Hawaii Island - Hawaii Island Gourmet Information Thorough Explanation! The BEST 10 places to enjoy local food and cuisine!
Table of Contents
What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?
The Big Island of Hawaii has a different charm from Oahu, where the famous Waikiki Beach is located.
The island is filled with spectacular nature and active volcanoes, and its vastness has earned it the nickname "Big Island," and there is much to see and do there.
The climate is relatively mild throughout the year, although there are summer and winter months.
However, because there are many mountains and large differences in elevation, rainfall is frequent in some areas, and temperatures are cooler in mountainous areas.
Therefore, depending on where you go, you may need to dress carefully.
Despite its vast size, the island of Hawaii is not as populated as Oahu.
This makes it an ideal place for those who want to relax and enjoy Hawaii's natural beauty.
How to get to Hawaii Island
The main spots on the Big Island of Hawaii exist mainly in Hilo in the east and Kona in the west.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where the famous volcano is located, is located in the Hilo area, so if you want to see an active volcano, etc., it is convenient to arrive at Hilo International Airport by transferring on Oahu Island.
There are also direct flights from Japan to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (hereafter referred to as Kona International Airport) in the west.
Kona is also a popular tourist destination, with Kailua-Kona, a thriving commercial town with hotels and shopping centers, and Kona Coffee plantations.
From the airport to the city area, both Hilo and Kona can be reached within 30 minutes by car or bus.
Enjoy gourmet food on the Big Island of Hawaii!
Wouldn't you like to taste Hawaiian gourmet food, a mix of traditional Hawaiian culture and Western culture?
On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, from those familiar to you in Japan to those that you can only taste in Hawaii.
Popular Cuisines, Sweets, and Drinks on Hawaii Island
Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular gourmet foods on the Big Island of Hawaii!
hamburger (on a bun)
Have you ever heard of Big Island Beef, a premium brand of beef from the Big Island of Hawaii?
Big Island Beef is raised in the rich natural environment of the Big Island of Hawaii, without the use of hormones and with a focus on feed.
Some restaurants serve hamburgers using this meat as patties, and hamburgers on the Big Island of Hawaii are very popular.
The size is, of course, American and very satisfying.
If you come to the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to try a big hamburger on the Big Island!
steak
On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can also enjoy steaks made from Big Island beef.
Located in Waikoloa on the West Coast, the steak restaurant offers a wide variety of steaks as well as creative menus using Big Island beef.
Other restaurants also offer a wide variety of steaks, including char-grilled steaks and rare bone-in steaks, with a fine selection of steak parts and grilling methods.
The town of Waimea, located in the northern part of the island, has a large area of pastureland and is a thriving livestock producer.
It is also known for its Big Island beef and other beef cattle producers.
For meat lovers, this town is a must visit.
poke (Hawaian raw-fish salad)
Poke, sometimes pronounced "poke," is a famous local food in Hawaii.
The rice bowl is a bowl of rice topped with a generous portion of tuna, salmon, or other fish fillets, just like a Japanese kaisen-don.
The seasonings vary from soy sauce to spicy sauce, mayonnaise sauce, and more, and you will find a wide variety of poke at markets on the Big Island of Hawaii.
lobster
In Hawaii, lobster is more reasonably priced than in Japan.
There are even restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat lobster.
There are many restaurants and tours where you can eat lobster on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the staff and locals will teach you how to eat it, so if you have never tried it before, please give it a try.
You will also be surprised to find super-big sized lobsters, which you cannot find in Japan, for sale in areas in Kona where aquaculture farms are flourishing.
Not only is it big, but it also tastes great, so it is recommended for BBQs with a large group!
loco moco
When people think of Hawaii, they often hear about loco moco.
I guess you could call it Hawaii's soul food.
It is a dish of rice topped with a hamburger steak and fried egg and served with sauce, and is also readily available in Japan as loco moco donburi.
In fact, did you know that a restaurant in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii is said to have been the first restaurant to serve loco moco?
So the Big Island of Hawaii is also a sacred place for loco moco.
Even today, of course, loco moco continues to be loved by the locals, who can enjoy a variety of sauces and flavors, depending on the restaurant.
pancake
Pancakes have become a staple in Japanese cafes.
Hawaiian pancakes sparked such a pancake boom in Japan.
In Japan, pancakes were commonly referred to as pancakes, right?
However, Hawaiian pancakes are all about overturning the conventional Japanese image of pancakes, such as those topped with plenty of fresh cream and fruit, macadamia nut sauce, and meal pancakes served with sausage, bacon, salmon, or avocado.
