Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in Kamuela

Great spot on the big island for a more upscale experience with fresh farm to table food

Our reservation started out a little rough as another couple claimed our spot while we waited for a text in the bar, so everything was delayed by about 40 minutes. I’m still shocked people can be so low. But our meal was so very good that we got over it! We started with the Brussels sprouts appetizer. So delicious! We both had the butterfish, substituting snow peas for the dreaded bok choy. It was divine! Not a speck remained on the plate! We ended with the macadamia nut tart to top off a purely delightful, if not delayed evening. Service was top notch also.

We walked into the reception area and was first greeted with the sound of live piano music, followed by a warm greeting from the hostess. Our reservation was timed perfectly for sunset. Rebecca was our server and she was both professional and friendly. Everything we ordered was not just delicious but interesting and used locally sourced ingredients. We had a great experience and look forward to returning in the very near future.

5 of us went for a tour and tasting. The entire experience was delightful and educating. The Brewery is located inside the Hapuna Golf Club - there is no signage so just trust me. Turn into the golf club parking lot and you’ll find your way. The staff is charming. You’ll get an initial Sake tasting and the Master Brewer will take you on a tour. Sake has a rich history on the islands and of course, Japan. The tour is very interesting, lasts about 25’. We did the 5 Sake tasting. The pours were generous, the glassware gorgeous and the each Sake was distinct and delicious. They don’t import to the mainland yet but when they do, I’ll be a customer. I also now know how to look for, order and properly drink Sake. It’s worth your time to make visit the Islander Sake Brewery.

One of a kind Christmas holiday experience. Very exclusive and one of a kind. The four courses were all designed to pair well with well with sake. The optional sake pairing was super interesting. I was surprised by how different these sakes were, though maybe that has to do with the host making suitable choices for my western tastebuds. Took a bottle of "Anna" home. It was well sealed and packed in bubble wrap, and arrived well as checked luggage (can't take this onboard).