Where can we go eat on the Big Island, what are your favorites?
I decided to do a little blog to help those hungry friends, here are my Top
5 Favorite Restaurants!
1. Kuleana Rum Shack
One of my favorite places to go is Kuleana Rum Shack – a family restaurant, world-class bar, and retail store. It was founded by Kuleana Rum Works, a local company that makes super-premium, high-quality rum from the best ingredients on Earth and without added sweeteners, flavors, or colors right here, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Visiting Kuleana Rum Shack is truly a great experience! You can enjoy Kuleana Rum in a signature cocktail (they have so many choices!) alongside fresh, local, island cuisine inspired by generations of Hawaii's best recipes.
The atmosphere is casual and fun and reminds you of a traditional Hawaiian family-style gathering when people come together to enjoy food and each other's company. Eat, drink, have fun and go home with a bottle of rum and happy memories of your new Kuleana ʻohana!
2. Napua Restaurant
Napua is the best-kept secret of Mauna Lani. Once a private club available only for homeowners within the Mauna Lani Resort, Napua is now open to the public for lunch daily, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and dinner 5 - 9 p.m. Situated right on the shore at the exclusive Mauna Lani Beach Club, the restaurant offers open-air oceanfront fine dining and Hawaii-inspired cuisine. Every item on the menu is sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, keeping the Island spirit.
The setting couldn't be better for a romantic dinner or special occasion: white tablecloths, magnificent sunsets, top-of-the-line service, and occasional live music performances by local talents. Enjoy the tropical paradise at its finest! Visit the website for directions and reservation info.
3. Brown's Beach House
Brown's Beach House Restaurant is located in Fairmont Orchid Hotel at Mauna Lani resort. It is the Big Island's top AAA Four Diamond restaurant and is well-known for its incomparable Hawaii Regional Cuisine and a spectacular oceanfront setting. The view is unbelievable, and the menu is fantastic! It is a perfect combination of locally grown produce and a diverse variety of fresh seafood. You can always count on great Ahi, and classic entrees like filet mignon and duck breast, prepared with a local tropical twist.
They also offer Sunday brunch, from 7 a.m. until noon, great for the upcoming Mother's Day. Live Hawaiian music is featured nightly.
4. Copper Bar
Copper Bar is a casual restaurant and bar located in the iconic Mauna Kea Hotel. You will enjoy the enduring panoramic ocean views, great cocktails, and casual, creative tapas and entrees which incorporate locally grown ingredients. The menu includes an excellent choice of small plates, sushi, flatbreads, as well as locally-inspired entrees. If you are a bacon lover, you have to try their Thick Cut Bacon with Szechuan peppercorn dust, which is truly amazing! Vegan and vegetarians will find some great options as well, like Vegetable Laksa, made with rice noodles and vegetables served in delicious coconut curry sauce.
One thing to note is that Copper Bar, like many other restaurants, has switched to a QR code menu, which you are supposed to scan and view on your phone. But if you are not a fan of it, you can view the menu here.
5. Magics Beach Grill and Beach Shack
If you are heading down to Kona, stop by one of my favorite places to eat there, Magics Beach Grill. It is located right next to Magic Sands Beach, in a beautiful waterfront setting. With perfect sunsets over the Kona Coast, Magics Beach Grill is about honoring Hawai’i through authentic Big Island flavors. Most of the ingredients are sourced from local fishermen, and the food is fresh, vibrant, and flavorful, as well as the atmosphere.
The Beach Shack has several outdoor tables and is perfect for lunch or a quick bite. The restaurant, bar, and Beach Shack each have their own menus and style so you can find what you crave for any occasion. Click here to learn more.
And here you have my top 5 favorite restaurants on Big Island! Please let me know if you visited any of them and what was your experience. If you would like more recommendations, contact me.
Ta Da!
Aloha,
Jan
For the latest COVID-19 travel-related information, click here.
Pictures are courtesy of Kuleana Rum Shack, Napua, Brown's Beach House, Copper Bar, Magics Beach Grill