Best food on big island – Embark on a tantalizing journey to the Big Island, where culinary adventures await. Prepare to indulge in the island’s diverse cuisine, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet the vibrant flavors of multiple cultures. From acclaimed restaurants to hidden gems, the Big Island offers a feast for your senses.
Our comprehensive guide will navigate you through the island’s top dining destinations, must-try dishes, and immersive culinary experiences. Get ready to savor the unique flavors and authentic dining experiences that make the Big Island a foodie’s paradise.
Top Restaurants: Best Food On Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii boasts an impressive culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from local Hawaiian cuisine to international fare. Here are some of the most highly-rated restaurants on the island:
Fine Dining, Best food on big island
- Merriman’s Waimea(Waimea): Farm-to-table fine dining with a focus on local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but always includes a variety of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes. Average cost: $75-$125 per person.
- Ulu Ocean Grill(Kailua-Kona): Upscale seafood restaurant with stunning ocean views. The menu features fresh fish, seafood, and steaks, as well as a raw bar. Average cost: $60-$100 per person.
Casual Dining
- Big Island Grill(Hilo): A popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving American and Hawaiian comfort food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and plates with rice, meat, and vegetables. Average cost: $20-$30 per person.
- Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine(Waimea): A casual restaurant with a focus on healthy and flavorful dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies. Average cost: $15-$25 per person.
Ethnic Cuisine
- Suisan Fish Market(Hilo): A seafood market and restaurant serving fresh fish and sushi. The menu also includes a variety of Japanese dishes, such as tempura, udon, and sashimi. Average cost: $20-$30 per person.
- Mekong Thai Cuisine(Kailua-Kona): A popular Thai restaurant with a menu that includes a wide variety of curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. Average cost: $15-$25 per person.
Must-Try Dishes
Embark on a culinary journey through the Big Island, where each dish tantalizes your taste buds and weaves a tapestry of flavors. From traditional Hawaiian cuisine to innovative farm-to-table creations, discover the must-try dishes that define the island’s vibrant food scene.
These dishes showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage, local ingredients, and culinary artistry. Indulge in the unique flavors, preparation methods, and stories behind each dish, and savor the essence of Big Island’s culinary tapestry.
The Big Island is a foodie’s paradise, with an incredible array of flavors and cuisines to savor. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering meats, there’s something to satisfy every palate. One standout among the island’s culinary gems is Berkot’s Super Foods Manteno , a local favorite renowned for its exceptional quality and taste.
Back to the best food on the Big Island, the island’s culinary scene is a true testament to the diversity and richness of its culture.
Poke
- Raw Fish Salad:Freshly caught fish, often tuna or ahi, marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. The fish is cubed and tossed with a variety of toppings, including seaweed, avocado, and macadamia nuts.
- Cultural Significance:Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is often served as an appetizer or main course, and can be found in various forms throughout the island.
Laulau
- Wrapped Pork and Taro Leaves:Pork shoulder is seasoned with salt and wrapped in taro leaves. The bundles are then steamed in an imu (underground oven) until the meat is tender and the taro leaves are soft.
- Cultural Significance:Laulau is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is often served at special occasions. It is a symbol of hospitality and sharing, and is often cooked in large quantities to feed a crowd.
Kalua Pig
- Roasted Pig:A whole pig is seasoned with salt and wrapped in banana leaves. The pig is then roasted in an imu until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Cultural Significance:Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is often served at luaus and other special occasions. It is a symbol of celebration and abundance, and is often shared among family and friends.
Loco Moco
- Rice, Meat, and Gravy:A plate of rice topped with a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy. The dish is often served with a side of macaroni salad.
- Cultural Significance:Loco moco is a popular Hawaiian dish that is often served as a breakfast or lunch. It is a hearty and filling meal that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Shave Ice
- Flavored Ice:A block of ice is shaved into a fine powder and topped with a variety of syrups and toppings. The most popular flavors include strawberry, pineapple, and coconut.
- Cultural Significance:Shave ice is a popular Hawaiian dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a refreshing and affordable treat that is perfect for a hot day.
Culinary Tours and Experiences
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of the Big Island with a diverse range of tours and experiences. From farm-to-table excursions to hands-on cooking classes, there’s something to satisfy every foodie’s palate.
Farm-to-Table Experiences
Discover the island’s bountiful harvests with farm-to-table tours. Visit local farms, meet passionate farmers, and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Engage in hands-on activities like harvesting produce and enjoy a farm-fresh meal prepared with ingredients you’ve helped gather.
- Big Island Farm Tours: A 2-hour tour that includes a visit to a local coffee farm, avocado orchard, and tropical fruit plantation. Guests can sample fresh produce and learn about the island’s agricultural history. (Duration: 2 hours, Price: $50)
- Hamakua Harvest: A full-day experience that takes guests to a variety of farms, including a coffee farm, macadamia nut orchard, and a cattle ranch. The tour culminates in a multi-course farm-to-table lunch prepared by a local chef. (Duration: 8 hours, Price: $150)
Cooking Classes
Enhance your culinary skills with hands-on cooking classes. Learn from experienced chefs and discover the secrets of Hawaiian cuisine. Choose from a variety of classes, ranging from beginner-friendly sessions to advanced workshops.
- Na’alehu Farms Cooking Class: A 3-hour class that teaches guests how to prepare traditional Hawaiian dishes using fresh, local ingredients. The class includes a hands-on cooking experience and a tasting of the prepared dishes. (Duration: 3 hours, Price: $75)
- Merriman’s Culinary Academy: A 5-hour cooking class that focuses on the techniques and flavors of modern Hawaiian cuisine. The class includes a guided tour of the restaurant’s farm and a hands-on cooking experience. (Duration: 5 hours, Price: $150)
Food Tastings
Indulge in the island’s culinary delights with guided food tastings. Visit local markets, restaurants, and farms to sample a variety of dishes, from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to international flavors. Learn about the island’s culinary heritage and meet the passionate individuals behind the food.
- Hilo Farmers Market Food Tour: A 2-hour tour that takes guests through the vibrant Hilo Farmers Market. Guests can sample a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods while learning about the island’s agricultural bounty. (Duration: 2 hours, Price: $40)
- Kohala Coast Food Tour: A full-day tour that visits several farms and restaurants on the Kohala Coast. Guests can sample a variety of Hawaiian and international cuisine, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local coffee. (Duration: 8 hours, Price: $120)
Final Wrap-Up
As you explore the culinary landscape of the Big Island, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of flavors, traditions, and sustainability. Whether you’re seeking fine dining experiences or local favorites, the island’s diverse cuisine will leave an unforgettable mark on your taste buds.
Embrace the vibrant food culture, savor every bite, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
