Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Walua Social

4.8

4.8 (23)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Experience new and vibrant flavors of Italy right here in Kona with the exciting new dining collaboration by Chef Chad Yamamoto and Chef Alessandro Taras. Their thoughtfully curated menu showcases the finest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring dishes that not only tantalize your taste buds but are also thoughtfully priced. Perfect for families and friends alike, each plate is crafted for sharing and creating memorable moments together around the table.

Top review

TerryVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Very attentive staff Nice presentations Food well prepared Now offering wine selection Great experience

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9742)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of the Big Islands farm community is Peter Merriman's original restaurant; Merriman's Waimea. Chef/Owner Peter Merriman is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine and uses 90% or more of local produce, fish and beef. All dishes are handcrafted to highlight the natural flavors of each menu item. Our award winning wine list has selections for all to enjoy. Merriman's knowledgeable and friendly staff will guide you through a culinary experience you will not forget. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

Ivy

Dined 1 day ago

Made a reservation here for our final meal on the island. Was told by multiple people that this is the best place to eat on the island. As a vegan I really appreciated the knowledge and help of our server Howard to accommodate me. My non-vegan family really enjoyed their meals too. Overall it was awesome. Pretty pricey but glad we got to try it.

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Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner - Merriman's Waimea 2025

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (214)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Welcome to Engawa, a small restaurant limited to 20 guests per night, where we offer an exquisite experience of Japanese cuisine. We invite you to indulge in a memorable dinner experience. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and other savory dishes are crafted to bring out the authentic flavors of Japan. Enjoy a unique culinary journey with chef & brew master Chiaki Takahashi, where each dish complemented by our award-winning hand-crafted sake, designed to enhance your dining experience.
At Engawa, we pride ourselves on providing not only exceptional foods but also an inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. To ensure you have a wonderful evening with us, we recommend making a reservation. Our attentive team is here to accommodate your needs and preferences, making your visit truly special.

Top review

Stephen

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

It was very small groups of tables of 4’s and 2’s. Main server and helper were very nice and explained the various sake we were being served, aging and taste variants. Very informative as I’m not a sake drinker so I learned quite a lot. Food was good and plentiful. Overall a very relaxed pleasant dinner

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (880)

$30 and under

Californian

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a casual dining option set along the sand and overlooking the ocean, perfect for sundowner cocktails. Toast the sunset with unforgettable views, local flavours, creative cocktails and more.

Top review

Erica

Dined 1 day ago

The ambiance was amazing! There was a ton of unruly kids running around. The food was just okay.

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Popular dish

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.7

4.7 (5544)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Tommy Bahama combines a tranquil environment and good food with an emphasis on hospitality to make for the perfect place to recharge or unwind while indulging in a unique dining experience. The experience is sure to feel like a getaway, whether you’re on vacation or looking for a vacation from your everyday life. For more information: www.tommybahama.com

Top review

LisaMarieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We had a late lunch for my husband’s birthday. Everything was stellar, yet again! I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. Put simply, the food is phenomenal, the service is too. We drive over an hour and a half, to come here for all our special occasions. Today we had the Warm Goat and Macadamia nut appetizer followed by Crab and Avocado salad (my favorite) and Shrimp and Crab Cajun pasta. Both excellent. Followed by the house made Piña Colada cake- which is a dreamy concoction of white chocolate mouse , coconut and pineapple chunks that tumble out of the cake. Thanks again for another great birthday!

CanoeHouse

4.7

4.7 (3244)

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Long regarded as the premier dining destination among the Hawaiian islands, this beloved institution is a gathering place for generations of friends, families and neighbors. Helmed by Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, CanoeHouse features thoughtful, seasonal dishes that celebrate Hawaii’s landscape through Japanese-Paniolo inspired cuisine, accompanied by craft-cocktails and diverse wine selections.
Please kindly note that CanoeHouse accepts reservations 60 days in advance for outside guests of Mauna Lani.

Top review

TerryVIP

Dined 2 days ago

I found out they have a relatively new chef. I noticed the menu was more asian oriented which for my taste is great. Compared to around a year ago, everything was so much better. My family said they would all like to come back.

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4.6

4.6 (1104)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Reflecting a journey through the Mediterranean, set against a spectacular Pacific Ocean backdrop, choose between colorful mezze platters, a selection of tender kebabs from Hamakua raised lamb to Kahua ranch beef sirloin, signature grilled seafood dishes including Whole Kampachi and Mibrasa Style Branzino with ladolemono & Waimea cherry tomatoes, as well as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. This beloved al fresco eatery embraces the rich culinary traditions of Coastal Mediterranean cuisine with the tropical beauty of Hawai’i to offer a rich tapestry of dishes highlighted by locally-sourced produce and seafood.

Top review

TaraVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Love it! Always amazing! We’ve been many times. Always visit.

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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

Meridia

4.6

4.6 (2052)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Inspired by the Mediterranean, dedicated to the islands. Featuring a charcuterie and crudo bar, brilliant cocktails, and an award winning global wine list framed by the forever views of Hapuna Beach, Meridia presents innovative cuisine in an unrivaled setting. Named by Hawaii Magazine as 2019's Best New Big Island Restaurant, and 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.
Located at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

Top review

MartinVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great food, excellent service, very knowledgeable wait staff, piano playing in the background, convenient location, wide menu selection, items not found elsewhere else

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Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.7

4.7 (197)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Hilo

About the restaurant

A local favorite, Miyo’s Restaurant has served the Hilo area since 1987. Under the direction of it's owner, Louis Pauole, Miyo's Restaurant serves up homestyle Japanese food using quality ingredients and it's beloved recipes created by Miyo herself!

Come and enjoy entrees such as Hot Pots, Curry, Teriyaki, Tempura, Seafood and much more! While you're awaiting your delicious meal, you can also sip on a handcrafted cocktail made by our talented bartenders from our Izakaya Bar - Hilo's newest hot spot! With a full bar, 15 beers on tap, an exclusive evening tapas menu and a cozy, rustic atmosphere, there's something for everyone!

Top review

Margaret

Dined 6 days ago

I’ve never had a bad experience and I go to Miyos often.

Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (1885)

$30 and under

American

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on the water in beautiful downtown Kona! Join us for a gastro-pub style menu with an island twist.

Come sit by the water at Papa Kona! We offer best eggs benedict in town, our fan-favorite avocado fries, and a craft cocktail list you won't find anywhere else.

Reservations are limited to preserve space for walk-in guests. If you can't find a table online, we welcome you to walk-in!

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 7 days ago

Kate was amazing!! Food was great! Perfect ocean view. We will definitely be back.

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