Aloha Theatre Café

79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kainaliu, HI 96750 808-322-3383

Description: KAINALIU. Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, sometimes it can be a chore to find a decent breakfast that you actually want to eat. While you're on the Big Island, that's not a problem. One of the best places for omelets, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and pancakes is Aloha Angel, which began life as a snack bar and is part of the Aloha Theatre. It has evolved into a much-loved café, and it serves breakfast until 1:30pm (so there's no excuse to skip it). The lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, wraps, and burgers; dinner consists of fresh fish dishes, Tex-Mex favorites, and steaks. Small wine list, or bring your own ­ corkage is $7 per bottle.
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Bamboo Restaurant

Akoni Pule Hwy at Hwy 270, Hawi, HI 96719 808-889-5555

Description: KOHALA COAST. Take a step back in time and experience Big Island living the way it was before modern resorts and development took over. Once a hotel and later a grocery, the building that houses this popular restaurant (which dates from 1911) has been almost completely restored to its original state and features a green saloon-like facade, bamboo and koa wood accents, and hardwood flooring. Featured dishes include Hawaii Thai or macadamia nut-crusted maki, sesame-nori crusted tiger prawns, and smoked Kalua pork and cabbage. A gallery inside the restaurant showcases local art, especially woodworking.
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Big Island Grill

75-5702 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1717 808-326-1153

Description: KONA COAST. This local favorite is almost always packed, a testament to its fantastic American comfort food, which sparkles with Hawaiian touches. The catch of the day is always a sure bet, and you don't want to miss the salad of mixed local greens topped with coconut shrimp. The restaurant also does something magical to mashed potatoes ­ you may find yourself actually swooning. A drive-through window lets you grab lunch on the run, and service is friendly and family-oriented. Plus, the total bill won't empty your wallet.
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Brown's Beach House

1 N Kaniku Dr, Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, HI 96743 808-887-7368

Description: KOHALA COAST. Outdoor seating and terrific oceanside scenery set the stage at this Orchid treasure, whose extensive wine list and traditional Hawaiian cuisine have turned more than a few heads. Dine in a near-paradisical setting, highlighted by lush greenery, candle-lit tables, and an enchanting tropical lagoon. Dinner patrons are wowed by the menu's versatility, and choices range from seared crisp moi with basmati rice to a Kobe-style rib-eye with fingerling potatoes and ponzu dipping sauce. Exceptional nightly entertainment, plus an entrancing hula dancer, make for an unforgettable evening. During the day, pool, beach, and casual attire (with cover-ups) are suggested. For the evening, it's casual resort attire.
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Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

75-5776 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-331-8442

Description: KONA COAST. With a nod to the movie "Forrest Gump," this fun place serves casual American fare, much of it seafood. The menu makes constant reference to Forrest and his friends. Shrimp dishes, for example, include Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp and Lt. Dan's Drunken Shrimp. You'll also find a rib-eye, baby back ribs, salmon, mahi mahi, crab legs, and a veggie plate, not to mention a variety of sandwiches and salads. Available too are cocktails and smoothies, which are fruity and refreshing in quite different ways! Bring friends or family, munch on an order of peel 'n' eat shrimp, and enjoy the views. Forrest would want it that way.
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Charley's Thai Cuisine

65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea Shopping Center, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-886-0591

Description: KAMUELA. Despite a distinctly American-sounding moniker, Charley's has become a Big Island favorite for luscious, flavorful Thai fare. While there might not be a lot of attention given to ambience, the focus is clearly on the food, where authentic, fresh spices make hot dishes really hot! Servings are generous too, so you'll definitely get your fill of offerings like pad thai, pad see ew, and a variety of curries. Thai plate lunches are an added bonus.
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Harbor House

74-425 Kealakehe Pkwy, Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-326-4166

Description: KONA COAST. Hankering for a fresh ahi sandwich or some fish and chips? How about a cold beer? Want it with a view, maybe at a table outside? Look no further, because Harbor House is where you need to go. Relaxed, casual, and friendly, it's the ideal spot to appreciate the island aloha that everyone talks about so much. It's all good, man. If you head there for dinner, make sure it's an early one you're planning.
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Hawaiian Style Cafe

64 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-885-4295

Description: KAMUELA. On first glance, this place may not look like much, but as everybody knows, you can't judge a book by its cover. Big Islanders are fond of homestyle cooking, and it's done especially well at out-of-the-way places like Hawaiian Style Café. At breakfast, just try to finish their massive yet tender pancakes, especially if you've also ordered eggs or sausage. Lunch is similar, thanks to big portions of ribs, steaks, burgers and fries, macaroni salad, and rice ­ all at a refreshingly affordable price.
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Hualalai Grille

100 Kaupulehu Dr, Kaupulehu-Kona, HI 96740 808-325-8525

Description: KONA COAST. Please note that Hualalai Grill is closed until Fall 2010 Reservations are suggested for people wanting to sample the eclectic menu at this clubhouse eatery, where the fare ranges from Kona Coast lobster and mango-barbecue baby back ribs to Makalapua flowering onion, sesame-crusted snapper, organic rack of lamb, and lobster pizza. The open-plan kitchen gives the place a cozy touch, and guests are torn between activity around the brick oven and golfers "holing out" on the resort's 18th green. Al fresco dining on the deck is also available.
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Huggo's

75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1331 808-329-1493

Description: KONA COAST. Quite literally "over the edge," Huggo's allows patrons to enjoy both oceanside dining and premiere seafood dishes. While taking in the view of spectacular Kailua Bay, be sure to sample one of the house specialties ­ steamed clams and flavorful garlic chicken earn particular nods. After dinner, make your way to thatch-roofed Huggo's on the Rocks, a popular outdoor bar and dance club whose specialty drinks and beautiful clientele always ensure a great time.
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Island Lava Java

