Big Island

Home to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Drive the 11-mile Crater Rim Drive for views of the Halemaumau caldera, walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, and hike the Devastation Trail across a landscape reborn from past eruptions. At night, the glow from the caldera is visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook.

At 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea is the tallest peak in Hawaii and, measured from its base on the ocean floor, the tallest mountain on Earth. The summit hosts world-class observatories, and the sunset above the clouds here is genuinely otherworldly. The road above the Visitor Center is steep and unpaved.

Known as the Valley of the Kings, Waipio is a mile-wide, 2,000-foot-deep valley carved by waterfalls and rivers on the Hamakua Coast. The lookout at the top provides a sweeping view of the black sand beach, taro fields, and 1,400-foot Hi'ilawe Falls in the distance. Access to the valley floor is restricted.

Jet-black sand made from volcanic basalt meets crashing turquoise waves at this iconic beach between Kona and Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian green sea turtles haul out on the sand here daily — it is one of the most reliable spots in Hawaii for turtle sightings.

A short, paved loop trail through dense tropical jungle leads to views of the 442-foot Akaka Falls — one of the tallest and most photogenic waterfalls in the state. The trail also passes the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and is lined with giant bamboo, ferns, and orchids.

Hapuna is routinely ranked as the best beach on the Big Island and one of the top beaches in the United States. The wide, crescent-shaped white sand beach stretches half a mile along the Kohala Coast with crystal-clear water ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, and snorkeling.

A marine life conservation district with some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. The calm, crystal-clear water is home to spinner dolphins, vibrant coral reefs, and hundreds of tropical fish. The white monument on the far shore marks where Captain James Cook was killed in 1779.

Ka Lae is the southernmost point in the United States. The windswept cliffs and turquoise waters are dramatic and uncrowded. Nearby, the famous Punalu'u Bake Shop sells the best malasadas and sweetbread on the island — a must-stop for any Big Island road trip.

A free self-guided tour through Hawaii's most famous macadamia nut processing facility near Hilo. Watch the nuts being sorted, roasted, and chocolate-coated through large viewing windows, then sample every flavor at the tasting counter. The surrounding macadamia orchards are beautiful for a short walk.

An 80-foot waterfall that plunges into a natural pool surrounded by wild mango trees and tropical plants. On sunny mornings, rainbows form in the mist — giving the falls their name. A paved path leads to the overlook in under a minute, making it one of the easiest waterfall visits in Hawaii.

The most popular snorkeling beach on the Big Island and one of the best in all of Hawaii. The shallow, protected cove is packed with green sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral — often so crowded with marine life that turtles swim directly past snorkelers. The calm, shallow water is ideal for beginners and kids.

The Kohala Coast's most pristine and perfectly formed white sand beach, framed by the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The crescent of fine white sand and calm, turquoise water is considered one of the most beautiful resort beaches in the world. Public access is available through the hotel with a limited number of public parking passes.

One of the best family beaches on the Big Island, with calm, protected water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and beginner snorkeling. The beach is adjacent to the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, and the reef offshore is healthy and fish-rich. Full park amenities with lifeguards on weekends.

One of only four green sand beaches in the world, this crescent of olive-green sand sits inside a cinder cone crater at the southernmost tip of the Big Island. The unusual color comes from olivine crystals eroded from the surrounding lava formations. Reaching it requires a 2.5-mile each-way hike from the South Point road or a bumpy off-road shuttle ride.

A calm, sheltered white sand beach backed by ancient fishponds and coconut groves at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The calm water is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beginner snorkeling. Historic Hawaiian fish ponds and ancient petroglyphs are accessible via walking trails from the beach.

Pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Peter Merriman's flagship restaurant sources 90% of ingredients from Big Island farms and ranches. The wok-charred ahi, Kahua Ranch lamb, and macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi are signature dishes. The rustic-elegant dining room overlooks green pastureland.

The birthplace of the loco moco — a simple plate of rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy that became a Hawaiian staple. Since 1946, Cafe 100 has served over 30 variations including teriyaki, chili, and spam versions. Prices are unbeatable.

Regularly voted the best poke in Kona, this tiny roadside counter serves ultra-fresh ahi and tako poke by the pound. The spicy ahi, furikake, and limu (seaweed) varieties are all exceptional. Grab a container and eat on the seawall across the street watching the sunset.

