Restaurants in Waimea
Best Restaurants
Italian • $$$
American • $$$$
“Absolutely, the food was delicious and service and restaurant were amazing !”
Hawaiian • $$$
“delicious calamari and curry mussels appetizers, rib eye entries a must and for dessert brownies with ice cream and fried banana”
Barbecue • $$
“The absolute BEST smoked chicken I have had!!!! Great food and GREAT service!!! Well worth the 30 minute wait time before they even opened!!!!”
Salad • $$
“Great place to grab a drink and relax. Erica is probably the best bartender in the history of everything.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“What a fun place to eat. Phenomenal food and fun folks. Sunday night with Matt, Daryl, Danby and Bok-Choy Nagasaki Boy. See you in February”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Hawaiian • $$$$
“Canoe House was absolutely beautiful! The restaurant is so stylish and the patio seating is perfect. Everything on the menu sounds so good and it was hard to decide but the Japanese milk bread (course 1) is a must!! Sunset views are incredible!”
Brewpubs • $$
“Great place! Found the Brewhaus last year and stopped back again this year, while visiting the island, for the Gluten Free Fish Bites. Fantastic service and all the locals made us feel at home! This would be my hang out spot if I lived close. Hopefully us Wisconsin girls will make it back next year! ❤️”
Restaurants with Delivery
American • $$$$
“Absolutely, the food was delicious and service and restaurant were amazing !”
Hawaiian • $$$
“delicious calamari and curry mussels appetizers, rib eye entries a must and for dessert brownies with ice cream and fried banana”
Hawaiian • $
“Quiet place at the intersection of Mamalahoa and Kamamalu, large windows that allow you to distract yourself from what is happening on the street. I had a delicious beef sandwich accompanied by a Hawaiian beer. Very spacious and more in demand to take away than to eat there. They are very kind in their customer service.
Parking: Without a problem, you arrive directly at the parking lot and enter through one of the two doors, the one with a ramp for a wheelchair or if you prefer to walk to access through the street with the traffic light.
Kid-friendliness: It's familiar.
Wheelchair accessibility: Yeah.”
Coffee Shops • $
“We stopped in the morning for some coffee and tea. it was exceptional. Came back for lunch and ordered vegan Ubu burger and a grilled MOA with some fresh made iced tea, and hibiscus citrus tea. The staff was very informative and nice. We will be back.”
Hawaiian • $
“Fast, tasty, friendly, very good value for money
Parking: The restaurant itself only has 2 parking spaces, but there are plenty of free parking spaces along the street directly in front on both sides of the street”
Barbecue • $$
“The absolute BEST smoked chicken I have had!!!! Great food and GREAT service!!! Well worth the 30 minute wait time before they even opened!!!!”
Salad • $$
“Great place to grab a drink and relax. Erica is probably the best bartender in the history of everything.”
Korean • $
“Incredibly good. easily compares with big city Korea town restaurants. Also very fair prices and so much food. We had two dishes, got boxes for left overs leaving us with another full dinner to go. VISIT THIS RESTAURANT!!”
Chinese • $
“We stopped here for dinner during our stay and it was probably one of the best meals we ate during our vacation. Good sized portions, flavorful duck, kind host. They were out of lobsters and crabs when we stopped here but those are the other dishes we would’ve tried. The duck, salt and pepper fish filet, squid, mapu tofu, fried rice, beef chow fun, were all great. Definitely recommend this restaurant.”
Brewpubs • $$
“Great place! Found the Brewhaus last year and stopped back again this year, while visiting the island, for the Gluten Free Fish Bites. Fantastic service and all the locals made us feel at home! This would be my hang out spot if I lived close. Hopefully us Wisconsin girls will make it back next year! ❤️”
Cocktail Bar • $$
“Halani has consistently great service, food & ambience. We're told they are shifting to a more Mediterranean type of cuisine and I anticipate the quality level will remain high. As residents of the Big Island (and though we love the ocean-front Four Seasons Beach Tree), Halani is our favorite dining spot.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Such a fantastic dining venue. The menu is great and everything was so fresh and well-prepared. Service was outstanding and so very friendly. Music, hula, what's not to like? We love coming here. The seared ahi with coconut couscous was amazing as was the daily catch.”
