Sweet Potato Kitchen serves vegetarian food favorites! This Big Island eatery includes an all-outside seating with breakfast and lunch menus. For breakfast, pick between acai bowls, naturally made granola, two poached eggs on toast with mushroom sauce, or a Belgian waffle. The lunch menu includes the SPK beefsteak burger, shiitake congee, nutty spread and jam sandwich on banana bread, and Mediterranean quinoa serving of mixed greens.

Sweet Potato Kitchen

Sweet Potato Kitchen and Bakery

55-3406 Akoni Pule Highway, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.237848, -155.831953

www.sweetpotatokitchen.com

+1 808-345-7300

Situated in the memorable, village of Hawi, you will locate a comfortable bistro called the Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi serving world-class espresso, scrumptious suppers highlighting succulent hamburger and veggie lover burgers and genuine locally made ice cream. This gem offers an incredible spot for a light nibble bragging the freshest home grown fruits and vegetables, pastries and baked goods, and coffee drinks

This is the kind of center point where every morning, local people assemble and blend. Kohala Coffee Mill catches the spirit of a family and community coming together for a hearty meal off the beaten track. Extraordinary dishes, incredible coffee, extraordinary location, the few seats inside joyfully provide the best approach to a very comfortable, open air seating looking out to the the memorable main road of Hawi.

Kohala Coffee Mill

55-3412 Akoni Pule Hwy, Hawi, HI 96719, USA

20.237810, -155.831333

+1 808-889-5577

https://kohala-coffee-mill.business.site 

Quite possibly one of the BEST fish and chips anywhere in Kona. This garden style (Lanai) cafe serves Hawaiian dishes in Hawaiian style. Friendly service, right portioned food and laidback atmosphere. Come for lunch or for early dinner. They accommodate for vegan diners too!

Gill’s Lanai

54-3866 Akoni Pule Hwy

Kapaau, HI 96755, USA

20.230517, -155.800761

+1 808-315-1542

http://gillslanai.restaurantwebexpert.com

Located at the end of the road in North Kohala, you will find one of the island's oldest and most beloved establishments. Popular for its affordable and creative Pacific Rim menu, along with warm, lighthearted fun, and a big aloha spirit, Bamboo has been rated "Excellent" by Zagat and been awarded stars from Fodors.

Bamboo Restaurant

553415 HI-270,Hawi, HI 96719, USA

20.238182, -155.831318

+1 (808) 889-5555

www.bamboorestauranthawaii.com

While in transit to Costco, you'll see an eatery promoting Indian, Indonesian and Thai cooking in a food truck. These are extremely unmistakable foods and cooking styles. The chef is an amazing cook. Pick from delectable and astounding assortment of fish, curry, vegetable, noodle dishes and their gelato.

Lotus Cafe Food Truck

Hawi, HI

+1 808 345 0053

www.thelotuscafefoodtruck.com

Located at the very end of the road, the Pololu Valley lookout offers stunning views of the valley and coastline. If you’re up for it, there is a hike into the valley that is one of the highlights of this tour. The black sand beach at the bottom is totally worth the trek.

The hike is short at just under a mile round trip, but its steep elevation makes it a moderate hike so take it slow. We recommend you only go if you’re physically fit and wearing the right shoes for the walk.   

Our first stop gives you the chance to see a very culturally important heiau for both the legendary King Kamehameha, and Hawaii. If you’re not familiar with a heiau, it’s an ancient Hawaiian temple. This specific heiau was built by King Kamehameha as a way to fulfill the prophecy that he would one day unite the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau was dedicated to the war God, Ku.

On your visit you’ll learn more about this heiau and its significance in unifying the Kingdom of Hawaii. We recommend watching the five minute introduction video then walking the quarter-mile path to see the massive temple up close. While you’re there, you might see cultural practitioners. Feel free to ask them questions to learn more about this sacred spot.

Pro Tip! If you have the time and want to keep walking, there is a half-mile loop trail that takes you down to Spencer Beach Park. 

A visit to Lapakahi State Park will transport you back in time over 600 years ago when an ancient Hawaiian fishing village once stood on this spot. While you’re there take a self-guided walking tour of the park to learn about the sustainable fishing and farming practices used by Hawaiians.

The entire walk takes about 45 minutes if you go down to the beach -- don’t forget to pick up a brochure so you can understand what you’re seeing. This is a great place to dive deeper into the history of Hawaii and see how the people here once lived. 

As you enter the small town of Kapaau we’ll drive by a bronze statue of King Kamehameha. Don’t worry -- we’ll tell you where to stop. You can get out and take some pictures, or just drive by. On the way, you’ll learn about a shipwreck that almost prevented this statue from reaching Hawaii!

Five Hawaiian residence families with the assistance and direction of Andrew Kawabata of UH Cooperative Extension began the farmers market held Saturday mornings in Waimea at Kuhio Hale in 1992. The focal point of the market are flowers, food items and locally grown produce and some crafts are also allowed. The stalwart families who resolved to be there every Saturday have made companions with their Waimea neighbors and guests to the island striving to develop and produce the best items they can.

Homestead Farmers Market

Waimea Homestead Farmer's Market

67-1229 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.019644, -155.669637

+1 808.333.2165

www.waimeafarmersmarket.com

The Turkish Döner has been a eu favorite for many years. At Dan-o’s Döner, they recreate this delicious ‘turning meat’ using solely all-Hawaiian, healthy and grass fed beef stacked daily by hand on a spit. Slow cooked to tender perfection, the meat is stuffed into its bread pocket with healthy greens, tomatoes and yoghurt. Committed to serving ultimately healthy food of the very best quality, Dan-O’s make their dishes in house and sources native ingredients whenever possible—guaranteeing freshness and serving to support the community. Enjoy Döner kebabs, wraps, plates, salads and a whole lot more.

Dan-o's Doner

64-1067 Hawaii Belt Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.024495, -155.661227

+1 (808) 938 – 9978

www.danos-doner.com

A Big Island treasure for more than 20 years, Merriman's Waimea is Chef Peter Merriman's invention, situated in beautiful heartland Waimea. Experience the bona fide taste of Hawaii and the first Home of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Incredible nourishment, extraordinary vibe, incredible service. What more can anyone ask for? In case you're in the area, you absolutely must try Merriman's!

Merriman’s

Merriman's Big Island

65-1227 Opelo Road Kamuela B, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.023028, -155.676604

+1 808-885-6822

www.merrimanshawaii.com/waimea

A cool and casual quick service restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads in generous portions. Pizza is their speciality and it comes in a variety of flavors and toppings. The service is fast and friendly and the food comes fresh.

Pau Restaurant

Pau

65-1227 Opelo Rd

Kamuela, HI 96743

20.023232, -155.676907

www.paupizza.com

(808) 885-6325

Despite being situated unusually, be surprised  by the quality of food you’ll find at Village Burger. The food here is absolutely locally grown and fresh -- even the kobe beef!

Village Burger Waimea

67 - 1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743, USA

20.020205, -155.667069

+1 (808) 885-7319

www.villageburgerwaimea.com