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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Bay Terrace

68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, Kamuela, HI 96743 808-881-7911

Description: KAMUELA. A lovely garden setting, unobtrusive service, and a veritable banquet of choices make Bay Terrace a popular morning destination. Breakfast buffets overflow with scrumptious goodies, from pastries and local fruit to banana-stuffed French toast and eggs Florentine ­ the variety and quantity will keep you full all day.
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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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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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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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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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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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Java on the Rock

75-5828 Kahakai Rd, across the street from Hard Rock Cafe, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-329-9262

Description: KAILUA-KONA. A handful of tables overlooking gorgeous Kailua Bay and some of the best Kona coffee on the Big Island are keys to Java on the Rock's success. Stop by in the morning for a lovingly-brewed cup of their popular Three Stone brand and a hearty omelet or a bagel with lox and a side of papaya. Experienced baristas will guide you through the menu, whether you opt for a simple cuppa joe or a more involved espresso drink. Grab a seat and let the coffee and the view work their magic!
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Kamuela Provision Company

425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, HI 96738 808-886-1234

Description: KOHALA. Specializing in Pacific Rim-influenced cuisine, this restaurant offers tables with sweeping views of the ocean and of dramatic island sunsets. Refined yet unpretentious, the Provision Company prepares dishes using only locally grown produce and fresh-caught seafood. Headliners include a seafood mixed grille with Hawaiian fish and Maine lobster in a lemongrass herb sauce. Landlubbers will want to try the likes of the Big Island Luau for two, served with a pupu platter and your choice of pork rib chop, beef brochette, grilled scallops, or fresh fish.
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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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Keei Cafe

Hwy 11, between mile marker 112-113, Kainaliu, HI 808-322-9992

Description: KAINALIU. Ask a local or a frequent visitor where to go for the island's best seafood, and you'll likely hear this treasure named among the top suggestions. Nestled between the highway and the coastline, Keei Cafe serves spectacular American-Hawaiian fusion dishes. Savor the flavorful likes of an herb-rubbed rib-eye, pork chops smothered in peppercorn gravy, tofu fajitas, Thai-style curries, or even Brazilian seafood chowder. Although the decor will not knock your socks off, the food very likely will.
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Kona Beach Restaurant

75-5660 Palani Rd, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 808-329-2911

Description: KONA COAST. No matter which table you're given, you'll be granted a view of the ocean and plenty of wonderful food. American standards and Hawaiian favorites grace the menus, and the champagne brunch buffet is chock full of seafood, pancakes, meats, and fresh tropical fruits. Other themed dinner buffets are scheduled throughout the week and include a seafood buffet, Hawaiian buffet, and prime rib buffet. Fun and family-friendly.
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Orchid Court

1 N Kaniku Dr, Fairmont Orchid, Kohala Coast, HI 96743 808-885-2000

Description: KOHALA COAST. Overlooking the Fairmont Orchid's enchanting gardens, the Court offers a lovely setting ideal for those wanting to relax, enjoy a bite, sip some Kona coffee, and peruse the morning news. Whether your morning appetite tends toward the light or the hearty, you are sure to enjoy the buffet options. Choose from an array of tempting fresh tropical fruits, a freshly made omelette, fish and sausages, and an inviting assortment of breads, muffins and pastries.
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Pahu i'a

100 Kaupulehu Dr, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kaupulehu-Kona, HI 96704 808-325-8333

Description: KONA COAST. Stained koa wood walls, potted palms, an enchanting tropical aquarium, and magnificent sunset vistas set the stage for romance at this Kona Coast charmer. The Pacific-themed menu continues where the decor leaves off, dazzling patrons with contemporary takes on traditional island dishes. House specialties like tempura-style shrimp with asparagus, steamed opakapaka with shiitake mushrooms, jasmine tea-smoked walu, and wok-roasted Keahole lobster with saffron risotto and Manila clams are sure to titillate even the most discerning of taste buds. Guests wishing to dine al fresco enjoy romantically appointed tables that offer sweeping views of the dramatic Hawaiian coastline.
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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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