The best places we ate during our 10 days on the big island. Some were researched prior, reccomened to us by locals, and stumbled upon.
Best Overall: Farmers market stand in Hilo
Here is where the best Poke, best Loco Moco, and best Shave Ice is on the island! They also offer kids friendly options like chicken strips and burgers.
Look for the yellow stand at the center of the Farmer's market.
Poke bowls have generous variety in the mains and sides you can choose. As local and authentic as it gets!
The Loco Moco is fresh and flavorful. They offer a variety of asian toppings as well, I loved the crispy pork lechon.
This Shave Ice was made with fresh strawberry puree ad topped with Haupia Cream and Lilikoi butter. Pure ingredients no fake syrups in sight! A must try if in Hilo.
Best Coffee: Kona Coffee and Tea
Best place for cocktails: Lava Lava Beach club
Weekends and Summers will bring live music. Delicious and Instagrammable cocktails are offered here with locally sourced and made ingredients.
Best Appetizers and Brews: Humpy's Big Island Ale House
Casual setting with gorgeous beach views in the center of Kona.
Best Casual: Hot Willie's Chicken
With a variety of chicken pieces offered, levels of spice, delicious sauces and sides, this is a must-try. Overwhelmingly reccommended to us by locals, it was easy to see why. Chicken was crispy yet juicy and packed with flavor. The ambience is immaculate as well in the area with live music and open air seating.
Best Sit-Down and Seafood: Umeke's
Our travel companions made a beline here first as a stand out from their previous trip to the island. One glance at the menu and it was east to see why!
Must- Try in Hawaii: McDonald's Hawaii!
The treats are what got me, Haupia pie, Fried Apple, and Fried Taro Pie. They no longer carry Saimin due to supplier issues, and every now and then you can find the McTeri Deluxe. My advice? Check the app to see if they have what you want in stock before you go!
