Where to Eat

Where to Eat on the Big Island: 20 Big Island Restaurants

If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, a lot of your vacation probably centers around where you’re going to eat. And there’s nothing wrong with that! So to help you out, I’ve rounded up 20 of the best Big Island restaurants so you’ll know exactly where to eat on the Big Island.

Kona & Kohala

1.Brown’s Beach House: This romantic open-air beachfront restaurant is located at the Fairmont Orchid near Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast (north of Kona). It’s one of the best fine dining experiences on the Big Island.

2.Roy’s in Waikoloa: Roy’s is an institution in Hawaii and the Waikoloa location is set among some of the most luxurious resorts in Hawaii where you’ll have lovely lake views to match your fresh dinner.

3.‘Ulu Ocean Grill: The Four Seasons Hualalai is the epitome of luxury, so it’s worth having dinner here just to check out the resort. The restaurant itself has been named one of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants and one of the 100 Best Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in America. Also, 75% of the ingredients served at the restaurant are sourced from the Big Island.

4.Beach Tree Bar and Lounge: A more laid back dining option at the Four Seasons Hualalai, the Beach Tree Bar and Lounge has amazing drinks and small bites and is just steps from the sand.

5.Kona Brewing Co: This local brewpub is a great place to sample beer, take a tour, and chow down.

RELATED: Not very familiar with the Big Island? Read up on the lay of the (is)land and my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, Airbnbs, honeymoon resorts, family friendly resorts, luxury resorts, and boutique hotels.

6.Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill: This casual joint is a go to spot with locals and tourists for seafood specials, pupus, and happy hour deals. There’s also a location in Hilo.

7.Huggo’s on the Rocks: This popular Kona oceanfront spot is a favorite for sunset views, cocktails, and live entertainment. This is the casual, laid back cousin to Huggo’s next door (fine dining).

8.Island Lava Java: You could potentially eat all of your meals at this beachside eatery. From coffee and breakfast in the morning to a seafood meal at dinner, you may not ever want to leave! There’s also a location in Waikoloa.

Hawaii Like a Local: Oahu with Kait Hanson

Hawaii Like a Local is an interview series to help visitors to Hawaii start exploring less like a tourist and more like a local. This week’s guest is Kait Hanson, blogger at Communikait.com.

What island do you call home?

Sunny (and slightly overcrowded ;)) Oahu!

What’s your “Hawaii life” like?

My husband and I moved to Oahu over 5 years ago courtesy of the military, but when we left active duty – we weren’t quite ready to leave the island life behind. We’ve called Oahu home ever since. I’m a freelance writer who works from home and I love traveling, eating and playing with my dogs at the beach. I’ve never met a cocktail I wasn’t interested in trying and I will ALWAYS make time in my schedule for meeting up with a friend.

What’s your favorite thing to do on your island?

We love exploring, so anything that involves checking out a new spot. Of course, we love the beach, too, and any opportunity to just be outside – running, walking our dogs, climbing a mountain.

RELATED: Not very familiar with Oahu? Read up on the lay of the (is)land and where to stay plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, and Airbnbs.

What are your favorite local “gems” on the island?

I would be lying if I didn’t say that eating at Opal Thai wasn’t my favorite thing on this island. Since we started eating there 5 years ago, Opal and his family have become our family and we eat there at least once a week. It’s the best Thai food I’ve ever put in my mouth (and yes, I’ve been to Thailand!). I also love views from Kokohead Crater. It’s not exactly hidden or secret, since a lot of people hike it, but most are intimidated by the 1,000+ railroad ties to get up it. I always encourage our visitors by telling them the views are worth it. They never disagree!

What are some places you always take friends and family when they visit?

Well, Opal Thai, LOL! But also Doris Duke’s Shangri-la, Duke’s for Hula Pie, happy hour at Monkeypod Kitchen out in Ko’Olina, Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, Kokohead Crater, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Bay and so many often say “can we go to where they filmed Forgetting Sarah Marshall?” So we usually make a trip up to Turtle Bay Resort.

Where would you go for a staycation on the island?

Without a doubt The Royal Hawaiian. It’s the iconic pink hotel on the Waikiki Beach skyline and it’s not to be missed if you visit – even if it’s just to walk through and gaze at her glory. Most people don’t know the history behind the pink walls, but The Royal Hawaiian was actually used as a military res-camp in World War II. The Navy rented it out! There’s a full museum in the basement, which is a must if you’re a little bit of a history nerd like myself. More on our staycation at The Royal Hawaiian here.

Where to Eat on Oahu

Oahu is a foodie’s paradise, so if you’re like me and you plan your trips around eating (oh wait, that’s just me?), you’re going to be busy on Oahu! Oahu is home to a lot of “Hawaii famous” places as well as both iconic and trendy restaurants. So I’ve done a LOT of research, tried a lot of places, and asked plenty of others their favorites, and here are my picks for the best restaurants on Oahu:

For a classic dinner on Waikiki…

Duke’s: This Waikiki institution is THE place for a nice sunset dinner.

