Waimea’s dining scene is like a perfect Hawaiian sunset: even the simplest meal here feels special. That’s because, whether you’re craving fresh-caught fish, farm-to-table produce, or innovative Pacific fusion, there’s magic in every bite. You can find countless eateries across the Big Island, but these spots truly shine. From cozy local gems to upscale culinary destinations, here are 10 restaurants in Waimea that absolutely deserve your appetite.
The Thai & Smoothie Place
$ | WEBSITE
The pineapple curry at The Thai & Smoothie Place in Waimea is listed as a main course, but this bowl of food can easily become your entire focus. The portion size is generous, so maybe save this one for a hearty dinner or a post-beach craving. There’s big chunks of sweet pineapple, soft tofu, a perfect balance of spiciness, and that’s all before you factor in the creamy coconut milk that ties this vibrant, tropical dish together.
Knead & Bake
$ | (808) 731-4490 | WEBSITE
Knead & Bake’s pizza crust is basically the gold standard of Waimea pizza crusts. It’s legendary, and every other spot is still trying to replicate that perfect chew. Honestly, we can’t pinpoint exactly what makes it so exceptional, but we suspect it has everything to do with the crispy-yet-chewy texture, the savory tomato sauce, and the quality toppings, all coming together in a harmonious bite.
A large pie is $24, which might seem steep for pizza, but it’ll comfortably satisfy two hungry people.
Big Island Brewhaus
$$ | (808) 887-1717 | WEBSITE
A welcoming, locally beloved brewery in Waimea that has been serving the community for years, Big Island Brewhaus knows how to deliver the kind of satisfying craft beer and flavorful food that comes with thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients.
Case in point: their signature Belgian ale and Porter, which arrive with rich, complex notes, are balanced by the roasted kabocha squash and the falafel sandwich with macadamia nut cheese—the latter featuring fresh, crisp focaccia, hearty falafel, and well-rounded fillings. Big Island Brewhaus’s other strength is that they know how to pair their beers with vegetarian-friendly options without skimping on taste—a must when you’re winding down after a day of exploring nearby attractions.
Ikena Landing
$$ | (808) 880-1111 | WEBSITE
The breakfast at Ikena Landing doesn’t rely on fancy plating for big flavor—it’s all in the ingredients at this Westin Hapuna spot. Freshly prepared and served on a stunning outdoor patio with breathtaking ocean views, you can choose the comprehensive breakfast buffet or à la carte options, but the amazing custom omelets are our go-to. The eggs are fluffy with crispy edges and fuse with the melted cheese to form a seasoned foundation that holds everything together.
They’re great just as they come, but if you’re someone who loves a little more freshness in your breakfast, top them with the restaurant’s tropical Hawaiian pastries and fresh local fruits.
Yong’s Kal-Bi
$ | (808) 885-8440 | WEBSITE
Much like a comforting bowl of kimchi stew, you might find yourself craving these traditional Korean flavors with every bite. Blending the best elements of Korean barbecue with homestyle cooking, the meat Jun at Waimea’s Yong’s Kal-Bi arrives sizzling on a hot plate. Instead of typical marinades there’s a sweet soy glaze, which caramelizes over tender beef, creating crispy edges that give way to juicy centers.
The result is an intensely satisfying plate of savory pancakes that are impossible to resist, especially once they’re paired with jap chae noodles, fresh lettuce wraps, and a generous side of house-made kimchi.
The Fish And The Hog
$$ | (808) 885-6268 | WEBSITE
The Fish and the Hog is a Waimea favorite and one of the best spots on the island for high-quality meats and creative dishes. It’s the kind of place where the more people you bring, the more fun it’s going to be, so ordering the brisket nacho house fries for the table is an obvious move. And the good news is that The Fish and the Hog’s version is quite good.
With a unique presentation that makes sharing easy, it’s designed to be picked at with friends while downing too many drinks and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The friendly bartenders, like Quincy, keep the service efficient and the mood upbeat, making it a standout destination whether you’re grabbing the Paniolo burger or trying the daily specials.
Hina Rae’s Cafe Waimea
$ | (808) 731-5873 | WEBSITE
Even as extreme breakfast sandwich enthusiasts, we reached a point in our research for this guide when we couldn’t bear to consume another predictable combination of bread, egg, and meat. Then we checked back in on Hina Rae’s Cafe Waimea. This hidden gem made us forget that we’d tried 15 breakfast sandwiches in one week.
It was like falling in love with breakfast sandwiches all over again—this time with the help of a buttery croissant, perfectly cooked spam, spicy mayo, and custard-like scrambled eggs. Considering the generous portions that come with each dish, this thing could satisfy the hungriest morning appetite. But we happily finished the whole thing ourselves.
Earl’s
$ | (808) 887-1800 | WEBSITE
With several different bento rolls and musubis on the menu, you shouldn’t have trouble finding something satisfying at this convenient spot next to Underground Pizza in Waimea. Every option is surprisingly filling, perfectly portable, and packed with impressive meat-to-rice ratios. Our top pick is the smoked pork roll, loaded with large chunks of subtly smoky pork that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all morning.
It’s exactly what you want to grab for a quick lunch before heading out on a day hike or just enjoying a casual bite.
Anuenue Ice Cream & Shave Ice
$ | (808) 882-1109 | WEBSITE
The beloved sweet spot in Waimea has always operated as a cash-only, mostly takeout destination, making it a perfect option if you’re out exploring and need a refreshing treat on the go. The crowd-pleasing menu has everything from creamy coconut ice cream to vanilla macadamia nut scoops, but their shave ice is a particular highlight.
Piled high with vibrant syrups and sometimes a scoop of ice cream at the bottom, this is the kind of perfect shave ice that you grab on a hot day, and it’s finished before you even find a place to sit. Flavor options range from classic coconut to tropical lilikoi, but our favorite is the Lilikoi Cheesecake cone, which has been expertly crafted, assuring every lick delivers that tangy-sweet creaminess.
The owner’s genuine kindness and the staff’s warm interactions while you wait in line make the slightly steep prices feel entirely worthwhile.
James Angelo’s Underground Pizza
$ | (808) 885-7888 | WEBSITE
This hidden gem in Waimea follows the most important rule of great pizza: Quality over everything when it comes to ingredients. Seriously, you won’t find a single slice that isn’t loaded with fresh toppings, perfectly charred crust, and their signature garlic nuts. And that’s how it should be. You get to choose your pizza style, and despite the Boston heritage, we like the white spinach best, especially with mushrooms.
And depending on the day—or how hungry we are—we’ll sometimes go for the lobster roll alongside our pizza, which swaps in Maine seafood for the usual toppings.