Today, pancakes continue to evolve and evolve at many cafes in Japan, but if you want to enjoy the authentic taste of pancakes, it is best to eat them in Hawaii.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, it is so common to eat pancakes for breakfast that some restaurants are open 24 hours a day or early in the morning to serve pancakes in the morning.
Breakfast on the Big Island of Hawaii is all about authentic Hawaiian pancakes!
açaí bowl
For those who want to eat a little healthier breakfast, acai bowls are a great choice.
An acai bowl is a food made by serving acai and other tropical fruits, granola, honey and milk, and some fruits are mixed in smoothie form.
Acai is a member of the palm family and is loved by celebrities around the world for its beauty and health benefits, also known as a superfood.
It tastes and looks similar to blueberries and is very familiar to the Japanese.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, acai bowls filled with fresh fruit are sold at a variety of cafes.
Please try it!
malasada
Malasada is a food classified as a bread or sweet, similar to a doughnut or the Okinawan sataa andagi of Japan.
It originated not in Hawaii but in Portuguese bakeries and was brought to Hawaii by immigrants.
Malasadas are generally round and donut-like in shape, but on the Big Island of Hawaii, square-shaped malasadas are the norm.
Many stores sell hot malasadas covered with powdered sugar at reasonable prices.
It's the perfect snack on the Big Island of Hawaii.
coffee
Coffee is probably the one gourmet food on the Big Island of Hawaii that cannot be missed.
Kona coffee, produced on the west coast area of Hawaii Island, is one of the three most famous coffee beans in the world.
In Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, there are many coffee farms where you can taste coffee made from freshly roasted coffee beans, and some farms allow you to purchase coffee beans directly from the farm, which is very popular among tourists.
How about some malasadas or pancakes to go with them?
The BEST 10 places to enjoy gourmet food on the Big Island of Hawaii
When I go to the Big Island of Hawaii, I'm not sure where to go...
For those who are interested, we will introduce recommended restaurants where you can enjoy gourmet food unique to the Big Island of Hawaii, in a popular ranking format!
No. 10: Island Lava Java
The restaurant is famous for its eggs Benedict (a dish of poached eggs and English muffins), pancakes and waffles.
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Recommendations
The eggs benedict is well known for its taste and is a popular menu item for many.
Recommended for those who want to have a stylish breakfast in Kailua-Kona. There is an open terrace where you can dine while enjoying the view of the west coast ocean.
Store Information
It is open from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Reservations can be made. Open all year round, but subject to change.
For inquiries or reservations, please call the number below.
(+1)8083272161
Access
Located in Kailua-Kona, it is a 15-20 minute drive from Kona International Airport. It is built in a commercial building and has free parking.
No. 9: Basic Acai
Here is a great place for those who want a healthy breakfast and are health-conscious.
Located near the Royal Kona Resort Hotel, this café is an easy stop for guests.
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Recommendations
As the name suggests, the restaurant is famous for its acai bowls, but it also offers a healthy menu of smoothies, gluten-free and vegetarian options, and more.
The popular açaí bowls are so filling that even the small size is enough for two people? The popular açaí bowls are so large and talked-about that you may think you are getting two servings, even if it is a small size, and they are very satisfying.
Store Information
It is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Sundays, we open at 9:00 am.
For inquiries, please contact
(+1)8082380184
Access
Walking distance from Royal Kona Resort.
If you are going from Kona Airport, it takes about 15 minutes, and you can reach it quickly by car by heading to the Kailua-Kona city center.
No. 8: Da Poki Shack
For seafood takeout, this specialty restaurant is the place to go.
The restaurant is popular among local residents as a place to take out fresh poke bowl plates.
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Recommendations
There is a wide variety of poke seasonings and plates to choose from, as well as quantities and various sides.
The fresh seafood will be safe to eat in the warm climate of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Store Information
The restaurant is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and is open every day of the week. Reservations are not accepted, but please contact the following for confirmation regarding take-out and whether or not holidays have changed.
(+1)8083297653
Access
It is a 5 minute drive from Kailua-Kona.
From the airport, head once to Kailua-Kona, and from there, head towards the Castle Kona Bali Kai Hotel, which can be easily found.
No. 7: Big Island Candies
The headquarters and factory of Hawaii's famous cookie store is located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Recommendations
The cookies are so popular that they even have a delivery service to Japan. At the factory in Hilo, visitors can observe the cookie-making process. A direct sales store is also located next to the factory, so you can not only purchase cookies but also taste them.
