Location: Puako
Top Restaurants in Puako
Top 8 restaurants in Puako, United States
Puako is a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaiʻi County, Hawaiʻi, United States. The population was 772 at the 2010 census, up from 429 at the 2000 census. The epicenter of the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake was some 6 miles (10 km) offshore of the village.
Things to do in Puako
1. Brown's Beach House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 981 reviews
The AAA Four Diamond award-winning Brown's Beach House is the place for the quintessential island fine dining experience located just steps from shore. Innovative, Big Island inspired cuisine is drawn from simple, pure flavors from locally grown, sustainable agriculture and seafood. Products using the diverse variety of fresh seafood from our island waters redefining the continuing evolution of Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional, and most recently Big Island Cuisine. Exceptional nightly Hawaiian entertainment by resident soloists and romantic shoreline sunsets at a hand's distance blend naturally with the outdoor open-air seating for a memorable evening under the stars.
Reviewed By jads8627 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We had a wonderful meal to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our meals were excellent, Crab Crusted Kona Kampachi and filet. Split the octupus appetizer which was outstanding. The open air seating was heavenly with ocean breezes gently blowing. Really enjoyed the live music too. We were pleasantly surpised with a yummy ice cream dessert to cap off a perfect evening.
2. CanoeHouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 890 reviews
Reviewed By NSchrockinCalifornia - Mill Valley, California
We were a party of six for dinner. The drinks and appetizers were great, we had the goat cheese, poke, and the ribs. We should have stopped there since the dinners were very disappointing. I ordered the Ono special, which was supposed to be seared. Instead it was well done, over cooked and rather dry. Since I was with a dinner party I didn’t want to send it back. But then later I found out that my friends fish was overcooked too, as was my husbands braised short rib. This restaurant was not worth the price in our opinion.
3. Norio's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 288 reviews
A favorite among guests, visitors and locals alike, Norio's Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is located on the garden level. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating, a traditional sushi bar and a private dining area. In addition to traditional sushi favorites, the Big Island restaurant menu features dry aged meats and sustainable Hawaiian and Pacific Seafood.
Reviewed By marcopolopaloalto - Palo Alto, California
Seating is set back from ocean view, and there is inside and outside seating. The ambience is poor. No tablecloths.
There are a variety of fish entrees one can have, that one can choose how they are prepared . The vegetable tempura was disappointing as it was very starchy..... with not a good variety of green vegetables.
Restaurant ambience felt neither Japanese, nor Steakhouse ish.
Restaurant located in the Fairmont Hotel.
4. Original Big Island Shave Ice Co
Overall Ratings
5 based on 178 reviews
Specialties Specializing in the most finest & flavorful Shave Ice experience, with the welcoming spirit of Aloha. History Established in 2014. From Infancy, My mother raised me in a Shave Ice Trailer and taught me everything I needed to know about the World of Shave Ice. Naturally, Shave Ice became a big part of my upbringing, being that I was with my mother on a daily basis. At the young age of 12, I made my first Shave Ice. From there, the rest is history. Now I am here to share with the rest of the world, "The Flavors of the Island", from "The Original Big Island Shave Ice Company". Meet the Business Owner Reggie I. Born and Raised in Waimea on the Big Island of Hawaii. Reggie loves to provide the "Best Shave Ice" for all to taste and enjoy. There have been times, Reggie has made Shave Ice for family members to taste-test during the wee hours of 11 o'clock at night. There is still a family record, in which, one member of the family ate four Shave Ice in a row. In other words, Shave Ice runs deep into the blood of the family, lol. Come down and experience this life-changing experience! Credit to Kayah I. (Son of Reggie I.) For the graphic design on the Shave Ice Trailer
Reviewed By 343cindyr - Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
I have to confess, I wasn't in the mood for shaved ice...I was having a crappy day. But wherever we go, hubby has ice-cream or shaved ice and I played along.
Outside the shopping area in Waikoloa we found this truck and it was really good (yes I tasted). What I really liked was they offered fruit based flavors outside of the syrup flavors, which was nice compared to others that only offer they syrupy flavors.
So the flavors were good (I rate it the 2nd best on all of the islands, just under the stop on the road to Hana on Maui)
Portions are large and while I wasn't in the mood, was intrigued by the coffee/chocolate offerings.
5. Luana Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 147 reviews
Luana Lounge features tropical libations, delicious pupu themed dinner menu and perfect sunsets complemented by a gallery of Big Island artists' creations. Featuring nightly entertainment by local musicians. Join us for happy hour from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Open daily from 5:00 p.m.-Midnight
Reviewed By AmberUrth - St. John's
There's a spectacular view of the ocean from this bar, and you also get to see close-up the sunset ceremony in which someone in traditional garb runs around to light the torches, but also pauses at several strategic locations to sound the conch to all...MoreThank You!
6. Bay Terrace
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By out-of-here-arizona - arizona
As frequent visitors to the big island this is the first time hubby and I had breakfast at the Bay Terrace. We are not buffet people so I cannot review that, we ordered off the menu. I had the Crunchy Coconut French Toast which was breaded with corn flakes & coconut, hubby had the Buttermilk Pancakes with Strawberry Compote and Candied Macadamia Nuts. Both dishes had a lovely presentation, served hot, and incredibly yummy. The French Toast is 2 slices with pineapple between the slices and caramelized banana on the side, the pancakes had the fresh strawberry compote & mac nuts on top accompanied with 3 syrups: maple, coconut, and honey/ginger; leave the maple syrup alone and go for the coconut or honey/ginger or both! Price for 2 breakfasts with 2 sides of bacon and 2 coffees was about $60 with tip, but worth it because the food is yummy.
The wait staff is friendly and very attentive, not obtrusive. This restaurant does not take reservations and does get busy and I am guessing they give priority seating to the hotel guests; however, our wait time on a Sunday morning about 8:00 a.m. was about 5 minutes, pretty impressive considering how busy the restaurant was. The one negative I have is the tables are squished together and you are sitting elbow-to-elbow with your neighbor but that would not prevent us from going back.
7. The Puako General Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
The Puako General Store has been a feature in Puako since 1988. We offer freshly-made food, groceries, cold drinks, beach items, delivery, catering and more. Our goal is to provide a convenient location that caters both to the local community and its visitors. We create an atmosphere where people can gather on the lanai and drink their morning coffee while reading the newspaper and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Reviewed By mzglorybeCA - Murrieta, California
Alternate choices for food and meals as opposed to hotel meals. Prices are not cheap, but you can probably find whatever you are looking for, and at a fair price in comparison to gift shops.
8. 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!
