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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CanoeHouse

68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Mauna Lani Bay Resort, Kohala Coast, HI 96743 808-885-6622

Description: KOHALA COAST. This restaurant's Pacific Rim-influenced menu boasts a wide range of scrumptious seafood options. Enjoy fresh-from-the-sea mahi mahi marinated in miso sake, savor lemon-pepper scallops grilled and served with wild mushrooms, or delight in flavorful nips of nori-wrapped ahi tempura and ginger-scallion tofu. The scene is equally delightful, and the rolling surf just a few yards away juxtaposes nicely with the large, outrigger canoe hanging over the enchanting outdoor dining area.
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Coast Grille & Oyster Bar

62-100 Kauna'oa Dr, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kohala, HI 96743 808-882-5810

Description: KOHALA. The signature restaurant of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is known far and wide for its superb Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine. While serious diners charge forth in pursuit of fresh seafood (Kona-by-way-of-New England lobster, farm-raised moi, and pistachio-crusted opah, to name but a few), the restaurant's oyster bar offers a more casual setting for folks looking to eat light and enjoy a few cocktails. From bluffside seating areas, diners take in enchanting sunsets in the early evening, not to mention sweeping views of waves crashing on Hapuna Beach far below.
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Daniel Thiebaut

65-1259 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743-8406 808-887-2200

Description: KAMUELA. A native of Lorraine, France, Daniel Thiebaut brings to the Big Island distinct French flair and dazzles patrons with his propensity for adding Asian or Polynesian culinary touches. The restaurant, located in the historic Chock In Store building (circa 1900), is set in verdant Waimea ranch country and is a favorite with romantics, who adore its antiques, local curiosities, uniquely appointed tables, and multi-hued Sig Zane fabrics (a must for any Hawaiian restaurant worth its salt). Featured dishes include crab cakes with corn and lemongrass-coconut lobster sauce, Hunan-style rack of lamb with eggplant compote, and wok-fried scallops with Asian-style risotto and coconut dressing.
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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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Kohala Coffee Mill and Tropical Dreams Ice Cream

Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719 808-889-5577

Description: HAWI. The combination of coffee and ice cream under one roof may seem odd, but it's actually a clever strategy. The 100% Kona coffee is for folks who need a morning jumpstart, while the island-made ice cream is for folks who need an afternoon pick-me-up. Obviously, the coffee is great, and the ice cream is just as good. It comes in a variety of intriguing flavors, like pineapple-coconut, chocolate macadamia nut, green tea, and lychee. Enjoy your choice in the slightly down-at-the-heels café, which has a loyal local following.
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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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Kona Village Resort Luau

Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kona Village Resort, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 808-325-5555

Description: KONA COAST. The Big Island's longest continually running luau and one of its chief "must dos," this traditional feast is held under the watchful eye of the Hualalai Volcano. Each celebration kicks off with the imu ceremony ­ the unearthing of the kiawe-flavored (mesquite) pig, which has been cooked and buried in sand a full day before the feast. From there, things only get better, and the buffet-style feast includes everything from lomi salmon and ahi poke to coconut pudding and sweet potatoes. After the feast, guests are treated to a Polynesian revue, which features hula dancing, Samoan fire knife dancers, and the Tahitian tamure. No trip to paradise would be complete without experiencing one of its most carefully preserved customs.
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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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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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