Store Information
It is open every day of the year from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. However, this does not apply to factory tours.
Weekdays only (except holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
For more information, please contact us or schedule a tour below.
(+1)8089358890
Access
Only a 5 minute drive from Hilo International Airport. Large lot with parking available.
No. 6: Big Island Grill
This famous restaurant is sometimes called the family restaurant of the Big Island of Hawaii. The restaurant is always crowded with local customers.
Recommendations
The menu offers a wide variety of American, Hawaiian, and Polynesian cuisine, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
You will enjoy American-sized portions of food at a reasonable price. It is fun to share the food with a large group.
Anyone can stop by and enjoy Hawaiian gourmet food in a casual atmosphere.
Store Information
Basically, the restaurant is open early in the morning from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, but as of 2021, it is only open from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays.
For more information about our hours of operation, please contact
(+1)8083261153
Access
Located in downtown Kailua-Kona. It is 20 minutes from Kona International Airport and parking is available.
No. 5: Fish Hopper Seafood and Steak
The restaurant is famous for its seafood and steaks, which can be enjoyed while looking out over the ocean through the restaurant's large windows.
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Recommendations
You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, cakes, and other sweets, and in the evening, a sumptuous course meal is served, so you can use the restaurant from morning until night. It is a popular restaurant with a reputation for its very good taste in food.
Store Information
We are open from 7am to 9pm. We are open daily, but this is subject to change, so if you are interested, please contact us at
(+1)8083262002
Access
Located in the center of Kailua-Kona, it takes about 15 minutes from the airport to get to Kailua-Kona.
No. 4: Coffee Shack
How about coffee and brunch at a hole-in-the-wall cafe with a spectacular view?
Recommendations
You can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, handmade cakes, and lemonade to go with your coffee. Located on a hill, the terrace seats overlook the vast expanse of nature and the ocean.
It is also famous for the arrival of Gekko (gecko), a small guardian god in Hawaii.
Store Information
Open daily from 7:30am to 3pm. Contact us for more information.
(+1)8083289555
Access
From Kona International Airport, it is a 30 minute drive to the south. Parking is available, but please note that the restaurant is very popular and crowded.
No. 3: Tex Drive-In
If you are taking a drive on the Big Island of Hawaii, why not stop by this malasada specialty store on the way?
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Recommendations
You can drive in and purchase malasadas. It is very convenient and easy to stop by when you are hungry on a road trip.
The square-shaped malasada, which is the mainstream on the Big Island of Hawaii, is fluffy, crispy, very tasty, and very popular.
Store Information
We are open daily from 6am to 6pm. Inquiries can be made from below, and email can also be sent.
(+1)8087750598
E-mail address: texdriveinhawaii@gmail.com
Access
Located in the town of Honokaa. Just up north from Waikoloa, head for the Honokaa Town entrance.
It is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Kona International Airport.
No. 2: Village Burger
Enjoy Big Island beef at one of the most popular burger stores on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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Recommendations
Specializing in local production for local consumption, including Hawaii Island brand beef, Big Island Beef, the hamburgers are made from a wide variety of local ingredients.
The patties, made with beef 100%, are simply delicious, and many people make a point of stopping by whenever they visit the Big Island of Hawaii.
Store Information
Open from 10:30am to 5pm, sometimes until 8pm.
For more information, please contact
(+1)8857319
Access
Located in the Parker Ranch shopping center, it is about a 45-minute drive from Kailua-Kona and nearly two hours from Hilo International Airport.
No. 1: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
This is one of the finest steak restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii. Enjoy a sumptuous steak dinner while watching the sunset.
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Recommendations
The restaurant's special course meals using aged meat and brand beef, and large steaks that can be grilled in a variety of finely selected ways, are very popular.
Recommended for those who want to enjoy a slightly richer dinner.
If you are looking for a great steak on the Big Island of Hawaii, this is the place to go! If you are looking for a great steak on the Big Island of Hawaii, this is the restaurant for you.
Store Information
The restaurant is open daily from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm during dinner hours only. Advance reservations are recommended.
For inquiries, please contact
(+1)8088870800
Access
It is located in the Maulanani shopping center and is about a 30 minute drive from Kona International Airport. Parking is available at the shopping center.
summary
In this article, we have told you about the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii, with a focus on its gourmet cuisine.
Gourmet food is an essential part of any trip to Hawaii! The Big Island of Hawaii is home to many Hawaiian gourmet destinations, so be sure to enjoy a wide variety of food from breakfast to dinner!
Thank you for reading to the end.
