Big Island Food Favorites

Heading South out of Kona?
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In Holualoa -- the charming little artists' colony in the Kona Coffee Belt

Holuakoa Gardens - Go here! Support this restaurant! Holualoa's only restaurant has started up in a newly built structure that has some nice features - a rather hidden koi pond, interesting landscaping and pleasant nooks and crannies in which to sit. (All seating is outdoors, with most seating located on the ground level.) A replica of a "holuakoa", a sled that was used by Hawaiians on steep lava slopes, made of koa wood and designed by island artist treasure, Herb Kane, hangs from the ceiling of the upper level, which is accessed from the back parking lot and has but a few tables. The food is very, very good and well presented. The ingredients used are top-notch, and locally grown produce is used whenever possible, along with fresh breads and desserts made on the premises. Our praise to Wilson, the chef! We enjoyed one of the best meals we've had in months there recently: Ahi sashimi appetizer, a bowl of half carrot-ginger/half heirloom turnip soup w/apple and pancetta garnish, an incredible Caesar salad; "Fresh Pasta Lasagna w/Marinara & Pesto Sauces, Grilled Vegetables and Ricotta", and "Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Roasted Tomato, Ichiban Eggplant and Summer Squash, Baby Fennel, Local Greens & Edamame". The lilikoi cheesecake gets raves. Of course there are some great-looking meat dishes on the menu, as well (grilled grassfed beef and pork tenderloins respectively, and braised local beef shortribs). The menu changes often. The restaurant is just north of the post office, next to the Holuakoa Cafe (north side). It is open for Brunch from 10am to 2:00pm, Tues-Sunday, and for Dinner from 5:30-8:00pm (BYOB), Wed-Saturday. $$+ to $$$

In Kailua-Kona -

Quinn's - A casual restaurant and bar, across from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in downtown Kailua-Kona, this is a good choice for good old "American" food at reasonable prices. Good fresh fish sandwiches, fish and chips, fried calamari strips, onion rings, and dinner entrees of fresh fish that are hard to beat. They are prepared well and the fish servings are bountiful. There's pleasant seating straight thru the restaurant, outdoors, in addition to the bar and dining room. Lunch and Dinner, $$

Splasher's Grill - Just around the corner from Quinn's, across from the seawall. A good choice for breakfast or a casual lunch/dinner oceanside. Order at the counter; the food is brought to you. Plentiful portions. Friday Nite BBQ Ribs with baked beans, french fries & cornbread for $12.99. "Vegetarian friendly"; takeout orders welcome. Breakfast (till 10:30am), Lunch, and Dinner. Ph: 329-9694. $$

BaLe - is the place we prefer for "local-style" food, though some of the dishes have a Southeast Asian twist. Our favorite is the Lemongrass Chicken sandwich (on a roll not a croissant), which has julienned strips of marinated veggies on it in addition to the chicken - you can also get the Lemongrass Chicken atop a cold noodle salad, which is delicious. People who love Pho, the beef broth and noodle soup from Vietnam, say this is some of the best. In Kona Coast Shopping Center, near KTA grocery store, on Palani Dr.

Killer Tacos - is located in the Old Industrial Area on Luhia St., in the little strip mall that houses Tyke's Laundromat. Simple, tasty, fresh-made food in a very casual atmosphere. Order at the counter. Good music playing and surfing videos on the TV monitor. The Longboard Burrito with pulled, spiced pork or kalua chicken, black beans, Spanish rice, guacamole and sour cream is great ~ $5.50. Definitely beats Taco Bell! Lunch and Dinner, $ (No credit cards, but there's an ATM inside.)

Kona Brewing Company (Brew Pub) - Not by the ocean, but a great choice for gourmet pizza and homemade brew. Kona Brewing Co.'s beers have long been some of our favorites, and now you can also stop by their "Growler Shack" and get a half gallon growler of fresh brew to take home with you for $25, which can be refilled for $15. The Pub has some new menu items (lasagna - yum!) in addition to the sandwiches, calzones, nice salads, and those delicious, crispy-crusted pizzas. One of the specials offered is always a slice of pizza and a side salad, for when you're in the mood for a lighter meal. Deluxe root beer and sodas are available, as well. Ask about "special brews" - Konabob has raved about a stout made with Kona coffee and chocolate, and another made with fresh island ginger. Seating in or out (the seating area has recently been expanded), with a good atmosphere enhanced by Tai Lake's beautiful custom koa wood and "sea log" bar. Live music on Sundays, from 5-8pm. (Call to confirm schedule @ 334-2739.) North Kona Shopping Center. Entrance and parking is now accessed from Paiwi St. (off the bottom of Kaiwi St.) in the Old Industrial Area, and some new parking has been added. Lunch and Dinner, $$

Kona Inn - This is a good place to take visitors right from the airport for a beautiful oceanside lunch or dinner. The antique ceiling fans over the large open dining area are very unique at this historic site. (They are hooked together and run by a cable system.) Konabob and I like to get their Caesar salad with catch-of-the-day fish on top for around $13.75 in the casual, bar section of the restaurant - sunset-time! Good, delicately breaded calamari sandwiches also. The more "upscale" side is a good place for a nice dinner out on Alii Dr. Lunch and Dinner, $$-$$$

