Hawaii (Big Island)

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Dining on the Big Island of Hawaii

An October 2006 trip to Hawaii (Big Island) by golden101

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My family and I always eat out when we go to either Kona, South Kohala, Waimea or Hilo for day trips. There are several places that we like to dine at in Kona and Kawaihae.

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Huli Sue'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Barbecue Food"

Huli Sue's
Huli Sue's is located in an older brown building that used to be the home Don's Pake. The restaurant is very nice with a beautiful glass door entrance and a ranch-like atmosphere. They are open for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. Most of their menu features barbecue food with a majority of meat dishes. It reflects the paniolo (cowboy) heritage of Waimea town. Their pupus are delicious especially their Poke (raw fish with seasoning) with red onion, chillis, cilantro and cornuts. We also ordered their Ceasar Salad with Sorrel Buttermilk Dressing and Taro Bread Croutons which was very tasty. Their Chicken entree came with a nice Paniolo Barbecue Sauce but they also offer other types of sauces to go with their meat dishes such as their Chili Water, Pineapple and Sugar Sauce, their Mandarin Honey Sauce, and their Crackseed Sauce. They also feature a Coconut Curry Fish, Green Chili Pork Stew, Black Bean Chili, Beer Battered Fish with Mango Chipotle Salsa, and Pull Bread Sandwiches. They also have Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak, Port Steak with Chili Water Gravy, Fresh Fish with Hot and Sour Eggplant Relish and other grilled entrees. Their prices are a little steep but it is worth it if you like to eat good local barbecue food. The service was great with a local flavor. I would recommend eating here if you are in Waimea town and want to eat good barbecue food. Don't expect a fine dining restaurant because Huli Sue's is very casual.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on January 7, 2009

Huli Sue's
64-957 Mamalahoa Highway Kamuela 96743
(808) 885-6268

L&L Hawaiian BarbecueBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Delicious Local Food"

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue serves up good local food. I really like this location because it is new and the food is very delicious. Tonight we ordered the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken plate ($7.27) which came with 2 scoops of white steamed rice, a large scoop of macaroni salad, and barbecue chicken on a bed of thinly sliced cabbage. The sauce was out of this world and the chicken was nice and hot when we got it. My son ordered the Chicken Katsu plate (tender pieces of boneless chicken coated with special seasoning and deep-fried, served with Barbecue Katsu sauce), and his friend ordered the BBQ Short Ribs plate which was also $7.27. They also serve a mini plate which is smaller for $5.27. They also serve a variety of other favorite plates which include BBQ Beef, Loco Moco, Kalua Pork, Fried Shrimp, and Mahi Mahi to name a few. Their food is very tasty and it will keep you coming back for more! Service is quick and the cashier is friendly and accommodating. I would certainly recommend coming to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center for lunch or dinner.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on January 4, 2009

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
2280 Kuhio Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 924-7888

Leung's Chop Suey HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Chinese Food"

Leung's Chop Suey House
Leung's Chop Suey House is a very simple and plain restaurant located next to Kanoelehua Avenue in a small maroon building. The interior is nothing fancy and they have a few tables and chairs for dining inside. They serve mainly buffet style Chinese (Cantonese) food but you can also order off their menu. Most customers order from the buffet take out counter which serves the usual Chinese take out dishes such as lemon chicken, noodles, fried rice, pork tofu, stir-fried vegetables, crispy won ton, seafood with vegetables, etc. The staff is very friendly and this a family owned business. Leung's has been around for over 10 years and they are very popular with the locals. Note that it can get busy around lunch time and the holidays so the parking lot will get filled. The prices are reasonable and they are known for their yummy cake noodles. I would recommend eating here if you want to try another place besides L&L's drive in or Panda Express. Also it is not as crowded as some other restaurants at the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza and the Waiakea Shopping Center.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 27, 2008

Leung's Chop Suey House
530 E Lanikauila Street Hilo
(808) 935-4066

Freddy's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Local Food"

We (my family and I) often eat here when we are in Hilo town. This restaurant had an indoor restaurant as well as a drive inn sit down dining area. We usually eat in the drive inn sit down dining area that overlooks the parking lot. The menu is very local with daily specials such as chicken katsu, Portuguese Bean Soup, Loco Moco, etc. I'm not much of a big eater so I ordered their bowl of Portuguese Bean Soup with a side of garlic bread, my niece ordered their Teriyaki Hamburger with a side of fries and my mom ordered their Won Ton Min Soup. They also ordered drinks but we also had water. The total bill was under $20 which was very inexpensive compared to a lot of other sit down restaurants in the area. Service is fast and the workers are friendly and accommodating. The dining area is usually kept clean but don't expect anything fancy. They have a few wooden type chairs with tables along the windows. Service is fast and you should get your food within 10 minutes of ordering. I would recommend eating at Freddy's Restaurant if you are in the area.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 23, 2008

Freddy's Restaurant
454 Manono Street Hilo
(808)935-1108

Kawaihae Harbor GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Fun Place to Dine and Drink After Work"

Kawaihae Harbor Grill
This is where a lot of hotel workers dine and drink after work, especially on Friday nights. Located at the intersection of highways 19 and 290 it will be on your right in an old-style green 2-story building. It has the ambiance and feel of Old Hawai'i. This restaurant is not imposing but instead laid-back and charming. They specialize in mixing the freshest fish with local produce. We always order their delicious Seared Island Poke and Calamari on their pupu menu. We also like their Asian Baby-back Ribs, Ginger Steamed Clams, Sashimi and my son likes their specialty pizzas. They serve a variety of tropical drinks like my favorite Pina Colada and Lava Flow. They also have imported beers and other tropical cocktails to go along with their pupu menu items. We like to come here for dinner but this is also a nice stop during the late afternoon or for an early dinner (2:30pm - 5:30pm). They are open daily from 7am - 11pm. Their happy hour is from 2:30pm - 5:30 pm. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would recommend making reservations for dinner especially during the weekend because it can get very busy. They have wonderful views of Kawaiha'e Harbor so a great time to dine or to have a drink would be at sunset. This is a great place to come to if you want to eat at a nice restaurant that is in the lovely town of Kawaiha'e. It is a nice change of pace from dining at a crowded hotel restaurant.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 19, 2008

Kawaihae Harbor Grill
Kawaihae Road Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii 96743
(808) 882-1368

Romano's Macaroni GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Wonderful and Delicious Italian Food"

Romano's Macaroni Grill at Queens' MarketPlace
This is a new restaurant that opened last month at the Queens' MarketPlace. My family and I didn't dine inside but we dined outside instead. My husband had the mushroom ravioli and we had the pizza and bow pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. The food was really good and tasty! The taste was perfect with just the right amount of Italian spices. This new restaurant is decorated in earthy colors with a little brightness in the interior. They have an open exhibition-style kitchen where chefs prepare an extensive array of entrees, classic Italian pasta dishes, grilled specialties, pizzas, seafood, salads and more. I would recommend eating at this wonderful Italian, Tuscan-inspired cuisine that has made the chain successful worldwide. There is also a restaurant in Honolulu that opened two years ago that has received a number of awards including "Best New Restaurant-People's Choice," for 2006 and in 2007 was named "Best New Restaurant."
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 18, 2008

Romano's Macaroni Grill
Queens' Market Place Waikoloa 96738
(808) 443-5515

Blane's Drive Inn Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Place to Order Party Platters"

Blanes Drive Inn (Hilo)
I always come to this Blanes Drive Inn when I need to order potluck food for my son's sporting events. They offer different types of party platters that include teriyaki beef, chicken katsu, korean chicken, and hot dogs. You can order the different types of meat dishes in large quantities (by the piece) or you can order combo party platters which include a variety of meats. Their small pupu (snack) platters start at $25 and their larger pupu platters are about $48. You can order the different meat platters that range from $20 - $45 for a 30 piece platter. The larger meat platter range from $40 - $90 for a 60 piece platter. I like to order their nori musubi platters that run about $18 for 2 dozen. They also sell teriyaki spam musubi and plain (without nori or spam) musubi for about $16 a platter (2 dozen musubis). It is a little tricky to find this Blanes Drive Inn because you have to turn down E. Kawili Street from Kanoelehua Avenue (Hawaii Belt Road) and then turn left onto Wiwoole Street. Continue driving down Wiwoole Street until you see Blanes Drive Inn. I would recommend coming to this Blanes Drive Inn location because the service is great and the location is convenient if you need to attend a sporting event in Hilo.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 15, 2008

Blane's Drive Inn
150 Wiwoole Street Hilo
(808)935-2259

New China RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice, Clean Restaurant with Tasty Chinese Dishes"

New China Restaurant
The exterior as well as the interior of this restaurant looks very Chinese with its red and gold paint. Most of the time this restaurant is empty so you don't have to worry about long lines and crowded parking lots. They have a wonderful menu that includes wonderful dishes such as Shrimp, Lemon Chicken, Orange Chicken, Won Ton, Chicken with Oyster Sauce, Mongolian Beef, Char Siu Saimin, Roast Duck, Roast Port, Shrimp Fried Rice, Steamed Vegetables, Abalone with Mushroom Soup, Ginger Chicken, etc. The food here is very tasty and fresh. The portions that they serve is very generous. The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. You can either have the lunch or dinner buffet or you can order off the menu which is very reasonable. The all you can eat buffets start at $8.50 for lunch (which is very reasonable) Menu prices are about $10 - $12 per person depending on what you order off the menu. They accept major credit cards. I would recommend eating here if you have a large group with you and you don't want to eat at a typical crowded Chinese restaurant.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 14, 2008

New China Restaurant
510 Kilauea Avenue Hilo 96720
(808)961-5677

New Star RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Former Mun Chun Lau"

New Star Restaurant
This is restaurant was formerly called the Mun Chun Lau Restaurant for many years. They changed to the New Star Restaurant in 2002. The interior is not as dreary and dark as it was before but they serve the same delicious Cantonese style cuisine. The building is very old and the restaurant looks somewhat old but the food is very tasty and good. The portions are big yet the prices are reasonable. I would recommend eating here if you don't mind the simple Asian style decor and the street parking. Service is quick and friendly. There are other places that are newer and nicer though such as Panda Express which is located on Makaala Street across from the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on December 9, 2008

New Star Restaurant
172 Kilauea Avenue Hilo
(808)934-8874

Planet Cafe (The)Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Yummy Deli Sandwiches"

The Planet Cafe
This cute cafe located across the street from Kilauea Corner is very quaint and charming. It is owned and run by Tanya Beirne. The restaurant opened this past summer and serves up healthy, organic food such as soups, salads, sushi, deli sandwiches, and Chirashi. I tried their pastrami sandwich, which was actually very delicious. They also offer Chirashi which is the name of the sushi style whereby toppings are placed over a bowl of rice. Some of their other deli sandwiches that they offer is ham, corn beef, roast beef, turkey and salami, with a choice of cream, cheddar, provolone, pepperjack or Swiss cheese, to which you can add sprouts, onion, tomato, or lettuce. Most of the ingredients that the cook uses comes from the nearby Hilo Farmers Market (which is held every Wednesday and Saturday in downtown Hilo. The cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from about 7 am until 7pm. I would somewhat recommend eating here since the decor and restaurant is very plain and nothing fancy.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on December 7, 2008

Planet Cafe (The)
187 Kilauea Avenue Hilo
(808)961-9061

Hi-Ho Mongolian GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Delicious Beef Dishes"

Mongolian Grill
This is a wonderful restaurant to dine at if you enjoy eating beef and vegetables served hot with some hot steamed rice or noodles. They offer a variety of sauces to go with your dish from mild to spicy. The best part of dining here is that you get to choose your own meat, vegetables, and sauces and they cook it for you. Your delicious meat dish is served hot and fresh. The food tastes delicious because it is cooked in the wok. It doesn't taste like the food at some other restaurants where the food has been sitting for a while in the kitchen and got a little cold. The service is also very good and quick since the food is wok fried. The workers are very friendly and accommodating. Since this a new restaurant the interior is very clean. The interior is mostly red and black with an Asian flair. There is a lot of parking even when it gets crowded at this restaurant. I would recommend dining at this restaurant if you like to eat Asian wok fried food.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 7, 2008

Hi-Ho Mongolian Grill
194 Kilauea Avenue Hilo
(808) 961-1777

Subway in Kilauea CornerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "New Subway in Hilo "

Subway in Kilauea Corner
Yesterday we (my husband and I) ate at this new Subway in Hilo located at the new Kilauea Corner. There is a new parking lot and the restaurant is very clean. The floor is covered in earthtone tiles and the chairs and tables also have earthtone colors. Since it is already December I noticed that this restaurant already had a decorated Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations. The workers at this restaurant are very friendly and greet you when you enter with a "Hello" or "Howzit." When we got there it was crowded because there were a lot of people shopping in the Hilo area. To my surprise the line moved very quickly and the workers were very friendly and one particular worker talked to the customers and smiled the whole time. Unfortunately my husband was not able to get the $5 footlong roasted chicken breast sub sandwich special because the promotion ended. They still had their $5 footlong promotion sign on their window but the $5 footlong promotion was not on their menu. Our subway sandwich was delicious as usual and I really enjoyed eating at this clean and bright store. I will definitely come back to this location to buy lunch and I would definitely recommend coming to this Subway restaurant if you are in town. Even though it was crowded we were able to find parking.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on December 7, 2008

Subway in Kilauea Corner
194 Kilauea Avenue Hilo 96720

Burger King HiloBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Convenient Fast Food Location"

Burger King in Hilo
Burger King has been around for a long time in Hilo. I come to this location for dinner when there is no other restaurant open after 10:00 p.m. It is convenient for me when I drive to Keaau for my son's school events and have to have a late dinner. This Burger King in Hilo is open daily from 5:30am - 11pm. They serve their usual fire-grilled burgers, chicken burgers, fish burgers and veggie sandwiches. They also serve a variety of salads for healthy conscious customers. I love their french fries but I prefer McDonalds french fries. Its unfortunate that all of the McDonalds locations in Hilo are closed after 10:00 p.m. I like to order their chicken sandwiches which are very good. Their prices are affordable and their food is good. This location is small and their seating area could use a renovation. They also have outside dining but the area looks run down. I would recommend eating at this Burger King location if you can't find anywhere else to eat dinner at 10:00 p.m.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 7, 2008

Burger King Hilo
580 Kilauea Avenue Hilo 96720
(808)935-7663

McDonald's in Kea'auBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Popular McDonald's in Kea'au"

McDonald's Kea'au
I always come to this McDonald's location when I need to drive to Kea'au and pick up my son from school. This McDonald's is busy in the restaurant as well as in the drive thru lane. They service the entire Kea'au area and the next closest McDonald's is at the Puainako Center. Since it is busy most of the time, the service is a somewhat slow. The workers have to fulfill orders from customers in the drive thru land and the customers inside of the restaurant. The workers are friendly and they try to do their best to get the orders out as fast as they can. I really don't like their vanilla iced coffee so I don't order it at this location. I think that the McDonald's in Waimea makes the best iced coffees. The inside of this McDonald's restaurant in Kea'au is very clean and the windows are always nice and clean so you can see out into the street. Parking is very tight and the design of their drive thru is not very good because the drive thru lane ends up in the small parking lot. One thing that I don't like about this location is that there is not room for a line to start behind the counter because there is a partition right behind the area where you order. The line winds around the right and left side of the partition when it gets busy and sometimes you don't know where the end of the line is. Overall I would recommend coming to this McDonald's because the restaurant is clean and service is good (unless it gets busy).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on December 1, 2008

McDonald's in Kea'au
16-565 Old Volcano Road Keaau 96749
(808) 966-8812

Coconut GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Breakfast at Reasonable Prices"

Coconut Grill
This is a local-style restaurant with good food and reasonable prices.. The atmosphere is very local with pleasant and friendly waitresses. Just like the Hilo Seaside Hotel, this restaurant has a cozy, laid back atmosphere. You can see Reed's Bay from the restaurant as well as the many locals that like to jump in the freshwater pond next to Harrington's. The breakfast at the restaurant is very good (reminds me of eating at Ken's House of Pancakes located across the street). Breakfasts with eggs and sausage usually run about $8.00 - $10.00. Dinner on the other hand is a little more expensive (over $20 per person) but they have a good dinner menu with seafood (lobster, shrimp) and steak and filet minon entrees. They also serve appetizers such as crab cakes and shrimp tiki. Other dinner entrees include pork chops, spare ribs, fish, and chicken. You can have your dinner entree served with soup or salad. The entrees usually come with steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. This restaurant was renovated and opened under Coconut Grill in 2005. It was formerly another local-style restaurant that catered mainly to locals and hotel guests for breakfast and lunch. Back in the day (over 10 years ago) the prices were really reasonable! Breakfast at the Coconut Grill is served from 6:00am - 11am daily. Dinner is served from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. If you want to try something new in Hilo then I would recommend eating at Coconut Grill.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on November 23, 2008

Coconut Grill
136 Banyan Way Hilo
(808)961-3330

Jamba Juice Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Delicious and Refreshing Drinks"

Jamba Juice
This Jamba Juice was very busy when I went there yesterday. It is located in the middle of the Kona Coast Shopping Center. There was a long line that almost went out the door when I got there at about 9:15am. By the time I left the order line was already out the door. I'm not sure exactly why service was so slow but it could be that it was very busy. A lot of people were in town to watch the Kona Coffee Parade that was supposed to start at 9:30am. As usual I ordered their Pina Colada sixteen smoothie (not listed on the menu) with a free shot of the immune booster for about $3.85. It was really good, especially since it was warm in Kona. The cashier was very nice and smiled a lot. The girl that made the drinks didn't smile so much because she was so busy. I think that this Jamba Juice store needs more training in customer service because the workers at the Jamba Juice at the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza always say "hi" when you walk in the door. Even when it gets busy, the workers at the Hilo Jamba Juice still give service with a smile.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on November 16, 2008

Jamba Juice
75-1015 Henry St. Space #6 Kailua Kona 96740
(808) 334-1426

Tres Hombres Steak & SeafoodBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Restaurant is Nice. Food is Okay."

Tres Hombres Kona
This restaurant is located on Walua Road but you can see if from Ali'i Drive near the Royal Kona Resort in Kona. The menu is similar to the one at the Kawaihae Tres Hombres restaurant with enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, and salads. They also have delicious fish entrees and a nice selection of mixed drinks. As far as ambiance, this restaurant is located on a nice hill that overlooks Ali'i Drive and the ocean but most of the view is blocked by the Royal Kona Resort. The service needs improvement because the waitstaff take a long time to come back to the table and ask if you need anything else. When we went to Tres Hombres in Kona it was very empty and I believe we were the only customers besides another couple that sat in there. We were lucky because there was no a/c and there was an ocean breeze blowing so it was okay but it got a little warm toward the end of our meal.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on November 5, 2008

Tres Hombres Steak & Seafood
75-5864 Walua Road Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 329-1292

Mixx Bistro BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Place for Lunch"

Mixx Bistro Bar
Mixx Bistro Bar is a nice place for a casual lunch. They have wonderful salads ($7.50 - $9) such as Chinese Chicken Salad, Shrimp Salad, and my favorite-Mahimahi Salad which is served on a bed of lettuce with crispy won ton. They have delicious seafood dishes that include Garlic Butterfly Shrimp ($8), Crab Ragoon ($6.50), and Calamari ($10.50). One of my favorite beef dishes is their Mongolian Beef ($10) which is made with onions, peppers, and Hoisin Sauce. Mixx Bistro Bar also has live entertainment and an extensive wine list. Mixx Bistro bar is located at the King Kamehameha Mall whiich is on Kuakini Highway near Palani Road.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 30, 2008

Mixx Bistro Bar
75-5626 Kuakini Highway Kailua Kona 96740
(808) 329-7334

Paleo Bar and GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Italian Restaurant with Views of Kona Bay"

Paleo Bar and Grill
This is a nice Italian restaurant on the second floor with beautiful view of Kona Bay. Paleo Bar and Grill was formerly known as the Kona Galley Restaurant. You can view the extensive menu before you enter the restaurant at the entrance on Palani Road. They have a nice dinner menu that includes steak, seafood, and chicken dishes. Their dinner items average about $18 - $25. I would recommend eating near the lanai so that you can get a good view of Kona Bay and Kailua Pier. Sunsets in Kona are fabulous and you don't want to miss it. This restaurant is conveniently located on the main strip of Ali'i Drive. It is within walking distance from the Kona Seaside and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel (about 5 minutes). Service can be slow especially when it gets busy but the food is good. You can find paid parking next to King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 30, 2008

Paleo Bar and Grill
75-5663 Palani Road Kailua Kona
(808)329-5550

Fish Hopper Seafood and SteaksBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Views and Good Seafood"

Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
This restaurant was formerly The Ocean View Inn for many years. I remember going to the Ocean View Inn for local food with my family. The old restaurant was painted in a light blue hue and it was enclosed with jalousie windows. Back then they would only accept cash, no checks and no credit cards. What a laugh! Now the new restaurant has open-air dining and the exterior is painted in brown. They serve wonderful seafood dinner dishes like Panko Ono (wahoo), Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, Blackened Ahi, and Coconut Crusted Prawns. Most of their dinner dishes are from $23 - $25. Their salads are delicious and include Asian Chicken Salad, Mango Chicken Ceasar Salad, and Ahi Salad. Their salads range from $17 - $18. The best thing about this restaurant is the killer views of Kona Bay and the Kona sunsets. I would recommend dining at this restaurant right when the sun sets between 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (depending on the season). The service is good but it can get slow when it is crowded. This restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch. They are open daily from 7:30am - 9pm. The prices are steep but it is worth it if you want to eat good quality food and you want ocean views.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 29, 2008

Fish Hopper Seafood and Steaks
75-5683 Alii Dr. Kailua-Kona 96740
(808) 326-2002

L&L Hawaiian BarbequeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Food at Reasonable Prices"

Teri Beef Plate Lunch at L&L Hawaiian Barbeque
This L&L Drive Inn location is very nice because it is a newer restaurant at the beautiful Keauhou Shopping Center which overlooks the Keauhou Coast. This restaurant is nicely decorated with pictures and a red and yellow shortboard with the L&L logo hangs from the wall. The food is very good here and the service is quick. The serve the usual L&L Drive Inn fare like plate lunches. Mostly locals dine here because they enjoy eating plate lunches - the comfort food of the Hawaiian Islands. They offer Chicken Katsu, Teri Beef, Teri Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Fried Shrimp, Short Ribs, Loco Moco (hamburger patties placed over rice, covered with brown gravy and topped with 2 eggs), and Kalua Pork plate lunches that come with 2 scoops of rice with a side of mac salad. They also have a variety of combo plates, burgers, saimin, and musubis. Their prices are reasonable since most of the plate lunches are under $8.00 for a full size plate lunch. They also offer mini plates which are much smaller. L&L is a great place to bring the family because they have such a varied menu that everyone can find something that they want to eat. I would recommend coming to L&L Hawaiian Barbeque at the Keauhou Shopping Center if you want to dine at a casual place that serves good American and Local food.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 28, 2008

L&L Hawaiian Barbeque
931 University Ave., #202 Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
(808) 951-9888

KenichiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Sushi Restaurant"

Kenichi Pacific
Kenichi Pacific is a great sushi restaurant located at the Keauhou Shopping Center. They have wonderful appetizers such as shrimp tempura, raw vegetables with miso sauce, and black cod with miso sauce. Their entrees are delicious especially their grilled ono (wahoo) which is served with yams, green beans, oyster mushrooms and ponzu. They also have beef, lamb, chicken, and other seafood entrees included on their dinner menu. As for sushi, they offer a variety of sushi rolls such as the Kenichi Special Roll (snow crab, cucumber, avocado, tuna, and fish roe), the Hawaiian Roll (blackened yellowtail, serrano chilis, pinapple, and avocado), and The Aspen Roll (smoked ahi, cream cheese, scallion, sprouts, cucumber, and sesame seeds). For dessert they have Molten Cake and Tempura Ice Cream which is delicious. They are open for dinner from 5pm - 9:30pm. On Fridays they have "half off sushi rolls" and daily drink specials. They also have wonderful sake drinks like their Sake Mojito (mint, lime and sugar blended with sake and soda) and their Passiontini (Wokka saki mixed with lilikoi passion fruit juice). I would recommend eating here if you are staying at one of the hotels nearby and you want to eat at a nice sushi restaurant in Keauhou. Note that this restaurant is a bit pricey but worth it.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 28, 2008

Kenichi
78-6831 Alii Drive Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 322-6400

Vernas III Drive Inn Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Local Style Drive In"

Verna's Drive In
This local style drive in is located adjacent to Ken's House of Pancakes. You can't miss this drive in because there is a sign that reads "If No Can...No Can, If Can Vernas." I don't think you can get more local than this drive in. The food is very local and they serve the typical drive in fare like plate lunches, bentos, loco mocos, burgers, french fries, etc. Some of their plates are good like their chicken katsu with either fries or rice with mac salad. Some of their other plate lunch choices include Teri Beef, Hamburger Steak, Beef Stew, Fried Chicken, Shoyu Chicken, and Kalua Pork and Cabbage. They also sell popular local items such as the Hawaiian Plate, Fried Noodles, Chili Bowls, Saimin, and their ono Teri Burgers. Most of their plate lunches are under $8.00 which is reasonable compared to other drive ins in Hilo. They also have a large breakfast menu and they are open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Note that this place sometimes looks scary when there are a lot of people hanging around in a large group when it gets dark. If you want to eat at Verna's, I would suggest that you eat at this local joint during daylight hours. Also don't come here by yourself...it is always better to be in a group if you are in the area after dark. I have eaten here a few times but my family and friends prefer to eat at L&L's in Kinoole Street, Don's Grill on Hinano Street or any of the other fast food restaurants at Puainako Shopping Center.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on October 27, 2008

Vernas III Drive Inn
1765 Kamehameha Ave Hilo 96720
(808) 935-2776

Island Java LavaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Cafe Lattes"

Island Lava Java Bistro and Grill
Whenever I want to sit, relax, and get a good view of the ocean I come to Island Lava Java Bistro and Grill to get a cup of hot cafe latte with a cinnamon bun. This is a popular cafe/restaurant to hang out at. A lot of young people (mostly locals) like to eat outside to get views of Kona Bay. Several times each week large cruise ships anchor in Kona Bay. On Wednesdays you can see the NCL Pride of America which stops every week in Kona Bay. There are a number of tables with large umbrellas that you can sit under to shade you from the Kona sun. Their cinnamon rolls are huge and are baked daily at Island Lava Java Bistro and Grill. Besides breakfast, they also serve lunch and dinner. They are conveniently open from 6:00am until 10pm daily. They serve lunch from 4:30pm until 9:30pm and they offer entrees such as roasted chicken, fresh fish, New York steak, tacos, and pizza dishes for dinner. Most of their entrees are from $15 - $21. They offer a variety of salads such as Ceasar salad, Greek salad, Blackened Fish salad that run from $10 - $14. I don't usually come here for dinner but I do frequent this place for expresso drinks and pastries. A large cafe latte costs about $3.75 which is cheaper than Starbucks. The only problem is parking. You might be able to find parking in the Alii Sunset Plaza Parking Lot on Kuakini Highway. There is no nearby parking lot right next to Island Lava Java Bistro Grill. The restaurant is very casual, nothing fancy. For dinner I would recommend eating at a nicer place preferably at a restaurant on the second floor so that you can get a great view of the Kona sunset without the noise from the street level.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 25, 2008

Island Java Lava
75-5799 Alii Drive Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 327-2161

Boston Basil'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cute Place to Have Pizza on Ali'i Drive"

Boston Basil's
If you want to grab a quick lunch and want to eat pizza this is a cute, small place to have pizza on Ali'i Drive. Their lunch menu includes items such as pasta dishes (with shrimp and calamari), lasagnas, salads, sub sandwiches, burgers, and of course, pizzas. They also have a good wine and beer list to go with their lunch items. The restaurant is very small and is very close to Ali'i Drive so you can people watch while you are eating. We were lucky to go to Boston Basil's on a cloudy day, otherwise, it can get very hot on a sunny day, especially when there are no trade winds to cool you down. The restaurant is very casual with wooden tables with plastic tablecloths. It is nothing fancy and you can walk in with a t-shirt, shorts, and slippers. If you dine near the sidewalk you will hear the noise from the cars that drive through Ali'i Drive continuously. We ordered the Boston Basil Gourmet Pizza (about $24 for a large pizza) and Ceasar Salads (about $9 per salad) for lunch which we enjoyed it. The prices at Boston Basil's are steep but the food quality is good and the waitstaff are really friendly. The owners are from Boston and their Boston style pizzas are delicious. If you want to grab a quick bite and you enjoy eating Italian food, then this is a good choice, but expect to pay a lot. We (my family) always park on Kuakini Highway next to the Kona Seaside Hotel in the public parking lot. Boston Basil's is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am until 9:30pm.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 25, 2008

Boston Basil's
75-5707 Ali'i Drive Kailua Kona 96740
(808) 326-7836

Rio'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Steakhouse"

Rio's
This is a great hideaway if you want to have a nice dinner along the Kona Coast. The have live entertainment nightly during dinner. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated. If you can, get outside seating so you can watch the sunset from your table and listen to the surf breaking along the shore. Rio's serves steak and seafood. They are also open for breakfast from 7am - 11am. They have an all you can eat buffet on Saturday and Sunday from 8am - 12pm. Dinner is from 4:30pm - 10pm. On Tuesday they have an all you can eat pasta buffet along with 7 different dishes that you can choose from. On Wednesday they have a $19.95 Live Maine Lobster special. I had the Ono (Wahoo) dinner which I loved since Ono is my favorite fish. My husband had the Sirloin Steak Dinner which was alright. Our dinners were about $25 - $27 which is a little steep. Appetizers are about $10 - $12 for the Calamari and the Shrimp. The food quality was very good and the servers were friendly and attentive. I would recommend making reservations for outside dining since the views from the second floor of this restaurant is fabulous. It also gets very busy during the weekends. It is located at the Coconut Grove Marketplace near Lulu's. It is a fairly new restaurant so try it out! Note that it is very difficult to get parking. A lot of people park at the Kona Surf Resort (paid parking) and walk to the Coconut Grove Marketplace to dine.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 24, 2008

Cassandra's Greek TavernaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Live Shows"

Cassandra's Greek Taverna
This is the only Greek restaurant on the Big Island in Kona. They have live belly dancing and karaoke. This is a great place to order lunch or have dinner and drinks. Happy hour is from 3pm - 6pm and it is $2 for draft beer. This is a fun place for nightlife since they have free pool on Monday and Thursday nights and Karaoka on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They are located in the Kona Square across the street from the Kona Pier intersection. This is a wonderful place to eat if you enjoy Greek food like Lamb, Gyros, and Baklava. Note that their food is a bit pricey but the view is great if you can get outdoor seating. The sunsets are lovely in Kona especially during the summer. Cassandra's is open for lunch from 11am-4pm and dinner from 4pm - 10pm. They open for dinner on Sundays through Thursdays from 4pm - 11pm. I would recommend eating at Cassandra's if you enjoy eating American and Traditional Mediterranean food.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 20, 2008

