The Big Island has restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets, so whether you’ve spent the day relaxing at the beach or daytripping in the mountains, you’ll definitely want to enjoy the dinner meal. Here are some of our favorite options on the Kohala Coast.
But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes.
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For more suggestions on best restaurants on the Big Island, the best things to do on the Big Island, and the best places to stay on the Big Island, click here.
Feature Photo: Merriman’s Facebook
Queens’ Marketplace food court, Waikoloa Beach Resort, 69-210 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa
Dietitians might not agree doughnuts can be pono (righteous), but the mochi and cake doughnuts, malasadas and local coffee hit the right spot for many a Queens’ Marketplace food court patron, based on how quickly some pastries sell out. The wreath-like mochi doughnuts sport tropical flavors such as li hing mango, guava and lilikoi poppy, but you can also find classic jelly and Bavarian cream doughnuts, as well as a few savory egg sandwiches.
1 North Kaniku Dr., Kohala Coast
808.885.5778
Located inside the Fairmont Orchid Hotel north of Kailua-Kona, Brown’s Beach House boasts spectacular views and live Hawaiian music. The restaurant can accommodate small groups as well as larger parties. The menu features fresh seafood and also specialties like Big Island venison. We recommend bringing a large group so you can sample as much of the menu as possible.
Chef Peter Merriman is one of the godfathers of Hawaii’s farm to table movement, and Merriman’s is leading the way for culinary excellence on the islands. Their lunch menu has all the fixings of a great midday meal — we recommend the Caesar salad to start, followed by the fresh-catch fish sandwich and accompanied by a couple glasses of chardonnay.
