880–9393Known For
- Funky tiki theme
- Seafood quesadilla
- Excellent service
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7. Anuenue Ice Cream and Shave Ice
$ | |Shave ice and ice cream in every imaginable flavor can be found at the ideal spot, close to the resort coast beaches. Prepare to wait in line for 15–20 minutes as you ponder your options, but don't fret: it's worth it.
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA808-882--1109Known For
- Lilikoi shave ice
- Kona fudge ice cream
- Creative use of local flavors
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8. Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery
$$ | |In the heart of Hawi, this popular restaurant provides a historical setting in which to enjoy a menu brimming with Hawaiian country flair. Most of the entrées feature fish and chicken prepared several ways, although if the kitchen gets busy, you might get a mediocre plate. Bamboo accents, bold local artwork (both for sale), and an old, unfinished wooden floor make the restaurant inviting.
55-3415 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, Hawaii, 96719, USA808-889–5555Known For
- Fresh catch with ginger, cilantro, and peanuts
- Passion fruit margaritas
- Weekend entertainment
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun. -
9. Binchotan Bar and Grill
$$$ | |In a sophisticated setting that includes open-air patio seating, this restaurant offers contemporary Asian dishes made with meats, prawns, peppers, and more grilled over an open flame in the traditional style. Blending locally sourced ingredients with Japanese and Hawaiian influences, chef Justin Kalaluhi creates a menu that pays homage to multiple cultures. Premium sakes, outstanding whiskeys, and artful cocktails give the bar sophisticated flair. Prices are reasonable for a resort restaurant.
1 N. Kaniku Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA808-885--5778Known For
- Robatayaki Experience (chef's selection of grilled items)
- Okonomiyaki (savory Japanese-style pancakes) featuring Kona lobster and macadamia nut shrimp
- Reservations strongly recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch -
10. Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii
$$$$ | |Sitting right on the resort's sandy Pauoa Bay, the Fairmont's signature restaurant Brown's Beach House offers beautiful sunset dining and innovative cuisine. Attention to detail is evident in the sophisticated menu, which may include crab-crusted Kona kampachi or other dishes with sea fish, roasted duck breast, or Kona coffee–crusted venison, as well as local produce and ingredients. The live Hawaiian music soloists are perfect for the open-air setting under the stars.
1 N. Kaniku Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96743, USA808-885–2000Known For
- Dungeness crab and lobster tail
- Tiki torches and live Hawaiian music beneath starry skies
- Reservations highly recommended
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
11. Hau Tree
$$$ | |Though it sits on a patio by the pool, this beachside restaurant and beach bar with gazebo is not just for pupus and cocktails. The island-infused dinner menu features excellent entrées, such as the grass-fed Kulana beef tenderloin brochettes, plus plentiful seafood dishes and greens from local farms. Lunch is also served.
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Mauna Kea, Hawaii, 96743, USA808-882–5707Known For
- Famous Fredrico cocktail
- Great sunset views
- Reasonable prices for a resort restaurant
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12. Hawaii Calls Restaurant and Lounge at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa
$$$ | |The only full-service restaurant at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott offers a farm-to-table, island-inspired menu. Photos of surf breaks from around the world adorn the walls of this casual, spacious open-air restaurant, which has plenty of patio seating with sunset views. The circular bar is a good spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the tiki torches light up the gardens.
69-275 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-886–6789Known For
- Weekly-special nights, including lobster night and prime rib and crab nights
- Good breakfast buffet
- Famous Kuu Alii mai tai
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13. Island Fish and Chips
$ | |Hidden lakeside at the Kings' Shops, this little takeout place is a best-kept secret in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The combo baskets brim with tempura fresh-catch fish, chicken, shrimp, and more. Grab a table beneath the gazebo and enjoy assorted appetizers, salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts while taking in the view.