A family-run Japanese-Hawaiian comfort food restaurant operating since 1929. The teishoku (set meal) with miso soup, sashimi, tempura, and pickled vegetables is the way to order. The cozy, no-frills dining room has barely changed in decades — and that is the charm.

A fast-casual burger joint using 100% Big Island grass-fed beef from local ranches. The burgers are cooked to order on a flattop and served with hand-cut fries. The wagyu burger and taro burger (vegetarian) are standouts. Small, busy, and worth the wait.

An iconic oceanfront dining institution reimagined at Auberge Resorts' Mauna Lani, serving contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. The menu highlights Big Island farmers, ranchers, and fishermen with dishes of extraordinary elegance and creativity. The sunset view over the Kohala Coast is unrivaled.

An oceanfront fine-dining restaurant at the Fairmont Orchid resort on the Kohala Coast, serving inventive Hawaiian Regional Cuisine in a setting that feels like a private lanai dinner. Fresh local fish, Hamakua mushrooms, and grass-fed Big Island beef feature prominently on a menu that changes with the season.

Kona's most beloved oceanfront café, where breakfast, lunch, and brunch are served on a breeze-swept lanai steps from the Pacific. The eggs Benedict with house-smoked salmon, banana foster French toast, and açaí bowls are all outstanding. Locals and visitors mix at the communal tables with ocean views and trade-wind breezes.

A top-tier specialty coffee shop roasting single-origin Kona beans in-house, serving both serious coffee bar drinks and a full breakfast and brunch menu. The rooftop ocean-view terrace, house-made açaí bowls, avocado toast, and freshly roasted lattes make it the best morning coffee stop in Kona.

A cliff-edge breakfast and lunch café perched above the Kona Coast at 1,300 feet elevation, with a jaw-dropping ocean view across the coffee belt. House-made baked goods, fresh-caught fish dishes, and Kona estate coffee grown on the hillside below make every order feel connected to the land.

The original Kona Brewing Company brewpub at Kona is where the legendary Big Wave, Longboard, and Fire Rock beers were born. The pub serves excellent pizza, fresh fish and chips, and pub fare alongside their fresh-from-the-tank beers. The outdoor patio with mountain views is the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon.

Perched on lava rocks directly over the water on Alii Drive, Huggo's is the classic Kona sunset bar and restaurant. The casual thatched-roof open-air setting, fresh fish dishes, and strong mai tais make it the best spot to watch the sun melt into the Pacific on the Kona coast. Great live Hawaiian music on weekends.

The Fairmont Orchid's signature oceanfront restaurant, Brown's Beach House is one of the most celebrated fine dining experiences on the Big Island, set directly on the beach with torchlit tables and views of the Kohala Coast at sunset. The menu features impeccably sourced Hawaii Regional Cuisine — fresh local fish, Big Island beef, and Kona coffee–infused desserts — executed with extraordinary precision.

An iconic oceanfront restaurant at the Mauna Lani Resort, Canoe House offers extraordinary Pacific Rim fine dining with some of the most dramatic sunset views in Hawaii. The menu is a masterwork of locally sourced ingredients — Big Island abalone, Kohala lobster, Hamakua mushrooms — elevated with Japanese and European influences. One of the most romantic dining settings in all of Hawaii.

The original flagship restaurant of Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer Peter Merriman, this Waimea institution has defined farm-to-table dining in Hawaii since 1988. Set in the cool upcountry town of Waimea surrounded by cattle ranches and vegetable farms, Merriman's sources nearly 90% of its ingredients from local farms within a 60-mile radius. The wok-charred ahi and the Big Island goat cheese salad are legendary.

A sophisticated French-Asian restaurant in a beautifully restored 1900s Waimea paniolo building, where French-trained chef Daniel Thiebaut creates extraordinary cuisine blending French technique with Big Island ingredients. The menu changes seasonally based on local farm deliveries, and the wine cellar is among the most impressive on the Big Island.

The signature oceanfront restaurant of the legendary Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Ulu Ocean Grill sits just steps from the Pacific with sweeping views of the Kohala Coast. The menu elevates local Hawaii ingredients — Kona lobster, Big Island farm vegetables, and fresh daily catches — into extraordinary dishes served with Four Seasons precision and hospitality.

A beloved Kona neighborhood restaurant with a devoted local following, Jackie Rey's serves creative, scratch-made contemporary Hawaiian cuisine in a warm, ohana (family) atmosphere. The rotating menu features fresh local fish, Big Island ranch meats, and seasonal produce from Kona and Kohala farms. One of the best dinner values on the Big Island.

