Sure, Waimea has its share of tourist traps serving overpriced pineapple-topped pies and soggy crusts that could double as frisbees. But it’s the wood-fired ovens tended by third-generation families and the secret sourdough starters bubbling in back kitchens that turn first-time visitors into regulars who’ll drive an hour for a slice. From classic Neapolitan to innovative local twists, these are the pizzas worth crossing the island for.
Dom De Luca’s Restaurant
$$ | (808) 887-1313 | WEBSITE
From the Waimea dining scene, Dom De Luca’s is a sit-down, Italian restaurant about an hour from Kona that attracts pasta lovers from across the island. To start, it’s essential to order one, if not more, of the Maria salads. The classic version with fresh greens resembles the more traditional preparation, but our allegiance lies with the Manuelfredo pasta, which has all the comfort and familiarity of eating creamy noodles in a cozy trattoria.
End with the seafood pizza—either in its traditional or gluten-free form—as you recount your journey through Waimea’s culinary landscape.
Knead & Bake
$ | (808) 731-4490 | WEBSITE
Knead & Bake opened in recent years, after locals grew tired of the lack of quality pizza options in Waimea. What started as a simple spot for pizza has since become a charming, all-encompassing experience where you can browse comics and shirts, sample local honey, and chat with the friendly staff behind the counter. Though it’s impossible to recommend just one of the many customizable pizzas, we always gravitate towards the classic pepperoni or the veggie supreme.
For the ultimate experience, get a side of garlic knots and grab a craft soda from the drink selection.
Kings Bistro Restaurant At King’ Land
$ | (808) 881-3000 | WEBSITE
Kings Bistro has got you covered: a poolside bar, a casual restaurant, breakfast service, and nightly live music all in one convenient resort spot. The menu proves there’s power in variety—and a little bit of Hawaiian flair—with the Tsunami Spritzer and Pele’s Sunset drinks, which’ll make you forget you’re actually paying resort prices.
After going to town on the nachos and fries, head on over to the outdoor patio, where there’s a rotating schedule of friendly servers, great atmosphere, and the occasional bold bird trying to snag your food.
James Angelo’s Underground Pizza
$ | (808) 885-7888 | WEBSITE
Visitors might call it the Underground Pizza spot, but Waimea regulars know it as the home of Boston-style pies and Maine lobster rolls. Weekends draw families sharing large pizzas at the grandfather table and tourists discovering the charred crust for the first time. But even quiet evenings have their own charm—locals grabbing quick slices after work, couples sharing garlic nuts under the red-checkered tablecloths, and the occasional Boston transplant reminiscing about home.
Yet no matter how cozy it gets, you’ll almost always find a seat at one of those welcoming tables, something that feels both comforting and rare in a town full of hidden gems.
Da Pizza Place
$ | (808) 320-8006 | WEBSITE
Da Pizza Place does two things and two things well: pizza and beer. The Waimea restaurant makes Hawaiian pies packed with large pineapple chunks that add an extra tropical sweetness to your classic slice. Pair it with a cold lager or IPA from their self-serve taps (if you want to turn dinner into a celebration, grab a pitcher).
Enjoying a meal at one of their spacious tables is a great way to spend island evenings, but the food here is comfortingly fit for any time of the day, especially after grabbing take-out with their friendly staff.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (808) 333-5463 | WEBSITE
Domino’s Pizza is a family-friendly spot with both the best pineapple pizza and cheesy bread in Waimea. When it opened, the team built a menu out of classic pizza options, and then began to highlight fresh local ingredients like real pineapple. It’s since become a go-to for everyone from Waikoloa Village families to tourists, their tables filled with hot pizza and cheesy bread. Forget about trying to get a table when it’s slammed after Mauna Kea visits, and come by for a quick lunch instead.
Pau Pizza
$ | (808) 885-6325 | WEBSITE
A deli counter style service, outdoor seating only, and a focus on quick, casual meals might make this pizza spot seem a little basic on the surface. But once you’re there, you’ll get why people line up for a slice after school, work, or a day at the beach. Everything here feels especially generous: crispy yet fluffy crusts, organic ingredients, and toppings that appeal to different tastes.
On my visit, I loved the pepperoni pizza with its perfect cheese pull and the Hamakua pizza with fresh local ingredients that truly captured the island’s flavors.
Pueo’s Osteria
$$ | (808) 339-7566 | WEBSITE
Pueo’s Osteria is a celebrated Italian spot that’s become the island’s dining destination over its 12-year run. Unless you’re determined to explore every Waikoloa resort, spend your afternoon at the beach before heading to Pueo’s for cocktails, dinner, and the chance to spot local celebrities enjoying their night out. Most visitors come here boasting about the $32 Ravioli al Formaggio, but the polenta crusted Ono with the spectacular soup of the day is the underappreciated star.
If you’re not fortunate enough to catch it before the nightly specials change, the Spaghetti Bolognese with that fresh-made pasta is a reliable alternative.
The Bistro at Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
$$ | (808) 464-3009 | WEBSITE
The Bistro at Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas is Waimea’s premier cinema-side dining spot. The name of the game here is relaxation—there’s a whole vibe dedicated to how to enjoy yourself. Before you settle in, you’ll want to know whether to sit outdoors, what to order from the happy hour menu, and if you want to catch the live music. We’ll make it easy for you: Stick to their specialties of the cult classic burger or the fish tacos. No reservations needed, no fancy dress code, and no pretensions.
Whenever you’re in need of a satisfying meal before a movie, skip the usual chain restaurants and just head straight here.