Dinner Theater • $$$$
“Island Breeze have been Rated the Best Luau on the Big Island of Hawaii!”
Online Reservation Available
Hawaiian • $$$$
“Canoe House was absolutely beautiful! The restaurant is so stylish and the patio seating is perfect. Everything on the menu sounds so good and it was hard to decide but the Japanese milk bread (course 1) is a must!! Sunset views are incredible!”
Bubble Tea • $
“Got a Passion Fruit Slushie and Açaí bowl! The lady working generously upgraded our drink to a large but the açaí bowl was frozen. I was expecting it to be fresh.”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“Loved the food…Mostly. There were a few things I’d like to see improved upon, like the veggies we got. They were cold and over cooked on some and under cooked on some. The beet salad needed slips of goat cheese rather than a grated hard cheese which I think was goat… it would have added a nice creamy element to it. I expected the beets to have a char on them but it was just roasted and pealed beets chopped into a bowl. It was greasy and nice but could have been so much lire so easily. I looooove the staff. The service was impressive and impeccable! The rib eye was huge and cooked perfectly. The Korean Short Rib was the winner. Great sauce. Good flavor and “FORC” tender. They have a nice wine list and a beautiful bar area. The restaurant is a nice choice while in Waimea. I do hope the learn to make mashed potatoes though… and learn that a dollop is better and an ice cream scoop when plating them”
Chinese • $
“Food is ok, it's a fast food Chinese place in a strip mall. They have decent choices and prices are reasonable. Portion size is big and filled me up, flavor left a lot to be desired but ok for a quick stop and food. Mall bathrooms were clean.
Vegetarian options: Stir fry veggies available also some tofu dish.
Parking: Plenty of strip mall style parking”
Hawaiian • $$$$
“First visit to Hawaii. Our group of 4 had an amazing evening at this beautiful restaurant. Our server, Kua was an absolute pleasure! Our meals were outstanding! Oh, what a night?? ?️”
Seafood • $$
“Our server Brandy really made our Birthday evening. Exceptionally friendly and accommodating. She took photos, gave us the primo view, and made multiple suggestions from the menu. Her smile and attitude was Infectious. Burgers, fish tacos, poke, and steak were all great. Mmmm ice cream cookies too. She loved our matching shirts too!!”
Hawaiian • $$$$
“This was the best restaurant while I visited Big Island. Somewhat pricy for portion size, however, flavors were amazing, very upscale, everyone enjoyed their food, so value was there.
And of course, great views at this restaurant, including the Manta Ray viewpoint.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“What a surprise. We came for a casual meal, but didn't expect much other than a nice atmosphere. However, the food was really good and the service was excellent. Sat outside near the pool and the evening was really nice. We will definitely be back.”
Bar • $$$
“We had a great and relaxing time at Copper Bar. It was very quiet and the food and service were excellent. As a bonus you can walk down to the water and see the manta rays feeding right by the shore.”
Juice • $$
“The place is in process of converting to a Jamaican restaurant but it still has great juices and awesome food and desserts. The couple who works there with baby boy are so sweet and grateful and humble.”
Italian • $$
“Perfect family night out, even with celiac disease. The wait staff were incredible with modifying to accommodate my strict gluten free dining needs. The marinara sauce on the gf pasta was so so good. My family loved their non-gf food, especially the kid-size individual pizza for my little girl. Everyone was so friendly, and there’s nothing better than fine food in an unpretentious setting.”
Takeout Restaurants
Italian • $$$
“How should I start? We had been in the Big Island for 4 days, and the food experience was a mediocre at best. We imagined fresh and delicious food everywhere and boy we were wrong!! On our 5th day, we went to the Cipriano Kitchen and we were just blown away! The food was incredible and beautifully presented! Everything from the cocktails, fresh focaccia with burrata, crudo, lobster ravioli with octopus, orecchiette with sausage and chicken and affogato was just simply amazing! We are going back for more tomorrow! Thank you, Claudia, for such a wonderful welcome and food!!! I wish I can steal you to open the Cipriano’s Kitchen in NY!”