The most acclaimed sushi restaurant on the Big Island, Kenichi Pacific serves creative Japanese-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced fish and innovative flavor combinations. The omakase tasting menu showcases the chef's finest work, while the à la carte menu of creative rolls and perfectly executed sashimi please every palate. A consistent favorite for special occasion dining in Kona.

The most beautiful coffee experience on the Big Island, Daylight Mind roasts their own Kona estate coffee on-site and serves it in a stunning oceanfront setting above the Kona waterfront. The farm-to-cup philosophy extends to their food menu, which features local ingredients in an equally thoughtful presentation. The sweeping ocean views while sipping fresh-roasted Kona coffee is one of the island's great pleasures.

A casual Kona institution directly on Alii Drive with ocean views, Island Lava Java serves fresh-roasted Kona coffee, hearty all-day breakfasts, and simple lunch plates in the most laid-back, tropical setting imaginable. The fresh-baked pastries, the eggs Benedict with local fish, and the house Kona blend coffee have made it a beloved morning ritual for repeat visitors.

A Hilo landmark in a beautifully restored 1912 warehouse building, Café Pesto serves artisan wood-fired pizzas, creative pasta dishes, and fresh seafood with Pacific Rim flavor influences. The Big Island ingredient philosophy means Hamakua mushrooms, Mauna Kea vegetables, and fresh local fish appear on every seasonal menu.

A contemporary farm-to-table restaurant in Hilo serving creative Pacific-influenced cuisine using Big Island-grown ingredients. The chef maintains direct relationships with local farmers, and the menu rotates based on what's freshest from Hamakua, Puna, and Ka'ū. The fresh fish preparations and the vegetable-forward small plates are consistently excellent.

A 24-hour Hilo institution open since 1971, Ken's House of Pancakes is legendary for massive, fluffy pancakes, hearty loco moco, and local plate lunches served at any hour of the day or night. The local regulars, the neon lights, and the around-the-clock service make this a beloved piece of Hilo culture — equal parts breakfast spot, late-night diner, and community gathering place.

A Hilo landmark since 1946, Cafe 100 claims to have invented the loco moco — Hawaii's beloved dish of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. The extensive menu of loco moco variations (including several creative options) and local plate lunches at bargain prices makes this a mandatory stop for anyone seeking an authentically Hawaiian dining experience in Hilo.

A truly unique Hilo restaurant operating its own freshwater fishponds, Seaside serves mullet, aholehole, and other freshwater fish raised on-site in historic loko i'a (Hawaiian fishponds). The rare experience of eating fish pulled from the pond just hours earlier, combined with the serene pond setting and traditional preparation methods, creates an unforgettable connection to ancient Hawaiian aquaculture.

A beloved Hilo sushi restaurant known for its excellent kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi at very affordable prices. The daily selection of fresh local fish sashimi, creative maki rolls, and hot Japanese side dishes makes this the go-to sushi spot for both Hilo locals and visitors. The prices are remarkably reasonable given the quality and freshness of the fish.

A cozy, eclectic Hilo coffee house that has been the bohemian gathering spot for Hilo's artists, writers, and coffee enthusiasts for decades. The freshly brewed Kona and Ka'ū estate coffees, the homemade pastries, and the relaxed, book-filled atmosphere create the ideal setting for a slow morning in Hilo. Bears Coffee feels like a time capsule of small-town Hawaii coffee culture.

A beloved Hilo restaurant serving creative, ingredient-driven cuisine inspired by Japanese, Mediterranean, and Hawaiian flavors in a historic downtown building. The menu is small, focused, and changes based on what local farmers and fishermen bring in. Moon and Turtle has earned devoted fans across the Big Island for its thoughtful cooking and genuine passion for local ingredients.

The best Thai restaurant on the Big Island, Naung Mai serves authentic, home-style Thai cuisine made from scratch by a Thai family who have brought the genuine flavors of their homeland to Hilo. The curries, pad see ew, and tom kha gai are cooked with housemade pastes and fresh local ingredients. The modest setting belies the extraordinary quality of the food.

A must-visit local breakfast spot in Waimea serving enormous portions of Hawaiian comfort food classics — massive pancakes, eggs plates with Big Island Portuguese sausage, and fresh fruit — at prices that feel impossibly low. The casual, aloha-spirit atmosphere and the genuinely friendly service embody the best of upcountry Big Island community dining.