Cassandra's Greek Taverna
75-5669 Ali'i Drive Kailua Kona
(808) 334-1066

Sushi En FuegoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Delicious Tapas"

Sushi En Fuego
Sushi En Fuego serves delicious Tapa. Their Tapa menu is wonderful as well as their sushi menu. They have a full bar so have a drink like sake or a martini to go with their wonderful food items. If you can try to get outdoor seating since the restaurant overlooks lovely Kailua Bay. The best time to go to Sushi En Fuego is at sunset so you can enjoy the beautiful Kona views. Sushi En Fuego is open from 11:30am - 9:30pm. Try some unique sushi with a Latin spicy infusion. This is the only restaurant that Iknow of that is a Latin and Japanese fusion restaurant with an outrageous martini bar. Don Juan Da Mango is one of the best martinis that my husband ordered when we went there last month. This is the perfect place to relax especially if you get outdoor seating. I would definitely recommend stopping at Sushi En Fuego for some food and drinks. After eating here you can walk off all of your calories by walking down Ali'i Drive. Sushi En Fuego is right in the heart of all of the action on Ali'i Drive. There is valet parking beneath Waterfront Row and there is paid parking across the street.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on October 12, 2008

Sushi En Fuego
Waterfront Row on Ali'i Drive Kailua Kona
(808)331-2200

Subway KeauhouBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Newer Subway "

Subway Keauhou
This new Subway is very clean and the service is efficient and fast. We (my family) have been to Subway restaurants at different locations on the island. This Subway is very nice because it is located at the far end of the Keauhou Shopping Center. The interior is clean, nicely decorated with plants, and air-conditioned. We ordered their $5 foot long Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast subway sandwich. They also have other sandwiches from their $5 foot long menu such as Meatball, Cold Cut, Spicy Italian, Vegetarian, Black Forest Ham, and BLT. Since we were the only ones in the restaurant besides some teenagers already sitting in one booth, my husband got through the order line very quickly. I believe the manager was at the register because he stayed there the whole time that we were there. My husband didn't complain about the sandwich (since sometimes he complains that the workers stuff the sandwich so it is a mess when you eat it). I like the fact that this restaurant is located at the Keauhou Shopping Center since it overlooks the entire Keauhou Coast. It Shopping Center is home to about 35 shops and restaurants, most of them unique to the Big Island. Its merchants offer a variety of one-of-a-kind items, some only available at the center itself, like Alapaki's. You can see a movie after you eat at Subway since the Keauhou Cinemas are located within walking distance. It would take about 2 minutes to get from Subway to the cinemas. There is so much parking, even on weekends.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on October 12, 2008

Pancho & Lefty's CantinaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Pancho and Lefty's"

Pancho & Lefty's Cantina
If you enjoy eating Mexican food and drinking tropical drinks, then this is a great place to dine at for lunch or dinner. It is located on Ali'i Drive near the Hulihe'e Palace. We usually eat lunch there on Sundays when we shop in Kona. There is no parking on Alii Drive so we usually park in the public parking lot located off of Kuakini Road right behind the Kona Seaside Hotel. It is a 5 minute walk from the public parking lot to Pancho and Lefty's. During lunch there is usually a lot of seating on the main floor but the tables near the balcony are often filled at lunchtime. If you can get a table near the balcony then you can see all the cars and visitors cruising down Ali'i Drive. There is no dress code at this restaurant and we always wear shorts and a polo shirt to eat here. I like to order the enchilada entree (which includes Mexican rice and refried beans), my husband likes to order the bean/cheese burrito entree and my son always orders the nachos with beans and cheese. With drinks (non-alcoholic) our total tab usually runs about $35. If we order alcoholic beverages and smoothies, our tab runs about $50 (without tip). The service at this restaurant is great since most of the waitresses are very friendly and helpful. Service is also fast since you will get your meal within 10 - 15 minutes (depending if you order mixed drinks) unless it is really busy. They accept most major credit cards. I would recommend that you buy a Hawaii Entertainment Book which contain valuable coupons for Pancho and Lefty's. Enjoy!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on November 4, 2006

Pancho & Lefty's Cantina
75-5719 Alii Dr Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 326-2171

Blanes Drive InBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Blane's Drive In in Honoka'a
I come here often to buy take-out dinner for my family. It is located across the street from First Hawaiian Bank on the corner of Kika and Mamane Streets. Since Blanes serves large portions for their plate lunches, I order 2 plate lunches for my son and husband and I share one plate lunch with my son. The plate lunches run from $6 to $7 for the regular size and about $5.50 to $7 for the mini size. The regular plate lunches include rice, macaroni salad and free miso soup upon request. My favorite plate lunches are the boneless chicken and the chicken katsu. Their macaroni salad is very delicious so I often order a side of macaroni salad for dinner. Blanes also has delicious pupu (finger food) platters that run about $25 for the small platter and $48 for the large platter. For a party I ordered the chicken katsu in a pan (30 pieces) which fed over 10 people and cost about $26. If you like local food and you don't want to eat in a sit down restaurant, then this is the place to dine at. The service is fast and the food is delicious. You will get a bang for your buck here. There is a small parking lot in the back of the drive in and you can also park along the street in front of Blanes. Blanes also serves breakfast and a variety of bentos (rice and meat in small plastic trays). The bentos run from about $5 to $6. Blanes is open 7 days a week.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on November 6, 2006

Don's Chinese KitchenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Don's Chinese Kitchen
My family and I enjoy eating at Don's Chinese Kitchen at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court. Their small eatery is located on the right side of the food court after you enter. The Parker Ranch Food Court is new and it is very beautiful. There is a fireplace in the center with chairs and tables surrounding the fireplace. Murals of the Parker Ranch and Paniolos (Cowboys) adorn the walls of the food court. The food at Don's Chinese Kitchen is hot and very tasty. The prices run about $4.75 for a choice of one entrée with rice or chow mein noodles. If you want two entrées with rice or noodles, then it runs about $5.75. A choice of three entrées with rice or noodles is about $6.75. Don's Chinese Kitchen also offers a catering menu which is perfect if you plan to have a graduation party or birthday party. Their catering menu is very expensive so be prepared to dish out about $39 for a small pan of orange, chicken, beef broccoli or sweet and sour pork. There is a lot of parking available in he front of the Parker Ranch Shopping Center. Bring a jacket because this town can get chilly since it is over 2,000 feet above sea level. You can get lovely views of Mauna Kea from Waimea town. We used to eat at the Don's Pake Kitchen on Mamalahoa Highway only a few miles away from Parker Ranch Shopping Center but it recently closed. I would recommend eating a plate lunch with two or three entrée choices if you enjoy eating delicious Chinese food at an affordable price.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on November 11, 2006

Don's Chinese Kitchen
Parker Ranch Shopping Center Waimea, Hawaii
(808) 885-5828

Luquin's Mexican RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Luquin's
Luquin's Mexican Restaurant is definitely off the beaten path. We don't often come to this restaurant because it is located in Pahoa town which is far from Hilo. When we do travel through Pahoa on our way to Kapoho, we like to have lunch at Luquin's. Even though the restaurant looks a little run down, their food is very authentic and "muy deliciosa!" I already tried their chicken enchilada entrée (about $7.50) and their taco salad which were very good. Their chicken enchilada is better than other chicken enchilada entrées I've tried at other Mexican restaurants on the Big Island. The decoration and the interior of the restaurant is very authentic and it seems as if you are actually dining in a small town in Mexico. The staff are very friendly and the service is very good. They renovated their parking lot which is wonderful since they didn't have much parking before. I wouldn't recommend walking around town since there are some unusual characters and locals that walk around town and occasionally come into the restaurant. My friend from Chile recommended this restaurant to me and I'm glad I tried it out! Don't order too many mixed drinks because they are really expensive and it could run up your dinner or lunch tab!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on November 11, 2006

Luquin's Mexican Restaurant
Pahoa Government Rd. Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii 96778
(808) 965-9990

L & L Drive-InnBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "L&L Drive Inn"

L&L Drive Inn
When we are in Hilo we usually dine at L&L Drive Inn on Kinoole Street or we eat at McDonalds in Hilo Town. L&L Drive Inn is a fast food chain that has sprung up all over the Big Island. This particular location is an older fast food drive inn with a small dining area. We usually order the Chinese plate lunches with 2 choices of entrees with either rice or noodles. We always choose the rice and orange chicken as one choice and a vegetable entree like beef broccoli as the second choice. A 2 choice plate lunch with a medium drink will cost about $7.50. They have a variety of Chinese entrees that are displayed through a glass window near the counter. Some of the entrees include pork tofu, mixed vegetables, eggplant, lemon chicken, etc. If you do not want to order Chinese food then you can choose from mini plate lunches that include rice, macaroni salad and one meat entree such as chicken katsu, teri chicken, teri beef, etc. These plates are less expensive but you have to wait until the kitchen cooks it. The dining area is decent but it looks a little worn and old. Service is fast and friendly. Note that there is limited parking. Also note that Kinoole Street is a one way street (for a few blocks) beginning from Waianuenue Avenue. I would recommend this fast food restaurant if you enjoy Chinese fast food and local food at an affordable price.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on March 23, 2008

L & L Drive-Inn
909 Kapahulu Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
+1 808 735 5505

Kozmic ConesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Kozmic Cones Dining Area
This is a wonderful place to stop at to get an ice cream cone or a slush float. They also have plate lunches which include either rice or french fries and macaroni salad along with some time of meat dish. They specialize in chicken katsu, fried shrimp, hamburger steak, chili, teriyaki beef/chicken, beef stew, curry stew, and fried chicken plate lunches. Plate lunches are under $8.00 and they give a lot of food in their plate lunches. You also can order all types of shakes, sundaes, floats, slushes, smoothies, and ice cream specialties if you have a sweet tooth. If you are planning a party you can order their yummy pupu platters that come in a variety of dishes. You can choose from shrimp, spring rools, sausage, korean chicken, and chicken katsu pupu platters. Their platters run from about $25 - $40 depending on the size of the platters. Kozmic Cones is located across from the Hilo Library and is about 5 minutes away from Hilo Bayfront. I would recommend this fast food restaurant to families or to any one that wants a quick bite to eat at a reasonable cost. There is casual indoor seating and ample parking. If you do not want to stop inside and order, you can order outside in their drive through lane.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on April 21, 2008

Kentucky Fried ChickenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "KFC"

KFC - Waimea
This KFC branch is located at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center in beautiful Waimea. The fast food restaurant is very small (1,250 square feet) with about 4 or 5 tables on each side. This location is ideal to order take out food. I usually order their chicken bucket specials which run about $14.00 - $20.00 depending on which bucket size you want to order. An 9- piece bucket (drumsticks and thighs) with 2 sides of mash potatoes will cost about $19.99 which is a good deal for a family of about 3. If you want to order individual meals and sides of cole slaw, mash potatoes, or corn then you can order these items instead of the bucket specials. The service is very fast and there are usually no lines in the afternoon. You can also use a credit card if you have no cash for payment. There is a lot of parking at the Parker Ranch Shopping Center. Bring a jacket since it is gets chilly in Waimea. I would definitely recommend ordering take out at this KFC restaurant.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 1, 2008

Kentucky Fried Chicken
Parker Ranch Center Waimea

Pizza HutBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Pizza Hut
Of all the Pizza Hut locations on the Big Island, this is my favorite. Located at the Puainako Shopping Center, this Pizza Hut is nicely decorated with a lot of seating and good service. We often eat here when my family wants to eat Pizza. The pizzas here run about $12.00 for a one topping medium pizza and $14.00 for a two topping medium pizza. My husband and son usually order the medium pizzas or the buffet which runs about $11.00 and I order the chicken ceasar salad that costs about $10.00. Their buffet includes an all you can eat buffet of pizza, pasta, and breadsticks with a free refillable drink. On weekends it can get a bit crowded around lunch time so it is best to go after 1:00 p.m. or before 11:00 a.m. in order to get a good seat. Service is fast so the wait is minimal unless you go to Pizza Hut at noon during lunchtime. It is conveniently located right across the street from The Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza and it is within one block of Walmart and Borders. There are also grocery retailers like KTA at the Puainako Shopping Center. As far as parking, the lot can get full near Pizza Hut but you can find parking within walking distance. There is a restroom located at this Pizza Hut near the side entrance. Pizza Hut also does pizza deliveries and carryout service. I would recommend stopping at this Pizza Hut located if you are in the area or coming back to Hilo from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 5, 2008

Pizza Hut
50 E Puainako Ave Hilo
(808) 959-9119

Michaelangelo'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Michaelangelo's
This beautiful restaurant is located on the second floor of Waterfront Row. It is located across from Saint Michael's Catholic Church. It is open for breakfast (except on Mondays), lunch and dinner 7 days a week. It also had nightly dancing into the wee hours of the morning (2:00 a.m.). We like to dine at this restaurant because it is located right on the water and you can get fabulous views of Kona Bay. The cost to dine here can get pricey but it is well worth it. This renown restaurant has been open in Kona for quite a while now. They serve Italian cuisine like pasta dishes, fresh seafood, steaks, chicken and fine wines. My favorite appetizer is the Crusted Mozzarella Planks ($10.00) which are small deep fried mozzarella sticks topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese (yummy). The also serve a wonderful thick clam chowder. My favorite dinner dish is their Chicken all Parmigiana ($18.00) which is a chicken breast topped with marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, with pasta marinara. My husband really likes the Steak Capri ($26.00) which is a New York steak sauteed with garlic, wine and Worcestershire placed on a bed of lemon-caper sauce and topped with shrimp, scallops and melted mozzarella cheese. They also serve a variety of fine wines. I would highly recommend this wonderful restaurant if you enjoy Italian food and you want to see views of lovely Kona Bay. To get here you can go down Palani Drive until you meet up with Alii Drive. Continue down Alii Drive until you see a building that looks sort of like a ship (Waterfront Row). There is parking under the structure as well as across the street but there is a parking fee. There is free parking on Kuakini Highway just south of the Kona Seaside Hotel. It may be difficult to find free parking here since there are a lot of other people looking for free parking in Kona which is rare.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 9, 2008

Canoe HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Canoehouse
Dining at the Canoehouse is a treat, especially since it is located right in front of the ocean. You can see palm trees and listen to the ocean as you dine in this beautiful, open, restaurant. In the open-air dining room, a koa canoe hangs from the ceiling. Corked decanters on the table hold soy sauce and chili water which locals really enjoy with their meals. Alan Wong, who now runs a restaurant on Oahu, opened the CanoeHouse and made it a renown restaurant. Some of their specialties are lobster tempura, baby-back ribs, and nori-wrapped (seaweed) ahi. Their menu changes constantly so that you will never get bored with their Pacific Rim cuisine. Seafood is a good bet, but if you'd like a change, try the hibachi-rilled chicken in sesame vinegar. They also serve a wonderful dessert sampler that will melt in your mouth. They also have wonderful appetizers such as seared ahi and crab cakes. It can get quite expensive at this restaurant especially if you order wine with your meal but it is well worth it. Their dinner entres run about $25 - $48. In order to get to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, drive about 50 minutes north from Kailua-Kona town down the Queen Kaahumanu Highway until you see the Mauna Lani sign. Make a left turn and continue down the circle until you reach the hotel parking lot. The hotel offers valet parking so you can drive your car right up to the lobby entrance. I would highly recommend this Pacific Rim restaurant located directly on the beach. It is quite an experience that you will not forget. The CanoeHouse is open daily for dinner from 5:30 - 9:30 pm.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by golden101 on May 10, 2008

