Where to Shop & Eat
on the Big Island

Our favorite places to grab groceries, grab a coffee, and eat well — from right here in Waikoloa all the way around the island.

A note from us — We’ve lived in Waikoloa Village and eaten our way around this island. These are the places we actually recommend to friends and family — a mix of local treasures, iconic spots, and a few hidden gems. Hours change, so always worth a quick call before heading out. And if you need a last-minute poke fix at 10pm, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy every bite!

Coffee & Breakfast Spots

4.8 ★  ·  Coffee & Café  ·  68-1845 Waikoloa Rd #126, Waikoloa Village  ·  Daily 6:30am–2pm

The best coffee spot in the village, full stop. Single-origin Hawaiian coffees, incredible açaí bowls, avocado lox toast, and breakfast sandwiches. The ube coffee and mac nut latte are must-orders. Relaxed outdoor patio, friendly staff, and a true neighborhood vibe. This is where we go every morning.

4.7 ★  ·  Coffee & Sandwiches  ·  68-1820 Waikoloa Rd #J101, Waikoloa Village  ·  Daily 6am–2pm

Affordable Kona pour-overs, cold brew, and freshly made sandwiches in the heart of the village. Great loyalty program and a cozy indoor space with board games. A solid daily stop — try the Butterbeer cold brew.

4.1 ★  ·  Coffee & Café  ·  Kings’ Shops, Waikoloa Beach Resort  ·  Daily 6am–3pm

Solid espresso and a wonderful frozen coconut Kona mocha. Conveniently located at the Kings’ Shops if you’re already heading down to the resort. Also serves açaí bowls and light breakfast bites.

4.4 ★  ·  Brunch & Oceanfront  ·  75-5801 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona  ·  Daily 7am–8:30pm

Breakfast overlooking the ocean on Ali’i Drive — it doesn’t get more Kona than this. The Island Benedict is a classic, the coconut shrimp is perfect, and the brunch cocktails are dangerously good. Worth the 45-minute drive when you want a full oceanfront morning.

Grocery & Food Markets

4.5 ★  ·  Grocery & Deli  ·  68-3916 Paniolo Ave, Waikoloa Village  ·  Daily 6am–8pm

Your go-to everyday grocery store, just 5 minutes from the house. Locally owned and genuinely well-stocked — fresh produce, full deli, a solid poke bar, full pharmacy, and one of the best beer and liquor selections on this side of the island. Best pricing you’ll find nearby. We shop here weekly.

4.0 ★  ·  Specialty Grocery & Deli  ·  Queen’s Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr  ·  Daily 7am–10pm

A full specialty market right in the resort area — excellent poke selection, fresh sushi, hot meals to go, gelato, açaí bowls, local snacks, wines, and souvenirs. Pricier than KTA but incredibly convenient if you’re already at the beach. The smash burgers and kimchi fried rice from the deli are surprisingly good.

4.4 ★  ·  Grocery & Deli  ·  68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #200  ·  Daily 6am–8pm

About 10 minutes south toward Mauna Lani resort. Known for having some of the freshest and highest-quality poke on the island — the spicy ahi and Hawaiian-style bowls are standouts. Great produce, prepared foods, and hot deli. Membership saves money if you’re staying a while.

4.5 ★  ·  Warehouse Club  ·  73-5600 Maiau St, Kailua-Kona  ·  Mon–Fri 10am–8:30pm, Sat 9:30am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm

About 45 minutes south in Kona — worth the trip if you’re heading that direction or stocking up for a longer stay. The food court prices (including the famous $1.50 hot dog) are the same as on the mainland, which feels miraculous in Hawaiʻi. Membership required. Great local produce and Hawaiian-made products.

Waikoloa Village Restaurants

5.0 ★  ·  Poke & Hawaiian  ·  68-1845 Waikoloa Rd #113  ·  Tue–Sat 10am–6pm

Our #1 local secret and a perfect 5 stars for a reason. Hands-down the best poke in the village — the spicy ahi, California ahi, and garlic shrimp are all extraordinary. Made fresh with real aloha every day. Don’t miss the sides: namasu and kimchee cucumber are standouts. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Go early — they sell out of favorites. Seriously, before noon if you can.