A charming coffee house in the cool upcountry town of Waimea serving freshly roasted Big Island estate coffees — Kona, Ka'ū, and Puna varieties — alongside fresh-baked pastries and simple breakfast plates. The wood-beamed atmosphere and the aromatic coffee roasting make this a beloved morning stop for both Waimea locals and visitors exploring the island's interior.

A Big Island treasure since 1929, Teshima's is a family-run Japanese restaurant serving traditional Japanese-American comfort food that has remained largely unchanged for nearly a century. The miso soup, teriyaki plates, and freshly made tempura are prepared with the same family recipes that have satisfied generations of locals and visitors. A genuine piece of living Hawaiian history.

A legendary bakery in the Kau district — one of the southernmost points in the United States — famous for its freshly baked sweetbread, malasadas, and Hawaiian pastries. Located near the famous Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, the bakery is an essential stop on any South Point tour of the Big Island. The macadamia nut sweetbread is shipped worldwide by devoted fans.

A charming eclectic restaurant in the historic North Kohala town of Hawi, set in a beautifully restored wooden plantation building filled with rattan furniture, old Hawaiian photographs, and original art. The creative menu blends Pan-Asian and Hawaiian flavors using local North Kohala ingredients. Live Hawaiian music on weekends creates an unforgettable atmosphere at the northern tip of the island.

The charming coffee hub of North Kohala town, the Kohala Coffee Mill sits in the historic Hawi town center and serves freshly brewed estate coffees from surrounding Kohala farms, alongside house-baked pastries and light breakfast items. The outdoor seating area is a gathering spot for the close-knit North Kohala community and a welcoming stop for visitors exploring the island's northernmost point.

Widely regarded as the best poke restaurant on the Big Island, Umekes Fish Market sources fresh local fish directly from Kona fishermen daily to create an extraordinary variety of poke bowls, sashimi plates, and fresh fish preparations. The ahi shoyu poke, the spicy ahi, and the Hawaiian salt poke are the most popular varieties, and the quality is consistently exceptional.

A tiny, legendary poke shack in Kailua-Kona serving some of the island's finest poke in a simple counter-service setting. The daily selection of poke — made with fish purchased directly from Kona boats that morning — is renowned across the island for its freshness and quality. A true local gem that rewards early arrivals with the widest selection.

A beloved Waimea BBQ and seafood restaurant serving Big Island-raised meats slow-smoked over local kiawe wood alongside fresh local fish preparations. The combination of exceptional beef from nearby Parker Ranch, fresh fish from Kona, and the smoky kiawe wood barbecue technique has made this a favorite destination for both island residents and visitors seeking authentic Big Island flavors.

A Kona pizza institution serving hand-tossed gourmet pizzas with creative topping combinations that blend Italian tradition with Big Island flavors. The house-made dough, fresh local toppings including Hamakua mushrooms and locally grown basil, and the wood-fired baking technique produce some of the best pizzas in Hawaii.

A Kona burger institution serving fresh-ground Big Island beef patties in creative island-style burger combinations. The locally raised beef, the fresh-baked buns, and the inventive toppings — including teriyaki pineapple, kalua pig, and fresh local greens — make Annie's burgers some of the finest in Hawaii. A clean, fresh alternative to mainland chain burgers.

An acclaimed craft brewery in Waimea serving innovative, award-winning beers brewed with local Big Island ingredients including Kohala honey, Puna ginger, and fresh hops grown on the island's slopes. The taproom menu features elevated pub food and local plate lunches alongside their exceptional draft beers in a warm, welcoming upcountry atmosphere.

A Big Island institution since 1917, the Manago Hotel Restaurant in Captain Cook serves simple, home-style Japanese-Hawaiian plate lunches and dinner plates at prices that haven't kept pace with inflation. The pork chops — thick-cut, pan-fried, and served with rice and macaroni salad — are legendary across the island and have kept a devoted following coming back for generations.

Celebrity chef Sam Choy's Kona restaurant brings his signature fusion of Hawaiian, Asian, and American flavors to an open-air lanai setting overlooking Kailua Bay. The menu features fresh poke towers, Kona-style plate lunches, and creative entrées that made Choy famous across Hawaii. The ocean views and the aloha spirit of the setting make every meal festive.

