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

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants 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 reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.9

4.9 (210)

$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

SarahVIP

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

We’ve traveled all over the world to eat. This place could compete with any of the best places. The sake was extraordinary. Even the rice - the rice was the most delicate and silky rice I’ve ever had. If you miss this place, it’s on you. You’re not really living and you’re missing out on something very special. You owe it to your palette. The service was impeccable as well. Just go.

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

Allison

Dined 2 days ago

Dinner was fabulous. Food and service were excellent

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Experience

Festive Season 2024 Prefix Menu

Experience

Christmas & Christmas Eve 2024

Experience

New Years Eve 2024

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.8

4.8 (5503)

$31 to $50

Hawaiian Regional

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

TerryVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Thank you for making my birthday celebration special. Always good food and friendly staff there.

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

JillVIP

Dined 3 days ago

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

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Popular dish

Spaghetti "Cacio e Pepe"

Experience

Tide to Table Amalfi Under the Stars

Halani

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

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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Popular dish

Margherita Pizza

Experience

Rhythm and Brunch at Halani

CanoeHouse

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

wonbin

Dined 5 days ago

good!! everything is perpect!! 완벽합니다~ 꼭 한번 드셔보세요!!

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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

Soheila

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing Unforgettable night warm atmosphere great set excellent food

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Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Experience

Cooking Class -Tyler Florence & Harvey Pasternak

Meridia

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

Cal

Dined 5 days ago

We had such a wonderful experience. The food was amazing, the view (especially at sunset) was spectacular, and the service was topnotch! Michael was exceptional. He gave great recommendations and was funny, kind, and patient. I highly recommend Meridia.

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Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.6

4.6 (193)

$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 on 14 Dec 2024

I dine at Miyos often and I’ve never had a bad experience yet

Pueo's Osteria

4.6

4.6 (1868)

$50 and over

Italian

Waikoloa

About the restaurant

Welcome to Pueo’s Osteria, an Italian-inspired, inviting restaurant that provides great food, prepared from scratch daily, complimented with a stocked wine list and set in a delightful osteria environment. Co-Proprietor & Chef James Babian focuses on original creative dishes, pairing the finest, authentic Italian products with select seafood, produce and meats from boutique farms (sourced locally whenever possible), including “farm-fresh” products from local farmers’ markets.
Pueo's is located at the new Waikoloa Plaza in Waikoloa Village with ample free parking and designated pick-up stalls right outside the restaurant.
The "Pueo" is a nocturnal owl indigenous to Hawaii, which symbolizes Chef's focus on serving dinner and into the evening hours. Pueo's Osteria caters to locals and visitors via sit-down, bar and take-out. Engaging service, approachable pricing, great flavors and a lively atmosphere await at Pueo’s Osteria – food, wine & fun … "where the night owls meet."

Top review

AlanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Enjoyed a birthday celebration with friends. The staff were wonderful and the food was outstanding. It’s a bit of a drive from Kona, but well worth it.

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