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 worldâs 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? HawaiÊ»i 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 doesnât 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.
Theyâve recently added an espresso and ice cream shop next door serving indulgent Tropical Dreams ice creams and HawaiÊ»iâs 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 isnât your thing? Not to worry, theyâve 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 Chubbyâs 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 âbowling alley foodâ. They have burgers and fries, pizza, chicken tendersâŠalong side ox tail soup, Korean chicken, and teriyaki beef, just to name a few. The portions are quite large, so if youâre not famished, plates are easily shared (theyâll even give you an extra plate if you let them know youâd 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 â 11:30pm.
Ken’s House of Pancakes is definitely one of the best places to eat on the Big Island
Whether youâre in the mood for breakfast for dinner or local grinds anytime⊠itâs Kenâs!
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 doesnât 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 âBest Breakfast on the Big Islandâ 14 years in a row, these guys arenât known as the House of Pancakes for nothing! Be prepared, the portions are large (HawaiÊ»ian style)! And if youâre up for the challenge, they even have âsumoâ sized portions on their menu. Theyâll alert the restaurant with their gong and a loud âSUMOâ as they bring your sumo sized meal from the kitchen to your table. The looks on the other patronsâ 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, youâll 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? Dominoâs is quick and tasty. Thereâs also a Dairy Queen inside the food court and a Starbucks just outside in the shopping center if youâre looking for a quick treat while adventuring with the family!
Last but not least: Punaluâu Bake Shop
MMMMâŠ.. MalasadasâŠ. Fried dough filled with cream, custard, jam, or jelly. Say it, âMalasadas!â
This place is not to be missed while traveling on the South end of our island. Also known as the âSouthern Most Bakery in the United Statesâ, 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 â 5:00pm.
Aloha and good eating!
