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Hello Beautiful Soul!
One of the best ways to connect with a destination is through its food. The Big Island offers a unique culinary landscape, blending traditional Hawaiian flavors with fresh Pacific Rim cuisine, all sourced from the rich volcanic soil and surrounding ocean.
This guide is for the foodie traveler who wants to go beyond the resort restaurants and discover the authentic, must-try local gems in Kona, Waikoloa, and Hilo. Get ready to taste the island!
Kona: Coffee, Seafood, and Sunset Dining
Kona is the place for fresh catches and casual, oceanfront dining.
- Kona Coffee: Start every morning with a cup of 100% Kona coffee. Visit a local farm or grab a brew at a cafe along Ali‘i Drive.
- Fresh Poke: You absolutely must try poke (raw, marinated fish). Look for local markets or small shops that serve it fresh daily.
- Lūʻau Experience: For a full cultural and culinary immersion, a lūʻau is essential. You’ll enjoy traditional dishes cooked in an imu (underground oven).
- Book Your Feast: Island Breeze Luau on the Big Island.
- Food Tour: If you want a guided taste of the town, try a walking tour: Kona Historical Walking Food Tour.
Waikoloa: Upscale Dining and Resort Cuisine
Waikoloa’s dining scene is centered around its luxury resorts, offering high-end Pacific Rim and international cuisine.
- Resort Restaurants: Even if you aren’t staying at a luxury resort like Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, many of their restaurants are open to the public and offer incredible dining experiences with stunning ocean views.
- Sunset Dining: Look for restaurants near A-Bay for the best sunset views while you dine.
- Dinner Cruise: Combine your meal with a scenic sail: Historical Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay.
Hilo: Authentic Local Flavors and Markets
Hilo is the place to find authentic, local, and often budget-friendly food. It’s less about fine dining and more about genuine Hawaiian and Asian-fusion flavors.
- Hilo Farmers Market: This is a must-visit for foodies! Grab fresh tropical fruits (like rambutan or lychee), local honey, and prepared foods like fresh spring rolls or poke bowls.
- Plate Lunch: A Hawaiian staple! Look for local spots serving a “plate lunch”—usually rice, mac salad, and a main protein like Kalua Pig or Teriyaki Chicken.
- Saimin: A local noodle soup that is perfect for a cool, rainy Hilo day. Look for small, family-run diners.
- Malasadas: Don’t leave Hilo without trying a malasada—a Portuguese doughnut without a hole, often rolled in sugar or filled with cream.
From the rich coffee of Kona to the fresh fish of Hilo, the Big Island is a feast for the senses. Enjoy every bite!
What’s the most unique Hawaiian dish you’ve ever tried? Share it below!
Stay stylish, stay adventurous, and keep chasing those sunsets.