02-24-2025
John C. Derrick
Big Island Fine Dining Restaurants
The Best Upscale Restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mahalo!
The Big Island of Hawaii boasts a rich culinary scene that reflects its diverse landscapes. From the lush East Coast to the sun-drenched West, fine dining establishments provide exceptional experiences for discerning diners. Here is a curated selection of top fine dining restaurants across the island, organized by region.
West Coast Fine Dining
Including Restaurants in Kohala & Kona
ULU
- Cuisine: Pacific Rim Cuisine
- Description: Located within the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Ulu Ocean Grill offers a blend of Hawaiian flavors with Asian influences, featuring fresh seafood and sushi in an oceanfront setting.
La Bourgogne French Restaurant
- Cuisine: French
- Description: A charming establishment in Kailua-Kona, La Bourgogne offers authentic French cuisine in an intimate setting, with a menu that changes to reflect seasonal ingredients
Waimea Town Area Dining
Merriman's
- Cuisine: Hawaiian Regional Cuisine
- Description: Founded by Chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, this Waimea restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table dining, showcasing locally sourced ingredients in innovative dishes.
Hilo Town Area Dining
Moon and Turtle
- Cuisine: Pacific Fusion
- Description: A small, locally owned restaurant in downtown Hilo, Moon and Turtle offers inventive dishes that blend local flavors with international techniques.
Hilo Bay Cafe
- Cuisine: Contemporary American
- Description: Overlooking Hilo Bay, this restaurant offers a modern take on American cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood and produce.
Volcano Area Dining
Kilauea Lodge Restaurant
- Cuisine: International
- Description: Located in Volcano Village, this historic lodge offers a diverse menu in a cozy, rustic setting, making it a popular choice for visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The Rim at Volcano House
- Cuisine: Hawaiian Regional Cuisine
- Description: Situated on the edge of Kilauea caldera, The Rim offers breathtaking views alongside a menu featuring local ingredients and traditional Hawaiian flavors.
Each of these restaurants offers a distinct dining experience, showcasing the rich culinary heritage and diverse ingredients found on the Big Island. It is advisable to make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee a memorable dining experience.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →
