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

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Hawaii / Big Island? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Merriman's – Waimea – Big Island

4.9

4.9 (10289)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

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

Roger

Dined 7 days ago

very courteous and friendly staff. good food reasonably priced.

Beach Tree Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

4.9

4.9 (947)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Kailua-Kona

About the restaurant

Step into island-inspired relaxation at Beach Tree, located just steps from the ocean at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This Kona beach restaurant, bar and lounge offers freshly crafted cocktails like Captain Ed's Mai Tai or Pause for Sunset, paired with flavorful bar bites such as ceviche, mahi mahi tacos and artisanal pizzas. Enjoy stunning sunset views and the soothing sound of the waves. With all-day pupus and a casual oceanfront setting, it's the perfect spot to unwind with a Kona cocktail and soak up the Big Island's laid-back vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick drink or a leisurely afternoon, Beach Tree embodies the essence of beachfront relaxation in Hawaii.

Top review

Scott

Dined 3 days ago

Great experience! Everyone enjoyed their meal and service was excellent!

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Popular dish

Ricotta Cavatelli

Experience

REGIONAL ROUTES: A CULINARY TOUR OF ITALY

Miyo's Restaurant and Izakaya Bar

4.7

4.7 (227)

$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

Janine

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We had a lovely lunch at sitting at the bar! Shrimp and veggie tempura was outstanding, and Theodora's cocktails were so good.

Engawa by Islander Sake Brewery

4.8

4.8 (251)

$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. There is no à la carte menu, but the Omakase course is offered for $110, including one glass of Junmai Daiginjo sake. Our menu is a celebration of traditional Japanese cuisine, featuring an array of exquisite dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. From fresh 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, 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

Darcel

Dined 6 days ago

A delightful private evening (only 8 other diners on the patio ) with lovely food and fabuloua absolutely delicious sake. Perfect for a special evening to celebrate anything!

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Experience

Prix Fixe 6 courses menu (June)

Experience

Prix Fixe 6 courses menu (July)

Moana

4.8

4.8 (11)

$50 and over

Hawaiian

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

Located at the heart of Kona Village, Moana is a cheerful eatery serving Pacific Rim-to-table cuisine. From lavish breakfasts to dinners that celebrate local, regional, and sustainably sourced ingredients from land and sea, Moana honors the historic fishing village that once thrived here.

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Jun 17, 2025

Outstanding service and absolutely beautiful location. The sticky ribs are worth writing home about.

'Ulu

4.8

4.8 (1972)

$30 and under

Hawaiian

Kaupulehu

About the restaurant

ULU at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers an unparalleled fine dining experience in Kona, Hawaii. Following an intensive transformation, this reimagined oceanfront restaurant features a diverse array of new and beloved dishes from both land and sea, emphasizing the freshest Big Island ingredients. With 75 percent of the kitchen's ingredients sourced from the island, ULU proudly taps into over 160 local farms to ensure sustainable, top-quality fare. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views while indulging in exquisite dishes like sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls. Ideal for special occasions, date nights, or simply savoring the best of Hawaiian flavors, ULU is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Top review

Max

Dined 6 days ago

Service was professional and attentive.Food was great …

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4.8

4.8 (3536)

$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

Frank

Dined 3 days ago

Amazing as always. The setting is beautiful, food is incredible, both only outdone by the wonderful staff.

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4.8

4.8 (463)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Kamuela

About the restaurant

Owned by Chef Allen Hess, FORC brings farm to table in the heart of Waimea. FORC showcases a farm to table aspect by bringing fresh harvests from Farmers, the Ocean and Ranchers. By changing our menu seasonally, we are able to get creative with what Hawai’i has to offer us. Local style brunch items like our FORC signature sandwich, brown butter banana pancakes and our housemade bacon. Hearty seasonal dinner dishes like our Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish, and Chef’s Hawaiian Meal. There are vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options too. Indulge more with special menus like happy hour and holiday menus. Sip on our award winning cocktails or sit down and soak in the best dining atmosphere.

Top review

AnthonyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The meal, drinks, and service were great. The only ding we had was the kids menu. It wasn’t great / wasn’t a good value for our 3 year old. The rest of the experience was amazing!

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Popular dish

Ribeye (Hamakua)

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Prime Grade

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Mauna Lani, Big Island

4.8

4.8 (5885)

$31 to $50

Hawaii Regional Cuisine

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

KristenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food, excellent server, possibly our best meal in the Big Island.

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Popular dish

Lump Blue Crab Cakes

Popular dish

Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Fresh Catch

Popular dish

14 oz Ribeye

Miller & Lux Hualalai

4.6

4.6 (223)

$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

Gizette

Dined 5 days ago

My husband and I frequent fine dining restaurants, and this is the best restaurant we've ever eaten at. The food was delicious, and the service was spectacular. Jason was amazing and made us feel very special on our wedding anniversary. Thank you so much for making our wedding anniversary dinner so memorable.

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