Tacos El Unico - a very casual, authentic taqueria in Kona Marketplace, across from the Kona Inn complex (it's below where the old Kona Marketplace Cinema used to be, old-timers!) Specials are posted every day and can include fish tacos; enchiladas verdes or rojas with chicken; and marinated pork burritos. Prices are very reasonable. This would be the place to get your menudo fix (!). Salsas and fresh condiments are available on the side. There are tables outdoors, or many get their food to go. $-$$

Wasabi's - Very pleasant atmosphere, good quality Japanese food. Bentos, combination plates, sushi. We like that a green salad is served with many of the plates - a little unconventional, but welcomed. Located in Coconut Grove Marketplace on Alii Drive. Breakfast Mon-Fri, 7:30-11am; Lunch & Dinner, 11am-9pm, 7 days a week. Take out sushi platters (call in 1 hr. ahead) too. (Sometimes closed Saturday lunch.) Phone: 326-2352. $$

Lava Java - This is the place on Alii Dr. to see and be seen - but they have good food and a stupendous location to bolster that aspect. You might have to jockey for a table at times, but that goes with the territory. Outside, eating good food, drinking good Kona coffee and looking at the waves...makes you want to pinch yourself. Some yummy surprises like Butternut Squash & Rosemary Lasagne for dinner. Breakfast (starting at 6am), Lunch, and Dinner (5:30-9:30pm) daily. $$

Java on the Rock - Can't beat the location: you're right on the sand! Very casual (ie. paper plates, and you toast your own bagels). Next to Huggo's restaurant (see next entry) on Alii Drive. Great coffee; one is their own gourmet 3 Stone brand. Scrambled egg omelets (Southwestern, Florentine, Greek) in which the eggs are flash-steamed in the expresso machine, with fresh fruit on the side. Quality ingredients. Lox and Bagel, Bagel & Cream Cheese, muffins, scones and croissants. No cell phones allowed. Breakfast, 6-11am daily. $$+

Huggo's - Pretty good food, and right on the ocean. (Do not mix this restaurant up with "Huggo's On the Rocks" (the evening venue, next door...) The Cobb Salad and Fresh Roasted Turkey sandwiches are excellent at lunch. For dinner, we go here for the grilled fresh fish (and the location, of course) - but pass on the pasta! Dinner reservations recommended. Next to the Royal Kona Resort on Alii Dr., behind Snorkel Bob's. 329-1493. $$+

Jameson's by the Sea - A great, oceanside location with very average food and service. Open for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations recommended - try to get a table on the terrace, if you can. Also located on Alii Dr., next to Magic Sands beach. (The Jameson's people are now also operating the oceanside restaurant at Kanaloa condos complex, Kanaloa Beach Grill and Bar.) 808/329-3195. $$$ given the quality.

Kenichi Pacific - Located in Keauhou Shopping Center, this small "Sushi & Fusion Cuisine" restaurant has top-notch food. Add friendly and attentive service and a classy decor, and you have one of the best places to eat in town. The Dungeness crab cakes are melt-in-your-mouth good (of course, the appetizer portion leaves you wanting more!), and we loved the "Aspen" sushi roll, with tempura asparagus as its prime ingredient. The broiled black cod appetizer is unbelievably good; melts in your mouth...We look forward to working our way through their entire entree' menu! Open for lunch Tues. thru Fri., from 11:30am-1:30pm and dinner from 5-9:30pm, 7 nights a week. Outdoor seating available. The restaurant has recently expanded into the space vacated next to them and created The Lounge at Kenichi, which is open from 5-10pm. Mon-Fri. From 4-6pm it's Happy Hour, with 1/2 price house sake, $2.75 domestic beer and free pupus. For dining reservations, call 322-6400 after 2pm. (Reservations highly recommended!). $$$

Habaneros - a cute little restaurant in Keauhou Shopping Center near the movie theaters. Reasonable, mild but authentic-seeming food, cooked to order with enthusiasm. Specials every day. Fresh salsas. To-go orders welcome. Breakfast (from 9 to 11:30am - try the Huevos Rancheros), Lunch, and Dinner. Liquor license. Open Monday thru Saturday, from 9am to 9pm. Cash only. $$

Drysdales II - in Keauhou Shopping Center, is not really on our list - except for their fish and chips. Very good! Sometimes they are the only restaurant open in this part of town when you need to grab a bite... $$

Peaberry & Galette Crepery - also in Keauhou Shopping Center, is a little slice of Europe! Great atmosphere and quality sumptuous food - savory and sweet crepes, quiche, cakes, espresso, coffee and teas. Very hip...good music...worth the prices. Try it out! $$