A romantic lodge restaurant in Volcano Village offering refined European cuisine — rack of lamb, venison, and fresh island fish — in a cozy, fireplace-warmed setting at 3,700 feet elevation near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The combination of European culinary tradition and Big Island ingredients, served in the cool volcanic highlands atmosphere, creates an unforgettable dining experience.

A beloved café and restaurant in Volcano Village serving creative, seasonal cuisine using locally foraged ingredients and Big Island farm produce in a casual, welcoming setting. Named after the Hawaiian ohelo berry, the café celebrates Volcano's unique ecosystem through its food. The perfect spot for a warm meal and excellent locally roasted coffee after a morning in Volcanoes National Park.

A beloved Hilo shave ice and smoothie spot known for using all-natural, house-made syrups from fresh tropical fruits and no artificial colors or flavors. The light, fluffy shave ice in authentic tropical flavors — lilikoi, guava, mango, and coconut — has earned Simply Natural a devoted following among health-conscious visitors and Hilo locals alike.

A Kona shave ice institution on Alii Drive serving extra-fine, velvety shave ice with house-made tropical fruit syrups in a fun, open-air setting. The creamy textures and the inventive flavor combinations — including passion fruit, guava, mango, and lychee — make Scandinavian Shave Ice one of the most satisfying sweet stops on the Kona waterfront.

A beloved North Kohala burger spot in Hawi serving grass-fed Big Island beef burgers with creative toppings and fresh-cut fries. The locally sourced beef, the house-baked buns, and the friendly small-town atmosphere make this an essential stop for anyone driving through North Kohala to the King Kamehameha statue or Pololu Valley lookout.

A traditional Japanese restaurant at the Sheraton Kona Resort serving authentic Japanese cuisine — sashimi, tempura, teriyaki, and ramen — prepared with high-quality ingredients in a tranquil setting overlooking the Keauhou Bay area. The lunch bento boxes are excellent value and the dinner omakase is a sophisticated experience.

A casual fish house at Honokohau Harbor, just north of Kailua-Kona, serving fresh fish pulled directly from the commercial and sport fishing boats docking in the harbor just steps away. The grilled mahi sandwich, fish tacos, and fresh poke are among the freshest preparations you'll find anywhere on the island. Watch fishing boats unload their catch while eating.

A casual waterfront grill in Hilo serving fresh local fish, burgers, and Hawaiian plate lunches in a relaxed setting. The direct access to fresh Hilo Bay seafood and the laid-back outdoor dining atmosphere make it a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking straightforward, well-prepared food with a view.

A cozy Italian café in Kailua-Kona serving wood-fired pizzas, housemade pasta, and Italian classics in a warm, intimate setting that transports diners to a trattoria in Tuscany. The house-made cannoli and the tiramisu are consistently praised as the best Italian desserts on the Big Island.

A family-run Mexican restaurant in Kona serving generous, authentic Mexican-American dishes — carne asada burritos, enchiladas, and fresh tacos — at very reasonable prices. The house-made salsas, fresh guacamole, and slow-cooked meats make this one of the best value dinner options in the Kona area.

A popular Kona poke bowl restaurant serving build-your-own poke bowls with daily fresh fish, creative sauces, and inventive toppings in a modern fast-casual format. The freshness of the fish — sourced from Kona's commercial fishing fleet — and the quality of the house-made sauces have made Poke to the Max a favorite for quick, high-quality meals.

A casual farm-to-table café in Hilo serving fresh, locally grown organic dishes — grain bowls, salads, and daily specials — using ingredients from small Puna and Hamakua farms. The commitment to supporting local food systems and the genuinely delicious, nourishing food have made Hilo Homegrown a favorite for health-conscious visitors and local food community members.

A tiny, no-frills plate lunch counter in Hilo serving generous, home-cooked Japanese-Hawaiian plate lunches at prices that haven't changed much since the 1970s. The regulars — city workers, teachers, and construction crews — fill the small dining room for the saimin, rice plates, and daily specials that represent the best of authentic working-Hawaii food culture.

A lively Kona bar and grill serving fresh local fish tacos, burgers, and pub fare alongside an excellent selection of local Hawaiian craft beers and tropical cocktails. The outdoor seating area, happy hour specials, and casual atmosphere make it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors after a day of ocean activities.

A casual plate lunch and local food spot in the Puna district serving generous portions of Hawaiian comfort food for the local community. The kalua pig plate, the loco moco, and the fresh catch of the day are the go-to items for those exploring the lower Puna district and the lava flow areas of the Big Island's most geologically active region.