4.7 ★  ·  Burgers  ·  68-1820 Waikoloa Rd  ·  Daily 11am–8pm (9pm Fri–Sat)

The best smash burgers on this side of the island — crispy skirt, juicy center, deeply flavorful. Try “The Dub” with everything. Great local vibe with live music on Friday nights. Order the onion rings.

4.4 ★  ·  Italian & Wine Bar  ·  $$  ·  68-1820 Waikoloa Rd #1201  ·  Daily 4:30pm–11pm

A genuine surprise in a strip mall — handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza that would hold up in any city. The Radiatore Ala Vodka with shrimp is legendary. Great cocktails and a cozy patio. Make a reservation — fills up fast.

4.8 ★  ·  Pizza  ·  68-1820 Waikoloa Rd #507  ·  Mon–Sat 5pm–10pm, closed Sun

Neapolitan-style thin crust with a perfectly chewy, flavorful edge that needs no honey. Locally owned and genuinely one of the best pizzas on the island. Takeout only with a picnic table out front — grab a pie and take it home or to the park. The quality here consistently surprises people.

Great when everything else is closed — one of the few spots open until 10pm.

Waikoloa Beach Resort & Kohala Coast

4.4 ★  ·  Hawaiian & Seafood  ·  $$$  ·  69-1081 Ku’uali’i Pl, Waikoloa  ·  Daily 11am–9pm

Toes in the sand, live music, cold drinks at sunset — this is quintessential Big Island. The macadamia-crusted mahi is a must-order. Lawn games while you wait for your table. Pure vacation energy.

Book a sand table a few days ahead. Worth it.

4.0 ★  ·  Hawaiian & American  ·  $$  ·  Kings’ Shops, 250 Waikoloa Beach Dr  ·  Daily 8am–midnight

Convenient, solid, and one of the most consistently open restaurants in the resort area. Great for breakfast — the loco moco is a classic. The poke and shrimp egg rolls are crowd favorites. Good for families. Open late when most other spots are closed.

4.1 ★  ·  Bar & Grill  ·  Queen’s Marketplace, 69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr  ·  Daily 11am–9pm (10pm Fri–Sat)

A fun resort stop with fresh poke, a wagyu burger, garlic noodles, and creative tropical cocktails. The steak flatbread is excellent. Good happy hour drinks, live music some evenings, and a lively open-air atmosphere at the Queen’s Marketplace.

4.4 ★  ·  Tropical Bar & Kitchen  ·  $$  ·  69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr  ·  Daily noon–9pm (Sun brunch from 9am)

Creative rum cocktails, pork nachos, and mochiko chicken in a fun, relaxed setting. Try the rum tasting flight. A genuinely good time. Arrive early at dinner — gets crowded fast.

Mauna Lani Area

4.5 ★  ·  Upscale Hawaiian & Seafood  ·  $$$$  ·  Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection  ·  Daily 5pm–9pm  ·  808-885-6622

One of the most celebrated restaurants on the island — perched steps from the beach with spectacular sunset views. The scallop and poke-style sashimi appetizers are extraordinary. The cocktails, especially the Purple Petal, are consistently praised. A splurge that earns it. Book in advance.

Save this one for a truly special night. Reservations essential.

4.5 ★  ·  Hawaiian & Seafood  ·  $$$  ·  68-1292 S Kaniku Dr  ·  Daily 11am–8:30pm  ·  808-746-2027

A smaller, intimate beachside restaurant at Mauna Lani with an incredible locally-inspired menu. The BBQ ribs and seasonal gnocchi are standouts. Live music most evenings, excellent service, and the chef’s creativity really shines through. A bit of a hidden gem — fewer tourists than Canoe House.

Note: if you’re not a resort guest, you’ll need to park along the road and walk a short distance.

