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KAMUELA. Despite a distinctly American-sounding moniker, Charley's has become a Big Island favorite for luscious, flavorful Thai fare. While there might not be a lot of attention given to ambience, the focus is clearly on the food, where authentic, fresh spices make hot dishes really hot! Servings are generous too, so you'll definitely get your fill of offerings like pad thai, pad see ew, and a variety of curries. Thai plate lunches are an added bonus.
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Kaikodo
60 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720 · 808-961-2558
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HILO. Occupying an airy, high-ceilinged building and decorated with Chinese and Japanese objets d'art, Kaikodo's aesthetic is almost as appealing as its food. A local favorite that closed and then reopened better than ever (much to Hilo's delight), the eatery specializes in an unusual fusion of flavors from the Far East and the American Southwest. Sample baked ono crusted with coconut and lentils, or treat yourself to spicy smoked duck. Happy hour specials keep customers loyal as well.
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Kenichi Pacific
78-6831 Alii Dr, Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 · 808-322-6400
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KONA COAST. Sushi and fusion cuisine – presented in an elegant, relaxed setting – don't get any better than this. Of course, only the freshest seafood is used, so the sushi is impeccable. Even so, the wide-ranging menu includes such an intriguing array of Japanese-inspired dishes that you may not get around to sushi. Starters include crab cakes, lobster rolls, and broiled black cod. Entrees range from seared ono with mashed yams to roasted duck with orange hoisin sauce and lamb in a macadamia nut crust. The molten flourless chocolate cake is achieving legendary status, so save room for it. Kenichi Pacific is small, making reservations essential.
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HILO. Traditional Japanese cuisine awaits those who want to stray from busy Banyan Drive and seek out this friendly little eatery, where the smiling waitstaff have never met a stranger. Fresh fish and seafood are brought in daily, and the kitchen staff has earned a fair amount of local press for their impressive combination dinners. A sushi bar is available for those wanting to eat and run.
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HILO. Home to some of the Big Island's more inventive sushi (how does a mustard cabbage roll sound?), this out-of-the-way joint has been a closely guarded secret among locals and savvy travelers for quite a while now. Located across from a bowling alley and little more than a proverbial hole-in-the-wall eatery, Nori's constantly thrills regulars with special furikake scallops wrapped in nori strips, chicken and beef sticks, homemade soups, and, of course, superb fried noodles.
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HILO. Since its opening, Kaikodo has earned rave reviews for its use of fresh ingredients and its flawless decor. Occupying part of a historic building, the restaurant combines Asian and European design elements in an elegant, inspired dining room. The menu, developed by Kaikodo's award-winning chef, is similarly inspired, boasting an East-meets-West approach. Local produce plays an important role in dishes like baked ono with Hawaiian pumpkin puree, mahi mahi with Thai eggplant and sweet chili sauce, and achiote-marinated filet medallions with smoked corn sauce and gratin of new potatoes.
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KOHALA COAST. Restauranteur Roy Yamaguchi has garnered quite a reputation for himself, both in the Paradise State and on the mainland, and it's little wonder. Specializing in Pacific Rim cuisine, the Kohala Coast edition of his culinary empire dazzles diners with Szechuan-style baby back ribs, a kiawe-grilled rib-eye, and curry seared ahi tuna. Despite the shopping center locale, the restaurant offers an upscale scene that tends to get noisy during peak hours. The best tables offer clears views of either an adjacent golf course or a nearby lake.
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Royal Siam
70 Mamo St, Hilo, HI 96720 · 808-961-6100
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HILO. Do a bit of exploring in downtown Hilo, and you'll likely find a cornucopia of hidden-away gems – neat little stores and eateries that high-profile travel guides eschew in favor of flashier coastal venues. Royal Siam is one such place. A favorite with the local crowd, the restaurant has earned a strong reputation thanks to friendly service and some of the Big Island's top Thai dishes, from stir-fries to satays to noodle platters. Best of all, prices are more than reasonable.
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KONA COAST. Traditional tempura and sashimi are specialties at this friendly joint, tucked away in the Honalo community. A family affair that's been around since the 1920s, Teshima also earns high marks for terrific miso soup and sukiyaki. If you're savvy enough, a teishoku platter (an entree served with fresh vegetable sides, a bowl of rice, miso soup, and house salad) will certainly do the trick. Meanwhile, early risers can stop in and enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast of soup, rice, and fish before hitting nearby sites and beaches. Dinner reservations are accepted and are suggested for large parties.
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Thai Thai Restaurant
19-4084 Old Volcano Rd, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, HI 96785 · 808-967-7969
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VOLCANO. Sometimes, nothing but Thai food will do, and woe to anyone visiting Volcanoes National Park when that craving hits. Or so you might think. One of the best Thai restaurants on the Big Island sits right inside the park, adjacent to the hardware store. Thai food is known for its vibrant flavors and textures, and that's exactly what you'll find here. Whether you're looking for chicken satay, pad Thai, or taypoh curry, you can't go wrong with virtually anything on the menu. The restaurant is popular, so if you plan to go during peak dinner time, consider making a reservation. Hours often vary too, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
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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