Cafe Il MondoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Cafe Il Mondo
This is a tiny cafe located in the historical Andrade Building in the sleepy town of Honokaa. The restaurant is surrounded by tropical watercolors and local art. You can smell the aromas of garlic sauces and pizzas as you enter the restaurant. The owners are Sergio and Dena Ramirez who are from South America. Sometimes you will hear entertainment on certain nights by Sergio since he is a classical and flamenco guitarist. He often rehearses with his group, Adaggio Latino, while contented drinkers sit back and dine on their oven-baked pizzas. Cafe Il Mondo serves pizzas ($10.00 - $20.00), sandwiches ($5.00 - $6.00), and pasta ($8.00).
They are open Monday - Saturday from 11 am - 9 pm. They also serve espresso drinks if you enjoy coffee. Their vegetable pizza, Waipio, is a best-seller, but the Sergio-pesto with marinated artichokes and mushrooms is the one locals like. Sandwiches are served with fresh French, inion, and rosemary buns, all made by local bakeries. Fresh pasta has been added to the menu, and all greens are fresh, local, and organic. There is no parking lot for this restaurant but you can park on either side of Mamane Street. To get to this restaurant drive south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway and take a right on Kawaihae Road until you get to Waimea town. Continue east until you get to a sign that says Waipio. Turn left and drive all the way down to Mamane street and you will see Cafe Il Mondo! I would somewhat recommend this restaurant since it is very laid back and casual. The pizzas are alright but I think the ambiance of the restaurant will draw you in.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on May 10, 2008

Cafe Il Mondo
Mamane St. Honokaa
(808) 775-7711

Tex Drive-InBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Tex Drive Inn "

Tex Drive-In
This small drive inn off of Highway 19 has the best malassadas around. This restaurant was renovated by Ada Lamme when she bought the old Tex Drive Inn many years ago. Tex sells close to 50,000 malassadas, which is a cake-like doughnut (without the doughnut hole) filled with various creme and other types of filling, per month. These sugar rolled morsels are filled with pineapple/papaya preserves, pepper jelly, or Bavarian cream. Malassadas run about $.80 to $1.00 each depending on what type of filling you order. The menu has a local flavor and features ethnic (local) specialties such as Korean chicken, teriyaki meat, chicken katsu, kalua pork with cabbage, and Filipino specials. Their plate lunches run around $8.00 and are served with a side of rice and macaroni salad. They also sell hamburgers, chili, and favorites like saimin and bentos(sushi and meat in a plastic container). Tex enlarged their kitchen area so that customers can see workers actually make the malassadas. Tex used to have a large retail store that carried Hawaiian crafts, local coffees and gift items but it was recently closed. I would definitely recommend buying malassadas at this drive inn. It is also a nice place to grab a quick bite if you are passing through on Highway 19. There is ample parking in their large parking lot. There is a small plant/gardening store to the right of Tex Drive Inn called Mohala Pua which is also owned by Ada Lamme. This is a nice store to browse in and look at local plants. There is a bathroom in the same building that Tex is located in. To get to Tex Drive Inn from Waimea town, just continue down Highway 19 heading to Hilo. You will see a large sign that reads Welcome to Honokaa Town. Make a left turn down Pakalana Street and turn left into Tex Drive Inn.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 13, 2008

Tex Drive-In
45-690 Pakalana St. Honokaa, Hawaii 96727
(808) 775-0598

Cafe PestoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cafe Pesto in Hilo"

Cafe Pesto
Cafe Pesto is known for its delicious pizzas baked in Italian brick ovens that contail ohia and kiawe wood. Their wonderful and exotic pizzas are topped with fresh organic herbs and island-grown produce. Their pizzas and pasta dished run from $7.00 - $20.00. The high-ceilinged 1912 room, with windows looking out over Hilo's bayfront, is filled with wonderful aromas. It's difficult to resist the wild mushroom-artichoke pizza or the popular chipotle and tomato-drenched Southwestern pizza, but go with the Four Seasons-dripping with prosciutto, bell peppers, and mushrooms, it won't disappoint you. Their are other local favorites such as their Milolii, a crab-shrimp-mushroom sandwich with basil pesto; the smoked salmon minipizza appetizer; the chili-grilled shrimp pizza; and the flash-seared poke salad on a bed of spinach. They also have a variety of wines and coffees that you can have with your meal. Cafe Pesto is open from Monday through Thursday from 11am-9pm and Friday through Saturday from 11am-10pm. This is a popular pizza/Pacific Rim restaurant with visitors as well as locals. Service is fast and friendly. Parking can be a problem, especially on the weekends when the parking lot on Bayfront gets crowded. If you can't find parking in front of the restaurant, there is another public parking area across the street. I would highly recommend this nice restaurant if you enjoy Italian food like pasta and pizza.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Cafe Pesto
Historic S. Hata Building - On the Bay - 308 Kamehameha Ave # 101 Hilo 96720
(808) 969-6640

Coast Grille & Oyster BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Coast Grille "

Coast Grille & Oyster Bar
The Coast Grille & Oyster Bar is an elegant restaurant that serves Hawaii Regional Cuisine at its finest. The views from the restaurant is outstanding. Diners sitting out on the balcony can watch the sunset at Hapuna Beach. The entrance to this restaurant is fabulous with ocean decor. They serve a wonderful Ono (Wahoo) dinner along with wonderful salads and desserts. It is pricey but well worth it. They also have delicious local shrimp dishes, a fabulous oyster bar and beautiful beach sunsets. Their desserts are out of this world. I really enjoyed their ice cream dish with a latticed wafer cone. Service is fast and friendly. Reservations are recommended because this restaurant can get crowded especially when the hotel is at full occupancy. Also I would recommend sitting out on the balcony so you can get a good view of Hapuna beach and the sunset. There is ample parking and the hotel offers valet parking also. To get to Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel from Kona, take the Queen Kaahumanu Highway south about 50 minutes until you reach a sign on the right that reads Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Then take a right and drive under the highway until you reach the hotel. I would highly recommend the Coast Grille & Oyster Bar to visitors.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Coast Grille & Oyster Bar
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel - 62-100 Kauna'oa Drive Kohala Coast 96743
(808) 880-1111

Daniel Thiebaut RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Daniel Thiebault"

Daniel Theibaut Restaurant
This small restaurant in Waimea offers a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. They serve Hawaii Regional Cuisine which has three parts: fresh, local ingredients; the influence of many cultures; and preparation techniques as different as each chef's backgound. Daniel Thiebault offers a large selection of fresh fish and seafood. They also have chicken and steak dishes. They also have an expanded bar which offers draft beers. You can't miss the restaurant because it is in a bright yellow painted old plantation style building on the right of Kawaihae Road just a few minutes from the heart of Waimea town. This restaurant has been around for quite a while now and it has not lost its popularity with the locals and the hotel visitors. From appetizers to desserts, Daniel Thiebaut uses the freshest island produce, products and ingredients to make wonderful dishes. The restaurant is open for dinner daily from 3:30 pm to 9pm. They also offer a Sunday Brunch from 10am to 1:30pm. Happy Hour is Monday trhough Saturday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. They also open their Chef Moe's Sushi Bar from Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm. Their prices are in the higher range ($22.00 and over for their dinner dishes) but it is known as "The Happening Place in Waimea." There is ample parking in their parking lot and there is parking on the side of Kawaihae Road if the parking lot gets too crowded. I would highly recommend this restaurant because of their delicious food and good service. Also bring a jacket because Waimea gets chilly at night.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant
65-1259 Kawaihae Road Waimea, Hawaii 96796

Bamboo RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery"

Bamboo Restaurant in Hawi
Voted best restaurant, this restaurant serves creative, affordable Pacific Rim Cuisine in a historical, tropical atmosphere. Hawi's self-professed "tropical saloon" is a major attaction on the island's northern coastline in the quaint town Hawi. The exotic interior is a nod to nostalgia, with high wicker chairs from Waikiki's historic Moana Hotel, works by local artists, and old Matson liner menus accenting the walls. The colorful decorations lining the ceiling adds to the restaurant's colorful atmosphere. The fare, island favorites in sophisticated presentations, is a match for all this style; imu-smoked pork quiesadillas, fish prepared several ways, sesame nori-crusted or tequila-lime shrimp, and herb-roasted leg of lamb. Produce from nearby gardens and fish fresh off the chef's own hook are among the highlights. At Sunday brunch, diners gather for eggs Bamboo (eggs Benedict with a lilikoi-hollandaise sauce) and the famous passion-fruit margaritas. Hawaiian music wafts through the Bamboo from 7pm to closing on weekends. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am - 2:30pm and 6-9pm, Sundays from 11am-2pm (brunch)and is closed on Mondays. The service is very local and our waitress actually "talked story" with us for a short while. I would highly recommend this restaurants to locals as well as visitors. Many of our friends and coworkers always talk about this restaurant (good comments only). Next door is a gallery of furniture and arts and crafts, some very good and most locally made. There is parking on the side of the street but it can get busy on weekends, especially during lunch. This is a nice place to stop at for lunch if you are driving back from Pololu Valley. Reservations are not required but I would make reservations if you really want to dine at this restaurant on the weekend because it can get very crowded .
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Bamboo Restaurant
PO Box 1463 Kapaau 96755
(808) 889-5555

Volcano's Lava Rock CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Lava Rock Cafe"

Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe
This is Volcano Village's newest favorite spot. It isn't a drive in but a cheerful, airy oasis in a knotty pine, with tables and booths indoors and semi-outdoors, under a clear corrugated-plastic ceiling. The menu includes everything from chow fun to fajitas. Wednesday night is Mexican night, Friday is for Hawaiian food, and the rest of the time the choices include teriyaki beef and chicken, meat or vegetable lasagna, grilled mahimahi, fresh catch of the day, T-bone steak, and steak and shrimp combos. The lunch courses run about $6.00 - $12.00 and the dinner main courses run about $10.00 - $20.00. The lunchtime menu winners are the "seismic sandwiches" (which they also pack for hikers), chili, quarter-pound burgers, and a host of salads, plate lunches (plate lunches are a local favorite and usually include rice and macaroni salad along with a favorite meat dish like chicken katsu, teriyaki beef, or korean chicken) and "volcanic" heavies such as southern fried chicken and grilled meats. This small restaurant serves a tasty lilikoi syrup along with their pancakes which is homemade and delicious. Lilikoi is a passion fruit that is used in syrups and fillings for desserts, pies, and cookies. This restaurant is open Sunday through Tuesday from 7:30am - 5pm, Wednesday through Saturday from 7:30am - 9pm. I would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for an affordable place to eat. It is easy to find and is located just outside the park. Service is fast and friendly. There is a lot of parking but it can get busy when the park is full. There is another gravel area that you can park at near the restaurant. The atmosphere of this restaurant is very rustic but so is every other restaurant in the area. I would definitely eat here again if I were in the area.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Volcano's Lava Rock Cafe
Old Volcano Road Volcano, Hawaii 96785
+1 808 967 8526

Volcano HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Volcano House
This is the only public dining facility in the park (Kilauea Military Camp sometimes lets you dine in their cafe without a military ID). This panoramic restaurant overlooks the Kilauea Caldera and includes The Ka Ohelo Room, snack shop and Uncle Geourge's Lounge. This outstanding restaurant serves their ever popular buffet for breakfast or lunch, or a romantic sunset dinner at the Ka Ohelo Room.

The food is hearty, delicious and competitively priced. They have wonderful pancakes served with ohelo berry syrup (seasonal) which is outstanding. In the Ka Ohelo Room, you can enjoy award-winning cuisine along with a dramatic view overlooking the Kilauea Caldera. Their mahimahi with hollandaise sauce is out of this world!

The Ka Ohelo Room is open daily. Breakfast buffet is served from 7am to 10:30am, and the lunch buffet from 11am to 2pm. The snack shop is open from 9am to 5pm. Dinner reservations are recommended. Uncle George's Lounge is open from 4pm to 9pm. Volcano House accepts all major credit cards. There is ample parking out front but it can get busy when the park is crowded.

I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are visiting the park. Remember to bring warm clothes because it gets very chilly at the park (sometimes it can get as low as 50 degrees). It is best to make advance reservations for Volcano House. You need to call the park to see if Volcano House is open because the Halemaumau crater has been giving off a lot of sulfur dioxide gases recently.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Volcano House
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Volcano

Lu Lu'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Lu Lu's
This place is casual, noisy, and corny (black velvet paintings at the entrance!), but it's popular as heck, with open air dining, ocean views, and international flags waving cheerily in the breeze on the wraparound deck. One dollar bills adorn the ceilings, posts and walls of this popular dining joint. At night, fairy lights add a festive touch. It's kitschy-there are concrete floors, capiz shell lamps, clamshell sconces, and a life size cartoon of a hula girl, but it's basically a sports bar and restaurant, with television sets galore and a billiards table in the mauka (inland) corner.

The menu consists of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, burrito ("as big as your head"), fresh fish tacos, and fresh fish and meats in the evening. Main courses run from $10 to $15 which is reasonable for Kailua Kona. This is a fun filled place for the younger set (30 somethings) but not for romantics in search of a quiet, intimate evening. It is also not a family type of restaurant during the night when it gets very loud. I would recommend this restaurant for lunch and I would recommend their bar for dancing and music if you are with a younger, hip set. They are open daily from 11am - 10pm. They serve appetizers until midnight and their bar is open until 2am. This is a very popular dancing spot in Kona. Even hotel workers along the South Kohala Coast know about this place! There is no parking along Alii Drive but you might be able to find valet parking at the Royal Kona Resort located across the street.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 18, 2008

Ken's House of PancakesBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Ken's House of Pancakes
This restaurant has been around for a long time (since 1971). It is sort of a landmark since it has been on the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Kanoelehua Avenue forever. You never know who you'll bump into at Ken's after an important convention, concert, or the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival (held every March). The only 24-hour coffee shop in Hilo, Ken's fulfills basic dining needs simply and efficiently (but watch out for the calories: there are 13 different pies!) Many visitors frequent this restaurant because it is in close proximity to Banyan Drive where mostly all the hotels in Hilo are located like the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Uncle Billy's Hotel, the Naniloa, and the Hilo Seaside Hotel. It is also located near the Hilo Airport. Some of the favorites on their menu is omelets (around $10), pancakes, French toast with Portuguese sweet bread, saimin, sanwiches, soup-what they call a "poi dog menu"- stream out of the busy kitchen. Other affordable selections include fried chicken, steak, grilled fish, and hamburgers with salad and all the accompaniments. Most popular is the Mauna Kea hamburger which is as big as a mountain, topped with pineapple and the works between sweetbread buns-very local, very Hilo. I would recommend eating at this busy restaurant because it is sort of a landmark here in Hilo on the Big Island. It is nothing fancy but it is surely "local." The restaurant is open daily for 24 hours. Most items on the menu are between $9.00 - $12.00 which is affordable. The atmosphere in this restaurant is very local and busy. Service is very friendly and local. At times, service can be slow because this restaurant can get very busy, especially when there is a lot of visitors on the island or when there is a big event such as the Merry Monarch. I wouldn't count on parking since this parking lot is always full. You will probably have to drive around the parking lot several times before someone leaves. To get to this landmark coffee shop, drive south on Highway 19 until you pass Bayfront, then go down Kamehameha Avenue and turn right at Ken's Pancake House before you see the intersecting sign that reads Kanoelehua Avenue.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by golden101 on May 20, 2008

