Waimea, Hawaii, conjures images of grass-fed beef and farm-to-table fare. American cuisine? Not the first thought. Yet this upcountry town delivers: from rustic diners plating loco moco to chefs reimagining classic burgers with Kona coffee rubs, these spots prove mainland flavors thrive under Hawaiian skies.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
$$ | (808) 881-8686 | WEBSITE
Named for the breezy island lifestyle it embodies, Tommy Bahama serves up dishes like the shrimp and scallop dinner with curry sauce that delivers a tropical flavor explosion in every forkful. Regular diners return time and again to the recently remodeled, pleasant atmosphere to savor the “fish of the day” special, or to try other favorites like the Cobb salad, blue crab and avocado salad, crab cake entree, and fish tacos.
Visit during the live music entertainment for a complete island dining experience.
The Bistro at Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
$$ | (808) 464-3009 | WEBSITE
The Bistro at Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas is a polished dining spot also known for burgers. The upscale eatery doubles as a cinema lounge complete with elegant outdoor seating, ambient lighting, and creative cocktails including a refreshing pineapple mojito. You’ll find it nestled in a luxury cinema complex where satisfied patrons sip $12 craft cocktails—a step above typical theater drinks—and savor hearty, classic American dishes.
For the perfect savory and satisfying combination, try the cult classic burger topped with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, and special sauce. The fish tacos, however, were a bit bland with just a light drizzle of the lime crema. But that’s something you can discuss with your companions in the spacious layout of the beautifully arranged, open-concept bistro.
Blue Dragon Tavern & Cosmic Musiquarium
$$ | (808) 882-7771 | WEBSITE
This open-air Waimea tavern doubles as a cosmic musiquarium. Or, at the very least, a starlit shrine to the local music scene. The lit palm trees and live band are evening beacons for Big Island visitors looking for tasty food and drinks to soak up all that aloha spirit. With a decent menu and desserts that go beyond the norm—tantalizing drinks paired with delectable sweets—these offerings are among the most inviting in town.
The whole experience is pricey ($60 for dinner and drinks), but if you’re looking for a bargain, you can get a drink and enjoy the phenomenal live music for just $15.
Merriman’s Big Island
$$$$ | (808) 885-6822 | WEBSITE
It makes sense that Merriman’s Big Island has become such a beloved dining destination on the Big Island. Almost every dish here is delicious, whether that’s the classic mushroom soup, the fresh catch of the day, or the newer items on the menu that continue to excel. While the atmosphere is lovely and classy, it’s never fussy, making it a perfect place for both special occasions and relaxed meals. The Kalua pork sandwich is also a winner, and we love coming here for a memorable lunch, too.
The service remains super friendly and subtly attentive, with staff like Katie making every visit welcoming. Any nightly special is a must-try, and the Mai Tai with lilikoi foam provides a delightful accompaniment to the phenomenal food.
Hālani
$$$ | (808) 885-6622 | WEBSITE
When Hālani opened its open-air dining space in Waimea, it set a new standard for what a Hawaiian restaurant experience could be. Now it continues to welcome guests with its peaceful pool and beach views, and the food remains as memorable as ever. These are beautifully prepared dishes featuring local ingredients like whole kanpachi and Mahi mahi cooked to perfection. The furikake salmon is subtly seasoned, and the wagyu steak frites comes tender with crispy fries.
For something uniquely indulgent, try the ube pancakes, served with a side of macadamia nut crunch cake that balances sweet and nutty flavors. It’s a tropical treat you won’t find anywhere else on the island (or on the mainland, for that matter).
Naupaka Beach Grill
$$ | (808) 880-1111 | WEBSITE
Perched one floor up on the breakfast bar, this quiet spot offers an outdoor-like environment that feels open and airy even when seated on the inner side. While currently undergoing renovations, nothing beats settling in for sunset dining, soaking up the stellar views and feeling the gentle ocean breeze. Our favorite is the out-of-this-world pork ribs that fall right off the bone, while the pan fried ono is fresh and flavorful with a satisfying crisp.
A large chocolate dipped ice cream makes for a perfect ending, sweet and indulgent. Also, everything is available in vegetarian form, including udon noodles, tofu tacos, impossible burger and sweet potato fries, all without any issues.
Copper Bar
$$$ | (808) 882-5707 | WEBSITE
Copper Bar’s relaxed, lush setting comes with such beautiful views that the patio dining almost feels like an afterthought. These tables pay tribute to the restaurant’s special occasion vibe, which also means that about half the seating offers lovely vistas of the landscape. So, of course, there’s a memorable Mauna Kea cocktail that remains a popular choice among guests.
Copper Bar loves making dining feel like other experiences: the KFC cauliflower is more like comfort food than a vegetable dish, with a satisfying crunch and Szechuan green beans on the side. But it might just be the best cauliflower you’ve ever had. There’s no standalone manta ray viewing, so you’ll have to stay for dinner to watch them feed on plankton after your meal.
Kohala Burger & Taco
$ | (808) 880-1923 | WEBSITE
Looking for a burger and taco joint with surf vibes, friendly faces, and fresh flavors? Kohala Burger & Taco is your spot. This cozy island-themed eatery in Waimea serves both hearty double cheeseburgers and light, flaky fish tacos. And there are plenty of tempting originals to choose from. Think the classic Original Double Cheeseburger with its simple, fresh ingredients. Or the standout Molcate Guacamole with its bright, creamy texture.
But here, the real regulars show up craving vacation memories and satisfy them in the best Hawaiian way possible: with crispy fish tacos praised as some of the best on the island and a sweet, refreshing pineapple whip to finish.
HALE KAI RESTAURANT
$$ | (808) 885-2000 | WEBSITE
When your group craves oceanfront dining but can’t decide between casual toes-in-the-sand seating or a more refined sunset view, do yourself a favor and take them to Hale Kai Restaurant. With the gentle sound of waves and golden hour light washing over the patio, this beautiful Fairmont Orchid spot has a relaxed, vacation-ready vibe.
On the menu, which thoughtfully accommodates various dietary needs, you’ll find standout dishes to satisfy even the pickiest coastal food lover: Thai Green Salad, Lobster Fried Rice, Chicken Tacos, Grilled Swordfish Sandwich, and Grilled Ono, to name just a few choices.
Light options like the Ahi poke bowl with seaweed are perfect for when you want to enjoy the view without feeling too full, but sometimes a more substantial dish like the Chicken Bahni with its spicy seasoning or the well-flavored fish sandwich is the way to go.
The Saddle Room
$$ | (808) 651-1460 | WEBSITE
At first glance, it seems easy to dismiss The Saddle Room as just another island restaurant trading on Hawaiian charm. We’re talking Wrangler Burgers that could feed a cowboy crew, and a wedge salad with shrimp that’s anything but ordinary. But they not only deliver, they’re actually phenomenal. Think filet so tender it melts like butter, and monchong seafood dishes that taste like they jumped straight from the ocean to your plate.
The rib-eye steak has that perfect charred crust, and the fried chicken comes with a crispy coating that shatters with each bite. The Saddle Room also serves excellent drinks alongside live Hawaiian music that fills the space without overwhelming conversation. Settle into the warm, inviting atmosphere inside or enjoy the island breeze outside when the weather is as pleasant as the service.
