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

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses 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 book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of CanoeHouse restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3225)

$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

L

LaurieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience overall! Food was outstanding with many choices and options including the tasting menu. We split one in two and it was plenty of food. We added a radish salad that was quite special in the dressing and ingredients. Our servers were nice and attentive although it took a while to get the various dishes. Overall it was a great experience and recommended!

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A photo of Garlic Fried Rice of a restaurant

Garlic Fried Rice

A photo of Lobster Tempura of a restaurant

Lobster Tempura

A photo of Roasted Potatoes of a restaurant

Roasted Potatoes

A photo of Halani restaurant

4.6

4.6 (1096)

$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

C

CesarVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Great location with savory fresh ingredients. Kitchen was slow but the fantastic location help the wait. Great GF options and they have cauliflower pita bread.

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A photo of Margherita Pizza of a restaurant

Margherita Pizza

A photo of Rhythm and Brunch at Halani of a restaurant

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

A photo of Manta at Mauna Kea restaurant

Manta at Mauna Kea

4.5

4.5 (1539)

$50 and over

Pacific Rim

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Manta is the signature restaurant of the iconic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and has breathtaking views of the Kohala Coast. The menu is a curation of Pacific Rim cuisine with seasonal, local, and sustainably-produced ingredients.
Chef Bryan Nagao has gained formidable reputation in the international food community. He was once described by American media as "the most notable figures in rendering Modern Asian cuisine in the Northern hemisphere". The creativity permeating his cuisine stems from the diversity of his culinary background. Bryan's cuisine is a multi-faceted reflection of his Hawai'i Island birthplace, his Japanese ancestry, and decades spent in the finest restaurants in Hong Kong and Taipei.
Manta features live music on Tues, Wed, & Sat.

Top review

B

BobVIP

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

Wonderful anniversary dinner. We enjoy celebrating special events at Manta as Big Island residents. The staff, food, and setting are top-notch.

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A photo of Manta Sashimi of a restaurant

A photo of Bombe Alaska of a restaurant

A photo of Mac-Crusted Mahi-Mahi of a restaurant

Mac-Crusted Mahi-Mahi

A photo of Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge restaurant

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.8

4.8 (879)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

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

J

JillVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Not a better spot on the Big Island to enjoy good food and great service!

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A photo of Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe" of a restaurant

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

A photo of Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars of a restaurant

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

A photo of Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast restaurant

Brown's Beach House - The Fairmont Orchid - Kohala Coast

4.6

4.6 (3752)

$50 and over

Hawaiian Regional

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

The breathtaking ocean vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, our signature fine dining restaurant. Boasting fresh Hawai‘i Island-inspired cuisine, live Hawaiian music and spectacular sunset panoramas, this dining experience is a feast for all of your senses.

Top review

E

ErinVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Frank our server was great! We loved the food and the ambiance.

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A photo of MISO SAKE CLAMS of a restaurant

MISO SAKE CLAMS

A photo of HUAĀLANI DUCK BREAST of a restaurant

HUAĀLANI DUCK BREAST

A photo of FILET MIGNON of a restaurant

A photo of Kamuela Provision Co. restaurant

Kamuela Provision Co.

4.4

4.4 (4108)

$50 and over

Pacific Rim

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

2024 OpenTable Diner's Choice Award winner. Creative island cuisine. A breathtaking view provides the perfect atmosphere for a memorable dinner featuring locally grown ingredients, fresh seafood, and steaks. Reservations recommended. As a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Kamuela Provision Company is dedicated to sustainably serving you.

Top review

D

dexter

Dined 3 days ago

A great sunset dining experience. The service and ambiance were outstanding. The food is very good, although a bit overpriced for what it is - however you are paying for an experience with the sunset. Linda our server was the BEST!

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A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of House Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Kabocha Cheesecake of a restaurant

Kabocha Cheesecake

A photo of Meridia restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2045)

$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

S

StephanieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

A fabulous restaurant, amazing service, great food, excellent drinks and very friendly to gluten and dairy allergies. My only negative comment… it’s pricey. Would I go again…. 100% yes!

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A photo of Paella Mixta of a restaurant

A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Seared Scallops

A photo of Grilled Octopus of a restaurant

Grilled Octopus

A photo of Hau Tree at Mauna Kea restaurant

Hau Tree at Mauna Kea

4.4

4.4 (288)

$30 and under

American

Kohala Coast

About the restaurant

Just steps from the beach and ocean with your toes practically in the sand, Hau Tree is a casual open-air option for relaxed lunches and dinners on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. It’s complete with a gazebo-style bar perfectly situated for meeting friends old and new while enjoying cocktails, local brews and awaiting a glimpse of the sunset’s elusive green flash. Hau Tree’s menu includes sandwiches, wraps, fish tacos, salads, ice cream, and Mauna Kea’s famous Ovaltine Froth.

Top review

L

Lylyana

Dined on 3 Dec 2024

Great place for dinner while enjoying amazing sunset views.

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A photo of Fish Tacos of a restaurant

A photo of Mahimahi Fish Tacos of a restaurant

Mahimahi Fish Tacos

A photo of Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island restaurant

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (9690)

$31 to $50

Hawaiian Regional

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

C

Christina

Dined 5 days ago

Fantastic food and service! Everything we got was amazing.

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Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

A photo of Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024 of a restaurant

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

A photo of New Years Eve 2024 of a restaurant

New Years Eve 2024

A photo of Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai restaurant

Miller & Lux Hualalai at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

4.6

4.6 (151)

$50 and over

American

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

The highest-quality steaks with impeccable flavor from the best ranches in America; a robust raw bar; fresh sustainable seafood; and farm direct vegetables – all perfectly complemented by a globally curated wine list – combine to inspire the next chapter in Chef Tyler Florence’s mark on innovative American cuisine. The Miller & Lux cocktail program is curated using seasonal Hawaiian ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world.

Top review

S

Soheila

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing Unforgettable night warm atmosphere great set excellent food

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A photo of Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak of a restaurant

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

A photo of Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak of a restaurant

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

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