Best Places To Eat in Waikoloa & North Kohala

From visiting historic sites to hiking to spending days at the beach, you’ll be busy when you explore Waikoloa and North Kohala!

Save some time and head straight to the best places to eat, which we’ve found to be the best options for both your taste buds and wallet!

1. Da Fish House Lunch Wagon

Da Fish House Lunch Wagon

Cost: Under $10
Accept Credit Cards: Cash Only
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-5:00 PM / Sat 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Address: 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kawaihae, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-7709

Stop at Da Fish House Lunch Wagon because you won’t find food this fresh or a place to eat like this anywhere else!

The menu changes every day because it’s based on what they catch that morning.

Da Fish House is in a small shack next to the beach that’s always crowded with locals, meaning it’s a top food choice!

If you stop in early enough, you may even catch them preparing the fish and can watch them fillet.

2. Pueo’s Osteria

Divine Designs/ Pueo’s Osteria

Cost: $11-30
Accept Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: 4 pm - 9 pm daily (closed Mondays)
Address: 68-1845 Waikoloa Rd, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

If you’re craving good Italian food on the Big Island, Pueo’s is your destination. With perfectly thin flatbread pizzas to rich, decadent pasta dishes paired with a warm and cozy environment, Pueo’s doesn’t can’t get better at delivering the best restaurant experience.

If you’re craving something a little sweeter, they also have delicious gelato options – try the pistachio!

3. Kohala Burger & Taco

Kohala Burger & Taco; @kohalaburger / Instagram

Cost: $11-30
Accept Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Every day 11:00 AM-5:30 PM (Double-check here)
Address: 613665 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743

Discover the local gem called The Kohala Burger & Taco, the perfect place to eat and enjoy lunch or early dinner after a day on the beach. The food is inexpensive, but top quality.

The burgers and tacos are both rated equally high, so you might just have to get both on your stop to the Kohala Coast!

4. Sweet Potato Kitchen and Bakery

Sweet Potato Kitchen and Bakery

Cost: $4-18
Accept Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Fri 12 PM - 5 PM
Sat-Sun 10 AM-3 PM
Address: 55-3406 Akoni Pule Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743

For all of the gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan foodies out there, this is the spot you’ve been looking for. Sweet Potato Kitchen and Bakery delivers organic, local, mouthwatering foods that are difficult to pass up–even for meat lovers!

Stop in before a hike at Pololu because this is not a spot to miss on the Kohala Coast and Backcountry Tour!

5. Minnie’s

Minnie’s; @mattrodbard / Instagram

Cost: $11-30
Accept Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Mon-Tues 11 am - 4 pm / Wed 11 am - 6 pm / Fri 11 am - 7 pm / Sat-Sun, Thurs Closed
Address: 54-3854 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI 96755

Giving you the feeling like you’re walking inside of a house, Minnie’s gives you a warm home feeling combined with the savory taste of their local food. They deliver ample portion sizes. The fish is well-known, always fresh, and grilled to perfection. Some say this is the best food they have tasted on the island!

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Da Fish House is the top recommendation for you because you get the true value for your money. Good portion sizes, fresh fish, and all for under 10 bucks! For all of the families traveling here, Minnie’s is your stop as they welcome you into a warm feeling of home.