Ken's House of Pancakes
1730 Kamehameha Ave Hilo, Hawaii 96720
+1 808 935 8711

Buns in the SunBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Buns in the Sun
Enjoy breakfast, fresh baked pastries, coffee and espresso, sandwiches, soups and salads to eat in this coffee shop and bakery. This small deli serves some of the tastiest breakfasts, lunches, and pastries and snacks in Kona. They also have about 17 different varieties of breads. They also make snacks to go and made-to-order fresh deli sandwiches. They have a wonderful kalua pig sandwhich as well as a wonderful beef sub sandwich. This unique bakery and coffee shop is open daily from 5:00 am. There is a lot of parking at the Lanihau Shopping Center. This is the perfect place to grab a healthy lunch before you head off to the beach. They accept major credit cards. Most of the items at this bakery and coffee shop are under $7.00. Service is fast and friendly. In order to get to this restaurant, drive down Palani Road from the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and take a left turn at the first intersection. You will see a large shopping center on your left. Buns in the Sun is located at the end of the first building on the left of the entrance past L&L Drive Inn and KFC.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

Kilauea Lodge & RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Kilauea Lodge & Restaurant"

This is a very cozy and beautiful lodge located in Volcano Village which is right outside of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is an excellent place to dine after visiting the park or sightseeing. Diners travel long distances to drive through the lava-rock pillars lined with hydrangeas and escape from the crisp upland air into the warmth of the high-ceilinged room. The sofa in front of the 1938 fireplace is very inviting, especially when the fire is roaring. The decor is a cross between chalet-cozy and volcano-rugged. The European cooking is a fine culinary act on the big volcano. Kilauea Lodge is well known for owner-chef Albert Jeyte's continental cuisine with a touch of local flavors. Some of my favorite menu items are their fresh catch of the day (which usually includes mahimahi or ahi), asenpfeffer, potato-leek soup (all flavor and no cream), and Alsatian soup. All their dinner come with soup, a loaf of warm, freshly baked bread and salad. For lunch I really like their large ceasar salad. For dessert, their lilikoi (passion fruit) pie is a winner! I would definitely recommend stopping at this cozy restaurant to eat some delicious food. Remember to bring warm clothing because it can get chilly in Volcano Village. There is a lot of parking in the area and if the parking lot is full, you can park on the side of the road. Kilauea Lodge is open daily from 5:30 - 9pm. Most of their mail courses run from $15.00 - $30.00. Reservations are recommended because this restaurant can get really busy.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

Reuben's Mexican RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Reuben's
Reuben's is Hilo's south of the border outpost, with serapes, sombreros, Mexican doilies, and rainbow colors everywhere you look. The juxtaposition of Hilo Bay outside and the dar, funky, margarita-infused atmosphere inside makes for a flamboyantly campy dining experience. The tacos, enchiladas, and hefty combination plates are authentic, as are the award-winning Reuben's margaritas, served in frothy, bountiful pitcherfuls that go wonderfully with any meal. The free-flowing margaritas are a good match for the moist, tasty tortillas, cilantro salsa, and chile rellenos, a Reuben's specialty. Locals chuckle over the mustard-orange rest roms but sing praises over the simple pleasures of rice, beans, and "plain, good old Mexican food." Reuben also makes great chicken flautas, pork chile verde, guacamole, and more! The prices are very reasonable. I would recommend making reservations only on the weekends when it can get busy. Most of their menu items are around $10.00. Reuben's is open Monday through Friday from 11am - 9pm, Saturday from noon - 9pm. There is parking in the parking lot in front of the restaurant. If the parking lot is full, you can park across the street at another public parking area.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

PescatoreBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Pescatore
This is a special occasion restaurant, dressier and pricier than the standard neighborhood cafe or mom-and-pop diner. It's ornate, especially for Hilo, with gilded frames on antique paintings, chairs of vintage velvet, koa walls, and a tile floor. The fresh catch is offered five ways, from reduced=cream and Parmesan to capers and wine. The paper thin ahi carpaccio is garnished with capers, red onion, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan, and its delicious. Chicken, veal, and fish Marsala, a rich and garlicky scampi Alfredo, and the Fra Diavolo, a spicy seafood marinara, are the headlivers on a long and satisfying menu. At lunch, pasta marinara is simple and satisfying and rivals the chicken Parmesan as one of the values of the day.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

Pescatore
235 Keawe Street Hilo 96720
(808) 969-9090

Harrington'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Harrington's
Harrington's is located across the street from the Hilo Seaside Hotel. You can take a lovely drive along Banyan Drive before you reach the end and turn left where you will see Harrington's restaraunt. The strongest feature of Harrington's is the tranquil beauty of Reeds Pond (also known as Ice Pond), one of Hilo's visual wonders. You may be lucky enough to see one of NCL's ships leaving Hilo Bay to sail to Kona. This scenic restaurant serves mainly seafood and steak. The house specialty, thinly sliced Slavic steak swimming in butter and garlic, is part of the old fashioned steak and seafood formula that makes the Harrington's experience a predictable one. The fresh catch of the day, sauteed in white wine and topped with a lightly browned lemon butter sauce, is popular, but it's not for the calorie conscious. Lobster, scallops in chardonnay sauce, chicken Marsala, and New York peppercorn steak are among the American classics on this conscience-busting menu. Service is friendly but it can get slow when it is busy. The strongest feature though of Harrington's is it's oceanside seating. With the open-air restaurant perched on the pond's shore, the view is just beautiful. I would strongly recommend reservations because this restaurant can get very busy, especially when there are a lot of visitors in town. The lunch main courses from from $8.00 to $18.00 and the dinner main courses run from $17.00 to market price (fish market prices vary). They are open Monday through Friday from 11am until 2:00pm and Monday through Sunday they open from 5:30 - 9pm. There is parking in their parking lot and parking alongside the road. To get to Harrington's from Kona, drive south on Highway 19 until you get to Kamehameha Avenue. Continue down Kamehameha Avenue and cross over the intersection (Kanoelehua Avenue) and continue on Kanoelehua Avenue until you see a small brown restaurant in front of Reeds Pond.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

Harrington's
135 Kalanianaole Ave. Hilo 96720
(808) 961-4966

Merriman's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Merriman's Restaurant Sign
In Waimea and throughout the island, Merriman's is peerless. Although the founder/owner/chef Peter Merriman now commutes between the Big Island and Maui, where he runs the Hula Grill, he has managed to maintain the sizzle that made Merriman's a premier Hawaii attraction. Since it opened, Merriman's is always busy on the weekends as well as on weekdays. Their parking lot is always full on weekends since they attract locals as well as visitors alike. They also opened a Merriman's at the King's Shops in Waikoloa near the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel. Order anything from saimin to poisson cru from lunch, and for dinner, Merriman's signature wok charre dahi, grilled scallops ume (plum), kung pao shrimp, lamb from nearby Kahua Ranch, and a noteworthy selection for vegetarians. Peter's Ceasar with sashimi (raw fish), Pahoa corn and shrimp fritters, and his sauteed, sesame-crusted fresh catch with spicy lilikoi (passion fruit) sauce are among our many favorites. An organic spinach salad (like most things on the menu, grown nearby), Lokelani tomatoes, goat cheese and kalua pig quesadillas, and his famous platters of seafood and meats are among the many reasons Merriman's is the dining spot in Waimea. Service is professional and excellent (fast and friendly). The restaurant is in the Opelu Plaza which looks like a country cottage . The setting is intimate and upscale but cozy. The lunch main courses run from $8.00 - $17.00 and the dinner main courses run from $14.00 - $25.00 (market price for ranch lamb or ahi). Merriman's is open Monday through Friday from 11:30am - 1:30pm, and it is open daily from 5:30 - 9pm. Their menu items are mainly Pacific Rim (or Hawaii Regional). Reservations are recommended since it does get busy on the weekends and on weekdays. You can usually find parking in the parking lot fronting the restaurant but if you can't you can park on the side of the street. To get to this restaurant from Kona, head north on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway until you get to the Kawaihae Road junction. Make a right and continue up Kawaihae Road until you reach the scenic town of Waimea. You will see Merriman's on your left in a yellow and white building called Opelo Plaza on Opelo Road. I would very highly recommend this restaurant if you enjoy eating Pacific Rim/Hawaii Regional cuisine and you enjoy eating fresh and local food.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by golden101 on May 21, 2008

Roy's WaikoloaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Roy's at King's Shops
Despite its location in a shopping mall (The King's Shops), Roy's Waikoloa has several distinctive features: a golf course view, large windows looking out over part of a 10-acre lake, and the east-west cuisine and upbeat service that are the Roy Yamaguchi signatures. This is one of the clones of this Oahu restaurants with signature dishes that are delicious like the Szechwan baby-back ribs, blackened island ahi, and at least six other types of fresh fish prepared charred, steamed, seared, and topped with exotic sauces of shintake miso and gingered lime-chile butter. Always popular are the roasted wild mushroom polenta gratin and the four cheese, sun-dried tomato ravioli. If you don't feel like eating a dinner dish, you can just order a variety of appetizers which will last you the entire night. Service is excellent at this very busy restaurant. A waiter will always refresh your water and check to see if everything is okay. The restaurant can get noisy especially when it gets busy but it is worth dining here, despite the noise. Reservations are recommended because it can get busy especially when occupancy rates are up at the nearby hotels - The Hilton Waikoloa and The Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Resort. There is a lot of parking in the King's Shops parking lot but it can get crowded when hotel occupancy rates are up along the Kohala Coast. This restaurant serves Pacific Rim / Hawaii Regional Cuisine. To get to this restaurant from Kona, take the Queen Kaahumanu Highway and drive north. Continue on the highway for approximately 40 minutes until you reach The Waikoloa Beach Resort entrance on your left. Turn left onto Waikoloa Beach Drive. Continue until the 2nd stop sign. At this sign, turn right into the King's Shops parking lot entrance.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 24, 2008

Kuhio GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Kuhio Grille"

Kuhio Grille
Located in the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza next to Jamba Juice and Starbucks, this restaurant/drive in is an ideal place to eat after shopping at the mall. This is the "home of the one pound laulau" and it is a local hangout. It looks more like a coffee/saimin shop with a lot of tables and chairs. It recently was expanded to include a larger dining area. The restaurant is clean and the service is very good. They also have outside seating in the event that you want to dine out. Taro from Waipio Valley is featured in the popular Hawaiian plate which includes their famous 1-pound beef/pork laulau served with typical lu'au sides of poi, lomi salmon, two scoops rice and haupia. You can also order their ala carte laulau which consists of laulau (beef/pork), two scoops rice with a side of macaroni salad. They also have other local favorites such as oyster chicken, loco moco (hamburger with a fried egg served over a bed of rice with brown gravy), chicken katsu, saimin, miso saimin, crab omelets with mushrooms, yakitori, burgers, portuguese bean soup, fried rice (rice that is fried up with eggs, oyster sauce, peas and char siu), and some other dishes such as nacho salad and chicken yakitori. Their main courses run from $7.00 - $11.00. They open Sundays through Thursdays from 6am - 10pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 6am - midnight. There is ample parking in the mall's parking lot. I would recommend this nice and clean restaurant if you enjoy eating local food.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on May 28, 2008

Taco BellBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Taco Bell
Located on Palani Road near Ali'i Drive, this Taco Bell is a pleasant and casual place to dine. Their menu is simple since their meals are labeled by numbers. The service is fast and friendly. This small fast food restaurant can seat about 50 - 75 persons maximum. They recently renovated their restaurant so it is cleanter, brighter and more colorful. Most of their meals run about $4 - $6. I always order my favorite, the Zesty Chicken Border Bowl (a bowl filled with refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red taco chips, and zesty sauce) which costs about $4.39 and my husband likes to order their Grilled Stuft Burrito (a burrito with beans, onions, rice, lettuce, chicken, sour cream and tomatoes) which costs around $3.69. I wouldn't highly recommend eating at this Taco Bell location because they have a high employee turnover rate so their service is not excellent but average. They also do not leave out their taco sauces as they once did before (on the counter with the plastic utensils and straws.) Once in a while they will forget to give you taco sauce or any other sauce that usually comes with the meal which is irritating. There is ample parking in the back of the restaurant and a few stalls in the front. We like to dine at this fast food restaurant because it is affordable and the food is not so greasy. To get to this restaurant, just drive down Palani Road and head toward Ali'i Drive. The restaurant is located on your right side.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 3, 2008

Jolene's Kau Kau KornerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Jolene's Kau Kau Korner
Located in an old Western style gray building, this small restaurant is very cozy and inviting. It only has about 8 tables with windows that look out into a scene much like an old Western town, but for the cars. The windows are draped in blue curtains and the decor is very simple and rustic. The Hawaiian food has been dropped from the menu, leaving us with saimin, sandwiches (including a good vegetarian tempeh burger), and plate lunches - mahimahi, fried chicken, shrimp, beef stew, and familiar selections of local food. The food is very simple, although Jolene's has added more choices (and prices) to their dinner menu, with New York steak, chicken katsu, combination kau kau plates, and the usual American fare with a local twist, such as the shrimp tempura and New York Steak special. The service is warm and friendly. Jolene's is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 8pm and on Tuesday and Thursday from 10am - 3pm. Most of their main dinner courses are from $9.00 - $20.00. I would recommend this restaurant if you want to eat at a cozy, homely restaurant with no frills. To get to Jolene's Kau Kau Korner from Kona, drive to Waimea and continue to Honokaa on Highway 19. Turn left at the sign that reads Waipio Valley and continue down Lehua Street until you see Jolene's on your right.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 4, 2008

Royal Jade GardenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Royal Jade Garden
This restaurant located at the far right side of the Lanihau Center features Cantonese-Mandarin cuisine. They were voted "Kona's Best" Chinese Cuisine. They have been at the Lanihau Center for over 15 years. This is the perfect place to have dinner at if you enjoy eating Chinese food. Some of their specialties such as their honey-glazed walnut shrimp or fish, Mongolian lamb and orange chicken are very delicious. When we dine at this restaurant we like to order their fried rice ($7.50) and their orange chicken or their chicken with ginger (from $8.50 - $10.00). If I feel like having soup I usually order their Won Ton Mein which is very good. They have excellent table service and they serve a lot of food. Their menu is varied with appetizers, soups, egg dishes, meat dishes, noodles, rice, seafood, chop suey, and chow mein. Most of their main dishes are from $8.00 - $10.00. Their service is fast and friendly. They also make take out orders by phone. They are open daily from 10:30am - 9:00pm. They are within walking distance from King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 4, 2008

Big Island Steak HouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Kings Shops - Big Island Steak House
This is a very popular dinner restaurant located at the King's Shops at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The decor is very dark and it has a very cozy atmosphere. This is our favorite place to celebrate birthdays and other occasions. It is also a nice place to have a drink at their bar located on the second floor. It is quieter upstairs unless it gets really busy. This is great place to dine if you eat a lot of food and like large portions. They are known for their prime rib and steak dinners. They also have teriyaki port shops, Hawaiian style baby back ribs and roasted luau chicken dishes. Their dinners run from $18.00 - $25.00 and their local fish dinners are at market price. Their filet and lobster combination dinner can get quite expensive but it is worth it if you want a memorable dining experience. Their local fish selection includes the catch of the day. Depending on availability they serve ahi, mahi mahi, ono, opah, and opakapaka. My favorite is ono (wahoo) which has a nice chewy texture. Reservations are recommended because this restaurant is popular with locals as well as visitors. It can get very crowded on weekends when visitor occupancy is up along the South Kohala Coast. Service is usually good but it can get slow especially if the restaurant is very crowded. This restaurant is open daily for dinner between 5pm to 10pm. Cocktails are served from 5pm to midnight. I would definitely recommend this cozy dinner spot if you are within walking or driving distance. I f you are driving in from Kona, take the Queen Kaahumanu Highway north and turn left at the Waikoloa Beach Resort sign. Continue on the road until you see the King's Shops sign on your right. The Big Island Steak House is located right in the center of the shopping area.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 6, 2008