Burgers • $
“Suuuuuch amazing burgers. Classic smash style and they use no seed oils.
Wayne and Sarah are always so kind and friendly, I highly recommend anytime you go to the farmers market.”
Hawaiian • $
“HUGE portions. You can share meals for a small uncharge, or order extra food of same value (was $3.95 at time of posting). Def recommend. Even split, we couldn't finish. Everything was great.”
Korean • $
“We stumbled across this food truck on our way back from Waimea Canyon. Portions were very generous and food was cooked perfectly. We can't wait to come back. This was one of the best meals of our entire trip!”
Brunch • $
“The Lava burger was one of the best I have ever had. If you are in Waimea don’t pass it by.”
Juice • $
“The best ACAI bowls I've ever had! It's a tradition now for us to stop by G's to get a "Butterboy" every time we come to Hawaii!
Excellent, quirky and friendly staff, also really cool local art and community event info on the walls. Highly recommend!”
Burgers • $
“Food always ono and always service with ALOHA…love when they get specials too….”
Bakery • $
“While we were walking through one of many farmers markets while on vacation, I came across this bakery that had a long line. It must be good right? Wow! Matthew and I never had such a great loaf of sourdough bread ( he even said “better than the loaves in San Francisco”) it wasn’t just because we were eating it on the side of the road with Jif PB due to hunger from climbing trails to see waterfalls all day. This is the BOMB! That day we drove past several homeless people in Hilo and told my husband to pull over, “we need to give up the bread and PB to that man with the dog.” Without hesitation, he pulled and I shared what we had left with the man and dog. We couldn’t stop talking about how great the bread was, Matthew investigated and found their bakery shop. Thankfully they were open yesterday (only one of 3 days of the week)the day we packed everything up with 3 loaves of bread to take home. ❤️ the ladies were so sweet and excited to hear of the travels these loaves had ahead of them. It wasn’t even 30 minutes home and my hubby snagged the first slice. Kudos to the @sandwichislefoodarts of the big island of Hawaii for creating these lovely loaves of bread that will now be eaten here in Green Bay, WI! #sourdough #bestbread #hawaii”
Bar & Grill • $$
“What a fun place to eat. Phenomenal food and fun folks. Sunday night with Matt, Daryl, Danby and Bok-Choy Nagasaki Boy. See you in February”
Tacos • $
“Absolutely amazing. This is a must when de ending from waimea canyon state park. Unbelievably delicious and filling.”
Thai • $
“Soo good! Do yourself a favor, and stop for coconut water and snacks.”
Pizza • $
“Being a celiac surrounded by mouth-watering, cheesy pizza is impossibly sad. My family looks forward to Pau Pizza night, but I am not left out in any way. Pau’s superfood salad, with quinoa, edamame, bright-tangy vinaigrette, and crunchy greens hits the spot. Their sister restaurant, Taco Rosa, has more spicy flavors than anyone could ever dream up for a simple taqueria. Healthy, hit-you-oh-so-good heat, vegan and gluten free grubtious goodness!”