4.4 ★  ·  Grocery & Deli  ·  68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #200  ·  Daily 6am–8pm

Regulars call this the best poke on the entire Kohala Coast — buttery, ultra-fresh ahi with zero fishy flavor. The spicy ahi and Hawaiian-style bowls are extraordinary. Grab a bowl to go and take it to the beach. Pricier than KTA but the quality difference is real.

Waimea

4.7 ★  ·  Farm-to-Table Hawaiian & Seafood  ·  $$$  ·  65-1227 Opelo Rd, Waimea  ·  Mon–Sat lunch 11:30am–2pm, dinner 5–8:30pm, Sun brunch 10:30am–1pm then dinner

One of the most celebrated restaurants on the Big Island — pioneering farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine since 1988. 90% locally sourced, carbon neutral, and genuinely extraordinary. The fresh fish of the day, lamb, and NY strip are exceptional. The beet salad and lilikoi mai tai are legendary. Popular with locals and visitors who know.

Reservations a must — fills up fast every night. One of the finest meals you’ll have on the island.

Kailua-Kona Favorites

4.6 ★  ·  Poke & Takeout  ·  $$  ·  76-6246 Ali’i Dr, Kona  ·  Mon–Fri 10am–4pm only

One of the most recommended poke spots on the island. The fish is meticulously cut and incredibly fresh. Takeout only with a few outdoor tables — grab your bowl and head to a nearby beach. Weekdays only, limited hours.

Get there before noon — it sells out. Closed weekends.

4.5 ★  ·  Hawaiian Fusion  ·  $$  ·  75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Kona  ·  Dinner only 3:30pm–8:30pm

Don’t let the exterior fool you — Jackie Rey’s is one of the best restaurants in Kona. The pork egg rolls and coconut shrimp are incredible starters. The lamb shank falls right off the bone. Dinner only; reservations wise on weekends.

4.4 ★  ·  Oceanfront Fine Dining & Seafood  ·  $$$  ·  75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kona  ·  Dinner from 4pm daily

A Kona institution for oceanfront fine dining. Sit right over the water, watch the sunset, and order the teriyaki beef or the lamb shank. Live music many evenings. A worthy splurge for a special night out. Sister spot “On the Rocks” next door is casual and also great.

4.5 ★  ·  Bar & Grill  ·  75-5744 Ali’i Dr, Kona  ·  Daily 11am–9pm

A newer gem most tourists walk right past. Great poke bowls, fresh fish tacos, and enormous dynamite fries (share them). Spectacular sunset views and live music on weekends. Great value compared to the bigger oceanfront restaurants nearby.

Hilo Side

4.7 ★  ·  Japanese-Hawaiian Fusion  ·  600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo

Inside the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center — one of the most surprising and memorable restaurants on the island. Japanese and island influences create something genuinely special. Live Hawaiian music most nights. An experience, not just a meal. Guests consistently tell us it was their best Big Island meal.

Reservations a must. Worth every mile of the drive.

4.6 ★  ·  Local & American  ·  $$  ·  332 Keawe St, Hilo  ·  Tue–Sun 11am–9pm, closed Mon

One of the most beloved restaurants in Hilo. Open-air setting, great fresh fish, amazing panko calamari, and a classic Lava Burger. Consistently packed with locals — always a good sign. Save room for the poke tower.

4.5 ★  ·  Hawaiian & Seafood  ·  $$  ·  64 Keawe St, Hilo  ·  Closed Sat, Lunch from 11:30am

Set in a gorgeous restored historic bank building with the original vault still visible. Crispy short ribs, fresh fish tacos, and excellent poke bowls. A beautiful space in downtown Hilo for a special lunch or dinner. Closed Saturdays.

A few tips from us

Poke is sacred here — if you haven’t had fresh Hawaiian poke yet, make Pono’s your very first stop. Reservations matter — especially at dinner on weekends. Merriman’s, Canoe House, and Pueo’s fill up fast. Most book through OpenTable or by phone. Eat local — plate lunch spots, roadside shrimp trucks, and farmers markets are often just as good and half the price. We’re always happy to give more personal recommendations — just ask!

Mahalo for staying with us 🌺

With aloha — Your hosts at Honua Living · Waikoloa Village, Big Island, Hawaiʻi