Fujimamas Restaurant - Delicious and classy. There is a branch in Tokyo as well. Located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, up an alley one block south of Hawaii's oldest church (Mokuaikaua), on the same side of the street. The "Curried-Chicken Spring Rolls with Ginger Coconut Dip" are different than we've had before in that the filling was all chicken, no vegetables; very mildly flavored - delicious. We loved the "Tempura Chicken and a Whole Lot of Vegetables" ($15), and got the "Shrimp and Fresh Basil Fried Rice" ($12) to go with it. They worked well together (we shared). The tempura was beautifully presented, and did indeed have a great selection of tempura vegetables including large slices of ripe avocado (a delicious surprise!), with roasted green and red pepper, carrot, an asparagus spear, a large mushroom, thick slice of onion, juicy chunks of chicken, and a green leafy vegetable. The dish was accented with a fan of crispy thin fried noodles. Grated daikon and interestingly seasoned dipping salts were served on the side. Of course the sushi is great here too. The chocolate (brownie) walnut waffle dessert with vanilla ice cream and raspberry and caramel sauces is unbelievably good. The varied menu has something for everyone, and the owners run an organic farm down the road from their Waimea restaurant (Huli Sue's) which now produces all the vegetables, herbs and eggs that are used at their Big Island restaurants. Wonderful special lunches are now offered for only $10, usually a curry dish and another entree' from which to choose. They are a great deal too, as they are large portions, served with a side salad and sometimes miso soup too! Fujimamas also has free wireless. Phone: 327-2125. Lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm and Dinner 5pm till 11pm. Sushi bar open at 5pm. $$ (the special lunches) to $$$ (worth every penny)

Mai Tai Bar - Royal Kona Resort on Alii Dr. This is a new favorite of ours for lunch. Right on the water, with a great menu and good service. The food is excellent. Ahi sandwich on focaccia with sweet potato fries, French dip, Caesar salad with crab cake, BBQ sandwiches (pork, chicken or beef)...Lunch 10am-2pm; Extensive pupu menu till 9pm. (Don the Beachcomber's, also at the resort, offers some good all-inclusive dinner deals.) $$+

Green Flash Coffee - This tiny little place that's located in the front parking lot area as you turn in to the Sea Village Condos complex definitely fills a need: ever want something quick and tasty, but don't want to go to a fast food place? This is your spot! Serving breakfast sandwiches like Croque Monsieur, a ham & Swiss cheese-filled French toast sandwich (Croque Madame is made with turkey, or a Monte Cristo has both ham & turkey); a salmon bagel sandwich with smoked salmon, capers, red onion, cream cheese & capers; a breakfast croissant sandwich and more. The panini selection includes the Vegetable Muffaletta; a Reuben; a chicken breast sandwich with artichoke hearts, roasted bell pepper, spinach pesto mayo, etc. "Always Good Sandwiches" are made from Nutella and fresh fruit, and Nutella and peanut butter between two pieces of French toast - yum! Smoothies (try the Green Flash - it's delicious, believe me...apple juice with spirulina and other things in it, and we're not "health food nuts"!). Kona coffee drinks. Also ice cream. There's a small outdoor seating area just around the corner of the building. $$

Big Island Grill - (by Konabob) Shirley and I have had all kinds of meals here over the years, but what I like best about this locally owned establishment are the breakfasts...They are not fancy, they tend to be heavy on the meat, and the service is not fast and efficient as some other places, but it really feels like a Hawaiian family is running the place. The portions are large, and the quality is good. The omelets are 3 eggs and packed full. The pancakes are very large and fluffy, and the Portuguese sausage is cut thick, and is very tasty indeed. The family members bustle about making sure the tables are clean and the coffee cups are not empty. It is pleasant place to read the paper and watch the different kinds of people who come and go. Local folk tend to congregate at this restaurant, which tells you that it has been keeping folks happy for several years. (There are restaurants in town where locals never go.) They stop serving breakfast at 10 am and open for lunch at 11. They also serve dinner. Located next to (north side of) the Territorial Building on Kuakini Hwy. $$

Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill - A very pleasant place, with good, fresh food! Located in Pottery Terrace on Kuakini Hwy. The owner graduated from the Culinary Institue of America, and the chef was at the Four Seasons for 9 years before working here. The fresh catch preparations are very good, the shortribs and salads with fresh fish are wonderful, too, but they offer a wide selection of foods to choose from. The menu changes often, and is a treat! Also, Jackie Rey's is one of the best caterers on the island (great grilled shrimp, kahlua pork quesadillas, gazpacho...). Lunch 11:00am to 2:00pm; Pupus 2-5pm; Dinner 5-9pm every nite. Sundays, open at 3:30 pm for a weekly wine tasting (till 4:45pm when the Early Bird Specials start), $5. Sunday Dinner as usual, from 5-9pm. Reservations recommended for dinner. Ph: 327-0209 $$+

O's Bistro - Chef Amy Ferguson's restaurant at Crossroads Shopping Center serves very good food. Great fresh fish specials (Provencal-style is my personal favorite, with white wine, tomatoes, capers...). Some of their most popular items are the Chow Fun, Pad Thai, Kona-style (ahi) Tuna Casserole, Ancho/Chicken Fettucine. Many vegetarian and vegan items are offered, as well. The service has been excellent when we've been there. Quality! Highly recommended for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$

Vista Restaurant - at the Kona Country Club is a good place to have breakfast or lunch with a beautiful view of the coastline and Keauhou Bay. Food is pretty good. Dinners are offered here as well, and there is a Hawaiian music combo Wed.-Sat. eves (often with Konabob filling in on his Walkingbass!), from 6-8 pm; reservations @ 322-3700. $$ (breakfast/lunch) - $$$ (dinner) Be prepared for expensive wine by the glass!