Barbecue
“3 MOUNTAIN BBQ, Broke Da Mouth Huli Huli Chicken and RIBS the best on Big Island, the place I always get my fix. Beautiful people, super friendly and awesome service”
Japanese • $$
“This is a diamond! Waimea has several noted high-end restaurants. Yes you wouldn’t be disappointed by those restaurants. However if you are seeking outstanding Japanese food with a local-family feel, Moa Kitchen is the place. #1 - from discerning palette- best rice Ive ever eaten - honestly better than my mom’s rice. #2 - Yuzu spicy ramen - holy moa! Who’d ever think to put that in ramen! God bless the genius. Phenomenal dish. #3 - nigiri sushi - fish very fresh and flavorful- but I don’t get why is brown rice used? Curious to me, still good…but why not use that unworldly wonderful white rice you make?”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“Loved the food…Mostly. There were a few things I’d like to see improved upon, like the veggies we got. They were cold and over cooked on some and under cooked on some. The beet salad needed slips of goat cheese rather than a grated hard cheese which I think was goat… it would have added a nice creamy element to it. I expected the beets to have a char on them but it was just roasted and pealed beets chopped into a bowl. It was greasy and nice but could have been so much lire so easily. I looooove the staff. The service was impressive and impeccable! The rib eye was huge and cooked perfectly. The Korean Short Rib was the winner. Great sauce. Good flavor and “FORC” tender. They have a nice wine list and a beautiful bar area. The restaurant is a nice choice while in Waimea. I do hope the learn to make mashed potatoes though… and learn that a dollop is better and an ice cream scoop when plating them”
Mediterranean • $$$
“Love this place! Great piano player —he's amazing! Lovely menu staff is well trained and very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately servers still seem overwhelmed so don't come here if you're in a hurry or want to rush. Come here to stare at the stars and have a leisurely paced dinner. It's great!!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Food Trucks • $
“Wow oh ? wow!!!! ? My husband is HUGE donut fan and we are very well aware of malasadas back in my hula days...but we've not experienced it filled with "your choice" jelly filling! And so warm and yummy ? with guava and lilikoi ....blows any jelly donut out of the park! It's right off the highway and it is a MUST stop!
Our daughter-in-law is the biggest jelly donut fan I've met so I'm excited to have her experience Manuela when we come back ....or find them in South Carolina. They have many locations outside of Hawaii...not sure if that's good or bad. My waistline says 'no' ...ha!”
Burgers • $
“The food was good and made fresh. My only complaint is that the spicy chicken wraps had hot sauce all over the inside of the wrapper, making them difficult to eat in the car.”
Fast Food • $
“We stopped in for lunch, and we’re so impressed with the cleanliness of this restaurant, and our food was maybe the best McDonald’s meals we had ever had. All six of us enjoyed this McDonald’s thoroughly.”
Breakfast • $$
“Ginger is the always welcome greeting that I look forward to! She’s so wonderful treats you like family. The staff here are top notch . I over the years have had always amazing service. Yuki , Kevin, Joanne, and others. All”
Hawaiian • $$
“Our family of 11 adults stopped here to eat after landing at KOA. It was suggested by our AirBnb host as we were on our way to Ninole. The service and the food were outstanding. The view was something out of a magazine. I wish we would have got a ton of pictures but I think we were all ready to eat. We tried a little bit of everything there was to offer and it was all amazing! Thank you from the Forbes Family! Greenville, NC.
Dietary restrictions: We have one person in our group that has a mushroom allergy. Before we could announce that, our waitress asked right away about allergies. They truly cared.”
Sports Bar • $$
“Lunch with your toes in the sand, these folks do barbecue right!”
Cheap Eats
Bakery • $
“We went today around..12:30ish and holy moly everything we got was so good, but they had already sold out of a lot of stuff, which was a bit of a bummer but just means we have to go earlier next time.”
Pizza • $
“Great pizza at really reasonable prices! They also have friendly staff, good desserts, salads, pasta, calzones, lasagne and eggplant or chicken Parmesan. Quick service and one of the best deals on the Big Island for good food!”
Cafe • $
“We drove from Kona to visit this little tea shop and it was well worth it! I had the scenic point with watermelon boba and my husband had the watermelon fruit tea with lychee jelly. I can honestly say I’ve tried several other places on the island and Tea O’clock is tops! The scenic point is a jasmine tea, you could tell it was fresh. The flavor was absolutely beautiful! The watermelon fruit tea was just as you’d expect it should be. Nothing was watered down, only flavorful teas here!! I highly suggest this place!”
Coffee Shops • $
“This place is a gem! Worth the drive no matter where you are on the island! Great coffee, great vibe and the store is a dream-every single item has a story! This is a must on the Big ”
Bakery • $
“Pleasant little place in Waimea to stop for a smoothie. Sat in front to enjoy our smoothies and watch traffic go by. Support the local businesses wherever you travel!”
“Being able to get quality local products and enjoy the community.”
