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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

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OpenTable
Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island restaurant
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island
4.8
4.8 (5502)
$31 to $50
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Kamuela
About the restaurant
Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com
Top review
Erick
Dined 5 days ago
As usual Tommy Bahama’s did not disappoint. The Mac crusted Mahi Mahi was delicious. The waiter was attentive and knowledgeable about the offerings. Will definitely return.
A photo of Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge restaurant
Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge
4.8
4.8 (879)
$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Kailua-Kona
About the restaurant
Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.
Top review
JillVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Not a better spot on the Big Island to enjoy good food and great service!
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A photo of Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe" of a restaurant
Popular dish
Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"
A photo of Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars of a restaurant
Experience
Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars
A photo of Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast restaurant
Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast
4.6
4.6 (3752)
$50 and over
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Kohala Coast
About the restaurant
The breathtaking ocean vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, our signature fine dining restaurant. Boasting fresh Hawai‘i Island-inspired cuisine, live Hawaiian music and spectacular sunset panoramas, this dining experience is a feast for all of your senses.


Top review
ErinVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Frank our server was great! We loved the food and the ambiance.
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A photo of MISO SAKE CLAMS of a restaurant
Popular dish
MISO SAKE CLAMS
A photo of HUAĀLANI DUCK BREAST of a restaurant
Popular dish
HUAĀLANI DUCK BREAST
A photo of FILET MIGNON of a restaurant
Popular dish
FILET MIGNON
A photo of Halani restaurant
Halani
4.6
4.6 (1096)
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
Kamuela
About the restaurant
Reflecting a journey through the Mediterranean, set against a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, choose between colorful mezze platters, a selection of tender kebabs from Hamakua raised lamb to Kahua ranch beef sirloin, signature grilled seafood dishes including Whole Kampachi and Mibrasa Style Branzino with ladolemono & Waimea cherry tomatoes, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This beloved al fresco eatery embraces the rich culinary traditions of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the tropical beauty of Hawai’i to offer a rich tapestry of dishes highlighted by locally-sourced produce and seafood.
Top review
CesarVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Great location with savory fresh ingredients. Kitchen was slow but the fantastic location help the wait. Great GF options and they have cauliflower pita bread.
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A photo of Margherita Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Margherita Pizza
A photo of Rhythm and Brunch at Halani of a restaurant
Experience
Rhythm and Brunch at Halani
A photo of Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar restaurant
Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar
4.6
4.6 (1866)
$30 and under
American
Kailua-Kona
About the restaurant
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on the water in beautiful downtown Kona! Join us for a gastro-pub style menu with an island twist.

Come sit by the water at Papa Kona! We offer best eggs benedict in town, our fan-favorite avocado fries, and a craft cocktail list you won't find anywhere else.