75-5799 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-327-2161

Description: KONA COAST. Coffee fans love the Big Island for many reasons, and this place is one of them. You'll find freshly brewed, 100% Kona coffee here, along with an assortment of sweets and sandwiches. A great place to people-watch, it's situated directly across from the beach, where human activity is non-stop.
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Jackie Rey's Ohana Grill

75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Pottery Terrace Center, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 808-327-0209

Description: KAILUA-KONA. Well-credentialed chefs at this popular establishment focus on thoughtful preparations of freshly-caught fish, chicken, and beef. Dinner favorites include curry-crusted ahi, beef short ribs, and Szechuan pepper pork loin with purple sweet potato mashers. Lunch also sees a brisk business, thanks to filling turkey burgers, Ohana Cobb salads, and items like spicy teriyaki beef bowls.
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Jameson's By The Sea - Kona

77-6452 Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 808-329-3195

Description: KONA COAST. Boasting an idyllic view of the ocean, Jameson's is equally great for a romantic dinner or a big family gathering ­ just make reservations ahead of time, and ask for a table on the lanai. The food is good, and there are enough options to satisfy everyone. Relying primarily on fresh seafood, the menu offers five or six nightly specials in addition to the regular fare, and steaks and lamb satisfy folks who prefer land-based food. If you visit at lunch, the panko-crusted calamari steak sandwich comes highly recommended.
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Kailua Candy Company

74-5563 Kaiwi St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-329-2522

Description: KONA COAST. You'll almost certainly have a difficult time choosing which candies to sample here. Among the temptations are hand-dipped, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, chocolate-covered coconut, chocolate-covered nut brittle, coffee toffee, chocolate-covered crystallized ginger, and guava rum truffles ­ oh my! Perhaps the best option is to get some of each and take them home for further testing. Good luck!
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Kawaihae Harbor Grill

Kawaihae Rd and Hwy 270, Kawaihae, HI 96743 808-882-1368

Description: KOHALA COAST. Ranked by a variety of local publications as the Big Island's top seafood restaurant, Harbor Grill sports a quintessential Hawaiian look and feel, from its upstairs tiki-style cocktail lounge to its authentic Hawaiian music. The place serves divine steamed clams and West Coast oysters (a dozen of either is always a winner), along with a versatile menu that covers the gamut, boasting pizzas, ribs, steaks, and burgers.
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Kenichi Pacific

78-6831 Alii Dr, Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-322-6400

Description: KONA COAST. Sushi and fusion cuisine ­ presented in an elegant, relaxed setting ­ don't get any better than this. Of course, only the freshest seafood is used, so the sushi is impeccable. Even so, the wide-ranging menu includes such an intriguing array of Japanese-inspired dishes that you may not get around to sushi. Starters include crab cakes, lobster rolls, and broiled black cod. Entrees range from seared ono with mashed yams to roasted duck with orange hoisin sauce and lamb in a macadamia nut crust. The molten flourless chocolate cake is achieving legendary status, so save room for it. Kenichi Pacific is small, making reservations essential.
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Merriman's

65-1227 Opelo Rd, Opelo Plaza, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-885-6822

Description: WAIMEA. Peter Merriman, whom many regard as the man who helped put Hawaii's regional cuisine on the world map, owns and operates this eponymous restaurant just outside Waimea. His award-winning dishes continue to reveal imagination and an understanding of local ingredients that amazes and tantalizes even the most discerning diners. Featured items include ponzu-marinated mahi mahi with shiitake mushrooms and hearts of palm, roasted natural chicken with vegetable ragout, and "Kansas City Cut" New York steak platter. A uniquely Hawaiian dining experience that you shouldn't pass up. Reservations are a must, especially during peak seasons.
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Quinn's Almost By the Sea

75-5655A Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-329-3822

Description: KONA COAST. One of the only places on the Big Island that serves food after 9pm, Quinn's enjoys a roaring trade of hungry locals and tourists. If the weather's fine, sit outside on the lanai and enjoy traditional, well-prepared American fare. Alternatively, the nautical-themed, air-conditioned interior is pleasant if you want to kick back indoors. Either way, prepare to be fully sated when you leave. Seafood is reliably good and plentiful, although steaks, burgers, and sandwiches are available too.
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Teshima's Restaurant

79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Honalo, HI 96750 808-322-9140

Description: KONA COAST. Traditional tempura and sashimi are specialties at this friendly joint, tucked away in the Honalo community. A family affair that's been around since the 1920s, Teshima's also earns high marks for terrific miso soup and sukiyaki. If you're savvy enough, a teishoku platter (an entree served with fresh vegetable sides, a bowl of rice, miso soup, and house salad) will certainly do the trick. Meanwhile, early risers can stop in and enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast of soup, rice, and fish before hitting nearby sites and beaches. Dinner reservations are accepted and are suggested for large parties.
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Tres Hombres Steak and Seafood Cantina

75-5864 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-882-1031

Description: KOHALA COAST. Few things better complement a respite in paradise than an expertly mixed margarita and views of the surf rolling in. Fortunately, the Big Island boasts a place where you can enjoy both ­ festive Tres Hombres, which comes complete with a beach bum's ransom of surfing memorabilia. Here, Coronas are always ice cold, tequila is always potent, and chiles rellenos are always spicy. A "light" menu is available for those trying to count calories. There's another location at Kawaihae Shopping Center (808-882-1031).
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