π½οΈ Food & Drink
14 spots
The Big Island's food scene is deeply connected to the land β Kona coffee, local beef, fresh poke, and farm-to-fork restaurants that source everything within miles.
Coffee Country: From Bean to Cup
The Kona Coast is coffee paradise, where you can tour farms like Greenwell Farms or Mountain Thunder and taste beans grown in volcanic soil. Skip the tourist traps and head to places like Holuakoa CafΓ© in upcountry Kona for exceptional local roasts. The elevation changes here create microclimates that produce some of the world's most coveted coffee beans.
Farm-to-Table in Volcano Country
The cool elevation around Volcano and the fertile Hamakua Coast create perfect growing conditions for everything from tropical fruits to grass-fed beef. Stop at Volcano Farmers Market on Sundays for the island's best selection of local produce, or grab lunch at CafΓ© Ono in Volcano Village where they source ingredients from neighboring farms. This is where you'll taste Hawaii as it's meant to be β fresh, local, and bursting with flavor.
Coastal Eats: Poke and Fresh Catches
For the best poke on the island, forget the resort shops and head to Suisan Fish Market in Hilo, where locals have been buying their fish for generations. The Kona Coast offers excellent harbor-to-table dining, especially around Kailua-Kona where fishing boats bring in daily catches. You'll find the most authentic preparations away from the resort corridors.
Waimea's Ranching Heritage
Waimea (Kamuela) is paniolo country, where Hawaiian cowboys have been raising cattle since the 1800s. The cool upcountry climate produces exceptional grass-fed beef that you can taste at local spots like Village Burger or Merriman's. This area also grows incredible vegetables and herbs that supply restaurants across the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best poke on Big Island?
Head to Suisan Fish Market in Hilo for authentic, locally-made poke that's been a community staple for decades. Avoid the poke counters in resort areas β they're overpriced and not nearly as fresh. Local grocery stores like KTA also have solid poke counters throughout the island.
What food experiences are unique to Big Island?
Coffee farm tours in Kona are unmissable, especially smaller operations like Mountain Thunder where you can see the whole process. Try locally-raised Big Island beef in Waimea, which has a completely different flavor profile than mainland beef. The Sunday Volcano Farmers Market showcases produce you literally can't get anywhere else.
Where should I eat in Hilo vs Kona?
Hilo has more authentic local spots like Suisan Fish Market and casual plate lunch places, while Kona offers more tourist-friendly restaurants but higher prices. For the best value and most authentic experience, Hilo wins hands down. Kona is better for resort dining and coffee experiences.
Are Big Island farmers markets worth visiting?
Absolutely β the Sunday Volcano Farmers Market is exceptional, with unique fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods you won't find elsewhere. Hilo Farmers Market (Wednesday and Saturday) is larger but can be touristy; go early for the best selection. These markets are where island chefs shop, so you know the quality is there.
What should I know about dining costs on Big Island?
Resort dining is extremely expensive β expect $30+ per entrΓ©e at hotel restaurants along the Kohala Coast. Local plate lunch spots and markets in Hilo and Kona town offer much better value, typically $10-15 for generous portions. Stock up on snacks and drinks at local grocery stores rather than resort shops to save significantly.