Pine Tree Cafe' - (by Konabob) You know you have just eaten good local kine food if you have to go home and take a nap. I just woke up, and now it's time to tell you about the "Pine Tree Cafe" which just opened in the new Kohanaiki buisness park (Matsuyama's Shopping Center). Kohanaiki is about a half mile north of Hina Lani (that's the "Costco Road" to you locals) on Highway 11. Gloriously local style, you choose items off large wall mounted menus or the "Specials" white board. (Shirley had a killer Shrimp Curry Bisque with Homemade Cornbread, $6.95). Place your order and pay. Wait for them to call your name. No view, but what a great place to watch people! We are talking Local Kine working persons' food. Simple. 2 can eat for $20 or less and feel stuffed, and often have enough to take home, like when you get the fresh fish plate! Breakfast is served 6-10 am weekdays and till 11 am on weekends. Good French toast made with Punalu'u sweet bread, 4.95; 10 different Three Egg Omelettes w/rice or hash browns and toast, $6.50; Loco Moco, $5.95 for the single patty with fried egg, rice and gravy... Lunch served till 8 pm. They also offer Mini Plates for $2 less of the following items: Korean Chicken, Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki Chicken, Shoyu Chicken, Huli Huli Chicken, Pulehu Beef, grilled or deep fried Mahi Mahi, Beef Stew, Chili... all with rice or fries, a great potato/macaroni salad (the kind I like, with canned tuna and peas in it!) and/or salad. Bento (3 kine) includes spam musubi! Sandwiches, including shrimp burger, fried egg sandwich, tuna melt and the usual burger selection, $4 to $8.95. They do to-gos and catering too, ph. 327-1234. Breakfast 6-10am (11am weekends); Lunch 10am-8pm. Saturday nites, starting at 6pm, are "Bike Nites" (that's motorcycles, but it's sponsored by Solid Rock Ministries, so don't worry!)

In Kawaihae - There are a couple of restaurants in Kawaihae, the Kona Coast's working harbor town, worth mentioning here. The views may be of the fuel depot, but the food's good and the places are charming. These places are also a lifesaver for those staying in the resort hotels up north, where there's a dearth of good restaurants on site.

Cafe' Pesto - Good food in a classy atmosphere. A good option if you're staying at the resorts on the "Gold Coast" and feel like trying a local restaurant. We've become "hooked" on risotto because of this place. The rosemary/gorgonzola focaccia is a great way to start things off. The Japanese eggplant calzone is a favorite of Konabob's, and we both love the gourmet pizzas. Good selection of wine. Located in the lower level of the (small) Kawaihae Shopping Center - you can't miss it! Lunch and Dinner, 808/882-1071. $$

Kawaihae Harbor Grill - An atmospheric little restaurant with great clam strips, fish, and crab cakes. We like their Island Salads topped with fresh grilled fish. The lilikoi (passion fruit) cheesecake is out of this world. We also enjoy the good Hawaiian music they play here. A good choice for breakfast too. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (at 5:30pm), 7 days a wk. Early Bird Specials too. Ph: 882-1368. $$
The Harbor Grill has a Seafood Bar upstairs next door with "Light Dining", featuring (pricey) tropical drinks in a "Tiki Lounge" atmosphere, along with pupu fare such as steamed clams, sashimi, an individual pizza of the day, a variety of fresh West Coast oysters, shrimp, and more. Open from 2:30-11:30pm daily, 808/882-9393. $$

In Waikoloa (The King's Shops) - Take the "Waikoloa" entrance off Highway 19 on the makai (ocean) side.

Roy's Waikoloa Bar & Grill - Roy's has remodeled a bit and changed its menu. Always a good choice, though it can be a little noisy. We sometimes sit at the bar here and have drinks and pupus/light meals if we go there on the spur of the moment. Lunch and Dinner (5:30 pm -). Ph. 808/886-1700 $$-$$$

Merriman's Market Cafe' - A great addition to the eating selections offered in the So. Kohala resort area. Outdoor and indoor seating. Fresh food with a Mediterranean slant. Salads, breads, sandwiches, specials. Interesting flavors (Morroccan Chicken BBQ Sand., Bruschetta and Caponata appetizer). I had the Portuguese clams in a tomato garlic sauce special recently. Pretty good; the restaurant in Waimea is better. Can be noisy inside, but there are usually breezes outside to cool things off. Open 7 days a week. Lunch 11am-2pm; a reduced Lunch menu from 2-5pm; Dinner from 5-9:30pm. Reservations: 808/885-4321. $$-$$$

In Hawi - this charming little plantation town up north is surrounded by rich, green lushness and is starting to bloom as a unique shopping destination.

Bamboo Restaurant and Gallery - The "Hawaiian Saloon" style decor of this place is great. The staff is very friendly and the service and food are good. The restaurant serves fresh local organic greens and uses no trans fat in their cooking. Some "faves" are the fresh catch sandwich with fresh fruit salsa on focaccia bread, Eggs Benedict w/lilikoi hollandaise, and the wonderful fruit "slushes" (we loved the lilikoi one). Portions are a bit small for the price. Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch till 2:30pm. 808/889-5555. $$+