Don the BeachcomberBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Don the Beachcomber
This is an open air restaurant located at the water's edge at the Royal Kona Resort. When we stay at the resort, this is where we have dinner. They specialize in Pacific Rim cuisine with some international dishes. Most of their ingredients are locally grown and fresh. They open daily for their breakfast buffets (6:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) and they open nightly (5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)for dinner. I really like their Hawaiian foods such as kalua pork, chicken luau with coconut milk and fresh spinach, lomi lomi salmon and poi. They also have a variety of seafood such as sashimi, seared ahi, and prawns. Their ahi is served with sake shoyu, pickled ginger, sea salad or a pineapple-ginger coconut wasabi sauce. The waiters are friendly and give excellent service. The tiki decor is very Hawaiian. This is a great place to watch the sunset over Kona Bay. I would definitely recommend dining at this restaurant for breakfast or dinner if you are staying at this hotel. It tops Huggo's and LuLu's in my opinion.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 6, 2008

Ocean SeafoodBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This restaurant specializes in an all-you-can-eat buffet setting featuring authentic Cantonese cuisine. Ocean Seafood offers over 20 items on the lunch buffet from Monday through Friday and a nightly dinner buffet which offers shrimps, mussels and over 20 other items. Ocean Seafood's buffets are reasonably priced and are a great value for your lunch or dinner dollar. Ala carte items are also available off the menu as well. They have the delicious Chef's Special "Salt and Pepper Lobster or Crab." Other popular dishes include the Abalone with Chinese Mushrooms ($20.95) and the Pineapple Shrimp ($8.25). They also have stir fried vegetable dishes and stir fried rice which is really enjoy eating. I really like eating their potstickers which is served daily at their lunch buffet. Their lunch buffet is $9.95 per person and their dinner buffet is $14.95 on Sunday through Thursday and $16.95 from Friday through Saturday with over 22 items. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 10:30am - 2pm and on Saturday through Sunday from 11am - 2:30pm. Their is ample parking at the mall parking lot. To get to King Kamehameha Mall, just drive down Palani Road and head toward the ocean. Turn right on Kuakini Highway then turn left at the sign that reads King Kamehameha Mall. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you enjoy eating Chinese buffet items and you want a bang for your buck. This restaurant is also in walking distance to Ali'i Drive where you can see other sights like Kamakahonu Heiau, Kailua Pier, Hulihe'e Palace and Moku'aikaua Church.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 13, 2008

Waikoloa Beach GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Waikoloa Beach Grill
The Beach Grill overlooks the first tee of the picturesque Waikoloa Beach Golf Course between the King's Shops and the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Beach Grill specializes in Pacific Rim as well as American cuisine. The Beach Grill combines the skills of two talented chefs, Stephen Tabor and David Brown. Together they feature a diverse and affordable menu with delicious dishes and appetizers such as Katafi Crab Cakes with Sweet Chili Supreme Sauce ($11.95), Tomato Chicken Curry, Grilled Double Lamb Chops ($14.95), Grilled Duck Breast with Chutnied Fruit Salad ($12.50), 3 oz. Big Island Beef Tenderloin with Hamakua Mushroom sauce ($18.95), and their R.B.I. (boneless grilled grass fed prime rib beef steak). They have a full bar and wine selection. They also cook up their favorite homemade breads, pies, savory steaks and fresh seafood specials. This restaurant has a charming setting, with a beautiful golf-course view and is suitable for families also. Their dessert selection is also wonderful and their dessert menu offers 12 delectable choices including Deep Dish Double Crust Apple Pie, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie ($7.50), Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee ($8.25) and Strawberry Shortcake (with a lot of strawberries at $7.00). They also feature a popular Baked Hawaii ($10.00). The Waikoloa Beach Grill is open daily for lunch from 11am - 4pm and they open for Appetizers and Desserts from 4pm - 5pm. Dinner is served nightly from 5pm - 9pm. The service is very attentive and friendly. Note that this restaurant can get very crowded when occupancy is high along the South Kohala Coast. To get to the Waikoloa Beach Grill, enter the entrance for the Waikoloa Beach Resort, then take a right at the third stop sign (after you pass the King's Shops). Then take a right at the second driveway. I would definitely recommend eating at this restaurant if you want to eat delicious gourmet food in a beautiful golf course setting.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 17, 2008

Teshima's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a family style restaurant that is owned and operated since 1925. It is located in the small town of Honalo which is about 5 minutes from the Keauhou turnoff on Mamalahoa Highway. They serve delicious Japanese and American food. The shoji windows and Japanese decor is reminiscent of the old days. The restaurant makes you feel right at home and the wait staff are friendly and attentive. If you want to have a nice lunch at an affordable price, then this is a good choice, especially if you enjoy eating Japanese food. One of my favorite lunch specials is their Ozen style Chicken Katsu Teishoku ($11.75) which is their special on Tuesdays. Ozen style meals are served with steamed rice, miso soup, tsukemono, sunomono, and hot green tea (delicious). Some of their other Ozen specials are Chicken Teriyaki (served on Wednesdays) and their Fish and Vegetable Tempura with Spare Ribs (served on Thursdays. Some of their other popular lunch and dinner dishes are Sweet Sour Spareribs ($11.75), "Ono" Breaded Pork Chops ($13.50), Homemade Corned Beef Hash Patties with Fresh Island- Laid Egg ($11.50), Fresh Kona Coast Ahi ($13.75), and their local Juicy Beef Tomato ($11.75). They also serve sandwiches such as Teriyaki Beef ($5.75), Ahi or Marlin on a Bun ($7.75), and BLT ($5.75) to name a few. If you want lunch on the go to take to the beach with you then order their bento box lunches which include Luncheon meat, fried fish, teriyaki beef, Japanese egg roll, tsukemono, and sunomomo. They also have banquet facilities upstairs and they have catering services too. Teshima's is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch from 6:30am - 1:45pm and for dinner from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. I would recommend eating at this restaurant if you enjoy eating Japanese food in a casual setting. Note that this is not a fancy restaurant with fancy food. It is a no frills restaurant. Their food is plain and simple. On weekends it gets quite busy so you may have a hard time finding parking in their small parking lot. To get to Teshima's from Kona, drive up Palani Road and turn right on the Mamalahoa Highway. Drive south until you reach Honalo town. You will see Teshima's on your left.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 20, 2008

Cafe Pesto in KawaihaeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

View from Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae
Located right across from the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor, this restaurant is a pleasant stop in the small town of Kawaihae. Cafe Pesto always features fresh organic greens, sizzling sauces on great pizza, and world-class dressings. Many visitors drive long miles from the South Kohala resorts to this harbor side pizza house for gourmet pizzas, calzones, and fresh organic greens grown from Kealakekua to Kamuela. Their menu prices are reasonable and not as pricey as many of the resort restaurants. Lobsters from the aquaculture farms on Keahole Point (south on the coastline), shiitake mushrooms from a few miles mauka (inland), and fresh fish, shrimp, and crab adorn the herb-infused Italian pies. Some of their popular appetizers include the Asian Pacific Crab Cakes served with baby wild greens, pickled cucumber "namasu" and a honey-miso vinaigrette ($14.95), Butter Poached Petite Split Kona Lobster Tail with Pickled ginger beurre blanc and goma wakame ($16.95), and their Coconut Crusted Calamari set on a slaw of arugula, won bok and pickled ginger, served with a honey mustard-mango dipping sauce ($12.95). Their dinner menu features their popular Smoked Salmon Alfredo with smoked salmon, fettuccine, sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms,
fresh grated parmesan cheeses, and a light classically inspired cream sauce (Smaller portion $17.95 / Full portion $20.95), Fresh Catch of the Day which is grilled or sauteéd and served on a bed of Japanese soba noodles, hon shimeji mushrooms, sugar snap peas, and accented with a fresh Vietnamese coriander pesto (market price), and their Mango Glazed Chicken which is char broiled "free range" chicken breast, mango chutney, garlic mashed potatoes and Pahoa corn relish ($20.95). They serve a variety of Pizzas with various toppings for under $20.00 for a 12" pizza. Some of my favorites is their Pizza Luau which is topped with Kalua pork, local sweet onions and fresh Hawaiian pineapple and their Four Seasons Pizza served with artichokes, mushrooms, sweet peppers, prosciutto ham, sugar snap peas. Cafe Pesto is open 7 days a week from Sunday through Thursday at 11 am until 9 pm and on Friday and Saturday at 11 am until 10 pm. The service is excellent and attentive. There is ample parking but come early because the parking lot gets crowded during dinner hours. To get to this restaurant from Kona, drive north along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway until you reach the Kawaihae junction sign. Turn left at the sign that reads Kawaihae then drive about 1/2 mile along the coast until you see the Kawaihae Shopping Center. Cafe Pesto is located on the first floor of the shopping center. I would recommend eating at this restaurant because the food is delicious and the prices are reasonable.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 23, 2008

Outback SteakhouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Outback Steakhouse
This restaurant has a casual atmosphere suggestive of the Australian outback. The decor includes Australian memorabilia such as boomerangs, maps, flags, surfboards, etc. The restaurant chain is noted for its consistently high-quality food and its service. The Outback starts with appetizers such as their famous Bloomin Onion or Grilled Shrimp on the Barbie ($11.99) or Pan Seared Lobster Crab Cakes ($11.49). Among the many entrees are Ribs or Chicken on the Barbie ($15.99) or the Drover's Platter with both, Jackeroo Chops, Fresh Fish of the Day ($27.49), and Toowoomba Pasta ($19.99). Or you can try their Rockhampton Rib-Eye ($25.99) or New York Strip ($27.29) from among the steak and lamb selections under the Land Rovers column. Desserts include their delicious Chocolate Thunder From Down Under and Sydney's Sinful Sundae. Adult beverages include the Down Under Rita, Aussie wines and Fosters beer. Outback Steakhouse is open nightly for dinner Monday through Friday from 4pm - 10pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 3:30pm - 10pm. To get to Outback Steakhouse, turn down Palani Road and head toward the ocean, then continue driving along the coast on Ali'i Drive. Keep driving past St. Michael's Church on your left and past Kona Ali'i and the Ali'i Sunset Plaza. You will see the Coconut Grove Marketplace on your left. I would recommend dining at this restaurant if you plan to spend a lot and eat a lot of meat dishes.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 23, 2008

Don's Chinese KitchenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Don's Chinese Kitchen
This small restaurant is located at the Kona Coast Shopping Center on the right side of Palani Road if you are driving towards the ocean. It is similar to the restaurant in Waimea but it actually has seating. Don's always serves some of the best Chinese cuisine (Cantonese) on the island using the freshest ingredients (and they don't use MSG). Some of my favorite dishes which you can order by the pint is their chicken broccoli ($6.75), ginger chicken on rice ($6.75), lemon chicken ($6.49), shrimp broccoli ($6.95) and I always order their crispy won ton ($.39 each) with my meals. The most popular way to order lunch or dinner is to order their Combinations. Their food is usually set out in a buffet like line and you either choose chow mein or rice (plain or fried) as your starch. Then you can choose either ONE other item ($5.68) or TWO other items ($6.68) or THREE other items ($7.68) with you starch. I usually order the ONE choice meal for $5.68 because they give you a large portion and I get full very fast. My son usually orders the TWO choice meal for $6.68 since he can eat more than I can. I would highly recommend eating at this restaurant if you enjoy eating delicious Chinese cuisine at an affordable price. There is ample public parking at the shopping center.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on June 25, 2008

Royal Thai CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Royal Thai Cafe
This small cafe was voted "Best Thai Restaurant from 2001 - 2005 by West Hawaii Today. The decor is nothing fancy but it is rather plain with wooden figurines and Thai decor. The servers are pleasant and friendly. If you enjoy eating Thai food (like my husband) then this is a good choice if you are in the Keauhou area. The various curry sauces are tasty and range from mild to strong (you get to choose). Their appetizers like their chicken satays (sliced chicken marinated in Thai spices and served on sticks with peanut sauce and cucumber salad) are really good ($5.95). We like to order their Tom Kah Kai with chicken (you can order it with either chicken or shrimp) which is a soup made with hot and sour chicken with coconut milk, galanga (herb) and mushrooms ($6.95). I would say that our favorite entree is their Royal Thai Surf and Turf which is shrimp and chicken sauteed with mixed vegetables. If you want to eat Thai food in a casual restaurant at an affordable price, then I would recommend Royal Thai Cafe.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 26, 2008

McDonald'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "McDonald's in Downtown Hilo"

Front of McDonald's in Hilo
We always eat at this McDonald's location after we come back from the beach. It is located right above Sack N Save. Sometimes we order our food in the Drive Thru Lane or we dine inside. Of all the McDonald's restaurants in Hilo, this one is the oldest and the largest. This particular location is usually very clean and service is friendly and fast. Even though it get crowded at times, their service is fast and attentive. The tables and chairs are clean for the most part. The interior is decorated in light hues and the restaurant is always very cool and comfortable. My son likes to order the number five meal which is the Big and Tasty which comes with a large hamburger, large fries and a large drink (for about $5.30). I always order the Macadamia Iced Coffee (which is a new flavor) that is really delicious ($2.30 for a medium coffee). I used to always order the Vanilla Iced Coffee but I now prefer the Macadamia Iced Coffee. Sometimes I like to order their Chicken Ceasar Salad ($5.30) but it is rather pricey and it doesn't come with fries or a drink. Their dollar value menu is always a good choice. They still advertise their dollar menu items such as the chicken sandwich, 2 apple pies, sundae, parfait, small fries, tossed salad, etc. The chicken sandwich is a deal if you want just a sandwich and not a meal. There are restrooms at the back of the restaurants but note that there are a lot of homeless people (or they look like they are homeless) that hang around at the tables near the bathroom. I would recommend eating at this McDonald's restaurant if you want to eat a quick bite at a reasonable price. Their take out window is also excellent. They usually get your order correct and the cashiers are always very friendly! They have a large parking lot but it often gets filled on weekends during lunch time but there is additional parking to the right of the restaurant in a lower parking lot at the side.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 26, 2008

Hard Rock CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe
Located along the harbor in the middle of town, this restaurant is a fun place to stop at. This used to be one of the first restaurants built across from the ocean front but now there is a myriad of restaurant popping up nearby. It has two stories and is located at the Coconut Grove Marketplace. I like eating at this location because of the view and service. They have almost the same menu as the Hard Rock Cafe in Honolulu on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. I like their BLT sandwich that comes with fries and coleslaw for under $10.00. I also always order their Combo Appetizer that comes with onion rings, potato skings, Santa Fe spring rolls, and Tupelo chicken for about $10.00. The decor is filled with hard rock memorabilia like guitars, framed pictures, etc. The atmosphere is fun and the wait staff are very friendly. This stretch along Ali'i Drive is a fun place to people-watch. There is a sand volleyball court to the right of the restaurant and if you are lucky there might be a volleyball game. As far as parking, there is not much. You can park at the Royal Kona Resort Parking Lot for a fee (it is about a 5 minute walk to the restaurant). I would recommend eating at this restaurant if you want to experience the Hard Rock Cafe atmosphere. Better yet, if you can get a seat by the lanai, you will be able to eat and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Otherwise, there are other places in town where you can get a cheaper BLT sandwich. Hard Rock Cafe opens daily from 11am to 11pm.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on June 26, 2008

