5 Family-Friendly Places to Eat on the Big Island

Looking for places to eat on the Big Island? Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most incredible restaurants in the world, all easily accessible on one Big Island. And when we say incredible, we truly mean it!

Some of the world’s top chefs have restaurants here which are truly delectable, but even our lesser known eateries will feed you and your families with hearty meals made with Aloha.

Most of us with families (especially little ones) tend to grab something on the go, usually something familiar to our daily routines. But if you’re here on vacation, why not try something new? Hawaiʻi has some great options for traveling families that are not to be missed!

Here are 5 of our favorite places to eat on the Big Island, surely to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Places to eat on the Big Island: the Aloha Deli

Aloha Deli looks inviting doesn’t it?

These guys have been filling our bellies with ono grinds (delicious food) since 1993 and have been at their current location in Kawaihae for just about 6 years.

They’ve recently added an espresso and ice cream shop next door serving indulgent Tropical Dreams ice creams and Hawaiʻi’s famous shave ice. And being so close to Kawaihae Habor, their specialty is definitely fish!

With many different preparation options, there is surely something to satisfy your tastebuds. Fish isn’t your thing? Not to worry, they’ve got amazing plate lunches as well. Their homemade veggie patties have been getting rave reviews for a great vegetarian option. Be sure to try their Homemade Papaya Seed Dressing!

Breakfast and lunch is served all day from 7:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday.

Try Chubby’s Diner when you visit the Big Island

Pig out and bowl out!

Located inside of KBXtreme in Kailua-Kona, this is a great place to grab some awesome food and have some fun before, during, or after the meals. KBXtreme is the local bowling alley in Kailua-Kona, located in the back of Lanihau Center.

If you’re looking for places to eat on the Big Island, know that this is not your typical “bowling alley food”. They have burgers and fries, pizza, chicken tenders…along side ox tail soup, Korean chicken, and teriyaki beef, just to name a few. The portions are quite large, so if you’re not famished, plates are easily shared (they’ll even give you an extra plate if you let them know you’d like to share).

Everything on this eclectic menu is super and your family will be sure to leave there happy and ready to conquer the day!

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 9:00am – 11:30pm.

Ken’s House of Pancakes is definitely one of the best places to eat on the Big Island

Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast for dinner or local grinds anytime… it’s Ken’s!

Open since 1971, this 24 hour diner always hits the spot! The parking lot is quite small, but it seems that even when the lot is full it doesn’t take much time for someone to finish up their meal and continue on their day. Be patient, I promise this place is worth it.

Voted “Best Breakfast on the Big Island” 14 years in a row, these guys aren’t known as the House of Pancakes for nothing! Be prepared, the portions are large (Hawaiʻian style)! And if you’re up for the challenge, they even have “sumo” sized portions on their menu. They’ll alert the restaurant with their gong and a loud “SUMO” as they bring your sumo sized meal from the kitchen to your table. The looks on the other patrons’ faces are priceless!

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served all day long and their extensive menu is sure to have something for everyone in your family from 1 to 101.

Parker Ranch Center

Plenty of shopping and a great food court to satisfy everyone!

Traveling through Waimea, you’ll see some of the more familiar fast food joints and places to eat on the Big Island. You can eat that stuff anywhere! Be adventurous and eat where the locals eat.

The Parker Ranch Center is a great stop for food and shopping! Their food court has so many options from Chinese, Korean, and Mexican food. Village Burgers is known for their high quality Big Island Beef (hormone and antibiotic free) and wonderful vegetarian options.

Wanna grab a pizza? Domino’s is quick and tasty. There’s also a Dairy Queen inside the food court and a Starbucks just outside in the shopping center if you’re looking for a quick treat while adventuring with the family!

Last but not least: Punalu’u Bake Shop

MMMM….. Malasadas…. Fried dough filled with cream, custard, jam, or jelly. Say it, “Malasadas!”

This place is not to be missed while traveling on the South end of our island. Also known as the “Southern Most Bakery in the United States”, these guys have it all!

The aroma from their kitchen draws in tourists and locals daily to enjoy their scrumptious treats. They offer FREE samples of their famous Hawaiʻian Sweetbread varieties while shopping in their well-stocked gift store. The food is simple, but always satisfying! They have hot dogs, hot and cold sandwiches, plate lunches, and vegetarian options that can be enjoyed on their 4-acre tropical estate with plenty of seating on either side of the gift shop.

Take a moment to walk around their grounds and enjoy the beautiful tropical scenery of palm trees, fragrance and culinary gardens. Open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Aloha and good eating!