In Kapa'a - on the way to Pololu Valley

Kohala Rainbow Cafe' - This is a great place to stop for food when on an outing "up north"! Located right across from the famous statue of King Kamehameha I. The cheerful bright colors of the outdoor seating area will catch your eye. Inside, orders are taken at the counter and brought to you (paper plates, plastic utensils, but a cozy, charming little place!). Selections on the menu are fairly ordinary-sounding, but are made with top-of-the-line ingredients (perfect ripe tomatoes, sweetest pineapple), organic greens, free-range chicken, locally made breads, and with some unique touches that put the dishes a notch above what you would expect. The Macnut Chicken Salad, for instance, had some spicy radish sprouts in it among the mixed organic greens, red onions, bits of tomato, cucumbers and pineapple with lililoi (passion fruit) dressing, that really gave it an extra boost! Konabob's open-faced "Sorry, Charlie" tuna salad sandwich with melted Swiss cheese was also very much above average. We have a feeling everything here is, as we ooh-ed and ah-ed over our slice of key lime pie with macadamia nut crust too! They also offer smoothies, and gourmet Hilo Homemade ice cream. Open Mon-Fri, 11am-5pm. $$

In Waimea - Waimea is known for Parker Ranch, good restaurants, and good shopping opportunities. It's one of the biggest towns on the Island, but still feels "country".

Daniel Thiebaut's Restaurant - A charming dining atmosphere with wonderful food, located in the 100+ year old Chock In Store building, across from the town park in Waimea. Daniel Thiebault was the chef at the original Palm Cafe' in Kailua-Kona (remember pre-Lulu's?), which used to be one of Konabob's and my favorites. Now open for dinner from 3:30-9pm every day. Sunday Brunch from 10am till 1:30pm. Live music with Braddah Smitty and friends on Sunday afternoons, 3-5pm with a special pupu menu available. Call for music time and to confirm. Beautiful new bar area. Reservations are recommended for Dinner: 808/887-2200. $$+ - $$$

Merriman's - An excellent choice for a quality meal, especially recommended for dinner. Good use of local produce/seafood. Innovative preparations. Lunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner, 808/885-6822. $$+ - $$$

Tante's Bar & Grill - Reliable, good food. Breakfast ($7.95 and up) is served till 1pm. Eggs Benedict Florentine and the French Toast are very good. A wide variety of offerings, like saimin, Portuguese bean soup, Paniolo beef stew, sandwiches, salads (including Oriental Somen), shrimp tempura, pork and chicken adobo, pork loin and roast pork, squid, macnut panko chicken katsu, teriyaki chicken and beef at lunch. Dinner offerings from $21.95 (Seafood Laulau) and up, include items like lamb chops, veal scallopini, scallops, prime rib and steaks, in addition to fresh fish and local Keahole lobster. Located at Parker Ranch Center. Friday nite Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet, 5-9pm (adults, $34.95; keiki 5-12, $17.50, under 5, free); Sunday Brunch 9:30-2pm (adults $14.95; keiki 5-12, $9.50; under 5, free); Sunday Dinner Buffet, 5-9pm (adults $19.50; keiki $12.50; Early Birds 5-6pm, 15% off). Breakfast and Lunch, 10:30am-2pm weekdays (closed Tuesdays); Dinner, 5-9pm weekdays (closed Tuesdays); Saturday Breakfast, 9:30am-1pm; Lunch, 10:30am-2pm; Dinner, 5-9pm. [Whew!] Prime Rib nite is Thursday, with Sonny Lim providing slack key music to enjoy with your meal. Reservations: 808/885-8942. $$+

Lilikoi Cafe - We were pleased to find this pleasant place around the back of Parker Ranch Center for tasty, fresh food. The array of deli salads is very tempting and varied. One standout is the Greek Salad, with big juicy wedges of Waimea tomatoes, calamata olives, artichoke hearts and feta cheese in a nice light dressing served on mixed greens. Bob loved the fresh beet salad, and I the creamy curry salad with a some white chicken meat, apples, red grapes and celery. Can't wait to try the green beans with cumin. You can get combos of two or three selections on a bed of greens. Breakfasts, and hot entrees (like meatloaf, linguine w/Waimea sauce, vegetarian or chicken crepes, melted ham & cheese sandwich) are also available. Good lookin' desserts too, such as rice pudding, bread pudding, apple cobbler, creme caramel (flan), crepe lilikoi...yum! Delivery available. Open Mon-Sat, 7:30am to 4pm. $$

Hawaiian Style Cafe' - "Konawebber Kerri P had endorsed this little "Local Style" place for breakfast, so when Shirley and I found ourselves on Hwy 19 just west of the main intersection in Waimea this morning, we figured we might as well try it. The prices were in the $5 to $8 range which is not out of line with other local breakfast places...The dish I ordered was $7 something, and was called "2 large eggs with choice of meat and either rice or hash browns and either toast or pancakes". Sounds like a mouthful, but I thought I was up to the challenge. Then the food arrived. The portions that they give you are truly Hawaiian! The hash browns were easily twice the size that I am used to seeing in Kona restaurants. The bacon was not 2 strips, or 3 or 5, it was a large mound! Then the pancakes showed up and I could not believe what I was seeing. Each pancake was at least 10 inches in diameter, and there were 2 of them. I tried so hard to eat everything, but sadly, I was not able to finish the bacon, the hashbrowns, or the pancakes.... drat! So we plan to go back when we get the chance. Next time we plan to split the entree! A few more things I should pass on. Shirley's fried rice was good, and some of the specials we noticed were Kalua Pork Hash, Fried Rice Omelet and Chicken Fried Steak. Cash or Traveler's Checks only. No plastic accepted!" - Konabob $$