Hilo's most beloved live music restaurant, Gertrude's Jazz Bar & Grill serves creative Pacific Rim cuisine alongside exceptional live jazz performances several nights a week. The intimate atmosphere, the locally sourced menu of fresh fish and Big Island meats, and the commitment to Hawaii's jazz music culture make this a uniquely special Hilo experience.

The signature oceanfront restaurant of the historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel — one of Hawaii's most storied luxury resorts — serving fresh local fish, prime steaks, and Hawaiian Regional Cuisine with incomparable views of Kauna'oa Bay. The legendary sunset setting over Kauna'oa Beach is one of the most beautiful dining backdrops in all of Hawaii.

A popular Thai-Asian fusion restaurant in Kailua-Kona serving authentic Thai curries, creative Asian small plates, and fresh local seafood dishes with Thai flavor profiles. The house curries — green, red, and massaman — are made with house-ground curry pastes and are consistently praised as the finest Thai food in Kona.

A beloved family-run Thai restaurant in Hilo serving authentic, home-style Thai cuisine with genuinely authentic flavors. The massaman curry, the pad see ew, and the fresh mango sticky rice dessert are the house favorites. The portions are generous, the service is warm, and the prices are remarkably reasonable.

A lively outdoor beer garden in Kailua-Kona specializing in locally brewed craft beers from the Big Island's growing microbrewing community, alongside casual pub fare — pizzas, wings, and fresh fish plates. The open-air garden atmosphere, the rotating selection of draft beers, and the live music on weekends create a genuinely festive Kona evening.

A casual plate lunch spot near Hilo's waterfront serving the classic Hawaiian plate lunch experience — two scoops rice, macaroni salad, and a choice of main protein — at the most affordable prices in town. The daily specials of teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, and fresh catch reflect the rotating availability of Big Island local ingredients.

A beloved Kona burrito shop serving enormous, freshly made California-style burritos, quesadillas, and nachos with locally sourced proteins at very reasonable prices. The oversized burritos stuffed with fresh ingredients — kalua pork, fresh fish, or classic carne asada — have earned Extreme Burritos a devoted local following for a satisfying, affordable meal.

A local Korean-Hawaiian plate lunch spot in Hilo serving authentic Korean BBQ plates, bibimbap, and Korean-fusion local dishes at bargain prices. The kalbi beef, the kimchi fried rice, and the dolsot bibimbap hot stone pot are the house specialties, drawing a loyal following of Hilo locals who appreciate genuine Korean flavors at reasonable prices.

A popular shave ice stand on Kailua-Kona's tourist corridor serving finely shaved ice with house-made tropical fruit syrups in an open-air beachside setting. The lilikoi (passion fruit), mango, and guava flavors use fresh tropical fruit syrups, and the ice cream base option adds a satisfying creamy contrast to the icy tropical layers.

A beloved Kona neighborhood restaurant serving generous, well-priced plate lunches, burgers, and local comfort food for the working community. The mahimahi burger, the garlic chicken plate, and the fresh poke bowl have earned Kuakini Grill a loyal local following for honest, satisfying food at prices that haven't joined the resort markup trend.

A beloved North Kohala roadside burger and taco stand near Kawaihae Harbor, serving fresh-ground Big Island beef burgers and fish tacos at the crossroads of the Kohala Mountain and Kawaihae roads. A favorite stop for surfers, divers, and visitors exploring the North Kohala coast.

A popular Waimea restaurant and bar serving creative American comfort food using Big Island ranch meats and upcountry farm produce in a welcoming, roadhouse atmosphere. The Big Island beef burgers, the slow-cooked pork ribs, and the craft cocktails have made the Waimea Roadhouse a favorite gathering spot for North Kohala and Waimea locals.

A charming café and gallery in Volcano Village serving freshly brewed Puna estate coffee, homemade pastries, and light breakfast and lunch items in a beautiful garden setting adjacent to a working artist's studio and gallery. A perfect complement to a morning in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, combining art appreciation with excellent local coffee.

A legendary upcountry Big Island drive-in that invented the unique Portuguese malasada (fried doughnut) filled with fresh local tropical fruit preserves — a variation not found elsewhere in Hawaii. The fresh-fried, sugar-dusted malasadas filled with guava, pineapple, mango, and papaya jams have made Tex Drive In a mandatory stop on any East Hawaii road trip.

