Top Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
Most Popular Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Things to do in Island of Hawaii
1. TJ'S BBQ By The Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 764 reviews
We pride ourselves in serving great BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Burgers, Home Made Honey BBQ Sauce, and Kona Coffee Steak Rubs. Order our famous 23 hour slow Roasted Prime Rib For the holidays or any occasion (need a 2 day notice) Come sit and dine in our outdoor seating area, or do take out. Mahalo Tim & Joanna TJ'S BBQ
Reviewed By CountVernon - Montville, Maine
Excellent ribs, they appear to be cooked a very long time. Not sure what wood (fuel) they use or how they make their sauce; they wouldn’t share their recipe with me. (As if they would.). Friendly service. The shack has a few tables with umbrellas to protect you from the cancer-causing sun, in a pleasant courtyard. The courtyard has room for young children to romp around while your order is prepared. Hamburgers were also excellent. I would try and order early in the afternoon as they do run out of ribs. We normally split an order of the half-rack of ribs as we are trying to watch our weights. Not doing so well with that when there are good ribs nearby.
2. Paul's Place
Overall Ratings
5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Greg S - Watertown, New York
We had great recommendations for this little spot through our travel book, so we made sure we went. This was our first meal in Hilo...and we didn't really realize how small it truly is. 3 tables! So if you are short on time, plan ahead and get a reservation. We went in and put our name in for about 2 hours later...which worked out well, giving us time to thoroughly explore the Hilo Farmer's Market. Our meals here were amazing - definitely recommend the eggs benedict with the non-traditional hollandaise sauce. My wife had the Belgian waffles with fruit, which were also delicious. To add - the hosts are amazing. We were there the day of the missile scare and were really unsure of what to do. We popped back in prior to our reservation to ask for advice on what to do, and they helped us feel a whole lot better about the whole situation. Definitely go if you can - they do also do lunch.
3. A Whale of a Crepe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 143 reviews
We are a Creperie located in the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace. We offer a wide variety of fresh, locally grown products, as well as gluten free, and dairy free options. Our outdoor seating is both covered, and uncovered. We are a husband and wife team with no employees so we are very dedicated to providing great food, great service, and an all around great experience at a very reasonable price. So if your looking for a great meal, snack, locally grown coffee, or a fresh fruit smoothie it would be our pleasure to serve you! Mahalo, Maja and Michael Waring
Reviewed By singaporemarsha - Sunrise Beach
Miya & Michael offer amazing crepes in Alii Gardens market setting -- our fave is the Captain Cook crepe, but our friends loved the Mediterrean one also. It's worth the short 1.5 mile trip from Kona village to this cute market to get these awesome savory or sweet crepes!
4. Ka'aloa's Super J's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By Russel R - Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Looking for authentic Hawaiian food and found it here. Laulau pork or chicken, Salmon rice (out of Poi) and Kalua pig and cabbage. Cooked to perfection. I take pride in cooking pork either smoking and grilling, but this was really the best pork I have ever had. Steamed and was so moist and seasoned just right.
5. Minnie's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By Cheryl T - Kapaau
We eat here quite often and their food is always perfectly prepared at reasonable prices. Service and friendliness is also a plus.
6. What's Shakin'
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Reviewed By Leah_Cruikshank - Philadelphia
On our way to Hilo from the Kohala Coast, we decided to drive north. About an hour into the drive we saw a sign that said "scenic road turn left." We did, and after 15 minutes or so of narrow and sometimes bumpy roads, we came across What's Shakin'. We were hungry and it was lunchtime. This little charm is what I would call Heaven by the Ocean. A more perfect place we could not have asked for. You can tell that the people that run What's Shakin' love what they do. We hope to visit The Big Island again, and when we do. What's Shaken will be a must stop!
7. Da Fish House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By CateBSeattle_WA - Seattle, WA
We stopped by when they opened on a Tuesday morning to pick up fish for dinner. We got pink snapper filets and scallops and everything was wonderful. The helpful woman at the counter told us how to cook the snapper and it turned out great. I would definitely come here again next time I'm in the area!
8. Da Poke Shack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By loadwarrior - Wisconsin
This place was at street level of the condo we rented and we had lunch here both times we were around. Absolutely loved it, really fresh and clean tasting. I had poke bowls both times, wife had a bowl and a cooked ahi plate once. Between us I think we had 4 kinds of poke and 3 different sides and thought all of them were great, and my wife liked the ahi a lot. Hopefully we can get back someday.
9. Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
We are located in Volcano Village, 19-4030 Wright Rd., 96785 DELIVERY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE IN THE VOLCANO AREA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND INTEREST. SEE YOU SOON! We are a mobile lunch wagon specializing in authentic Thai food.
Reviewed By From5280ToZero - Denver
We ate at another Thai restaurant the first night in town, then stopped at this place for lunch one day, as the options are limited in Volcano. I wish we had forgone the first place, and just went straight for this one. I would definitely get my food here and bring it back to our rental to eat a cozy meal, if you have a great rental. This food is legit, and quite good.
Keep in mind, food options in Volcano are limited, and even the "best" places weren't that good. The food here was outstanding head and shoulders above the rest.
10. Sun Dried Specialties Fish Bowl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By John P B - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Overlook the strange name and industrial location and head to this puka (Hawaiian for hole). Primarily a fish market they offer catch of the day and house specials. Whatever you order will be generous and tasty. I had ono, crab cake, sea weed salad, and brown rice for about $12! Everything was delicious. More customers are there for take out, but two tables and folding chairs are provided for on site dining. No pretensions here!
