Where to eat – Big Island’s culinary delights

Like most destinations, food is a big part of Hawaiian culture. Given that the archipelago is part of the United States of America, many of Hawaii’s culinary delights are influenced by American cuisine. Macaroni and cheese is a firm favorite here, often served at lunch. However, a varied fusion of Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Polynesian and Portuguese foods also help to make up Hawaii’s delicious cuisine. Whether it be a dish of steaming aku (skipjack tuna, the most important fish in Hawaiian cuisine), or a Malasada (a Portuguese deep fried donut covered in sugar), you’re guaranteed an explosion of the senses.

Budget options

 

Da Poke Shack is located in the Kailua-Kona area of the island and offers excellent dishes of cubed meat (‘Poke’ literally means cubed or sliced in Hawaii) served with steaming brown rice, limu kohu (seaweed) and inamona (roasted kukui nut). Perhaps the best choice here is the ‘Lau Lau’; a hot Hawaiian plate of tasty pork and butterfish wrapped in a taro leaf. Ka’aloa’s Authentic Hawaiian Food (Super J’s) is also a must on any trip to Big Island. Located in the island’s south western corner, on the Mamalahoa Highway, it offers an easy stop whilst exploring the Captain Cook area of the island. Sample the culinary delights of pork ‘Lau Lau’, ‘Kalua Pork’, and ‘Lomi Salmon’ – all for under £10 a dish! See if you agree with the claim that it is the ‘best Lau Lau ever’!

 

• Da Poke Shack, 76-6246 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI.  

Moderately priced eateries

 

Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill is a must visit local food joint, serving a range of excellent continental cuisine with a Hawaiian flare. Located just off the Kuakini Highway in the Kailua-Kona district of the island, this is the perfect place to have a quick pit stop during your exploration of the island. With a cocktail happy hour and an eclectic menu all for under £20 per person, there’s nowhere better to soak up ‘Big Island’s’ atmosphere than here. Make sure you try the ahi (yellow fin tuna) dishes.  Kaleo’s Bar and Grill can be found in the south east of the island, in the small town of Pahoa, and is the ideal place to go to sample a mixture of international and Asian fusion food. With dishes including Kalua Pork won tons, tempura ahi rolls and pulehu-grilled burgers – all for under £20 – and regular evening entertainment, this really is an excellent choice.

 

• Jacki Rey’s Ohana Grill, 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States (+1 808-327-0209)• Kaleo’s, 15-2969 Pahoa Village Rd, Pāhoa, HI 96778, United States (+1 808-965-5600)

 

Top end dining

 

Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi is a firm favourite amongst both tourists and locals alike. Located on the exclusive Kona-Kohala coast, on the west of the island, this is the place to come if you want to treat yourself to some delicious “regional, seasonal, and artisanal cuisine”. The restaurant works hand in hand with over 160 local fishermen and farmers, who ensure that over 75% of the ingredients served, are completely local. There are even private dining terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean – a perfect setting for that romantic meal. Merriman’s Mediterranean has become something of a legend in Hawaii. With other restaurants in the neighboring islands of Kauai and Maui, founding Chef Peter Merriman has created something really rather special. Praised by both the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times for its inclusion of over 90% fresh, natural and local produce, ‘Merriman’s’ is a must on any trip here. Prices range from around £10 - £46, so this is the perfect place to treat yourself and sample one of Hawaii’s most sustainably viable establishments.

 

• Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge, 72-100 Kaupulehu Dr. 0, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii, HI (+1 808 – 325 – 8000)• Merriman’s Mediterranean Café, 65-1227 Opelo Rd, Opelo Plaza, Waimea, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743 (+1 808-885-6822)