Local Eats on the Big Island
We visited the Big Island for 10 days in February, 2021 and above is a recommendations for our local eats on the Island. If you have read our other posts , our love for food would be evident by now. Else this one can give you a start. We are always on the hunt to find locally sourced food and restaurants, owned by locals that serve the food of the season. I guess thats the only way you can guarantee every penny spent on food is full of nutrition.
So here are my honest reviews for the food places on the Big Island sorted by most recommended ones first :
What's Shakin
We visited this stand thrice in our entire stay on the island. Fresh fruit, wraps and ice-creams are some of the notable things to put your hand on. Given Avocado's were in season , we tried the Avocado wrap which had the creamiest of avocado and did get some information from the gentleman about the whole varieties of avocado that Kona grows with their seasonality. We bought some fresh hand picked rambutan , which was so juicy and sweet which served as our snack pre and post hikes. You will also find Hawaii famous, Tropical Dreams Ice-cream. (Try their coconut flavor)
Fruit Stand at Waimea:
This is was rare find for us and though we were not hungry; the colorful fruit stand attracted us to it. Do stop here if you are visiting Waimea or near the north side of Island. We had coconut water with meat and also got a taste of some juicy sweet bananas.
Aloha Mix Food Truck Cafe
They are open only few days of the week like Thursday/Monday for a limited time, but this is must try if you are spending your day south of Island. The Lava shrimp is a must try and so is their Acai bowl.
Tex Drive Inn
If you want to try some Hawaiian platters and classics, this place is for you. Try their malasadas and any of the meat options that you are craving for. You will not be disappointed. We had lunch and breakfast here (Obviously on two separate days.)
Minnie's Ohana Lim Style
This place caught us by surprise after our hike at the Pololu Valley lookout. Tired and hungry we landed here and the Grilled Mahi Mahi plate here was all what we needed.
Menuhune Coffee Company:
A busy breakfast place, serving breakfast and lunch. Got a dark mocha that made my day. Both the kailua pork Omlet and croissant Omlet were up to the mark.
Kona Crust Pizza: One of the best pizzas that I have had. We usually take pizza by slices at any pizzeria since we get to taste most of their flavors in a single meal. We visited this place twice and both times it was quite busy, locals and tourist taking multiple boxes of cardboards filled with pizzas.
Coffee grindz: If you are looking for an early morning breakfast , this one opens at 6:30 AM. The breakfast options here are local and homemade, run by a women and daughter duo. We had a burger and breakfast wrap here and were set for a long hike. Do stop here if you are out of Kona and driving south. Be mindful, there are no restrooms around.
Kenichi Pacific: We went here for a date night, both the food and drinks were good. Do make a reservation though.
Puka Puka Kitchen: Craving for some comfort food at the end of a busy day , consider a takeout from here. Their chicken katsu and shrimp platter were really good.
Laulima, Kona : Go to place for fresh lunch bowls.
Some other mentions if you run out of the above options:
Kaya's Kawanui Inc: Organic breakfast place , super busy , great coffee.
Hawaiian Vanilla Company : Try one of their desserts made of locally farmed Vanilla , also their tours get booked pretty fast so dont forget to make a reservation.
Basik Cafe: Go here for Acai Bowls.
Just Cruising Coffee: The only drive thru option in Hilo for early birds.
Shaka Tacoz: Tacos near Captain Cook with a good view.
Tropics Tap House: Your place in Kona to try local brews without a reservation.
Pineapples Restaurant : If you want to make a difficult reservation with pricey food. Not a fan of their flavor profile.
