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Big Island (Hawaii) food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Big Island (Hawaii).
Photo by Brian Kairuz on Unsplash
What to eat in Big Island (Hawaii)
6 signature dishes, 3 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Kalua Pig
$35–$75
Slow-roasted whole pig traditionally cooked in an imu (underground oven), resulting in incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful meat. It's a cornerstone of any Hawaiian luau.
Where to try: The Feast at Lele (Lahaina, Maui - though many luaus on Big Island offer it)
Poke
$10–$20
Diced raw fish, typically ahi tuna, marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and chili. Fresh, simple, and a true taste of the Pacific.
Where to try: Ono Seafood (Honolulu, Oahu - for an iconic experience, though widely available on Big Island)
Lau Lau
$12–$25
Pork and fish (often butterfish) wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until incredibly tender. The taro leaves become soft and spinach-like, imparting a unique earthy flavor.
Where to try: Highway Inn (Waipahu, Oahu - a classic, but look for local plate lunch spots on Big Island)
Huli Huli Chicken
$8–$15
Grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, often made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice. 'Huli' means 'turn' in Hawaiian, referring to the rotisserie cooking.
Where to try: Local roadside stands and farmers' markets across the island
Shave Ice
$4–$8
Finely shaved ice, not crushed, creating a fluffy texture that absorbs flavored syrups beautifully. Often served with a scoop of ice cream or azuki beans at the bottom.
Where to try: Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. (Kailua-Kona)
Manapua
$2–$5
A steamed or baked bun filled with savory char siu (Chinese BBQ pork). A popular local snack, often found at bakeries and convenience stores.
Where to try: Local bakeries and convenience stores like ABC Stores (ubiquitous)
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Kailua-Kona
Bustling waterfront with a mix of casual eateries, bars, and fine dining.
SeafoodSunset DrinksCasual Dining
Hilo
Historic downtown with a more local feel, featuring traditional plate lunch spots and diverse ethnic eateries.
Local FlavorsPlate LunchesBudget Eats
Waimea (Kamuela)
Ranch country charm with farm-to-table restaurants and bakeries showcasing local produce.
Farm-to-TableLocal ProduceUpscale Casual
Dietary notes
Traditional Hawaiian cuisine is very meat and fish-centric. While poke is often gluten-free (check marinades), and taro is a staple, vegetarian and vegan options can be limited outside of tourist-oriented restaurants. Many places offer rice and vegetable sides.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, similar to the mainland US (15-20%).
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash is useful for smaller roadside stands or farmers' markets.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular dinner spots, especially in Kailua-Kona.
- •Dress is very casual; aloha wear (Hawaiian shirts, sundresses) is perfectly acceptable for most dining.
- •'Island time' is real; expect service to be more relaxed than on the mainland. Patience is key.
Plan the rest of your Big Island (Hawaii) trip
Food guides elsewhere