Island Gems: My Favorite Hidden Places on the Big Island
- Jan Nores, RS
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
People often ask me where they should go for a memorable meal, good coffee, or local fun. They expect me to name a luxury resort. Instead, I mention a bakery in North Kohala, a relaxed lanai in Kapaʻau, an extraordinary kitchen in Kawaihae, or the general store in Puako.
The reply is often the same: “Where is that?”
That is exactly the point. Some of the best experiences on the Big Island are not widely advertised. They sit quietly off the beaten path, waiting for someone to tell you about them. You may discover them by accident, through a friend, or through what we call the coconut wireless.
After many years of living and working here, I have collected a few favorites. Their food is excellent, the atmosphere is genuine, and each one reflects something I love about island life.
Cipriano’s Kitchen: A Taste of Italy in Kawaihae
Cipriano’s Kitchen is my favorite restaurant on the island. I do not say that lightly. The quality rivals many excellent restaurants at luxury resorts, yet the experience is personal, warm, and unpretentious.
The restaurant beautifully brings Italian and Peruvian cuisines together. Gino Cipriano grew up in Taormina, Italy, while Claudia Cipriano grew up in Lima, Peru. Gino developed his skills beside talented chefs in Europe and the United States, and Claudia graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Lima. Their family story, culinary backgrounds, and love of fresh food are at the heart of the restaurant.
A meal here can feel like a quick trip to Italy, without the plane ticket.
I like to begin with the hibiscus lilikoi iced tea. It is refreshing and perfect for a warm day in Kawaihae. The romaine and baby kale salads feature crisp local produce, but everyone should try the fish-of-the-day ceviche. If you think you do not like ceviche, perhaps you have never had one prepared this carefully. The fish is lightly marinated, so its freshness remains the star.
My favorite entrée is the Kona lobster Pistacchio di Bronte, occasionally served with scallops. Every element is cooked perfectly, and the sauces are exceptional. Order focaccia because you will want every last drop. The restaurant makes its focaccia and pastries daily using organic Italian flour, and sources its produce from local farmers.
The house-made gnocchi are equally memorable, especially beside short ribs in a rich reduction. The meat is so tender that a knife barely feels necessary. Finish with an Italian espresso and tiramisu, lilikoi mousse, or chocolate cake.
Cipriano’s currently serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday breakfast and lunch service runs 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., with dinner offered 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Saturday dinner has a fixed menu served family-style. Reservations are strongly recommended, and it is wise to confirm current hours before visiting.
Motek Bakery: Bread, Music, and Community
Motek Bakery in North Kohala captures the spirit of island life. It offers organic sourdough breads, pastries, baked goods, Mediterranean specialties, spreads, and pickles. Current posted hours are Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The bread and pastries are excellent, but Sunday is particularly special. This is when the community gathers for kanikapila, an informal music session where people play, sing, listen, laugh, and enjoy being together.
To me, this is a glimpse of what Sunday should feel like. There is wonderful food, live music, familiar faces, and the kind of easy camaraderie that cannot be manufactured. Nobody is rushing. People come as they are, share a table, and enjoy the moment.
It is more than a bakery visit. This serves as a reminder that community is one of the island’s greatest luxuries.
Gill’s Lanai: Honest Island Food in Kapaʻau
Gill’s Lanai is relaxed, friendly, and committed to doing food the right way. The kitchen focuses on fresh local fish, Big Island beef, Maui venison, Hawaiian pork, and scratch-made dishes. The restaurant also avoids industrial seed oils and uses beef tallow, ghee, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Simple food tastes special here because the ingredients are carefully chosen. Fish tacos, burgers, fresh-catch bowls, sandwiches, daily specials, homemade treats, and rotating seasonal items make the menu comforting but never boring.
Gill’s gives you a place to slow down, eat something thoughtfully prepared, and connect with the people at your table. That easy, welcoming feeling is a big part of its charm.
Current regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., with limited Sunday openings listed on the restaurant’s website. Check before making the drive.
Puako General Store: A Small Store With a Big Heart
Puako General Store may look modest, but it is one of those places that becomes part of your island routine. It is an excellent stop before a beach day or after a morning spent snorkeling, swimming, or exploring the shoreline.
Pick up a freshly made sandwich for the beach, local drinks, handmade desserts, groceries, and beach essentials. Fresh sushi and poke are offered on select weekdays, and the famous chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies deserve a place in your beach bag. The store also offers beach gear rentals and dive essentials.
What I love most is its sense of place. Puako General Store serves visitors, but it also still is a neighborhood gathering spot. It is practical, friendly, and full of local character.
Listen to the Coconut Wireless
The Big Island rewards curiosity. Some of its most memorable places do not announce themselves with grand entrances or glossy advertising. You hear about them through someone who had an unforgettable lunch, found the perfect loaf of bread, or spent a Sunday listening to music with neighbors.
That is the coconut wireless at work.
These are a few of my favorite island gems, and each one offers something genuine: culinary passion, community, careful ingredients, and a strong connection to place. When you visit, take your time. Talk to the people. Try something new. You may find that the places you had never heard of become the ones you remember most.
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