Choose a coast first: Hilo and the Hāmākua side, Kailua-Kona, or Waimea and the Kohala coast. Group nearby meals and cultural stops instead of treating the whole island as one afternoon.
Tacos, burritos and quesadillas with fish, meat and soy-chorizo options at the Captain Cook location.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 82-6167 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
4.8/5 · Tripadvisor
Published rating snapshot · reviewed 2026-09-27. Ratings can change.
A classic Hilo stop associated with loco moco.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 969 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Pancakes, local comfort food, saimin, and loco moco in Hilo.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 1730 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Neighborhood restaurant with a changing international menu and Pacific influences.
2026 Hale ʻAina Silver: Best Hawaiʻi Island Restaurant.
Menu and hours need confirmation
Hawaiian coffees, lattes, house-made syrups, iced drinks, and pastries at the Hilo café and roastery.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 76 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, Hawaii, USA
$1-$10: Restaurant Guru snapshot
Shave ice with house-made syrups from scratch, near Hilo’s market area.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 57 Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Shortbread, chocolates, and gift assortments for a sweet stop or something to bring home.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 585 Hinano St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Poke by weight, bowls, plates, and salads, with ahi, salmon, and tako preparations that vary with the catch.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 93 Lihiwai St, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
$$: Giftly snapshot
A Hilo museum pairing island geology and natural history with Hawaiian culture, local communities, and a historic 1839 mission house.
Exhibits connect Hawaiian wayfinding and language with modern astronomy and the exploration of the universe.
Downtown stalls with tropical produce, flowers, local food, and handmade goods. Vendor selection varies by day.
Daily · 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Poke and local seafood with both fish-market and restaurant options at the Kona location.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5599 Pawai Pl, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$20-$30: Restaurant Guru snapshot
A waterfront restaurant serving fish and steak, suited to an evening along the Kona coast.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 5308, 75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
A casual lunch option next door to Huggo’s. Check the current restaurant information before visiting.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 75-5824 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Casual dining
Casual bay-view seafood and steak restaurant on Aliʻi Drive, with island fish, chowder and seafood pasta.
Casual dining
A Kailua-Kona café serving coffee from the family’s Kona farm, with separate farm-tour options above town.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5588 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$10-$20: Restaurant Guru snapshot
A Kona branch of Ululani’s for specialty shave ice and toppings.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$10-$20: Restaurant Guru snapshot
A poke-focused takeout stop at Kona Bali Kai on Aliʻi Drive.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 76-6246 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$20-$30: Restaurant Guru snapshot
Casual dining
Traditional sushi plus ramen and other Japanese dishes in Kona’s Brewery Block.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5599 Pawai Pl B4 & B5, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$20-$30: Restaurant Guru snapshot
Takeout sushi, bento, and platters inside KTA Kailua-Kona.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5594 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
$10-$25: Restaurant Guru snapshot
Casual dining
Hawaiʻi-grown coffee, espresso and signature drinks including an ube latte. Check the branch menu for food options.
A historic royal residence on Aliʻi Drive, cared for by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi.
Reported by Giftly · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 75-5718 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI
Source reviewed September 21, 2026; confirm current availability.
Casual sushi at Kona Commons and Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5450 Makala Blvd #202, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Casual dining
The massive heiau built by Kamehameha I stands within a cultural landscape tied to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
A South Kona coffee stop with Hawaiʻi-grown coffee and signature espresso drinks. Use the official menu’s Google Maps link for directions.
Local farm products at Keauhou Shopping Center, convenient for a Kona-side morning.
Saturdays · 8 a.m.–noon
Hot chicken restaurant saved in the Hawaiʻi Island list.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 74-5599 Pawai Pl Ste#1&2, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Kona surf school offering group and private lessons with local pros and lifeguards; board, leash and rash guard are included.
$$ · Price level (app snapshot)
Hawaiian sweet bread, malasadas, and macadamia shortbread on a drive through Kaʻū.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 95-5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, Hawaii, USA
$10-$20: Restaurant Guru snapshot
A tropical garden stop on the Hāmākua coast, with paths through a lush valley toward the ocean.
Access notice needs checking before travel; reviewed September 21, 2026.
Hawaiian-inspired local dining with fish, steaks, burgers and pasta in Pāhoa town.
A powerful coastal landscape of royal grounds, reconstructed structures, fishponds, and a place of refuge protected by the National Park Service.
National park centered on Hawaiʻi's volcanic landscapes and cultural history.
A scratch-kitchen option at Kings’ Shops for lunch or dinner in the Waikoloa area.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 75-5805 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
$$: Wanderlog snapshot
A beachside food and drinks stop. Select the Big Island location for its menu and reservations.
Reported by Restaurant Guru · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 69-1081 Ku'uali'i Pl, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, USA
$30-$50: Restaurant Guru snapshot
A coffee stop at Kings’ Shops in the Waikoloa resort area.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: Waimea, HI 96743, USA
A branch-specific coffee stop in Waikoloa. Use this location’s directions when planning your coffee break.
A branch-specific coffee stop in Waikoloa. Use this location’s directions when planning your coffee break.
HiCO’s Waikoloa Village café serves Hawaiʻi-grown coffee and breakfast options. This is separate from Waikoloa Beach resort cafés.
A locally focused restaurant in upcountry Waimea.
Reported by Wanderlog · observed 2026-10-02. Ratings can change.
Rating location: 65-1227 Opelo Rd B, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
Casual burger stop at Parker Ranch Center serving freshly ground Hawaiʻi-grown beef and fish burgers.
Casual dining