Local Restaurants

Local Restaurants

Coffee Lovers Paradise


The Big Island of Hawaii is a haven for coffee enthusiasts, offering a unique experience with its renowned Kona Coffee. Grown exclusively on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, Kona Coffee is celebrated for its rich flavor, smooth body, and low acidity. Beyond Kona, other regions such as Ka‘u, Puna, Hilo, and Hamakua produce distinct coffee varieties influenced by their diverse climates and soils, adding to the island’s reputation as a premium coffee destination.

A visit to the Big Island isn’t complete without exploring its vibrant coffee culture through plantation tours. In Kona, numerous farms from Holualoa to Kaawaloa welcome visitors, offering insights into coffee harvesting and processing. Popular farms like Greenwell Farms, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, and Kona Coffee Living History Farm provide immersive experiences, including guided tours and hands-on activities like roasting your own coffee. Tasting freshly brewed coffee straight from the source is a highlight for many visitors.

Poke, Chocolate, Coffee and More!


The Big Island is a diverse and rich place, with a variety of cuisines influenced by the different cultures and ethnicities that have settled there over time..

From coffee and chocolate to poke and lau lau, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the local foods that you should not miss on your trip to the Big Island


Coffee and Chocolate

The Big Island is famous for its Kona coffee, known for its smooth, rich flavor, with many farms offering tours and tastings. Beyond Kona, you can try coffee from regions like Ka'u, Puna, and Hamakua. Pair your coffee with locally made chocolate by visiting cacao farms and sampling high-quality, organic treats.


Poke

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish, typically served over rice or salad, and available at many local restaurants and markets. Popular types include ahi (tuna) and salmon, with flavors like shoyu or spicy mayo. Top spots for poke on the Big Island include Suisan Fish Market in Hilo and Umeke in Kona.


Lau Lau

Lau lau is a Hawaiian dish of meat or fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender, often served with rice or poi. The taro leaves add a unique flavor and nutrients to the dish. Ka'aloa's Super J's in Captain Cook is well-known for its thick, flavorful pork lau lau.


Mauka Bar & Grill

The Big Island is famous for its Kona coffee, known for its smooth, rich flavor, with many farms offering tours and tastings. Beyond Kona, you can try coffee from regions like Ka'u, Puna, and Hamakua. Pair your coffee with locally made chocolate by visiting cacao farms and sampling high-quality, organic treats.


A-Bay's Waikoloa

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish, typically served over rice or salad, and available at many local restaurants and markets. Popular types include ahi (tuna) and salmon, with flavors like shoyu or spicy mayo. Top spots for poke on the Big Island include Suisan Fish Market in Hilo and Umeke in Kona.


Lau Lau

Lau lau is a Hawaiian dish of meat or fish wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender, often served with rice or poi. The taro leaves add a unique flavor and nutrients to the dish. Ka'aloa's Super J's in Captain Cook is well-known for its thick, flavorful pork lau lau.

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