Deciding where to eat on the Big Island of Hawaii can be a daunting task.  There are many, many wonderful options. Our list is not designed to provide a definitive ranking, but is rather more driven by the geography of our particular trip.

Furthermore, to aid you in locating our choices, we have prepared for you a custom Google Map giving you the specific locations for our 10 choices.

Here’s the list as presented on our Where to Eat on the Big Island of Hawaii Google Map:

• Brown’s Beach House Restaurant – this is an incredibly romantic restaurant right on the ocean, and serves up an incredible meal and dining experience.
• The Canoe House Restaurant – another romantic setting right on the ocean with wonderful fine dining fare.
• Tommy Bahamas Tropical Cafe – great fresh fish in a casual setting.  You can grab yourself a new shirt on the way out.
• Roy’s Restaurant – a perennial favorite of ours.  Fish with a Hawaiian Fusion.
• Cafe Pesto – an island favorite for creative fresh fish, and local fare.  We ate in both of their locations in Kawaihae and Hilo.
• Bamboo Restaurant – this is located in the little fishing town of Hawi.  My Thai fish salad was out of this world.
• Merriman’s Restaurant – outstanding fine dining restaurant in the town of Waimea.   A three-time finalist in the prestigious James Beard Awards for Best Chef, Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.
• Daniel Thiebaut Restaurant – we had dinner here as well as Sunday brunch.  A great Sunday brunch at only $22/person!
• Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill – a great place for lunch.  Wonderful BBQ, and a must if you like banana cream pie.
• Hilo Bay Cafe – a wonderful fine dining find.  We greatly enjoyed this meal.  Very friendly folks.

Also, if you happen to be in Waimea on a Saturday, be certain to check out the farmer’s market.  Here you will find the island’s famous bread chef, world renown goat cheese, fresh crepes to die for, and a whole host of other fresh island fruits, coffee, and goodies.

Well, there’s the list.  I am certain you will enjoy.  If you check out one of these places, please leave us a comment and share your experience!