For a Waikiki beachfront watering hole…

Mai Tai Bar: The original mai tai was created by the bar tender here more than 50 years ago. If you time your dinner and drinks right, you’ll have a great view of the luau at the Royal Hawaiian.

For the best breakfast in Waikiki…

Eggs ‘n Things: Be prepared to wait in line, but it’s worth it for their amazing pancakes.

For the best local food in town…

Helena’s Hawaiian Food: This is a true local joint but they’re so welcoming to tourists who find their way out there (very close to the Bishop Museum). The Rainbow Drive-In is also a don’t miss.

For the best shrimp truck…

Giovanni’s: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck on the north shore is easily the most popular food truck in the area (and there are a lot of them!). Try the shrimp scampi.

RELATED: Not very familiar with Oahu? Read up on the lay of the (is)land and where to stay plus my favorite beach resorts, budget hotels, Airbnbs, honeymoon resorts, family friendly resorts, luxury resorts, and boutique hotels.

For the best pie…

Ted’s Bakery: This efficient bakery on the north shore has a whole bunch of goodies, but they’re most famous for their chocolate haupia (coconut) pie.

For the best breakfast in Kailua…

Moke’s Bread and Breakfast: The best lilikoi pancakes period. Boots and Kimo’s is also a favorite of mine. They’re famous for their macadamia nut sauce on their pancakes. Get there early or you’ll have a wait!

For the best shaved ice…

Island Snow: In Kailua, Island Snow is a favorite of the Obamas. Also, try Matsumoto’s in Haleiwa and Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu.

RELATED: Need a packing list for Oahu? Find my best packing advice here.

For the best restaurant in Chinatown…

The Pig and the Lady: This trendy Vietnamese fusion restaurant is a super popular spot. Drop by for lunch, but you’ll want reservations for dinner.

6 Ways to Save Money on Food in Hawaii

Food expenses on a trip can really add up but with a little know how you can still enjoy the local food scene without having to brown bag it everyday. Here are 6 tips for saving money on food in Hawaii:

1.Stock up at the store. Everybody knows how expensive food is in Hawaii so every little bit you can avoid buying at your resort or a restaurant helps. Obviously, if you’re staying in a condo or vacation rental, you can buy enough groceries to cook all of your meals, but even if you don’t have a full kitchen, (or don’t want to cook every meal) there are still some things you can stock up on to save you a little cash. I would suggest at least grabbing a case of water, sodas, and liquor to mix your own drinks as well as plenty of snacks. If you have a membership, Costco is usually the best shopping option in the islands. Even buying in bulk, you’ll find their prices are often much cheaper than local grocery stores, plus they also have a pretty big prepared foods section (oh lord, that mac and cheese!). If you’re looking for brands you have at home, all of the islands have Walmart and all but Kauai have Target. Safeway is also a local grocery chain that you’ll find throughout the islands. If you shop there, I suggest signing up for their free loyalty rewards program, as it will usually save you at least $5-10 in one stop.

2.Pack picnics. Even if you don’t have a kitchen or don’t want to assemble your own lunch, stopping and picking up a picnic lunch before heading to the beach will usually cost you less than lunch in a restaurant. Many grocery stores have prepared food that you can grab and go but I suggest stopping by local markets or general stores and picking up something yummy to go. Many resort areas have ABC Stores or Whaler’s General Stores that have great food sections. And on each island you’ll find a variety of local markets where you can pick up a plate lunch to go.

3.Try food trucks. All of the Hawaiian Islands have a good truck scene, but Oahu and Maui’s are probably the most developed. Oahu is famous for its food trucks along the north shore (especially Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck) and Horhito’s taco truck in Maui across from Kalama Beach Park has (what I think are) the best fish tacos in Hawaii. Whenever you see a food truck, don’t be afraid to pull over and check it out!

25 Best Restaurants on Maui

If you’re anything like me, your vacations may occasionally (alright, often) revolve around food. There’s nothing wrong with planning your days around your breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots right? Right?? Anyways, if you’re going to be on Maui, here’s everything you need to know about the best restaurants on Maui. I’ll break it down by area as well as throw out some accolades for best this or that. So here are 25 restaurants to try on Maui:

WAILEA & KIHEI

Duo: This steak and seafood restaurant at the Four Seasons is upscale dining at its finest. You’ll get the top notch service that the Four Seasons is known for as well as really good food served up right on the pool deck with epic views of swaying palms and gentle crashing waves. This place wins for the best pool/beachside dining in Wailea.

Bistro Molokini: Located at the Grand Wailea, Bistro Molokini is a good spot to go if you want the experience of dining at one of Wailea’s super luxe beach resorts without shelling out the big bucks. You’ll still want to make a reservation but this place is much more laid back than others. Try the fish and chips. You won’t be disappointed! This place wins for best “budget” resort restaurant.