Cafe 100Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Cafe 100
Named after the famous all-Japanese fighting battalion that even predated the famous "442,", the Cafe 100 is a Hilo landmark. The Miyashiro family has been serving food at their indoor-outdoor restaurant here since the late '50's. Cafe 100 is famous for its loco moco, a local concoction of a hamburger patty and egg that is served atop rice smothered in brown gravy. They serve the regular loco moco, the teriyaki loco, the sukiyaki loco, the hot dog loco, the oyako loco, and for the health-conscious, the mahi loco (most loco mocos are under $5.00). Breakfast choices include everything from bacon and eggs to coffee and donuts, while lunches feature beef stew, mixed plate, fried chicken (most plate lunches are between $6.00 - $8.00), and an assortment of sandwiches from teri beef to a good old BLT. If you are health conscious I wouldn't recommend eating here because a lot of the food on the menu is high in calories and cholesterol. But if you are looking for an affordable place to eat fast food (and a lot of it), then I would recommend dining at this local joint. The service is fast and the dining area is usually kept clean. Cafe 100 is open from Sun-Thurs 6:00am - 8:30pm, Fri 6:00am - 9:30pm, and Sat 6:00am - 9:30pm. To get to this fast food restaurant, drive south on Kilauea Avenue from Waianuenue Avenue. Keep driving until you pass the large banyan tree on your left. It is located between Kekuanaoa Street and Aupuni Street.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on July 2, 2008

Cafe 100
969 Kilauea Ave. Hilo 96720
(808) 935-8683

K's Drive InBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

K's Drive In
This is a drive in that seems to be tucked away in the corner. It needs to be renovated since it looks worn. K's has a large menu with the typical drive in choices such as local plate lunches, burgers, sandwiches, local bowls and boats, breakfast, beverages, and side orders. The good thing about this drive in is its prices which are very reasonable (about $6.00 - $7.00). They serve the usual local plate lunches which is different types of meat served with rice and mac salad. They also have a variety of other local favorites such as saimin, chili, Portuguese sausage and bentos. Note that their food quality is not so good and their food portions are smaller than what they used to serve years ago when they were more popular. I would rather eat at Blanes in Hilo town since it is cleaner and service is fast. The prices and the portions are good at Blanes on Waianuenue Avenue. At Blanes you can order their plate lunches (which include 2 scoops of white rice, mac salad, and a meat dish) which come in the mini ($6.50) or the regular ($7.00 - $8.00) size. At Blanes the food is hot and tasty. Blanes also has a good menu (large variety) and the service is fast and friendly. The dining area at Blanes is usually busy but the dining area at K's seems to be empty or filled with older people that just hang out and drink coffee.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on June 26, 2008

Starbucks Prince Kuhio PlazaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Drive Thru Lane at Starbuck's in Hilo"

Starbuck's in Hilo
I always come to this Starbuck's when I want to order coffee in the Drive Thru Lane. This is the only Starbuck's in Hilo that I know of that has a Drive Thru Lane. I have ordered coffee inside before but I prefer to order in the Drive Thru Lane in the comfort of my air-conditioned car. My favorite beverage is the hot Vanilla Latte in either the Tall size (about $3.75) or the Grande size (about $4.00). The speaker system in the Drive Thru Lane is not the best but it works! The Drive Thru line can get long especially during lunch on weekends but the line moves fast. Service is great and the cashier is very friendly and accommodating. They are always willing to give service with a smile. The interior of the cafe is very nice, spacious and clean. They also have outside seating if you prefer to sit outside and look at the view of Hilo town. I would recommend this Starbuck's location if you want to order a drink or hot beverage in their Drive Thru Lane.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on July 4, 2008

Starbucks Prince Kuhio Plaza
111 Puainako Street Hilo 96720
(808) 959-2492

SubwayBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "One of the Best Subways in Hilo"

Entrance to Subway
This is one of the best Subways in Hilo that we often visit to buy a take out meal. This location is conveniently located right next to the gas station where we fill up our truck before we go back to the beach. This Subway location is located right in the front on Keawe Street. There is a parking lot in case you can't find parking on the side of Keawe Street. We usually order the footlong subs that are on special for $5.00. Since we can only order certain types of subs that are on special, we like to order their turkey sub or their vegetarian sub on wheat bread. They only advertise their turkey, vegetarian, meatball, and cold cut subs for $5.00. If we decided to order any other type of foot long subs, then it would cost us about $7.00. Some other locations on Oahu advertise their foot long subs for $5.99 instead of $5.00. The workers at this location are very upbeat and helpful. They always ask us if we only want certain types of toppings in our foot long subs which is really helpful since my husband is on a diet and my son is a picky eater. They accept credit card payments which makes if very convenient. The only thing that disappointed me when we last came here was the fact that they didn't have any soup of the day. Usually the other Subway locations always have a soup of the day which I sometimes order if I don't feel like eating a sub sandwich. Anyway I decided to share the sub sandwich that my husband ordered. I would recommend eating at this Subway location because the restaurant is clean and the interior is very nice. The workers are very upbeat and helpful. There is a lot of parking on the right side of the restaurant and there is also parking on Keawe Street.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on July 19, 2008

Subway
190 Keawe Street # 10 Hawaii (Big Island) 96720
(808) 935-5705

Cronies Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Sports Bar"

Entrance To Cronies
This sports bar is located on the first block if you are traveling mauka (towards the mountains) on Waianuenue Avenue. I went there once with a friend to watch a football game, have a quick dinner and drinks. The prices are a little steep ($9.00 - $15.00) for this plain bar since it looks a bit rundown and the plastic white chairs look cheap, but overall the service and food are okay. It is nothing fancy. The decor is very dark inside with a typical sports bar atmosphere. It can get crowded at night during the weekends so it's better to go to Cronies early if there is a good game on T.V. I would somewhat recommend Cronies if you're craving a hamburger and you want to watch a good football game with your friends. The service is fast and friendly. There is a parking lot in front of all of the shops and buildings that run along Hilo Bay Front. This sports bar closes at 9:00 p.m. so don't expect to party here all night. Hilo hardly has any night spots that open until 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. in the morning.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on July 19, 2008

Cronies
11 Waianuenue Ave Hawaii (Big Island) 96720
(808) 935-5158

McDonald'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice McDonald's at Puainako Center"

Entrance to Puainako McDonald's
This McDonald's is located at the Puainako Center which is right across the street from the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza. I don't come to this McDonald's that often since I prefer to go to the Kea'au McDonald's which is closer to my son's school in Kea'au. This location is large and the restaurant is always kept clean. Since it is located at the Puainako Center, it is usually busy, especially during lunch on the weekends. The menu here is similar to the other Hilo McDonald's but the view of the main highway is excellent here. Also the interior is bright and modern with light pastels and potted plants. Service is very friendly and fast. I like to order their french fries for a buck and their medium macadamia nut iced coffee for$2.70. They also have other $1.00 items on their value menu such as 2 apple pies, sundae, chicken sandwich, parfait, etc. My son always orders their big and tasy meal for about $6.00 which includes a big hamburger, large fries and a large drink. There is ample parking but their drive thru lane gets congested during lunch so you might want to just walk inside and order. I would recommend coming to this McDonald's if you want fast and friendly service in a nice, clean restaurant.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on July 22, 2008

McDonald's
2100 Kanoelehua Avenue Hilo 96720

Don's GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Don's Grill - Our Favorite Eating Spot"

Don's Grill
This is my mom's favorite eating spot! Whenever she comes to town she always asks us to take here to Don's Grill. She never wants to eat anywhere else in Hilo so we often come here. When we (my husband and I come to Hilo we always take our friends or family from out of town here because they like the food quality and the fast service. It is always consistent. The restaurant dining area is always clean and you can either eat in main area or you can choose to eat under the tinted glass area near the street. The food is typical local food and their menu is crammed with all kinds of good food. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. We usually come here at night and order their dinner entrees which include soup or salad, a starch like steamed white rice or mash potatoes, a meat dish, and steamed vegetables. My husband likes their turkey or chicken dishes and my son likes their teriyaki chicken dinner entrees. They also have an extensive lunch menu which includes local favorites such as burgers, saimin, chili and rice, loco moco, and won ton min. They also serve healthy salads such as chef's salad, taco salad and ceasar salad. Their specials are ono such as oxtail soup, fish and meatloaf dishes. I would recommend that you come here early for lunch because the parking lot gets filled quickly from 11am. - 1pm. especially on weekends. There is more parking on the side of Hinano Street but you might end up waiting in a long line to get a seat. I would recommend sitting near the main dining room since there are booths and it is much cooler than sitting near the enclosed glass area. It can get noisy in the greenhouse area because the noise seems to bounce off the large glass windows. Also the noise from the bus station is very loud. The waiters are very friendly and attentive. Service is quick and you will see the hustle and bustle of the restaurant especially when it gets busy. To get here drive along Highway 19 (Hawaii Belt Road) and continue on Kamehameha Highway east passing Bay Front and the Wailoa State River Park on your right. Turn right on Manono Street then make a left on Piilani Street after the Baseball Field. Go down one block and turn right on Hinano Street. Don's Grill will be on your left in a small building that almost looks like someone's house (it is located in a residential area). I would highly recommend eating here especially if you are looking for a nice, affordable, clean restaurant with good service and good food.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on July 24, 2008

Don's Grill
485 Hinano St. Hilo 96720
(808) 935-9099

McDonald's Kamuela (Waimea)Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Only McDonald's in Waimea"

McDonald's Kamuela
This McDonald's is located in the beautiful town of Waimea. There are large glass windows at this McDonald's so you can see the majestic Mauna Kea Mountain while you eat in the dining area. The decor here is always very bright and modern with chairs that look like they are made out of some kind of metal but they are very light. The tables and chairs are arranged in the restaurant so that each dining area is partitioned. I think that this McDonald's is unique because it is always kept clean by workers since this is a high traffic McDonald's. The service is fast and friendly. Many of the workers here work as a team and try to get your order out quickly even when it gets busy. I have received gift certificates in the past for free french fries from the shift manager when she thought that I waited too long for my order. Bring a jacket to this McDonald's because Waimea town is located 2,500 feet about sea level and it gets really cold and windy up here all year round especially during winter. My friend began working here as a manager and said that he really enjoys working here. You can get the usual here like the value meals, the dollar menu items and the usual favorites like saimin and haupia pies (which they bought back since it was so popular). I usually come here for my medium macadamia nut iced coffee (for $2.70) which is delicious. I used to order their vanilla iced coffee but the macadamia nut iced coffee is better. I noticed that this is one of the only McDonald's on the Big Island that has a self serve ketchup station for customers. Most of the Big Island McDonald's took away there free self serve ketchup stations. The drive thru lane is popular here but a lot of people like to eat inside with their families. It is a nice stop if you want to eat lunch or dinner after going to the beach down the coast (like Hapuna or Spencer Beach). To get here from the coast, turn right on Mamalahoa Highway (19) from the Queen Kaahumanu Hwy and head east up the hill until you reach the intersection with the traffic lights. You will see the Parker Ranch Shopping Center across the street. Turn left until you see the Kamuela Shopping Center. Make another left at the traffic light and drive to McDonald's.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on July 24, 2008

Sansei Seafood & Sushi BarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Extraordinary Sushi at Sansei"

Sansei at Queen's Shops
This new restaurant recently opened at the Queen's Shops which is located at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. It opened in February 2008 and is the talk of the town. They have a very good sushi menu that features Pacific Rim cuisine which is featured at a lot of restaurants along the coast. In addition to the full range of signature, innovative, contemporarily styled sushi & fusion foods of star Chef DK Kodama they also serve meat dishes such as steak and fish. We tried their Sansei's Japanese Calamari Salad which was very delicious. It included calamari with spicy Kochujang vinaigrette, served with greens in a crispy Won Ton Basket. We also tried their Panko-Crusted Ahi Sashimi Sushi Roll which included ahi, arugula and spinach wrapped into a sushi roll, panko-crusted, fried and served with soy wasabi (hot green paste) butter sauce. The colors of the sushi were fabulous! This is what captured my attention the most! We didn't think that it would taste very good because we didn't try it before but it was really delicious. We also liked their Takah Sushi Special Roll which is shrimp, ahi, crab, avocado, and cucumber rolled inside-out and crusted with masago. Yummy! Their Apple Tart was a nice way to finish off the meal of sushi. It was very delicious and included a puff pastry topped with apple slices, and served with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce. The decor is upscale casual and relaxing. You can come in for appetizers and drinks or you can try their numerous creative sushi rolls. They have an extensive wine and sake menu. This restaurant is popular with visitors as well as locals. The service was great and the servers are very knowledgeable about the menu. They are open for dinner nightly from 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm. You should make reservations because this restaurant can get very crowded on weekends or when occupancy is up along the South Kohala Coast. There is free parking at the Queen's Shops.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on August 3, 2008

Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar
Waikoloa Beach Resort Waikoloa
(808)886-6286

Jade PalaceBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Good Chinese Buffet at Jade Palace"

Waimea Center - Jade Palace
I have been here several times during this past year for lunch. I always come to this restaurant for gatherings with my coworkers. The lunch buffet is great and I believe that you get a bang for your buck since the all you can eat buffet only costs $8.95 per person. The all you can eat buffet includes yummy orange chicken, beef broccoli, stir fried vegetables, stir fried eggplant, char siu pork, sweet sour short ribs. One of my favorite dishes on the buffet line is their fried rice and orange chicken. Both of these dishes are so fresh, hot, and tasty. Their deep fried won ton is excellent, especially eaten with their sweet sour sauce. At the end of their buffet line is their hot and sour soup. I would have eaten it this last time but I was too full! This restaurant's decor is very simple with white walls, large round tables with white linen cloth, and a few framed pictures on the walls. The servers are very accommodating and provide fast service. There is a porcelain pot of hot oolong tea at the table so that you can serve yourself tea with your meal. Come early for the all you can eat buffet because it gets very crowded during lunchtime. There is ample parking at the Waimea Shopping Center parking lot. I would recommend coming to this restaurant if you enjoy eating Cantonese food on a buffet line.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on August 8, 2008

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Average KFC in Hilo"

KFC Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza
This location is one of two KFC in Hilo. The restaurant is located in its own building next to other food and beverage establishments like Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Kuhio Grille, and Quiznos. This KFC serves the standard fare. My family likes to order their 3 piece meal - $4.99 (which includes 2 individual homestyle sides like cole slaw, mashed potatoes or corn and 1 biscuit) or their 4 piece meal - $5.59 (which includes 2 individual homestyle sides and 1 biscuit). If we are really hungry for chicken we order their 12 piece drumsticks & thighs (dark meat) - $10.99 or their 20 piece meal - $29.99 (which includes 5 large homestyle sides and 10 biscuits) However, this location is older than the KFC in Waimea and it shows. The restaurant is not as new and as clean as the smaller restaurant in Waimea. Service is fast even when it gets busy. This KFC also has a drive thru window for customers that want to order outside of the restaurant. Their dining area looks like the other KFC restaurant with its signature red, white, and beige decor. There is ample parking outside but it tends to get busy during lunch especially on weekends. This is an ideal place to eat lunch after shopping at the Prince Kuhio Shopping Center. This KFC opens daily from 10:30 am - 9:00 pm. I would recommend eating at this KFC if you can't resist the wonderful chicken smell that wafts through the air as you pass by.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on August 10, 2008

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza - 111 East Puainako Street Hilo 96720
(808) 959-1886

Panda ExpressBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "New Panda Express Serves Delicious Food"

Panda Express
This is the newest Panda Express in Hilo located across the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Who can miss this brightly colored restaurant with a brand new parking lot! My son already tried the take out plate with his friends after football practice. He ordered their delicious orange chicken, mandarin chicken, and fried rice plate and a large drink (under $10). Their food is always hot, tasty and fresh. The orange chicken is tender pieces of chicken, lightly battered and then wokked in a mildly spicy chili sauce. Their ever popular mandarin chicken is prepared with grilled chicken strips covered in a rich mandarin sauce. The food here is healthier than food at McDonald's which is typically burgers and fries that are high in grease and cholesterol. Their fried rice might have oil in it but it is made up of steamed rice that is tossed in the wok with scrambled eggs, green peas, carrots, and chopped green onions. Wok fried food is food that is prepared very quickly in oil so it doesn't taste very greasy like a hamburger and french fries. The drive thru service is great especially when you want to order take out when you have a long drive home. This service is very convenient and is a nice touch to this restaurant chain. I love the decor on the exterior and the interior of the Panda Express restaurants. Its so bright and how can you miss the Panda logo! There is a lot of parking and I have never seen this Panda Express crowded. I guess its because there are other restaurants nearby including Quiznos, KFC, and Kuhio Grille. Across the street near Walmart is a food court also. Even though there are other restaurants nearby, I would recommend coming to this brand new, brightly colored Panda Express restaurant!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on August 10, 2008