Hawaiian • $
“Freaking amazing food!!!! Need a brick and mortar place because this place bangs it out!!!! Guava chicken and Terri Pork... I’d fly here just for it!!!”
Salad • $
“The price is right where you want it. Some of the choices are very delicious, like the Korean Chicken, Shoyu Chicken, Chicken Hecka but one of the choices like Teriyaki meatballs reminds me of something I bought at Costco. Make sure to get there early if you want to have all the options because they run out fast.
Parking: About a dozen parking stalls plus some handicap stalls. Do not park alongside the road they'll tow your vehicle.”
Hawaiian • $
“I ate here regularly for several years. The food is wonderfully classic plate lunch fare. I'm particularly fond of the Korean chicken with double spicy tuna poke.”
Bar • $
“Best cocktails at the Westin. Variety of coffee options. Grab and go options are easy and convenient meeting a variety of needs. Very good pizza as well! Live music each evening.”
Food Court • $
“Their ramen is so good and flavorful. However, yall cannot skip out on dessert. You have to try their lilikoi cheesecake at least once in your life. No regrets. Trust.”
Cafe • $
“Just finished eating the Turkey pesto pannini, waffle bacon sandwich. Was really delicious, best place in waimea for sandwich and breakfast. Will be back anytime we are in the area!!”
Pho • $
“The food is really good, reasonable prices, and very fast service. We ordered two pho with everything and asked for noodles separately for our son. They brought our food within minutes. It was a perfect stop in between activities.”
American • $$
“Excellent Customer Service from Mike & The Owner, & Other Staff too! The connected Bistro restaurant, good food and drink! Cinema clean and comfortable.”
Seafood • $$
“Very nice place in the north of big island with an incredible atmosphere. We stopped for a bite in the evening and stayed for an amazing club concert. Owner and staff were super friendly and helpful. Fantastic place to spend the evening with delicious food and great music. The brussel sprouts were particularly exquisite.”
Hawaiian • $$$$
“First visit to Hawaii. Our group of 4 had an amazing evening at this beautiful restaurant. Our server, Kua was an absolute pleasure! Our meals were outstanding! Oh, what a night?? ?️”
Dinner Theater • $$$$
“Was such a fantastic experience!!! The performers were absolutely world class, the food was amazing, and the setting was stunning ?. Highly highly recommended to anyone who appreciates culture and good eats.”
Seafood • $$
“Our server Brandy really made our Birthday evening. Exceptionally friendly and accommodating. She took photos, gave us the primo view, and made multiple suggestions from the menu. Her smile and attitude was Infectious. Burgers, fish tacos, poke, and steak were all great. Mmmm ice cream cookies too. She loved our matching shirts too!!”
Hawaiian • $$$$
“This was the best restaurant while I visited Big Island. Somewhat pricy for portion size, however, flavors were amazing, very upscale, everyone enjoyed their food, so value was there.
And of course, great views at this restaurant, including the Manta Ray viewpoint.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“What a surprise. We came for a casual meal, but didn't expect much other than a nice atmosphere. However, the food was really good and the service was excellent. Sat outside near the pool and the evening was really nice. We will definitely be back.”
Bar • $$$
“We had a great and relaxing time at Copper Bar. It was very quiet and the food and service were excellent. As a bonus you can walk down to the water and see the manta rays feeding right by the shore.”
Latest Reviews
Brunch • $
“The Lava burger was one of the best I have ever had. If you are in Waimea don’t pass it by.”
American • $$
“Nice and clean place, by the golf course and the beach. The food was amazing as was the service. Our waiter was Kuhoa and he was super nice and attentive. I had the noodles with veggies and my boyfriend had a hot dog. Both dishes were delicious ?!! We definitely will be coming back here.”
Thai • $
“I have ordered here many times and this restaurant stands out from the others. Everything is fresh and made to order. The pad Thai, which I requested very light on the spices and cilantro, was excellent. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the wait time is long, so if you can call ahead, you may save yourself some wait time.”