A beloved Hilo neighborhood restaurant known for fresh, beautifully presented dishes that combine local Hawaiian ingredients with creative contemporary cooking. The fresh fish preparations, the excellent salads featuring local farm greens, and the house-made desserts have earned Pineapples a reputation for quality beyond what the casual setting would suggest.

A creative gastropub in Kailua-Kona serving globally inspired small plates, fresh local fish preparations, and craft cocktails in a lively, art-filled setting. The rotating menu features seasonal Big Island produce and daily-caught local seafood prepared with international flavor influences from the chef's travels.

The casual café and market version of Peter Merriman's acclaimed Waimea flagship, serving farm-fresh sandwiches, salads, and breakfast plates using the same locally sourced Big Island ingredients as the fine dining restaurant — but at much more accessible prices. A perfect stop for those who want to experience Merriman's farm-to-table philosophy without the formal dinner price point.

A casual sushi and Japanese restaurant in Kailua-Kona serving creative rolls, fresh sashimi, and classic Japanese dishes using locally caught Big Island fish. The daily local fish sashimi — often ahi, ono, or opakapaka pulled from the Kona Coast that morning — is genuinely exceptional and competitively priced.

A casual local bar and restaurant in Na'alehu — one of the southernmost towns in the United States — serving generous plate lunches, fresh fish, and burgers to the close-knit Ka'ū community. An authentic local stop for those making the South Point driving adventure to the southernmost tip of the United States.

A longstanding Hilo sports bar and casual restaurant serving American comfort food — burgers, sandwiches, and wings — alongside cold beers and sports viewing in a friendly, neighborhood bar atmosphere. A genuine gathering place for Hilo's local community, Cronie's embodies the casual, unpretentious character that defines authentic Hilo dining culture.

A hidden gem in the Captain Cook coffee belt, Keei Cafe serves creative contemporary cuisine using fresh local ingredients in a tiny, intimate setting that regularly earns outsized praise from food lovers exploring the South Kona coast. The daily-changing menu reflects what local farms and fishing boats delivered that morning.

One of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth. After dark, lights attract plankton which draw giant manta rays — with wingspans up to 16 feet — that glide inches from your face as they feed. Snorkel and dive operators depart nightly from Keauhou Bay and the airport area.

The Kona Coffee Belt stretches along the western slopes of Hualalai volcano, where volcanic soil and afternoon cloud cover create the perfect growing conditions. Small family farms offer tours through their groves, explain the hand-picking and sun-drying process, and let you taste freshly roasted single-origin beans.

This sacred National Historical Park preserves a 180-acre royal compound where ancient Hawaiians who broke kapu (sacred laws) could seek sanctuary. The reconstructed heiau (temple), hand-carved ki'i (wooden images), and stone walls along the coast are hauntingly beautiful. The adjacent Two Step beach has incredible snorkeling.

The largest and most vibrant farmers market in Hawaii, with over 200 vendors every Wednesday and Saturday. Stalls overflow with tropical fruits (rambutan, dragonfruit, starfruit), fresh flower leis, local honey, baked goods, and hot food. It is the best place to experience Big Island agriculture and culture.

A surreal forest of lava-encased tree molds created when a 1790 lava flow swept through an ohia forest. The fast-flowing lava hardened around the trunks, and when the trees burned away they left hollow lava pillars standing like ghostly sentinels. A short, paved loop trail winds through the formations.

The most spectacular botanical garden on the Big Island, featuring a 40-acre rainforest garden above the dramatic cliffs of Onomea Bay. Trails wind through towering heliconia, torch ginger, and waterfalls past an ancient lava tube. The viewpoint over the bay — where dolphins and turtles are often visible — is one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

At 13,796 feet with near-zero light pollution and one of the clearest atmospheres on Earth, Mauna Kea is one of the top stargazing destinations in the world. The Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet runs free star programs nightly. From the summit, the Milky Way blazes overhead in a way most people have never seen.

A natural two-tiered lava shelf at the entrance to Kealakekua Bay creates the perfect ocean entry point for one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. Spinner dolphins regularly shelter in the bay, and the coral garden just offshore is vibrant with reef fish, turtles, and occasionally manta rays.

The 20-mile Kona Coffee Belt from Holualoa to Kealakekua is lined with small family farms, roadside coffee stands, and scenic overlooks above the ocean. Drive the historic Highway 180 through a corridor of coffee trees, macadamia orchards, and fragrant blossoms. Multiple farms offer free tasting tours along the way.