Panda Express
368 E. Makaala St. Hilo 96720
(808) 920-8100

Paolucci's Pizza Pie CompanyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Pizza at Paolucci's Pizza Pie Company"

Paolucci's Pizza Pie Company
Paolucci's Pizza Pie Company just recently opened at the Parker Ranch Food Court located in the center of the Parker Ranch Shopping Center. Since they opened I tried several combinations of their medium sized pizza. Last time I tried their mushroom and Canadian bacon pizza and their pepperoni pizza. Both were very delicious but I really liked the mushroom and Canadian bacon pizza. The mozarella cheese melted in my mouth and the Canadian bacon with the cheese was very tasty! They deliver pizzas to your business or house. The last time that they came to our business, they were able to find our location even though it is hard to find. The delivery person was very friendly and our pizza came quickly after we put in our order. The pizza came in an insulated bag which was a nice touch. Their prices are reasonable and their pizzas are very delicious! I would recommend ordering take out pizza at this newly opened pizza company. I believe that this is the only place in Waimea that does pizza deliveries. So far, I can only say good things about this place.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on August 11, 2008

Taco BellBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Drive Thru at Taco Bell at Puainako Center"

Taco Bell Drive Thru
We usually come here after my son has football practice. This Taco Bell location is very crowded so we always order in their drive thru lane. They have an extensive menu with side orders, meals (that come with a drink), and beverages. The boys that are in the car always order the meals because they are bigger. My son and his friends like to order the 3 tacos (with the crispy and crunchy tortilla vs. the soft tortilla) and the mountain dew blast. The meals total about $6 - $7 with a large beverage. If they are really hungry, they order a side of cheese or chicken quesadillas which cost around $3.00. It can get quite confusing if you are ordering a meal and the attendant is asking you if you want the crispy and crunchy tortilla or if you want the soft tortilla. She will also ask you if you want the mild taco sauce with your meal. The attendants are friendly and the service is very fast. You don't have to wait very long for your meal at the window. I always check to make sure that everything that I ordered is in the bag before I drive away. So far, the only thing that they forgot to put in the bag is a straw. I would recommend the drive thru window at Taco Bell if you are in a hurry and you want to eat in your car. There is a lot of parking outside of Taco Bell and their prices are right!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on August 17, 2008

Taco Bell
Puainako Center - 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue Hilo 96720
(808) 959-9444

Starbucks Prince Kuhio PlazaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Starbucks at Prince Kuhio"

Starbucks Prince Kuhio
This is a great place to stop at if you are at the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza. It is within walking distance to the main Prince Kuhio Shopping Mall. It is a small cafe with the usual Starbuck's decor. The cafe is elongated with a sitting area to the right of the store. There is a lot of parking so you don't have to drive very far to find a parking space. I always like to come here to get a tall or grande vanilla latte ($3.75 and $4.05) and a croissant ($2.50). They also have their house coffees along with other special flavors of the day like Columbian and Sumatra coffees. They sell limited edition coffee mugs with "Hawaii" printed on the front as well as other Hawaiian themed coffee holders. A lot of college kids come to do their work here on their laptops since this location is a WIFI hotspot. I would recommend coming to the Starbucks location if you don't want to fight traffic (like at the Starbucks next door by Borders). The lines are usually not very long at this Starbucks and the service is fast and friendly. To get here, drive to Hilo on Highway 19 then turn right on Highway 11 (Kanoelehua Avenue) and continue south until you see the Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza. Make a left on E. Puainako Street. Make a left turn on Ohuohu Street then turn left into the Shopping Plaza by Macy's. You will see another building on your right with other restaurants such as Quiznos, Kuhio Grille, and Jamba Juice.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on August 25, 2008

Starbucks Prince Kuhio Plaza
111 Puainako Street Hilo 96720
(808) 959-2492

Pizza HutBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Average Pizza Hut in Downtown Hilo"

Pizza Hut on Kinoole Street
Since my family likes to eat cheese pizza we usually order the cheese pizza with black olives and the pepperoni pizza. This pizza hut location is not as nice as the one at the Puainako Center which is more crowded. This location looks worn and the service is not as great as the Pizza Hut in Puainako. But we come here once in a while when we want to dine in town. They have the same menu items as the other location such as the pizzas, breadsticks and cheesesticks. The lunch bill is a bit pricey (after you add tip) compared to a lot of other drive ins in downtown Hilo like Blanes, Cafe 100, Kozmic Kones, and L&L Drive In. Also I usually order the Chicken Ceasar Salad since I don't like pizza as much as my husband and son. Service is fast and friendly. There is a restroom at the front of the dining area. There is ample parking and this location is usually not as crowded as the Pizza Hut in Puainako. Personally, pizza is too greasy and fattening for my taste. I would somewhat recommend eating at this Pizza Hut location since it looks worn and there are other places to eat in Hilo that are better and cheaper.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on August 31, 2008

Low International FoodBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Place to Buy Bread - Low International Food"

Low International Food
I don't eat here often since it looks kind of run down. This restaurant has been around before I moved here nearly 19 years ago. They serve the usual local fare including loco moco, chicken katsu, and teriyaki beef plates with the usual sides of steamed rice and macaroni salad. I only come here to buy their delicious loaves of bread that come in different colors and flavors. My favorites are their rainbow bread, taro bread and coconut bread. They also have guava, mango, and breadfruit flavored breads. Their breads taste ono with just butter on it! They are know for their specialty breads and this is a great place to buy bread for friends and relatives from out of town. They give you a box to hold 4 loaves of bread for easier packing. Note that you should come early to buy their bread since it usually sells out by noon. Their bread make unique gifts especially since there are not too many other drive ins that make this colorful and flavorful bread. Punaluu sweet bread also come in a variety of colors and flavors but the bread from Low International Food comes in a big bread loaf. The smells that come out of this drive in are wonderful if you are passing by! I would definitely recommend purchasing bread from this drive in but I wouldn't recommend eating at this place. There are better and newer drive ins in downtown Hilo like Blanes, Cafe 100, McDonald's, L&L's, etc. There is a lot of parking in their parking lot because it hardly gets crowded.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on August 31, 2008

Uncle Billy's RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Entertainment at Uncle Billy's Restaurant in Hilo"

Uncle Billy's Restaurant
This restaurant has been around for a long time. I used to come here for their breakfast buffets over 10 years ago and their food and atmosphere were really good back then. I also was fortunate enough to get a flower from Uncle Billy himself. He would walk through the restaurant and give flowers to the ladies in the restaurant. Now the restaurant is still popular with visitors and locals alike. It gets really crowded during weekends especially in the summer months when the hotel is filled. The restaurant still offers their Sunday breakfast buffets for $14.95 from 7:30 to 11am. They have a wonderful menu that includes Prime Rib on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They still have wonderful entertainment that includes hula dancing on the weekends. Their menu is a bit overpriced and their service is not as fast and friendly as Don's service. Despite their problems in service they do rate high in having that old Island atmosphere. I would recommend eating at their Sunday breakfast buffet which includes your typical potatoes, eggs, sausage, and wonderful macadamia nut pancakes served up with delicious coconut syrup. Note that the parking lot gets filled up very quickly but you can find parking along Banyan Drive. To get here from Kona, take Highway 19 until you reach Kamehameha Avenue. Continue along Kamehameha Avenue and turn left on Lihiway Street, then make a right on Banyan Drive and look for Uncle Billy's Restaurant at the front of Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on September 7, 2008

Uncle Billy's Restaurant
87 Banyan Drive Hilo 96720
(808)935-0861

IHOPBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Average Restaurant with Average Food - IHOP"

IHOP Restaurant in Hilo
I hardly eat at this restaurant because the food is just average and the service is slow. Their burgers and salads are good but I prefer to eat at Don's Grill which is located on Hinalo Street near the Hilo Civic Center. I always order their grilled chicken caesar salad (served with garlic bread) which is very good. My son likes their IHOP Cheeseburger which comes with a thick, juicy burger with cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayonnaise on a grilled Romano-Parmesan bun. IHOP is better known for their delicious breakfast items such as pancakes, omelets and other traditional breakfast favorites, IHOP also serves lunch and dinner and offers appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, steaks and chicken, that provides great tasting, reasonably priced food, any time of the day.You can also find local favorites Loco Moco, Fried Rice, Spam, and Portuguese Sausage. The service is very slow and you can expect to wait about 20 minutes for your meal even when it is slow. It does get busy during the weekends and it is difficult to find parking in the mall's parking lot since everybody is going to Safeway and Long's Drugs. The wait staff are local and friendly despite the slow service. IHOP is open from Sunday through Thursday from 6am - 9pm and on Friday through Saturday from 6am -10pm.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by golden101 on September 7, 2008

IHOP
Prince Kuhio Plaza - 111 E. Puainako Street Hilo 96720
(808)959-2600

Seaside RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Great Local Food at the Seaside Hotel"

Across the street from Seaside Restaurant
This is the perfect place to eat at if you are staying at the Seaside Hotel on Banyan Drive. They serve Pacific Island Cuisine. This local favorite overlooks the fLokoa'ka Fishpond in Reeds Bay that is home to a variety of fish and birds. You can also see the locals who like to swim and jump off into the pond during the weekends. The wide menu selection includes only the freshest fish, a variety of seafood, choice steaks, the popular prime rib and their popular "Seaside Chicken". The service is very friendly and "local". Note that they are only open for dinner on Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm - 8:30pm and on Friday through Saturday from 5pm - 9pm (they are closed on Mondays). To get to this restaurant from Highway 19, just continue driving down Kamehameha Highway past the Kamehameha statue until you get to the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and Banyan Drive. Cross over the intersection and you will see the Seaside Restaurant sign at your left.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on September 18, 2008

Seaside Restaurant
1790 Kalanianaole Avenue Hilo 96720
(808)935-8825

Starbucks Waiakea CenterBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Starbucks Located next to Borders"

Starbucks - Waiakea Center
I always order a tall or grande vanilla latte when I come to this Borders location near Wal Mart. This Borders store is very cozy and their Starbucks cafe is nicely decorated. There is plenty of seating to read and hang out. The seating area is usually full on weekends with students (University of Hawaii at Hilo college students). This is also a nice area to get together with friends and do homework. The Starbucks cafe is connected to the Borders store so it is easy to walk from the cafe and then browse the music and book sections of the store. The salespersons are very helpful and generally nice. They usually don't mind if you drink coffee and look at the books at the same time. The salespersons at the Starbucks cafe are quick and there is no long lines like at other Starbucks locations. I would highly recommend coming to this Starbucks because you can drink your coffee and read at the seating area or you can browse the Borders store. There is a lot of parking in the parking lot but it does get full during the weekends. I come here almost every weekend!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on September 19, 2008

Starbucks Waiakea Center
(Closed) 315-325 Makaala Street Hilo 96720
(808)961-3902

Kohala Pacific DinerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Casual Restaurant in Kawaihae"

Kawaihae Shopping Center
This is a casual restaurant in Kawaihae that recently opened. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is not a fancy restaurant but the food is pretty good. We ate here for lunch. Their Club Sandwich was delicious ($7.50) and came with turkey, swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes on a toasted wheat bread. Since I like homemade soup, I thought I would try their Portuguese Bean Soup ($4.50 - cup) which was very delicious. My son tried their Hamburger and French Fries which was $9.00. His hamburger was big and he enjoyed it. They also have a good salad selection such as Greek Salad for $9.75 which comes with greens, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, pepperoncini, Green olives and topped with herb vinaigrette. For dinner they have specials such as Panko Chicken with Mushroom Gravy ($8.95) and Braised Beef Short Ribs at $10.50. Their Lemon Basil Fresh Catch is $14.50 and includes seared freash fish with lemon basil compound butter. They also have side orders such as steamed rice, mac salad, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. This is a great place to grab a bite but don't expect anything fancy. There is a lot of parking out front but it does get busy during dinner time around 6:00 p.m. To get to the Kawaihae Shopping Center turn left at the Queen Kaahumanu junction and continue about a mile on highway 270 until you see the Kawaihae Shopping Center. You can't miss it because there are numerous restaurants and shops in one building that overlooks the Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on September 22, 2008

Bubba Gumps Shrimp CompanyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Bubba Gump's Restaurant"

Bubba Gumps in Kona
This is where the old Jolly Rogers used to be on Ali'i Drive. We ate here during summer and we especially enjoyed the outside seating. The restaurant overlooks Kailua Bay and the best time to dine is at sunset around 7:00 p.m. during the summer. Bubba Gump's has an extensive menu which consists of shrimp, ribs, steak, pasta, burgers and sandwiches. I ordered their deep fried shrimp and french fries dish which was very tasty. You wouldn't believe how fresh and juicy their shrimp tastes! I would recommend bringing your family to this restaurant only if you can get outside seating because you don't want to miss the spectacular Kona sunsets. They are located across the street from Saint Michael's Catholic Church. They are open from Sunday - Thursday from 10am - 11pm and on Friday - Saturday from 10am - 12am. The wait staff are very upbeat and friendly. Service is very fast even when it is busy on the weekends. There is hardly any free parking near the restaurant but they do have paid parking across the street.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by golden101 on September 27, 2008

Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company
75-5776 Alii Drive Hawaii, Big Island, Hawaii 96740
(808) 331-8442

Kama'aina TerraceBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Nice Buffet Breakfast at an Affordable Price"

Kama'aina Terrace
Our Breakfast Buffet at the Kama'aina Terrace came with our room package so it was a good deal. The Kama'aina Terrace is where the Old Sam Choy's Restaurant used to be. It overlooks the pool area and Kahalu'u Bay. When we came down to the Terrace on Sunday morning we were surprised because it wasn't that crowded which was a plus. The hostess seated us near the pool. The breakfast buffet line was spread out in the center of the restaurant in different sections that included pastries, cereals, hot items, fruits, and juices. Since I'm not a big eater I only had corned beef hash, hash browns, and fruits. I drank milk with my small breakfast. My son and husband enjoyed the other hot items like sausage, eggs, cereal and pastries. They had juice with their breakfast. Service was great and our server asked if we wanted coffee but we declined. I really like the fact that it wasn't so crowded because the atmosphere is more relaxed. The weather was very clear but a little humid since there were no tradewinds. The ocean was very calm and the views of the ocean from Kona are beautiful. I believe that the price for the breakfast buffet at the Kama'aina Terrace is one of the lowest on Ali'i Drive. It is about $15.90 for each adult which is very affordable compared to the breakfast buffet prices at the hotels along the South Kohala Coast. I would recommend eating at the Kama'aina Terrace if you are staying at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. The Kama'aina Terrace serves their breakfast buffet from 6:30am to 10:30am. They also are open for dinner from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. They serve a Friday Night Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. There is also a Verandah Lounge by the Oceanside that serves cocktails and pupus until 10:00pm. My husband wanted to have some cocktails at the Verandah Lounge on Saturday night but we got back to the hotel after my son's football game very late and the Lounge was already closed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by golden101 on October 5, 2008

Kama'aina Terrace
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort Kailua-Kona
(808) 324-2555

About the Writer

golden101
golden101
Honokaa, Hawaii

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