Huli Sue's - By Konawebber Lynn C - (We couldn't agree more with her review, except to say that you are given a choice of 4 delightful sauces to grace your BBQ - Chipotle, a Carribean-inspired honey citrus sauce, Chili water/Pineapple/Sugar Cane, and Crackseed. Konabob had a baked potato with pulled meat of his choice, Fontina cheese and cilantro sour cream which he loved. There are other specials, salads and soups...The restaurant is owned and run by the people who operate Fujimamas in Kailua-Kona. ~Shirley) "Very laid back & casual with quality food. On Mamalahoa Hwy heading towards Honoka'a . We have been there for dinner & lunch. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are great. I see most people leaving with leftovers. Their lunch sandwich is quite a bargain at $10. The meat (beef, pork or chicken) is stacked high on a grilled bun with just the right amount of chipotle sauce AND...homemade slaw AND beer battered onion rings. A bit hard to fit in your mouth! They fill the rest of the plate with homemade fries which were cooked nice & dark to bring out the flavor. Salads are made with their homegrown greens and could not be fresher." Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner 5pm - every day $$

In Honoka'a - in the Waipio Valley area.

Tex Drive-In - On Highway 19, this little diner is known for its malasadas (Portuguese pastries, kind of like a raised sugar donut without the hole), and you can even get them with a filling inside (the pepper jelly and the strawberry guava fillings are dynamite). They're served hot, of course. Breakfasts, Plate Lunches; Open till 8:30 p.m. $

Cafe' Il Mondo - Here's a place to get your Italian food craving satisfied. Right on the main drag in Honoka'a town, kitty-corner from Mamane St. Bakery. Very good homemade calzones, pizzas, and desserts (warm apple pie with Tropical Dreams ice cream - yum!). Good, homemade marinara sauce is used. No credit cards; local checks ok. Lunch and Dinner (11am-7:45pm). Closed Sunday & Monday. BYOB $$

In Hilo - The 2nd largest port in Hawaii is located here. Not a touristy town, but an interesting mix of local cultures. This is the "rainy" side of the Island and you can see real jungle and huge waterfalls because of that mixed blessing. Bring an umbrella, just in case!

Special Stop! If you take the beautiful Onomea Bay 4 mile scenic drive just a few miles north of Hilo (and you should!), stop at What's Shakin' smoothie stand. Delicious! Only fresh frozen island fruits are used, "blended with the essence of Hawaiian juices" - no ice, just fruit. Just the thing after the humid, beautiful Hawaii Botanical Gardens hike (on the same scenic route)!

Bear's Coffee - A great little gourmet coffee shop, with good pastries, light breakfasts (ie. eggs steamed in the espresso machine and fruit waffles) and lunches. Hang out with the morning paper amongst the locals. No credit cards, but local checks ok. $$

Puka Puka Kitchen - Good, simple food with fresh ingredients lovingly prepared and served. Their fresh fish specials get raves. Right next door to the Dragon Mama store on the Bayfront Drive. $

Ocean Sushi Deli - An unpretentious place to get good sushi. Recently "consolidated" with their sister restaurant, the Tsunami Grill, they've moved into the Tsunami Grill's previous location across the street. Located couple of streets inland from the bayfront, on Keawe St. $$

Hilo Bay Cafe' - Good food, sophisticated, classy atmosphere. Nice bar. Guinness onion rings, some great salads (warm apples and bacon with organic spinach, gorgonzola, and Tabasco onions; crab-crusted lobster salad w/organic mixed greens, Big Island tomatoes & balsamic reduction), slow-cooked bbq ribs, eggplant marinara, chicken pot pie, fresh catch club w/smoked bacon and honey dijon mustard on focaccia - you get the idea. In the shopping center where Ross is, across from Prince Kuhio Plaza. Mon-Sat 11am to 9 pm; Sunday 5-9 pm. Ph: 935-4939. $$+

Island Naturals - The deli and the luncheon buffet here are really good bets for good, nourishing and tasty lunch selections. I love that they charge by the pound for the food on the buffet, so you can make a sampler of what looks appealing! Vegetable selections, free-range turkey meatloaf, samosas, a "laulau casserole"-type dish, veggie lasagna...Next to Borders, across the street from Prince Kuhio Plaza.

Cafe' Pesto - see description of their Kawaihae restaurant. On the bayfront, this is our favorite of their two locations. More reliable quality, in our experience. Their seared ahi salad and warm rosemary gorganzola foccacia are just wonderful! $$

In Volcano - This pretty, lush, area at the cool elevation of 5000' ft. is closest to Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'l Park. It has some good B & B's, and a restaurant of note.

Kilauea Lodge - Fine dining. Continental cuisine (duck a l'orange, for example). Very Good. Reservations recommended, 808/967-7366. $$-$$$

Thai Thai - Right in the middle of town. Probably the best Thai food on the island. Very nice decor, as well. Great Massaman curry, Tom Kha (coconut, lemongrass, kafir lime soup with your choice of meat/tofu), Thai "Long Rice", and Pad Thai, just to name a few dishes that we've tried. Phone 967-7969. $$

In Na'alehu - Blink and you'll miss "The Southernmost Town in the USA". The Na'alehu Dairy produces most of the milk on the Island. This is a picturesque area with black & white dairy cows grazing in brilliant green pastures that end in spectacular ocean cliffs.