Monkeypod: This was one of my go to spots when I lived in Maui. They’ve got good happy hour specials and killer mai tais. This spot serves up a “bar menu” of chef Peter Merriman’s creations (you’ll recognize him from his fine dining, establishment, Merriman’s, right on Kapalua Bay. Get dressed up or go casual, anything goes at the Monkeypod. They have great pizzas but I love the kalua pulled pork sandwich and previously mentioned mai tais. If you sit on the side patio, you’ll have a distant ocean view. This place wins for best food in Wailea.

Coconut’s: Coconut’s usually wins all of the “best fish tacos in Maui” award. They’re super yummy and very unique. The restaurant is very low key. You order at the counter and seating is community style. My favorite part about Coconut’s is that Wow Wow Lemonade is right next-door. Grab a handmade lemonade (made with local ingredients) before you head into Coconut’s. This place wins for best fish tacos in Kihei.

Kihei Café: This is my favorite spot for breakfast on the beach. It’s a total dive but the food is GREAT and you can’t beat the location. Go early or be prepared to wait in line. The pancakes are amazing and you can get them with a variety of toppings. This place wins for best breakfast on the beach.

Café O’Lei: Conveniently located in Kihei, Café O’Lei is a casual place with great seafood. It has a nice vibe inside, it’s right across from the beach, and they have a raw bar on weekend nights. This spot is popular with locals and tourists alike. This place wins for best seafood in Kihei.

Sansei Seafood: Sansei seafood is the go to place for sushi in Kihei (there’s also a location in Kapalua). It has a laid back vibe and it’s right across from Kalama beach park. This place wins for best sushi in Kihei.

Kauai Restaurants: Where to Eat on Kauai

If you’re like me, eating is a big part of any vacation but instead of stumbling blindly into a restaurant and hoping it’s good, I like to do a little research before hand to make sure I’m hitting the best spots. I’ve done a LOT of research, tried a lot of places, and asked plenty of others their favorites, so here are my picks for the best restaurants on Kauai:

South Shore

RumFire: For a great dinner on the south side, try RumFire at the Sheraton. You’ll have a great dinner and an even better view of the sunset. It’s right on a gorgeous beach and it’s a lovely spot. Reservations recommended.

Tidepools: This is your spot for a fancy schmancy romantic dinner. Located at the Grand Hyatt, the ambiance here is pretty special (and you’ll also have a fantastic meal with stellar service). Reservations recommended.

Beach House: This spot right on the beach is a tourist and local’s favorite spot for a nice dinner. It’s a real treat, but you’ll pay less than at other fancy places in the resorts down here. Reservations recommended.

20 Places to Eat in Maui: Bakeries and Food Trucks

Are you heading to Maui and looking for some off the beaten path local treats? I’ve rounded up some of the best places to eat in Maui including my favorite bakeries, coffee shops, food trucks, and quick food stops on different parts of the island. Not only do these places have good grub, but they’re high on local charm as well.

1.Ulupalakua Ranch Store, Ulupalakua: In the heart of Maui’s Upcountry is a huge working cattle ranch where the Ulupalakua Ranch Store has an outdoor kitchen that cooks up made to order beef and elk burgers on the store’s large porch. They usually start cooking around 11 AM and the store inside has cold drinks and side dishes. If you’re out this way, stop by Maui Winery’s Tasting Room across the street to sample their famous pineapple wine (and read this post for more of my favorite Upcountry stops.

2. La Provence, Kula: You wouldn’t expect to find an authentic French bistro and bakery on Maui, but people from all over the world are attracted to Maui and they bring their culture and food with them. Open for breakfast and lunch, the menu is a bit limited (mostly crepes, quiche, and eggs benedict) but there is a lovely assortment of pastries at the bakery inside (the éclairs are out of this world and not to be missed!)

3. Grandma’s Coffee House, Keokea: One of Maui’s hidden gems is located Upcountry in Keokea. Grandma’s Coffee House is a true local’s hangout and if you show up midmorning on the weekends the line is usually out the door. Grandma’s has a wide range of freshly baked goods ranging (including banana bread, cinnamon bread, chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and just about everything else you can imagine) but they also have some of the best Belgian waffles I’ve ever had. Get them loaded with strawberries and you won’t be sorry!

4. Kula Bistro, Kula: The Kula Bistro serves up truly awesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but its real draw is its stellar dessert case. Even if you’re not dining there, you can stop in and grab something to go – cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, brownies, and pastries.

5. Nui’s Garden Kitchen, Kula: If you’re Upcountry (probably seeing Haleakala or Maui’s Winery) and really want to get off the beaten path, stop by Nui’s Garden Kitchen, a Thai food truck located at Maui Nui Farm (a local farmer’s market). It’s not fancy and there’s not really anywhere to sit, but if you love Thai food, you won’t be disappointed with this place!