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KOHALA COAST. Take a step back in time and experience Big Island living the way it was before modern resorts and development took over. Once a hotel and later a grocery, the building that houses this popular restaurant (which dates from 1911) has been almost completely restored to its original state and features a green saloon-like facade, bamboo and koa wood accents, and hardwood flooring. Featured dishes include Hawaii Thai or macadamia nut-crusted maki, sesame-nori crusted tiger prawns, and smoked Kalua pork and cabbage. A gallery inside the restaurant showcases local art, especially woodworking.
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KOHALA COAST. Outdoor seating and terrific oceanside scenery set the stage at this Orchid treasure, whose extensive wine list and traditional Hawaiian cuisine have turned more than a few heads. Dine in a near-paradisical setting, highlighted by lush greenery, candle-lit tables, and an enchanting tropical lagoon. Dinner patrons are wowed by the menu's versatility, and choices range from seared crisp moi with basmati rice to a Kobe-style rib-eye with fingerling potatoes and ponzu dipping sauce. Exceptional nightly entertainment, plus an entrancing hula dancer, make for an unforgettable evening. During the day, pool, beach, and casual attire (with cover-ups) are suggested. For the evening, it's casual resort attire.
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| Avg. Entrée: |
$$$$31 - $50
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| Reservations: |
Required |
| Outdoor Dining: |
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KOHALA. The signature restaurant of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is known far and wide for its superb Hawaiian and Pacific Rim cuisine. While serious diners charge forth in pursuit of fresh seafood (Kona-by-way-of-New England lobster, farm-raised moi, and pistachio-crusted opah, to name but a few), the restaurant's oyster bar offers a more casual setting for folks looking to eat light and enjoy a few cocktails. From bluffside seating areas, diners take in enchanting sunsets in the early evening, not to mention sweeping views of waves crashing on Hapuna Beach far below.
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KAMUELA. On first glance, this place may not look like much, but as everybody knows, you can't judge a book by its cover. Big Islanders are fond of homestyle cooking, and it's done especially well at out-of-the-way places like Hawaiian Style Café. At breakfast, just try to finish their massive yet tender pancakes, especially if you've also ordered eggs or sausage. Lunch is similar, thanks to big portions of ribs, steaks, burgers and fries, macaroni salad, and rice – all at a refreshingly affordable price.
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KONA COAST. Reservations are suggested for people wanting to sample the eclectic menu at this clubhouse eatery, where the fare ranges from Kona Coast lobster and mango-barbecue baby back ribs to Makalapua flowering onion, sesame-crusted snapper, organic rack of lamb, and lobster pizza. The open-plan kitchen gives the place a cozy touch, and guests are torn between activity around the brick oven and golfers "holing out" on the resort's 18th green. Al fresco dining on the deck is also available.
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Huggo's
75-5828 Kahakai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-1331 · 808-329-1493
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KONA COAST. Quite literally "over the edge," Huggo's allows patrons to enjoy both oceanside dining and premiere seafood dishes. While taking in the view of spectacular Kailua Bay, be sure to sample one of the house specialties – steamed clams and flavorful garlic chicken earn particular nods. After dinner, make your way to thatch-roofed Huggo's on the Rocks, a popular outdoor bar and dance club whose specialty drinks and beautiful clientele always ensure a great time.
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KAILUA-KONA. Well-credentialed chefs at this popular establishment focus on thoughtful preparations of freshly-caught fish, chicken, and beef. Dinner favorites include curry-crusted ahi, beef short ribs, and Szechuan pepper pork loin with purple sweet potato mashers. Lunch also sees a brisk business, thanks to filling turkey burgers, Ohana Cobb salads, and items like spicy teriyaki beef bowls. On weekends, there's the added draw of dancing and live music, starting at 8:30pm.
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| Avg. Entrée: |
$$$$$50+
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| Reservations: |
Required |
| Outdoor Dining: |
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KONA COAST. The Big Island's longest continually running luau and one of its chief "must dos," this traditional feast is held under the watchful eye of the Hualalai Volcano. Each celebration kicks off with the imu ceremony – the unearthing of the kiawe-flavored (mesquite) pig, which has been cooked and buried in sand a full day before the feast. From there, things only get better, and the buffet-style feast includes everything from lomi salmon and ahi poke to coconut pudding and sweet potatoes. After the feast, guests are treated to a Polynesian revue, which features hula dancing, Samoan fire knife dancers, and the Tahitian tamure. No trip to paradise would be complete without experiencing one of its most carefully preserved customs.
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| Reservations: |
Not Accepted |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
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| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
CAPTAIN COOK. Known for friendly, family-style dining and a mean pork chop dinner, Manago Hotel Restaurant has been around since about 1920. It's also such a Big Island institution that organized protests would surely be held if the place ever decided to close or change the menu. Whether you're after breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Manago serves hearty portions of Hawaiian food at great prices. Plus, you'll be sharing a long, dorm-style table with personable folks, enjoying some of the best homestyle food of your life.
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KAMUELA. Peter Merriman, whom many regard as the man who helped put Hawaii's regional cuisine on the world map, owns and operates this eponymous restaurant just outside Waimea. His award-winning dishes continue to reveal imagination and an understanding of local ingredients that amazes and tantalizes even the most discerning diners. Featured items include ponzu-marinated mahi mahi with shiitake mushrooms and hearts of palm, roasted natural chicken with vegetable ragout, and "Kansas City Cut" New York steak platter. A uniquely Hawaiian dining experience that you shouldn't pass up. Reservations are a must, especially during peak seasons.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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