Italian • $$$
“How should I start? We had been in the Big Island for 4 days, and the food experience was a mediocre at best. We imagined fresh and delicious food everywhere and boy we were wrong!! On our 5th day, we went to the Cipriano Kitchen and we were just blown away! The food was incredible and beautifully presented! Everything from the cocktails, fresh focaccia with burrata, crudo, lobster ravioli with octopus, orecchiette with sausage and chicken and affogato was just simply amazing! We are going back for more tomorrow! Thank you, Claudia, for such a wonderful welcome and food!!! I wish I can steal you to open the Cipriano’s Kitchen in NY!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Hawaiian • $
“HUGE portions. You can share meals for a small uncharge, or order extra food of same value (was $3.95 at time of posting). Def recommend. Even split, we couldn't finish. Everything was great.”
Hawaiian • $
“Quiet place at the intersection of Mamalahoa and Kamamalu, large windows that allow you to distract yourself from what is happening on the street. I had a delicious beef sandwich accompanied by a Hawaiian beer. Very spacious and more in demand to take away than to eat there. They are very kind in their customer service.
Parking: Without a problem, you arrive directly at the parking lot and enter through one of the two doors, the one with a ramp for a wheelchair or if you prefer to walk to access through the street with the traffic light.
Kid-friendliness: It's familiar.
Wheelchair accessibility: Yeah.”
Food Trucks • $
“Wow oh ? wow!!!! ? My husband is HUGE donut fan and we are very well aware of malasadas back in my hula days...but we've not experienced it filled with "your choice" jelly filling! And so warm and yummy ? with guava and lilikoi ....blows any jelly donut out of the park! It's right off the highway and it is a MUST stop!
Our daughter-in-law is the biggest jelly donut fan I've met so I'm excited to have her experience Manuela when we come back ....or find them in South Carolina. They have many locations outside of Hawaii...not sure if that's good or bad. My waistline says 'no' ...ha!”
Japanese • $$$
“We are here a few nights ago and it was amazing. Everything was delicious and the service was the best. Tonight was good, but not great. My husband got the ribeye and asked for medium...it was very well done. The salt and pepper lobster came breaded in a batter that tasted pretty floury. The wagyu hot rock was still incredible, though...order it, you can thank me later ;)”
Seafood • $
“We had the beer battered shrimp and it was TO DIE FOR!! The shrimp was super fresh and the batter light, crispy and not greasy. It is a road side stand with a metal tub wash basin for washing hands. The opposite of fancy but just the experience we were hoping for! Fantastic lunch and fun time!”
Coffee Shops • $
“We stopped in the morning for some coffee and tea. it was exceptional. Came back for lunch and ordered vegan Ubu burger and a grilled MOA with some fresh made iced tea, and hibiscus citrus tea. The staff was very informative and nice. We will be back.”
Mexican • $
“After 5 hours in the ocean, nothing is better than stopping by for some grinds. We try different things on the menu and each item has been very tasty and plenty portion.”
Hawaiian • $
“Fast, tasty, friendly, very good value for money
Parking: The restaurant itself only has 2 parking spaces, but there are plenty of free parking spaces along the street directly in front on both sides of the street”
Tacos • $
“Absolutely amazing. This is a must when de ending from waimea canyon state park. Unbelievably delicious and filling.”
Barbecue • $
“Amazing location and the food is soooo good. Best place to eat on westside!”
Burgers • $
“Suuuuuch amazing burgers. Classic smash style and they use no seed oils.
Wayne and Sarah are always so kind and friendly, I highly recommend anytime you go to the farmers market.”
“How should I start? We had been in the Big Island for 4 days, and the food experience was a mediocre at best. We imagined fresh and delicious food everywhere and boy we were wrong!! On our 5th day, we went to the Cipriano Kitchen and we were just blown away! The food was incredible and beautifully presented! Everything from the cocktails, fresh focaccia with burrata, crudo, lobster ravioli with octopus, orecchiette with sausage and chicken and affogato was just simply amazing! We are going back for more tomorrow! Thank you, Claudia, for such a wonderful welcome and food!!! I wish I can steal you to open the Cipriano’s Kitchen in NY!”