Reservations are limited to preserve space for walk-in guests. If you can't find a table online, we welcome you to walk-in!
Top review
Tiffiny
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Server was great! Sitting by the ocean was lovely. Music was a bit loud.
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A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish Tacos
A photo of Avocado Fries of a restaurant
Popular dish
Avocado Fries
A photo of Traditional Eggs Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Traditional Eggs Benedict
A photo of Hau Tree at Mauna Kea restaurant
Hau Tree at Mauna Kea
4.5
4.5 (288)
$30 and under
American
Kohala Coast
About the restaurant
Just steps from the beach and ocean with your toes practically in the sand, Hau Tree is a casual open-air option for relaxed lunches and dinners on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. It’s complete with a gazebo-style bar perfectly situated for meeting friends old and new while enjoying cocktails, local brews and awaiting a glimpse of the sunset’s elusive green flash. Hau Tree’s menu includes sandwiches, wraps, fish tacos, salads, ice cream, and Mauna Kea’s famous Ovaltine Froth.
Top review
Lylyana
Dined on Dec 3, 2024
Great place for dinner while enjoying amazing sunset views.
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A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish Tacos
A photo of Mahimahi Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mahimahi Fish Tacos
A photo of FORC restaurant
FORC
4.5
4.5 (377)
$50 and over
Farm-to-table
Kamuela
About the restaurant
Owned by Chef Allen Hess, FORC brings farm to table in the heart of Waimea. FORC showcases a farm to table aspect by bringing fresh harvests from Farmers, the Ocean and Ranchers. By changing our menu seasonally, we are able to get creative with what Hawai’i has to offer us. Local style brunch items like our FORC signature sandwich, brown butter banana pancakes and our housemade bacon. Hearty seasonal dinner dishes like our Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, and Chef’s Hawaiian Meal. There are vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options too. Indulge more with special menus like happy hour and holiday menus. Sip on our award winning cocktails or sit down and soak in the best dining atmosphere.
Top review
KristaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing meal: Portuguese bread, lettuce wraps and bacon to start. Whole roasted kalekale was delicious and perfectly prepared. Same with butter fish, chicken, filet mignon. Finished with chocolate crème brûlée. Cocktails were also great. Loved the ube lemon drop martini and family enjoyed their mai tais. Great meal and excellent service.
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A photo of Filet Mignon Prime Grade of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet Mignon Prime Grade
A photo of Copper Bar at Mauna Kea restaurant
Copper Bar at Mauna Kea
4.4
4.4 (663)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Kohala Coast
About the restaurant
Dynamic Takes on Modern Traditions. Copper Bar is one of Kohala Coast’s favorite dining and gathering places. Casual, creative tapas and entrees incorporate locally grown ingredients and are easily paired with a selection of craft cocktails, locally-brewed beers, and wine. Unwind with a handcrafted Mauna Kea Mule and absorb sweeping ocean views that have beckoned travelers for generations.

*Please note that seating to guests that are not in-house at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is subject to availability*
Top review
TracyVIP
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
Dining at Copper Bar may have been our favorite dining experience on the Big Island! The setting was outstanding with the sunsetting and snorkeled heading out to see the manta rays. The service was outstanding. Our server was warm, knowledgeable, attentive. We loved the music and the beautiful, talented hula dancer made it extra special.
A photo of Mauka Bar and Grill restaurant
Mauka Bar and Grill
4.2
4.2 (121)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Waikoloa
About the restaurant
A Bar and Grill during the day and Steakhouse by night. Amazing food prepared by very experienced chefs with live music nightly and beautiful mountain and sunset views.
Top review
GaryVIP
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
A very nice dinner & evening at Mauka. Everyone was so cordial making our anniversary celebration very special! Our servers were amazingly helpful & attentive. My dinner of Escargot, Macadamia Nut Crusted Ono & Mango Crème Brûlée for dessert were the best flavors I have tasted. For this incredible meal, we paired a bottle of French Medoc. I want to try their Rack of Lamb or Lobster next with a Tiramisu dessert. We are coming back!
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A photo of Filet of a restaurant
Popular dish
Filet
A photo of New York of a restaurant
Popular dish
New York
A photo of Honu's on the Beach Restaurant restaurant
Honu's on the Beach Restaurant
3.9
3.9 (519)
$30 and under
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Kailua-Kona
About the restaurant
Three hours of complimentary validated self-parking!

For a premier dining experience in the seaside village of Kailua-Kona, visit Honu’s on the Beach. Honu's on the Beach offers a delicious Hawaiian-style daily buffet breakfast and Kona's famous (and only) Sunday brunch - offering all you can eat sweet snow crab, eggs benedict, etc. Don't miss the make-your-own bloody Mary bar or the bottomless mimosas! Enjoy dining on the spacious lanai with amazing views of historic village of Kailua-Kona. Choose from a tasty a la carte menu or indulge in the breakfast buffet, featuring made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, pancakes, breakfast meats, and much more.

Saturday night features the popular Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet including all you can eat snow crab, poke, seafood delicacies, and of course, gorgeous prime rib. The full bar offers craft cocktails using private label rum.

Honu's also offers a private dining room for parties and celebrations for up to 80 of your friends and family.
Top review
Lori
Dined on Nov 29, 2024
Great experience all around. The drinks were wonderful!
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A photo of Slow Roasted Prime Rib of a restaurant
Popular dish
Slow Roasted Prime Rib
A photo of Crab Legs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crab Legs
A photo of 2025 Recovery Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
2025 Recovery Brunch
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