The Hana Hou Restaurant - serves quality home-cooked food at reasonable prices. Fresh fish sandwiches, great homemade pies, etc. $$

In Captain Cook -

Coffees n' Epicurea - A worthwhile stop for good Kona coffee and great pastries and desserts. Made on the premises. Mini-eclairs are so hard to pass up! Sweet potato (purple!)/haupia pie!! In Captain Cook, across from mile marker 106. $-$$

"The Coffee Shack is not 'fine dining' by any stretch of the imagination, but it is still a great place for breakfast or lunch. When Shirley and I ate there, the service was not very fast, so if I had been in a hurry, I might have been annoyed with waiting over a half an hour for 2 cold sandwiches. The people around us were also only getting sandwiches or salads...What made the wait bearable? First, a jaw-dropping gorgeous view from Kealakekua Bay all the way south past Pu'uhonua O Honaunau. On a sunny morning, everything shines and sparkles. But even on a misty afternoon, there was a special quality about the place that kept me calm and glad to be able to sit and drink it all in. Second, the dining area itself is small and a great place to watch people. We almost always run into someone we know, or end up chatting with visitors about Hawaii. And finally, there is the bakery case which sits there displaying some very fine looking pies, cakes, bars, and muffins. The sandwiches came, and while we both felt that they could have been a little more flavorful (the chicken salad sandwich and the veggie), the produce was nice and fresh, and the thick-sliced homemade bread was a real treat. The onion dill, whole wheat, and rye breads are very good. I would not drive 15 miles just to try this place out, but if you are heading south anyway and have some extra time, why not stop and enjoy yourself? We tried breakfast here recently, and the service was incredibly slow. When the eggs & omelet finally came, the potatoes were stone cold. (The view can only compensate for so much...)" -Konabob Located on Hwy. 11 south of Kona, between the 108 & 109 mile markers. Open 7 days a week, 7:30am to 3pm, 328-9555. $$

Paparoni's - This casual "neighborhood" restaurant has some of the best hand-tossed pizza you'll find. The crust is just about perfect in our opinion. Other tasty options (chicken and pasta dishes, etc.) are available on the menu, but that pizza crust is why we go here! Wine and beer available. Reasonably priced. Located in the small "strip mall" across from the Fire Station in Captain Cook. Hours 4-9, Mon-Sun. Phone: 323-2661 $$

Senor Billy's Mexican Restaurant - On the makai side of the highway, also across from the fire station. Pride of ownership shows in this cute-as-a-button restaurant. The Chicken Fajitas Plate consists of wonderfully flavored grilled chicken, onions and peppers with sides of pinto beans (or black beans w/corn) and Mexican rice on the side; and a bowl of guacamole, sour cream, black olives, cheese and lettuce to top the grilled chicken in the warm tortillas that come with the dish. The fajitas are around $12.95, however there are many entree' items in the $7-10 range, including 2-item (3 also available) combo plates, burritos and a variety of salads (the tostada salad w/grilled chicken is very tasty - and is certainly a good sized portion!). A number of the Plates look interesting (average price around $12), like the Roast Pork, Carne Asada, Santa Fe Green Chili Chicken Enchilada and more, and we'll be trying them out in the future. We love the crispy tacos here, though the style of chile rellenos here isn't favored by us (we like the crispy kind). The homemade salsas are good! Pele's Fire Salsa is a rather mild but very fresh tasting, refreshing salsa that's great on chips, and if you'd like to warm up the mild Mexican food that is served here, the other two salsas would be a good choice; one being a roasted red chile salsa and one a hot green one. (We are especially impressed that the food is not greasy and heavy here!) Indoor and outdoor seating; $2 draft beer on Fridays from 3-5pm. Open 7 days a week, 11am-9pm. Phone: 323-2012 $$

In Kealakekua -

Adriana's - A little charmer of a place in Kealakekua Ranch Center. El Salvadoran-style (mild) Mexican food. There's a very delicious "special sauce" on the large, "wet" burrito ($7) and the poblano chile relleno plate ($9). There are yummy homemade refried beans, and tamales (pork, chicken or vegetable with cheeses served with another wonderfully flavored "Special Salsa"). There is a carne asada (stewed, seasoned beef) quesadilla for $8; and a taco of the same for $2.50. There's a veggie burrito for $4 (rice, beans, cheddar, mozzarella, Juanita's salsa); a veggie taco is $2. Finely chopped fresh cilantro and onion are served on top of the dishes. They often have specials. A very informal, small place where you order at the counter inside and take a seat at a cement table outside. Your food is passed thru to you from the takeout window when ready. Many times Adriana and the staff will be singing and dancing along with Latin music while preparing your food. We love it! (That's Adriana's picture at the top of this page standing by her original "restaurant space" in Na'alehu.) Open Mon-Thurs, 10-5; Fridays 10-6; Closed weekends. Phone: 936-8553 $$