69-250 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-886--0005Known For
- Breakfast options such as loco moco (meat, rice, and eggs smothered in gravy), laden with tempura fish fillet
- Local ownership since 2000
- Great fish-and-chips to go
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14. Kohala Burger & Taco
$ | |When not on limited pandemic hours, this little spot offers epic cheeseburger plates (using grass-fed beef) and even has a 1950s-style malt shop. They also serve a local favorite, the pineapple whip, perfect for a cool break on a hot day. For now, order online and pick up; check online to see if they're back to full capacity.
61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kawaihae, Hawaii, 96743, USA808-880--1923Known For
- Freshly prepared meals
- One of the few eateries in Kawaihae
- Mexican food on the menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends and Mon. No dinner -
15. Kohala Coffee Mill and Tropical Dreams
$ | |If you're looking for something sweet—or savory—this busy café in downtown Hawi serves breakfast (bagels, espresso machine–steamed eggs), and lunch (hot dogs, burgers, chili, salads) until 6. Sit outside and watch the world go by as you enjoy locally made ice cream that is ono (delicious), as well as other sweet treat specialties.
55-3412 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, Hawaii, 96719, USA808-889–5577Known For
- Vegan soup
- Sometimes crowded
- Outstanding local coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
16. KPC (Kamuela Provision Company) at the Hilton Waikoloa Village
$$$$ | |The breezy lanai has the most spectacular view of the leeward coast of any restaurant on the Big Island, and it's the perfect accompaniment to the elegant yet down-to-earth Hawaii Regional Cuisine and specialty cocktails. Entrées are on the pricey side, but the ginger-steamed monchong (a deep-water Hawaiian fish) is a winner, and the Keahole lobster chowder does not disappoint. Dessert is a real treat here. Get here by 5:30 if you want to score a seat for the sunset.
69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-886–1234Known For
- Specialty cocktails, such as the Island Passion mango martini
- The island's best sunset dinner spot
- Decadent Kona Coffee Mud Slide dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
17. Mauna Lani Coffee Company
$ | |The staff at this little place take pride in learning customers' names and treating you like a "regular." All the coffee favorites are here, from espresso to latte to a good old-fashioned cup of Kona. Homemade pastries are available, and they open at 6 am for the early birds.
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr., Waimea (Hawaii County), Hawaii, 96738, USA808-731--4000Known For
- Variety of blended frappes
- Outdoor seating
- Free Wi-Fi and outlets
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18. Mi Ranchito
$ | |Hawaii is not usually known for good Mexican food, but this tiny, cash-only café on the ground floor of a vintage building is definitely one of the exceptions. Quality ingredients and a decent menu are on tap at this friendly establishment decorated with charming touches of Mexico. Order online, then take out or dine in.
55-3419 Akoni Pule Hwy., Hawi, Hawaii, 96719, USA808-756-4636Known For
- BYOB policy
- Outstanding chiles rellenos
- Large portions
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19. Pueo's Osteria
$$$ | |Hidden in a shopping center in residential Waikoloa Village, this late-night destination serves dinner from 5 until 10 pm: pueo means "owl" in Hawaiian, and refers to the restaurant's "night owl" concept. Renowned executive chef James Babian (Four Seasons Hualalai, Fairmont Orchid) serves multiregional Italian offerings that combine farm-fresh ingredients with fine imported Italian products like prosciutto from Parma.
68-1845 Waikoloa Rd., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-339–7566Known For
- Early Owl specials dinner daily from 5 to 6
- Late-night bar menu until 1 am
- Tuscan-inspired dining room
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
20. Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar
$$ | |Creative sushi and contemporary Asian cuisine take center stage at this entertaining restaurant at Queens' MarketPlace, where you can make a meal out of appetizers and sushi rolls or feast on great entrées from both land and sea. Though it has tried-and-true mainstays, the menu is consistently updated to include options such as Hawaiian moi (a local fish) sashimi rolls and Japanese yellowtail nori aioli poke.
201 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa, Hawaii, 96738, USA808-886–6286Known For
- Sushi bar specials
- Panko-encrusted ahi sashimi roll
- Karaoke on the weekends
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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