Mi's Italian Bistro - In the space formerly occupied by Billy Bob's Park & Pork, and Uncle Inbea's Steakhouse, mauka side of the Mamalahoa Hwy. in a mini, island-style "strip mall". The owners, Morgan and Ingrid (their initials form the name of the restaurant), have done a stellar job of fixing up the space and giving it a classy, up-scale feel. The foccacia and pastas are made fresh at the restaurant. There are intriguing specials each day, in addition to a daily foccacia and a lasagna. We enjoyed a wonderful risotto special for dinner that included green chili pesto (not spicy, just flavorful) and a generous portion of shrimp as components. The Cioppino, a menu item, is very good, not as spicy as some we've had, but rich-tasting and very satisfying, with a variety of seafood. The Herb and Cheese Ravioli was delicious, with its creamy white wine pesto sauce and topping of chopped tomatoes, broccoli florets, toasted pignoli nuts and Parmesan. We all liked the Marinated Beets and Haricot Vert (delicate green beans) Salad very much. It also has baby arugula, Maytag blue cheese, candied macadamia nuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. The service was excellent, and the chef was a very accessible and integral part of the dining room experience. By the way, all the desserts are good too, but the Big Island Banana Rum Flambe' with Vanilla Madadamia Nut Caramel served over Vanilla Ice Cream drew especially dramatic responses from all who tasted it. BYOB for now; the process has begun for the acquisition of a liquor license in early 2008. Open Tuesday thru Sunday from 11:30am to 8:30pm. Dinner reservations highly recommended: 808/323-3880. $$+

Keei Cafe - A nice place. Island fresh fish is offered in a variety of preparations, all tantalizing, but you can also partake of rib eye steak, pork chops (with black peppercorn gravy), a grilled half chicken with your choice of the aforementioned gravy or red Thai curry sauce, and chicken or tofu fajitas with local avocado and sour cream. There are many vegetarian selections, and starters include a soup d'jour (vegetarian black bean with a warm tortilla when we were there), eggplant rolls with a different sauce accompaniment, or a local fresh greens salad (ours had a wonderful variety of "leaves" and included anise, basil and small yellow tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette). Not a place to go if you're in a hurry or want a quiet dinner (the dining room is noisy!). Mixed reviews on service. Lunch served from 10:30-2pm and Dinner from 5-9 pm Monday thru Saturday. The restaurant asks that you allow extra time for slow traffic in getting there. Reservations highly recommended: 808/322-9992. No Credit Cards. $$+

In Kainaliu - this little town is becoming more "vital", and has some very good shopping (Blue Ginger Gallery, Eternal Wave Gallery and Lavender Moon Gallery, to name a few very worthy stops!).

Roadhouse Cafe' Across the street from the Aloha Theatre. Ok - new favorite! Everything served in this casual cafe' is fresh, homemade, delicious, nothing is ordinary...and nothing is over $6! (IT CAN BE DONE!) Menu changes daily , and after visiting once, you will want to come in often and try what's new. (KB and I are both already mourning the fact that we can't have the items we ordered today again!) Fresh baked goods by owner Cathy Haber, who baked for the Aloha Angel Cafe'/Theatre for years. If you haven't had one of her famous chocolate Honu Bars (one of the winners at Kona's very first annual Chocolate Festival) or one of her cheesecakes (they won California State Fair blue ribbons in the 80's and 90's!) you are in for a treat. Great scones & a wide selection of yummy cookies too! Every single thing that we tried was packed with delicious flavor combinations. My choice today, the Phyllo Parcel, was filled with a mild Indian Vindaloo curry sauce and veggies, with a side of tasty red cabbage Asian slaw and lettuce/tomato. The curry sauce had perfect spiciness. Konabob said his was one of the best veggie sandwiches he's had in his life (seriously!). It was composed of "a sauteed mushroom/onion ragu topped with Brie cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes on a house baked sweet onion roll. Served with pesto aoli and a side of Asian slaw". The other sandwich offering today sounded great too - a sweet chili chicken sandwich (pineapple, orange and cumin marinade), with a sundried tomato pesto sauce, also served with Asian slaw, but they also have a sausage roll and a Chicago hot dog on the menu that are always changing personality (along with the above-mentioned phyllo wrap). There was even a tantalizing lineup of individual pizzas behind the counter, for - you guessed it - $5.95! Soup today was cream of asparagus. Cathy's co-owner, Mike Haber, said this incarnation of the Roadhouse Cafe' opened exactly 30 years to the day from the opening of their original restaurant in Columbia, CA, and, boy, are we glad these two are still in love with the food business, because we think everyone will be in love with the Roadhouse! Indoor and outdoor seating; open Mon-Fri, 11 am to 5pm. Cash only. Phone: 322-0616 (Call to see if open, because the Habers take a couple of extended trips a year...What a life, hey?) $

In Honalo - the next little town north of Kainaliu.

Teshima's - a local favorite. Run by a Japanese family, it's a simple place with formica tables. Sashimi, tempura. We also like their local-style teriyaki chicken dinner. This is a good place for an inexpensive, local breakfast, as well. It's a real slice of local Japanese life, and you might even get a visit from sweet "Grandma" at your table, serving you a complimentary nori roll as a dinner pupu. Grandma just celebrated her 100th birthday, and was honorary Grand Marshal of the 2007 Kailua-Kona 4th of July parade. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. $

This is just a sampling of some of our favorites. Hope you will enjoy them, too. We're always on the lookout for new additions to the list!